The Cardinal du Perron and the other French Cardinals took care
that Henry IV should not join the Republic against the Pope, the Doge
and Senate preferred to treat with French mediators, but they gave a
magnificent reception to the Spanish Ambassador extraordinary; not one,
however, of all the high dignitaries of the Church who accompanied him
dared to broach the subject of bribery to Sarpi.
that Henry IV should not join the Republic against the Pope, the Doge
and Senate preferred to treat with French mediators, but they gave a
magnificent reception to the Spanish Ambassador extraordinary; not one,
however, of all the high dignitaries of the Church who accompanied him
dared to broach the subject of bribery to Sarpi.
Sarpi - 1868 - Life of Fra Paolo Sarpi
To whom I will say that the multiplication
of acts of faith, and specifying as a subject those things which are not
specified, is to give in to old abuses. Why not leave in ambiguity what has
been left so till now? I heard say once, and I leave it to the judgment of
the intelligent, that the articles of faith are established, he who does not
receive them has no faith and is an infidel, but he that besides these
articles believes anything else for an article, and separates from others, is
a sectarian; and I do not see you are in this danger, because you leave
the matter in suspense. They have more reason to think of it who made
the article, but I do not think they will separate from one who does not
admit it as certain. Indeed the old abuses creep in still, and those which
drove away the tyrant from the Republic, though out of zeal he is offered
to acquire dominion again. Thanks be to God if he remains within
bounds. "
France again offered to aid the Doge by force of arms, but advised peace.
The Spanish Minister continued to make fair promises to Paul; ' at this
Venice was disquieted, but her preparations for war both by sea and land
progressed. Her sailors were ready to serve her, her arsenal resounded
with the strokes of the hammer, and many new galleys were added to her
renowned fleet. Sarpi on no occasion displayed fear, and his intrepid
conduct and powerful arguments still continued to encourage the Doge
and Senate to resistance. '
A little more, and Venice might have been lost to Rome for ever, un-
fortunately for her all her great men were not wise men. Much infor-
1 Sottilissima invenzione, June 19, 1606. Sarpi MS.
2 Ofi? . ? Papa in Spagna, p. 52, Sarpi, MS.
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? 157. 54. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 121
mation is obtained from a letter of M. Abain, ' as to the State of affairs
at Rome with respect to Venice-,1the Cardinal du Perron assures King
Henry, " that Donato; the Doge of Venice, is of that faction which
always kept the Republic in fear of giving offence to Spain. " He adds
that " the GrandDuke of Tuscany had lately told him that the said Donato
had hindered the Venetians from rising, and said in full Senate, ' that
they must not trifle with the King of Spain, although, " the Cardinal
continues, " other sentiments might have drawn Donato and his party to
other ideas, " still, there is more than sufficient to prove that fear of
Spain held Donato back, and was one of the grand obstacles which stood
in Sarpi's way to severance from the Court of Rome. He looked for re-
form in religion when there was a change in the State, and it is for his
countrymen now to ponder on what he meant. He gave honor to the Doge
Donato as a great and good man, but it must not be overlooked that he
wrote " as a Prince he was nothing. " ' This must mean, that as Doge he
had very little power, but there can be no doubt that Sarpi hoped that
Donato would be able to exercise greater independance towards Rome.
He was too keen sighted not to know the great advantage that would
accrue to his country did she free herself from the Roman yoke, and it is
amatter of astonishment that the wise men of Italy, who have in some
measure broken the civil and ecclesiastical thraldom in which the Pope
kept their country, do not wholly free themselves by a return to the eccles-
iastical polity of days gone by.
Fra Paolo soon furnished another able work in favor of the Republic,
" The Apologia," a volume consisting of 132 pages quarto. On its titlepage
is an engraving. The Saviour with his right hand points to the world at his
feet, and around the engraving are these words, " Regnum meum non est
de hoe mnndo " (John xvrn, 36), to which Christ draws attention by the
forefin/gei of the left hand. " Europe, Asia, Africa, and America," are written
on the globe. The whole is a solemn appeal to 'the reader, and prepares
his mind for the pages which follow, which were read with interest and
admiration. Sarpi knew the magnitude and justice of the cause he defend-
'\
1 Appendix, 1-Oth-J. u. l. y, MS. Bib. Imp. 1/11/2'? . . ? L/~/'? ? r;,. .
'3 A full Senate was composed of the oge, six counsellors, three heads of
the forty criminal judges, six Savi of the Council of the Pregadi or Senate,
commonly called the Great Savi, five Savi of Terra Firma, and five of the
Savi. It convoked the Senate, deliberated on affairs of state, received ambas-
sadors, aud in fact was the principal part of the Government of the Republic.
