d
state were then thought to be inseparably bound together. Only this was
asked: Shall a single state choose its own ecclesiastical system, or be
suffered to change it by its own sovereign authority? or has it no such
right? Must law be given to it perpetually from without, by a power
which stands over it, which even has its head on the other side of the
Alps? The Five Cantons, who adhered to the latter view without
faltering, were not willing to maintain it merely within their own
limits, but wished to have it uttered and acknowledged as a fundamental
principle of the Confederacy, and the minority to submit to the
majority in its application.

This shows itself plainly in the contents of a letter sent by them to
Bern, directly before the Religious Conference held there. "Truly," so
it runs, "with no less fear than wonder have we, dear Confederates,
received your notice of a conference. What can have induced you to make
such a move--you, who not two years ago would have esteemed an
undertaking of that kind contrary to all honesty. Christian order and
law, and a breach of old usages and sworn treaties? and so we esteem
it. Whence comes it? Ah, God mend it! only because you have given too
long a rein to your seditious, wicked preachers. They have persuaded
you to this thing, in order to color somewhat, and in some measure to
plaster over with a deceitful show their defeat at Baden, where by the
might and splendor of the truth, by the Holy Scripture itself, they
were struck to the earth as blind men. Remember what you and yours
swore together with us, for which you gave us sealed documents, yet in
our possession. Therefore, we beseech you, in the most pressing and
earnest manner: Abandon your project. Lot us know, whether you will do
this. On Sunday before New Year the deputies of the VIII. Cantons will
be in Luzern. On that day we will look for your answer to this effect.
But if all this warning is of no avail, then we desire you to summon
your bailiwicks on a certain day previous to the disputation, and give
us notice of that day in due time. Then will our Lords and Superiors
send their embassy to you, and speak with you and yours, not otherwise
than becomes propriety, and is necessary and convenient for us; and, if
God will, you and yours, us and ours will be preserved from great
misfortune and harm. Meanwhile, perhaps, rude speakers may exhort you
not to suffer yourselves to be lorded over by. several cantons, ruled,