s gone, but evils of every
kind existed to attest its force. Among the greatest sufferers from this
fanaticism were the partisans of Luther. Their attitude to the rioters
had at first been doubtful, and the condemnation heaped on Melchior and
Knipperdolling fell partially on them. People in general could not
distinguish between fanatics and Luther. They were all deemed heretics,
and Gustavus was roundly cursed for neglecting the religion of his
fathers. To soothe the people Gustavus planned a journey through the
realm, intending to set forth before the autumn closed. This journey he
was forced by stress of circumstances to postpone. He therefore turned
to other methods to effect his end. The strongest feature of the
Lutheran doctrine was that it purported to be based upon the Word of
God. To such a pretension no one but an unbeliever could object.
Lutheranism was opposed on the ground of its presumed basis in the
idiosyncrasies of men. Gustavus, confident that this idea was false,
resolved to put the question to a test. Accordingly, among matters to be
discussed at the Cabinet meeting in October, we find a proposition that
all priests be ordered to confine their teaching to the Word of God. The
fate of this sound measure is not known. It appears nowhere in the list
of subjects on which the Cabinet took a vote. A fair conclusion is that
the question was too broad to be determined at the time, and therefore
was omitted from the calendar by consent of all.[106]

Gustavus was determined, however, that the matter should not drop.
Convinced that any discord inside the Church would be a benefit to the
crown, he resolved to hold a theological disputation, and selected a
champion from the two chief factions, with orders to appear at Christmas
in Upsala and defend the doctrines of his party in open court. The
Lutheran gladiator of course was Petri, his opponent being one Peder
Galle, a learned canon of Upsala. The main points that were discussed
are these: man's justification; free will; forgiveness of sins;
invocation and worship of saints; purgatory; celebration of vigils and
masses for the dead; chanting of the service; good works, and rewards;
papal and monastic indulgences; sacraments; predestination;
excommunication; pilgrimages. The battle on these questions was fought,
December 27, in the Chapter-house at Upsala; and the chronicle tells
us, somewhat unnecessarily, that the fight was hot. Each party was
struggling for the