But the reader need scarcely be reminded of the power of the Council of
Ten, which at that period took cognizance of every affair of state, and
without whom neither Doge or full Senate could act. Vide, Paolo V (Cornet's),
presented by the Abbate Valentenelli. '
8 MS. '
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? 122 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1606.
ed. The rights of the Church of Rome had been advocated and exalted
beyond their limits; God was dishonoured thereby, and this true but
humble soldier of the cross again drew from the'mighty arsenal of the
Holy Scriptures well tried weapons, and from the Fathers and Councils
arguments against such infractions of the laws of heaven. The style is
simple and agreeable, the dignity of the subject is felt, and the untenable
position of the Pope is pointed out with the hand of a master; but there
is no railing or assumption, and this work is still valued. Fra Fulgenzio
praises/1he modesty of the writing, the profundity of the doctrine, and
_ the sufficiency of the defence. " Fra Paolo showed by the Apologia that
he was not convinced by the arguments of the Cardinal Bellarmine.
If he had listened to the offers made to him by the Court of Rome,
he would have been preferred to the highest dignities of the Church,
but he was a man of honor. He had promised to serve the State of
Venice and he did serve her; he held a place of great distinction,
which was a public acknowledgement of his piety, talents and high
character, but he found that his enemies still aimed at his des-
truction.
The next work which appeared, was "Le Confirmazioni. " Fra Ful-
genzio ascribes all the praise of it to Fra Paolo, although it was
written by the former. The writings of the Roman Court contained
many severe calumnies against the Republic, and Fra Paolo's anonymous
work was pronounced to be "rash, calumnious, scandalous, seditious,
schismatical, and heretical. " His "Considerazioni " was prohibited at
Rome, and all were declared excommunicated who read it. However,
the French Ambassador at Venice writes, "I hear that Cardinal Bel-
larmine has written in favor of the Pope, and that his book is in the
press, although what he said was as solid as a diamond, he will find
pens here to answer him. " '
This work was not published anonymously, and it is to be regret-
ted that the Cardinal was betrayed into expressions unworthy of his
character and his friendship for Sarpi, still such works are useful,
they convince the candid that the doctrines of the Jesuits are hetero-
dox. The -fact that this distinguished Cardinal endeavored to defend
what is indefensible, proved that, if for political reasons the doctrines
of the supremacy and the infallibility of the Pope, the sovereignty of
the people, probability, and many others have been occasionally sup-
ported by a Pope of Rome, these doctrines cannot be proved by
sound logic, and never have been Valued by the most profoundly
learned either in morals or in theology. A system of religious opinions
which required a man to write against his will by command in favor
of the Pope Paul V (and on more than one occasion Bellarmine de-
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? E1'. 54. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 123
clared that he did not agree with the Pope), cannot be orthodox-
christianity, but is an upholder of falsehood. It is profound as the ocean,
yet clear to its utmost depths, it is as high as the heavens, and yet
is not beyond the reach of the most simple. It is wide as the universe,
and yet cannot be bound within finite limits. It is divine, and there-
fore cannot be amalgamated with what is untrue.
It has been a cause of surprise that the Republic of Venice did
not, upon a perusal of the monitory of Paul V, instantly break with
the Court of Rome. She had not then discovered that if she advoca-
ted reform in the Church, her civil government would have greater
strength. The Doge did indeed say to the Nuncio, that the Republic
of Venice, like other states that had embraced reform in religion, might
separate from Rome; but the Venetians believed that reform was
schism, and did not consider, as did Sarpi, that the Pope by his in-
novations had changed, and also had added other articles of faith, as
well as observances and rites, to the Church of Rome. Sarpi and some
others were desirous that the Church should return to its primitive go-
vernment, and in so doing, he knew that the first great step ought to
be the abrogation of the temporal power of the Pope.
