u will not leave Blarer (preacher at Constance) unmolested
in the confession, with which Luther and Philip (Melanchton) are still
satisfied, but press upon him with sophistical language, and have made
many persons anxious lest you would break down more than you build up,
which I myself do not yet accuse you of, but should it happen, it will
grieve many a pious man. Hence, it is my prayer, that you will proceed
gently; be no disputer of words, but a promoter of faith, love and good
works, and not, as the old proverb says, 'raise a spoon and break a
bowl;' for you might have a zeal, when you have reached a sure
understanding, to press it upon others and yet not reach the heart; and
besides, to speak humanly, do great injury to the Gospel; as, for
example, many pious people might be brought thereby to persecution and
ruin, when the matter was not even worth talking about. Therefore
proceed wisely, that you may not become a partaker of such blood and
such destruction. It will not do to plunge thus into matters. The
Apostles acted prudently; they did not thus reject people for trifling
errors. I point this out to you, as one, who heartily desires you to
treat of things, that will promote the cause of the Gospel, unity, and
love also. Understand yourself, and do not go further than God allows.
Let not the old Adam lord it over the new. You have not been preaching
long. It is needful to exhort you. Adieu."

Guided by such a noble endeavor to restore harmony among the
Protestants, he pursued his mark with unwearied zeal, and obtained the
consent of the Elector of Saxony, (who now required his learned men to
attend the Conference), and at length that also of Luther and
Melanchton, who, under date of July 8th, 1529, wrote to him as follows:
"Since Your Princely Grace has received our two letters, and still
insist upon our coming to Marburg, in the confident hope that concord
will result from it, we wish with a cheerful and ready mind to
contribute our part thereto, and by God's grace, if sound and well,
will appear at Marburg on the day appointed. The Father of all mercy
and unity grant His spirit that we may come together not in vain--for
profit and not injury. Amen. Christ be Your Princely Grace's Governor
and Guide!"

Zwingli also, when Philip had repeated the invitation to Marburg and
pledged himself for the security of the journey, set out. He ventured
to say nothing to the government; had even entreated the _landgrave_ to