History of the Great Reformation Part 20

Thus was proclaimed anew the close union of politics with religion.

The mighty Emperor, transformed to a Roman deacon, and humbly serving ma.s.s, like a canon of St. Peter's, had typified and declared the indissoluble union of the Romish Church with the State. This is one of the essential doctrines of Popery, and one of the most striking characteristics that distinguish it from the Evangelical and Christian Church.

Nevertheless, during all this ceremony the Pope seemed ill at ease, and sighed as soon as men's eyes ceased to be turned on him.

Accordingly, the French amba.s.sador wrote to his court that these four months which the Emperor and Pope had spent together at Bologna, would bear fruit of which the King of France would a.s.suredly have no cause to complain.[343]

[343] Letter to M. L'Admiral, 25th February.--(Legrand, Histoire du Divorce, iii. p. 386.)

[Sidenote: ALARM OF THE PROTESTANTS.]

Scarcely had Charles V. risen from before the altar of San Petronio, than he turned his face towards Germany, and appeared on the Alps as the anointed of the Papacy. The letter of convocation, so indulgent and benign, seemed forgotten: all things were made new since the Pope's blessings: there was but one thought in the imperial caravan, the necessity of rigorous measures; and the legate Campeggio ceased not to insinuate irritating words into Charles's ear. "At the first rumour of the storm that threatens them," said Granvelle, "we shall see the Protestants flying on every side, like timid doves upon which the Alpine eagle pounces."[344]

[344] Tanquam columbae, adveniente aquila, dispergentur.--(Rommel Anmerkungen, p. 236.)

Great indeed was the alarm throughout the Empire; already even the affrighted people, apprehensive of the greatest disasters, repeated everywhere that Luther and Melancthon were dead. "Alas!" said Melancthon, consumed by sorrow, when he heard these reports, "the rumour is but too true, for I die daily."[345] But Luther, on the contrary, boldly raising the eye of faith towards heaven, exclaimed: "Our enemies triumph, but erelong to perish." In truth the councils of the Elector displayed an unheard-of boldness. "Let us collect our troops," said they; "let us march on the Tyrol, and close the pa.s.sage of the Alps against the Emperor."[346] Philip of Hesse uttered a cry of joy when he heard of this. The sword of Charles has aroused his indolent allies at last. Immediately fresh courtiers from Ferdinand were sent to hasten the arrival of Charles, and all Germany was in expectation.

[345] Ego famam de qua scribis intelligo nimis veram esse, morior enim quotidie.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 122.)

[346] c.u.m copiis quas habitant per Tyrolensem ditionem incedenti occurrere et Alpium transitum impedire.--(Seckend. ii. p. 150.)

Before carrying out this gigantic design, the Elector desired to consult Luther once more. The Emperor in the midst of the Electors was only the first among his equals; and independent princes were allowed to resist another prince, even if he were of higher rank than themselves. But Luther, dreading above all things the intervention of the secular arm in church affairs, was led to reply on the 6th March in this extraordinary manner: "Our princes' subjects are also the Emperor's subjects, and even more so than princes are. To protect by arms the Emperor's subjects against the Emperor, would be as if the Burgomaster of Torgau wished to protect by force his citizens against the Elector."

[Sidenote: BRUCK'S n.o.bLE ADVICE.]

"What must be done then?--Attend," replied Luther. "If the Emperor desires to march against us, let no prince undertake our defence. G.o.d is faithful: he will not abandon us." All preparations for war were immediately suspended, the Landgrave received a polite refusal, and the confederation was dissolved. It was the will of G.o.d that his cause should appear before the Emperor without league and without soldiers, having faith alone for its shield.

Never perhaps has such boldness been witnessed in feeble and unarmed men; but never, although under an appearance of blindness, was there so much wisdom and understanding.

The question next discussed in the Elector's council was, whether he should go to the diet. The majority of the councillors opposed it. "Is it not risking everything," said they, "to go and shut oneself up within the walls of a city with a powerful enemy?" Bruck and the Prince-electoral were of a different opinion. Duty in their eyes was a better councillor than fear. "What!" said they, "would the Emperor insist so much on the presence of the princes at Augsburg only to draw them into a snare? We cannot impute such perfidy to him." The Landgrave on the contrary seconded the opinion of the majority.