It was, and is, a great mistake to say that reform is change, if
by change, novelty is -meautrffi desire reform within the Church of
Rome is only to return to the old religion from which the Church of
Rome has changed. As the crust of time and noisome-damp may
deface a pillar, without touching its foundations; so, if these defects
be removed, the column remains entire, and more beautiful than
before. It was never pretended by Sarpi, that the Church of Rome
was not built upon Christ and His apostles. He again and again
repeats this; but he never denied that there were great abuses in
the Church, and he did not hesitate to obey the command of the Re-
public to enter her service, doubtless in the hope to uphold the
liberties of his country against the Pope, who,'' in temporal power
as well as spiritual, desired nothing less than the sovereignty of
Italy.
The power of the Pope was deemed exorbitant prior to the time
of Fra Paolo Sarpi. One of the earliest who argued against it was
Claude, Bishop of Turin, in the ninth century. He was Bishop of
the Valdesi, Waldenses, Albigenses, or Paterins. Sarpi mentions them,
and the reports of their enemies of them. " All the countries were in
communion and obedience of the Church of Rome, only, in a small
part, that is, on thattract where the Alps joined the Pyrenees, were
some remainder of the old Waldenses or Albigenses. " When Italy
succumbed to the Pope, after the valorous Arnold of Brescia suffered
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? 124 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1606-
death, the Waldenses never yielded. In 1180, they were in Lombardy;
and in the thirteenth century, were in Rome. In 1231, Gregory IX
issued a ball against them; but in Milan, Como, Cremona, Venetia
and Naples, Sicily and Genoa, they were to be found in numbers.
In 1370, they went to Pragela, in Calabria, " enriching the land for
the space of two hundred years, and sharing in the revival of letters,"
and a learned writer remarks also, on the first gleam of light which
shone on that remote spot of Italy where they found an asylum.
It does not appear that Sarpi knew that there were in Venetia
many of this primitive Church of Italy who had held the faith
delivered by Christ the Saviour to the Apostles, but he thus pities
their sufi'erings elsewhere. " While they met in Trent to convince he-
resies by a Council they did the same. by arms against a small remainder
of the Waldenses, poor creatures who had neither weapons or thought
otherwise than to defend themselves by flight, it is certain that four
thousand were slain, who without defence desired mercy. " Sarpi notices
that the Duke of Savoy made a composition with them which displeased
the Pope, and that this took place after a battle in which the Duke lost
seven thousand men and slew but fourteen of the enemy. In 1500 the Wal-
denses had a house of learning at Florence, presided over by their '
Barbes or Ancients, they had Bishops from the time of Constantine
who did not receive their authority from the Pope; ' they preserved
their liturgy.
The reader will pardon this digression, as any notice of the Church
of Italy must be incomplete without mention of the Waldenses, but
they have shared in the enlightened policy of Victor Emmanuel, the
valorous King of Italy, they are again established in Florence, in an
ample college; the head of which, President Revel, unites rare qualities
of head and heart, and is able by his great knowledge of the dead lan-
guages to superintend the publication of the Italian Bible of Diodati,
the friend of sarpiff -
To return, a perusal of the various histories of the Interdict, and an exa-
mination of many MSS. relative to it must convince their readers that the
authority of the Pope was considerably impaired by these disputes with
Venice. Paul V had gone too far, the eyes of men were opened, at least par-
tially, and Venetia beheld herself injured by one who ought to have been
her friend. Preparations to carry her cause by force of arms continued.
The Pope, flattered by the promises of Spain, determined to proceed to
extremities against Venice, and Sarpi, far from dissuading the Senate
from war, appears always to have upheld it in that resolve, if necessary.
I Card. Rainerius; Bunsen's, Elementa Liturgica.
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? arr. 54. ] FBA PAOLO SARPI 125
Poland, Holland, Tuscany, Modena, France, and Savoy were ready to aid,
especially the three last mentioned; the King of Great Britain (who dis-
tinguished Sarpi by inviting him to England at a later period) urged the
Doge to perseverance.
