This form of agreement met with the approbation of the Theologians; the Wirtembergers being the only ones who made some objections on account of Osiander's position in the doctrine of Justification. Melanchthon was in the meantime awaiting the royal decision as to the Conference, in order to discuss the various points at the proper place. At last Ferdinand decided that the Conference, already commenced, should be continued. The Catholics now urged the recall of the Saxon Theologians, which was opposed by the others. Therefore the President adjourned the Conference, with the intention that it should be continued at the next diet. Melanchthon and his friends presented a declaration, in which they stated that they were not to blame in this matter, and were true adherents of the Augsburg Confession. This declaration was prepared on the 1st of December. On the 6th of December, he departed with his companions, filled with the saddest feelings, which he thus expresses in a letter to Hardenberg, December 26th: "Although many friends, prudent men on the banks of the Rhine, dissuaded me from returning to the Elbe, I have nevertheless returned; perhaps it is my destiny, and perhaps it is because I must bestow the little I possess upon my heirs, after the death of my wife. But I expect a new banishment.... As soon as the times become more propitious, I have resolved to consult with you, unless I am forced to leave before that time. Perhaps death will soon conduct me to a more peaceful church.... And truly! I feel an earnest longing for the wisdom of that heavenly school, and hope for that, when we shall see those things we particularly desire to understand, with our own eyes. My enemies have already circulated the report that they will drive me out of entire Germany. They believe that they have so much power. If it pleases God, I am willing not only to leave Germany, but even this life." The Conference therefore did not terminate well. The strict Lutherans blamed Melanchthon and his adherents for this, and called them "holy Pharisees;" the moderate Protestants charged the breaking up of the Conference upon the Catholics; while the Catholics, full of delight at the misfortunes of their enemies, labored to convince the whole world of the state of discord in the Protestant camp, and showed that it must of necessity come to this. CHAPTER XXXIV. THE LAST YEARS OF HIS LIFE REAL YEARS OF SORROW.