r meaning than he had intended. The latter controlled
himself somewhat, brought up passages of Scripture for explanation,
came forward with remarks on the grammar, with interpretations of the
Church Fathers and carried the discussion even into the sphere of
philosophy and physics. In no way did Luther permit himself to be
caught; turned back always to the letter, and declared, that he would
do it; that we durst not in this case deviate therefrom, because the
Lord had so expressed himself; and unconditional faith must transcend
all doubt; and "if the Lord God placed crab-apples before me and
commanded me to take and eat, I durst not ask, wherefore?" "God
commands us to eat neither dirt nor crab-apples," said Zwingli.--When
it came to such sharp words, the _landgrave_ interposed somewhat, or
one of the others present, [OE]colampadius occasionally relieving his
friend, and Melanchthon Luther. For two whole days the discussion
lasted, with a diminishing prospect of agreement. The Saxons were
evidently irritated by Zwingli's unconstrained behavior and bold
language. He gave them plainly to understand, that he feared in Luther
a sort of new Pope. "I will not have it," once dropped from the lips of
the latter, "Must you then have everything just as you wish?" asked
Zwingli.

It had become clear to the _landgrave_ that a mutual understanding was
impossible, and still more clear, when the Mayor of Strassburg rose up
with a complaint, that Luther had also charged the preachers of his
city with teaching error. This accusation should not be permitted to
lie against them; he could not return home with such news. Bucer and
Hedio themselves desired Luther to speak out decidedly, and prove
wherein they taught falsely; but he would not do it, nor testify that
they were true pastors. "I am," said he, "neither your lord nor your
judge; you wish neither me nor my doctrines; our spirit and yours do
not accord; therefore I will give you no testimonial. You also do not
need it, for you boast everywhere, you have learned nothing from us.
This, moreover, every man can see for himself, and we would not have
such disciples."

"No!" exclaimed the _landgrave_ with warmth, "you shall not separate in
such a fashion, my Lords. You must draw up certain points, acceptable
to both, and give them your common signature, so that an evidence, at
least, of your external agreement is at hand, if that which is internal
cannot be reached. Confer among yourselv