But to proceed with Melancthon’s letter.  “Our Confession (he says,) has been presented to the emperor, and I have sent you a copy.  I entreated you (in my former letter) to inform me, how far we might yield to our opponents, if it is practicable.  It is true, as you know, we have already consulted on these subjects; but they are always adjusted in a different manner on the field of battle (sie geben sich im Schlachtfeld allezeit anders,) from what they are when previously made the subjects of discussion.  I presume the greatest conflict will occur in regard to private masses.  But as yet I have no certain information.” [Note 8]

In another letter to Luther, dated Aug. 6, he says:  “The Landgrave proceeds with great moderation, and has openly told me, that in order to preserve peace, he would submit to still more severe conditions, provided they could be accepted without bringing reproach on the gospel.”

During the pendency of these negotiations, Melancthon made repeated efforts by letter to conciliate influential individuals of the papal party.  Among these is his letter to Cardinal Campegius, the apostolic legate, of July 6th, which reflects no little light on the state of his mind.  This intense anxiety to gain the imperial favor for the Protestant cause, could not fail strongly to tempt him to make the Confession as palatable as possible to the Romanists, by yielding nearly everything that he did not regard as essential.  Hear the letter: 

“Most Reverend Sir:—­As many good men applaud the very great moderation exhibited by your Eminence, amid your honors and elevation, I am induced to cherish the hope, that your Eminence will receive my letter with favor.  Verily it was a true saying which Plato uttered, that nothing more desirable, or better, or more divine, can happen to men, than when wisdom is associated with power in government.  Hence, when the intelligence arrived, that your Eminence was sent to this Diet, as judge in the pending religious controversy, many good men congratulated Germany, that the investigation of these most important affairs was confided to a man, who transcended others not merely by his high (official) dignity, but also much more by his wisdom; for even heretofore the fame of your Eminence’s wisdom him resounded through all Germany.  Now, as I believed, that with this wisdom your Eminence would greatly abhor violent measures, I was thereby induced to write to your Eminence, that it might be made known to you, that we also long only for peace and concord, and reject no condition for the restoration of peace.”