Never, perhaps, had the republic been in greater danger. All the kings of Europe, and almost all the cantons of Switzerland, were opposed to the Gospel. The report of an army from Austria, destined to interpose in favour of the Pope, spread through the Reformed cantons.[931] Seditious meetings took place every day,[932] and the people refused to pay their magistrates either quit-rent, service, tithes, or even obedience, unless they shut their eyes to the designs of the Roman-catholics. The council became confused. Amazed and confounded, exposed to the mistrust of some and to the insults of others, they had the cowardice to separate under the pretext of getting in the vintage, and folding their arms, in the presence of this great danger, waited until a Messiah should descend from heaven (says a reformer) to save the republic.[933] The ministers pointed out the danger, forewarned and conjured them; but each one turned a deaf ear. "Christ languishes in Berne," said Haller, "and appears nigh perishing."[934] The people were all in commotion; they assembled, made speeches, murmured, and shed tears! Everywhere--in all their tumultuous meetings--might be heard this complaint of Manuel on Papists and the Papacy:[935] With rage our foes their hateful threats denounce, Because, O Lord, we love Thee best of all; Because at sight of Thee the idols fall; And war and bloodshed, shuddering, we renounce. [931] Audisti nimirum quam se apparent _Austriaci_ ad bellum, adversus quos ignoratur. Suspicantur quidam in Helvetios. (Œcol. to Zw. Epp. ii. p. 161.) [932] Seditiosorum concursus sunt quotidiani. (Zw. Epp. ii p. 227.) [933] Nunc, nunc suum Messiam advenisse sperantes. (Ibid.) [934] Ita languet Christus apud nos. (Ibid.) [935] Dass wir hand d'Gotzen geworfen hin. (Hymn and Prayer.) Berne was like a troubled sea, and Haller, who listened to the roaring of the waves, wrote in the deepest anguish: "Wisdom has forsaken the wise, counsel has departed from the councillors, and energy from the chiefs and from the people! The number of the seditious augments every day. Alas! what can the Bear, oppressed with sleep, oppose to so many and to such sturdy hunters?[936] If Christ withdraw himself, we shall all perish." [936] Quid hæc inter tot et tantos venatores robustos. (Zw. Epp. ii. p. 223.) [Sidenote: ENERGY OF BERNE.]