f certain
prominent individuals. By all this, on the other hand, Zurich sought to
justify her conduct, and in fact the displeasure of the remaining
cities of the Christian _Buergerrecht_ was kindled anew against the
Five Cantons, who were not able to quell the growing barbarity of many
of their subjects; a proof of general corruption in morals, just where
the greatest boast was made of ancient simplicity. The Reformer
meanwhile had aided in establishing synods in the Thurgau, in
Toggenburg and in St. Gall, and was frequently present at their
sessions. Everywhere he saw the resolution of a majority of the people
to fight, if necessary, for the Gospel. His presence inspired
confidence and respect. In St. Gall he was honored by a musical
festival, projected by one of his numerous friends, and in other places
he preached to great crowds with general applause. Zurich should be
true to herself, was his continual exhortation, and must persevere to
the end. In order, therefore, to exert a new and powerful influence
upon the cities of the _Buergerrecht_, Zurich invited them to hold a
conference; which, with all in attendance, was opened on the 6th of
March. A detailed list of the vile calumnies to which influential
leaders in the Five Cantons had given currency was presented, the
declared resolution of Zurich not to suffer them any longer, and the
petition for aid to prevent and punish them in the future. Bern
regretted the calumnies, and acknowledged that Zurich had sufficient
reason to be angry, but pointed to the mighty preparations for war,
which the enemies of the Reformation were making in the Empire and
Italy. The Five Cantons may be well aware of this, had perhaps received
secret promises of assistance, and hence their leaders behaved more
rudely of late. Then the guilt of this abuse, though so provoking in
and of itself, should not be charged upon the cantons as a whole, but
only upon certain individuals. Besides, the present scarcity of
provisions should be thought of, and the very last means for peace
exhausted, before arms should be resorted to. Hence her deputies
proposed to send an embassy to the Five Cantons, from the collective
cities of the _Buergerrecht_, even without Zurich, if she did not see
fit to join it. Earnest expostulation and at all events a hint about
prohibiting the export of provisions, in case a hearing were refused,
could not remain without its due effect. Basel said that sending
embassies and le