If we now cast a long gaze down the vista of past ages, what meets our
view? The Doge Donato, on the appointment of the Admiral of the fleet,
taking his way to the arsenal, and having passed through the memorial
gates of the battle of Lepanto, proceeding to pay the sailors who were
about to fight for their country. One million and five hundred thousand
ducats in shining heaps lay before the Doge, they had been brought from
the treasury, and a chain of solid gold measuring one hundred feet in
length hung around. The people were unanimous in their loyalty to their
prince, and their acclamations were loud and long in his favor, a more
striking scene cannot well be imagined, it is one well worthy of a painter:
the Senators, the Savi, the Secretaries, the aged Doge, the countenances
and picturesque dress of his brave soldiers and sailors, nor would the Ser-
vite be wanting there. If he had not leisure to go down from the chamber
in the Ducal palace, Where Galileo says he was always to be found, and
mingle with the crowd, he could take a rapid glance of the stirring scene
from thence, he could see the expression of indignation mingled with re-
solute valor, he could hear the shouts of his countrymen for their liber-
ties, and surely if ever a human being had reason to be satisfied, it was
Fra Paolo who knew how large was his share in this patriotic demon-
stration, it was no love of bloodshed that stimulated him to counsel war,
he had counselled peace if it could be maintained, but when the liberty
of his country was at stake, he did not scruple to raise his voice, and by
his energy to support her courage, valor and renown.
He, however, soon after learned that the adherents of the Pope at the
Court of the King of France advised him to endeavour to reconcile Venice
to Rome. Proposals were made but rejected, the Venetian counsellors
did not approve of them, and Sarpi could ill conceal his dislike against
" a congregation of war, " composed of fifteen Cardinals, all in the Spa-
nish interest.
The Doge bore this news with fortitude; the King of Great Bri-
tain again proffered aid, promising to incite the King of Denmark and
the Princes of Germany to join him; but a heavy blow now fell on
Venice, her Theologian was summoned to answer for his conduct at
the tribunal of the Inquisition. He excused himself from appearing
there, not only because of the little security given to him, but he pro-
tested his innocence, his submission to the Church, named the works
which he had Written in the service of the State, begged the inquisitors
to cite the exceptionable passages, and said he was ready to bow to the
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? 126' THE LIFE OF [AJ)-1606.
Cardinals, except Bellarmine, that if they refused this, he could only
add there was nothing in his works which deserved censure. '
No one can for an instant suppose that the Senate, much less Le-
onardo Donato, would permit Sarpi to go to Rome. If he had set out
on his journey publicly, the people of Venice would have risen to
prevent him; such was their veneration for "Paul the Venetian, " and
such the strong feeling of these independent citizens against the Pope
of Rome. This is a subject too little considered; it needed but to
convince the understanding of the Venetians that their liberties were
infringed, and for a time even superstition was flung to the winds.
It was not cowardice that made Fra Paolo decline to go to Rome-,
we have seen that he looked on the excommunication of the Pope
as null and void, he had defended a righteous cause, and in reply to
the charges brought against his writings in favor of the laws and
dominion of his Prince, he could point to the Holy Book of God and
repeat, " Rex qui judicat in veritate pauperes thronus ejus in aeternum
firmabitur. "
Of the citation to Rome, Fra F. Micanzio writes, "Notwithstanding
his moderation, it was not in his power to prevent his being cited to
Rome to give account of his writings. To which citation he answered
by a manifesto which is in print, wherein he proved the nullity of
the citation, and the impossibility of his going to Rome. It has never
been confuted. What followed will show whether he had reason to
trust himself there, or whether it was just, as he had humbly peti-
tioned that some place be assigned where he might make his defence
before proceeding further. It seemed that God, the Just Judge, at
the time that this tempest of persecution arose against him, consoled
and comforted him; and as the Divine Majesty does not lay heavier
burdens upon His servants than what by His divine grace they are
able to bear, the fatigue of his office increasing as well as persecution,
he was cured of those grievous infirmities of body which he had borne
with admirable patience, and notwithstanding the weakness of his con-
stitution, he was as well as he could desire. At this time he was about
55 years of age, October 30, 1606. "
