Then turning to Zwingle and Œcolampadius, they said: "We acknowledge you as friends; we do not consider you as brothers and members of Christ's Church.[279] But we do not exclude you from that universal charity which we owe even to our enemies."[280] [279] Agnoscere quidem velimus tanquam amicos, sed non tanquam fratres.--(Zw. Opp. iv. p. 203.) [280] Charitate quæ etiam hosti debetur.--(Ibid. p. 190.) The hearts of Zwingle, Œcolampadius, and Bucer, were ready to burst,[281] for this concession was almost a new insult. Nevertheless they resolved to accept what was offered them. "Let us carefully avoid all harsh and violent words and writings," said they; "and let each one defend himself without railing."[282] [281] Indignissime affecti sunt.--(Ibid.) [282] Quisque suam sententiam doceat absque invectivis.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 514.) Luther then advanced towards the Swiss, and said: "We consent, and I offer you the hand of peace and charity." The Swiss rushed in great emotion towards the Wittembergers, and all shook hands.[283] Luther himself was softened: christian charity resumed her rights in his heart. "Assuredly," said he, "a great portion of the scandal is taken away by the suppression of our fierce debates; we could not have hoped for so much. May Christ's hand remove the last obstacle that separates us.[284] There is now a friendly concord between us, and if we persevere in prayer, brotherhood will come." [283] Dedimus tamen manus pacis et caritatis.--(Ibid. p. 513.) [284] Utinam et ille reliquus scrupulus per Christum tandem tollatur,--in his letter written to Gerbellius after leaving this meeting. [Sidenote: LUTHER'S REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE.] It was desirable to confirm this important result by a report. "We must let the christian world know," said the Landgrave, "that, except the manner of the presence of the body and blood in the Eucharist, you are agreed in all the articles of faith."[285] This was resolved on; but who should be charged with drawing up the paper? All eyes were turned upon Luther. The Swiss themselves appealed to his impartiality. [285] Ut orbi Christiano notum fieret eos in omnibus fidei capitibus consentire.--(Hospin. p. 127.) Luther retired to his closet, lost in thought, uneasy, and finding the task very difficult. "On the one hand," said he, "I should like to spare their weakness;[286] but, on the other, I would not in the least degree strike at the holy doctrine of Christ." He did not know how to set about it, and his anguish increased. He got free at last. "I will draw up the articles," said he, "in the most accurate manner. Do I not know that whatever I write, they will never sign them?"[287] Erelong fifteen articles were committed to paper, and Luther, holding them in his hand, repaired to the theologians of the two parties. [286] Het gern ihrer Schwachheit verschont.--(Niederer Nachr. ii. p. 120.)