"Remember Piacenza," said he. "Some unforeseen circ.u.mstance may lead the Emperor to take all his enemies in one cast of the net."

The Chancellor stood firm. "Let the princes only comport themselves with courage," said he, "and G.o.d's cause is saved." The decision was in favour of the n.o.bler plan.

[Sidenote: SPIRITUAL ARMOUR.]

This diet was to be a lay council, or at the very least a national convention.[347] The Protestants foresaw that a few unimportant concessions would be made to them at first, and then that they would be required to sacrifice their faith. It was therefore necessary to settle what were the essential articles of christian truth, in order to know whether, by what means, and how far they might come to an understanding with their adversaries. The Elector accordingly had letters sent on the 14th March to the four princ.i.p.al theologians of Wittemberg, setting them this task, all other business being laid aside.[348] Thus, instead of collecting soldiers, this prince drew up articles: they were the best armament.

[347] c.u.m haec comitia pro concilio aut conventu nationali haberi videantur.--(Seckend. ii. p. 17.--Letter to the Elector, Corp. Ref.

ii. p. 26.)

[348] Different projects will be found in _Forstenmanns Urkundenbuch_, i. p. 63-108, and in the Corp. Ref. iv. p. 973, sqq. Those that were presented were doubtless the _Articuli non concedendi, Articles not to be conceded_. They treat of the communion in both kinds, of celibacy, the ma.s.s, orders, the pope, convents, confession, distinction of meats, and of the sacraments.--(Corp. Ref. iv. p. 981.)

Luther, Jonas, and Melancthon (Pomera.n.u.s remaining at Wittemberg), arrived at Torgau in Easter week, asking leave to deliver their articles in person to Charles the Fifth.[349] "G.o.d forbid!" replied the Elector, "I also desire to confess my Lord."

[349] Mirantibus hominibus.--(Seck. ii. p. 153.)

John having then confided to Melancthon the definitive drawing up of the confession, and ordered general prayers to be offered up, began his journey on the 3d April, with one hundred and sixty hors.e.m.e.n, clad in rich scarlet cloaks embroidered with gold.

Every man was aware of the dangers that threatened the Elector, and hence many in his escort marched with downcast eyes and sinking hearts. But Luther, full of faith, revived the courage of his friends, by composing and singing with his fine voice that beautiful hymn, since become so famous: _Eine vaste Burg ist unser Gott_. Our G.o.d is a strong tower.[350] Never did soul that knew its own weakness, but which, looking to G.o.d, despises every fear, find such n.o.ble accents.

[350] We have attempted a very feeble translation of the second stanza.

With our own strength we nought can do, Destruction yawns on every side: He fights for us, our champion true, Elect of G.o.d to be our guide.

What is his name? The Anointed One, The G.o.d of armies he; Of earth and heaven the Lord alone-- With him, on field of battle won, Abideth victory.

[Sidenote: LUTHER REMAINS AT COBURG.]

This hymn was sung during the diet, not only at Augsburg, but in all the churches of Saxony, and its energetic strains were often seen to revive and inspirit the most dejected minds.[351]

[351] Qui tristem etiam et abjectum animum erigere et exhilarare, et velut e????s???e?? possent.--(Scult. p. 270.)

On Easter-eve the troop reached Coburg, and on the 23d April the Elector resumed his journey; but at the very moment of departure Luther received an order to remain. "Some one has said, Hold your tongue, you have a harsh voice," wrote he to one of his friends.[352]

He submitted however without hesitation, setting an example of that pa.s.sive obedience which he advocated so boldly. The Elector feared that Luther's presence would still further exasperate his adversaries, and drive Charles to extreme measures: the city of Augsburg had also written to him to that effect. But at the same time John was anxious to keep the Reformer within reach, that he might be able to consult him. He was therefore left at Coburg, in the castle overlooking the town and the river Itz, in the upper story on the south side. It was from this place he wrote those numerous letters dated from the _region of birds_; and it was there that for many months he had to maintain with his old enemy of the Wartburg, Satan, a struggle full of darkness and of anguish.