Fra Paolo shewed great leniency to those who " either from scruples-of
conscience, faction or interest disobeyed the public orders, not one of
them was punished by death at Venice, he coincided with the clemency
of the government, and excused whatever was capable of excuse in the
accused. " Two of the seven theologians " were induced to disregard the
law of conscience, and to desert the cause they once espoused, but such
1 Manifesto.
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? Er. 54. ] . . FHA PAOLO saarr 127
was the opinion even of Fra Paolo's enemies of his integrity, that
having tempted all the others by means most likely to shake their fidelity,
they dared not even address a word to him on the subject. And it is a
fact, that Alessandrini, an intimate friend of his, on going from Rome to
Venice, had strict orders to remove Paolo and Fulgenzio from the
service of the Republic. But the General of the Servi answered, " that as
to Padre Paolo he could not have the least influence, " and on his wai-
ting on the Cardinal d'Ascoli, he said openly, "that he had read P. Paolo's
works; that it would be lost labor, and his removal need not be at-
tempted. This great prelate. knew the justice of the Venetian cause, and
that his incorruptibility was such that he was as impenetrable to the
enticements as to the bribes or threats of the Court of Rome. " '
A change now came over the state of affairs. After long delay and
circumlocution, Lerma, the Prime Minister of Spain determined to
endeavor to effect an accommodation between Venice and Rome, and
deputed his nephew, Don Cardenas, to go to Venice. Still her counsellors,
Fra Paolo and the Republic were determined not to yield, especially as
they knew that Lerma had deceived the Pope, and in reality had no
intention of making war with him against Venetia.
The Cardinal du Perron and the other French Cardinals took care
that Henry IV should not join the Republic against the Pope, the Doge
and Senate preferred to treat with French mediators, but they gave a
magnificent reception to the Spanish Ambassador extraordinary; not one,
however, of all the high dignitaries of the Church who accompanied him
dared to broach the subject of bribery to Sarpi.
But he was mortal, and why should not he be tempted to leave"the
path of honor and turn aside from his duty to his God and to his
Prince'? So some thought, but they were mistaken. At the Sechini's
house a spy tried to ingratiate himself with him by abuse of the Pope, but
Sarpi was unmoved; what touched him more nearly was to see how little
good had accrued from this long and painful struggle, little to what he
had hoped, although great in reality to Europe. It was unfortunate for
Venetia that the chief mediators, who were ultimately allowed to treat
for her, had forsaken the reformed religion, and were in consequence more
zealous for their newly adopted papistical opinions, and more attached to
the Court of Rome than Sarpi.
The first of these was King HenrVIV his advisers the Cardinal du Per-
ron, and M. de Canaye. /
Fra Paolo was little esteemed by the Cardinal, his remarks have been
reprehended by some authors and ridiculed by others. They are at least
1 MS.
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? 128 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
singular. " Je ne remarquerai rien d'eminent de cet homme, je ne vois
rien que de commun et un peu plus que moine. " This criticism on Paolo
produced the retort, " M. le Cardinal du Perron etoit un bel esprit, mais
pas savant. " Let us briefly sketch his career. He was born 1. 566, and
was educated by the Reformed, and at the age of twenty had made great
attainments in the Latin, Greek and Hebrew tongues, and at the court
of Henry IV was regarded as a young man of rare endowments. As a
controversialist, his talents attracted attention, but like most people given
to change, his abilities were more brilliant than profound. He embraced
Popery, and seldom has there been so zealous a proselytiser. He was the
applauded orator of the funeral oration of Mary Queen of Scots; by his
remonstrance, the Secretary of the Queen of Navarre renounced the re-
formed religion; and it has been noticed that he is believed to have par-
tially influenced King Henry IV in his conformation to popery. He as-
sisted in the conference between the Reformed and the Papists at Fon-
tainebleau when he triumphed over de Mornay, but not without reproach
from his royal Master, who had rejected with disdain a Writing drawn
up by the Cardinal and others for the King to sign as his creed on uniting
himself to the Church of Rome. Du Perron had lived at Venice before he
was deputed to arrange matters between the Pope and the Venetians.
The third mediator, de Canaye, at fifteen years of age embraced the
reformed religion, and after long travel in foreign parts, practised law
in Paris, where his appointment as Counsellor to Henry III was opposed
on account of his religion, but Henry of-Navarre took him into his most
secret counsels, and intrusted him with various embassies. He discharg-
ed his duties as President of the parliament of Toulouse with great
ability. In the year 1600 he reentered the communion of the Church of
Rome, upon which he was complimented hy Clement VIII, was ambas-
sador to Venice in 1601, and now he bent every energy to effect a
reconciliation between her and the Pope. Truth demands the statement
of his vacbllating opinions, but it is only justice to M. Canaye to affirm
that he bore a high character, and this is apparent by the letters of
Fra Paolo. '
It was useless to expect that either king Henry, du Perron or de
Canaye, but late members of her communion, would advise Venetia to
break with Rome. Fra Paolo had hoped for a better result, still he
was pleased that France and not Spain should mediate for Venice.
The Pope was uneasy at the continued differences, and seeing that
these still encouraged the perusal of works against his authority, he
began to give some signs of reconciliation, but always insisted on the
return of the Jesuits to Venice.