[352] Sed erat qui diceret: Tace tu, habes malam vocem.--(L. Epp. iv.

p. 2.)

[Sidenote: CHARLES AT INNSPRUCK.]

On the 2d May the Elector reached Augsburg; it had been expected that he would stay away, and, to the great astonishment of all, he was the first at the rendezvous.[353] He immediately sent Dolzig, marshal of the court, to meet the Emperor and to compliment him. On the 12th May, Philip of Hesse, who had at last resolved on not separating himself from his ally, arrived with an escort of one hundred and ninety hors.e.m.e.n; and almost at the same time the Emperor entered Innspruck, in the Tyrol, accompanied by his brother, the queens of Hungary and Bohemia, the amba.s.sadors of France, England, and Portugal, Campeggio the papal legate, and other cardinals, with many princes and n.o.bles of Germany, Spain, and Italy.

[353] Omnibus sepositis aliis rebus.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 564.)

How bring back the heretics to obedience to the Church? Such was the great topic of conversation in this brilliant court among n.o.bles and priests, ladies and soldiers, councillors and amba.s.sadors. They, or Charles at least, were not for making them ascend the scaffold, but they wished to act in such a manner that, untrue to their faith, they should bend the knee to the Pope. Charles stopped at Innspruck to study the situation of Germany, and ensure the success of his schemes.

Scarcely was his arrival known when a crowd of people, high and low, flocked round him on every side, and more than 270,000 crowns, previously raised in Italy, served to make the Germans understand the justice of Rome's cause. "All these heretics," was the cry, "will fall to the ground and crawl to the feet of the Pope."[354]

[354] Zum kreutz kriechen werden.--(Mathesius Pred. p. 91.) The allusion is to the cross embroidered on the Pope's slipper.

Charles did not think so. He was, on the contrary, astonished to see what power the Reformation had gained. He momentarily even entertained the idea of leaving Augsburg alone, and of going straight to Cologne, and there proclaiming his brother King of the Romans.[355] Thus, religious interests would have given way to dynastic interests, at least so ran the report. But Charles the Fifth did not stop at this idea. The question of the Reformation was there before him, increasing hourly in strength, and it could not be eluded.

[355] Iter Coloniam versus decrevisse.--(Epp. Zw. May 13.)

[Sidenote: SENTIMENTS OF GATTINARA.]

Two parties divided the imperial court. The one, numerous and active, called upon the Emperor to revive simply the edict of Worms, and, without hearing the Protestants, condemn their cause.[356] The legate was at the head of this party. "Do not hesitate," said he to Charles; "confiscate their property, establish the inquisition, and punish these obstinate heretics with fire and sword."[357] The Spaniards, who strongly seconded these exhortations, gave way to their accustomed debauchery, so that many of them were arrested for seduction.[358]

This was a sad specimen of the faith that they wished to impose on Germany. Rome has always thought lightly of morality.

[356] Alii censent Caesarem debere, edicto proposito, sine ulla cogitatione d.a.m.nare causam nostrum.--(Corp. Ref. ii. p. 57.)

[357] _Instructio data Caesari_ dal Reverendissimo Campeggio.--(Ranke, iii. p. 288.)

[358] Sich die Spanier zu Inspruck unflathig gehalten.--(Corp. Ref.

ii. p. 56.)

Gattinara, although sick, had painfully followed in Charles's train to neutralize the influence of the legate. A determined adversary of the Roman policy, he thought that the Protestants might render important services to Christendom. "There is nothing I desire so much," said he, "as to see the Elector of Saxony and his allies persevere courageously in the profession of the Gospel, and call for a free religious council. If they allow themselves to be checked by promises or threats, I hesitate myself, I stagger, and I doubt of the means of salvation."[359] The enlightened and honest members of the Papal Church (and of whom there is always a small number) necessarily sympathize with the Reformation.

[359] Semper vacillaturum de vera et certa salutis adipiscendae ratione.--(Seck. ii. p. 57.)

Charles V., exposed to these contrary influences, desired to restore Germany to religious unity by his personal intervention: for a moment he thought himself on the eve of success.