The year 1607, therefore, opened with some prospect of adjustment, but
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? E1'. 55] FRA PAOLO SARPI 129
with no intention on the part of the Doge, Senate, or their Counsellors
to readmit the Jesuits. The threats of the Pope, not to listen to an
accommodation unless they returned to Venetia, were summarily disre-
garded. Fra Paolo knew what an array of foes he thus marshalled against
him, but he felt it to be his duty to give counsel against a measure
fraught with evil to the State. Spain and France still contended for the
/ honor of the final mediatorship, but it would be tedious to recount all
the delays and various rejected propositions of the Senate, lliere was
some hope that France would act justly, and king', Henry IV, who was
fully apprized of all concerning the Venetians, at last determined to send
Cardinal Joyeuse to Venice to affect an accommodation, which after
much discussion' was agreed upon, the Venetians maintaining their re-
solution not to readmit the Jesuits; this resolve had again nearly frustrated
all attempts at an accommodation, but the Senate was firm; their Coun-
sellor was doubly watchful of any infringement of the honor of his
country, and these proposals were at last accepted, -- that the kings of
France and Spain request the Pope to raise the Interdict; that the
two ecclesiastics be given up as a favour to the king of France, with-
out any prejudice as to the power of the Doge and Senate of Venice
over ecclesiastics; that the protest against the Interdict be withdrawn, and
as in reality the Pope had been the aggressor, that he should be thanked
for asking an accommodation.
Sarpi has been censured because he would not consent to the word
" revoke " the interdict, in place of " raise " the interdict in the manife-
sto of the accommodation of the protest. To admit that it was revoked was
to admit that Venice had received it, which she never did. The following
day the two ecclesiastics (prisoners) were delivered up to the Cardinal
J oyeuse, " at the request of the king of France, and without any prejudice
to the Republic, " the French ambassador answering, " that so he receiv-
ed them. " A deed being drawn out, they were then recommended to the
Ambassador, who took them under his protection, the Cardinal saying to
M. de Canaye as he passed, "These are the prisoners which are given
to the Pope, " and the Cardinal said, " Give them to such an one. "
Claudio Montano received them, and begged the Minister of Justice to
keep them in custody. This done, the Cardinal departed with the Am-
bassador to find the Doge, but he had passed from the Ducal chapel,
with the Lords and Savi to the College, where they were all sitting
in their usual places.
Sarpi affirms distinctly that absolution never was given; it is plain
from the above that the Doge and Senate would not receive it, and Sarpi
drew up the small work entitled Particular information on the accom-
modation, in consequence of a rumour having been spread that the Car-
9
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? 130 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
dinal Joyeuse gave absolution to the College; 'tie' had intended that a
great demonstration should have been made, that amid the plaudits of the
multitude, the loud voice of cannon, the thrilling tones of the cathedral
bells, the Pope of Rome should have told out to the world that Venice
had been absolved; that she had repented and was pardoned, but the Doge
would not permit any sign of concession. Not a cannon was fired, not a bell
poured its chimes on theear ofde J oyeuse, not a sound evinced either
pleasure or regret. The churches were filled to overflowing, as they had been
all the time of the dispute between Venetia and Rome. What wasreally
felt was heard only in the private houses of the Venetians, and there were
not a few who secretly regretted the accommodation, and judged that their
liberties had been compromised. Venice had missed the golden opportu-
nity of freeing herself from the Court of Rome; it cost her dear.
The Cardinal J oyeuse wished to visit Fra Paolo, but the Senate forbade
an interview and he did not wish it, the Cardinal remonstrated in vain,
he had bent the Pope to his purpose, but he could neither influence the
Senate or their Theologian.
. Little mention has yet been made of those who shared Fra Paolo's wishes
with regard to the reformation of the Church of Venice, and who from
time to time might be found in his society.
The English Ambassador, Sir Henry Wotton, evinced anxiety on this
subject, and he was ably supported by his learned chaplain Mr. Bedell, who
arrived at Venice shortly before the accommodation. Eager to make the
acquaintance of Fra Paolo, he wrote to him, and the Servite admitted him
to his cell and to his studies, and discoursed with him on religious subjects.
Grave, but of agreeable demeanour, Bedell won the regard of Fra Paolo,
and although Bedell was twenty five years his junior, Paolo acknowledged
with gratitude, " that he had learned more from him than from any other
divine. "
Paolo had wished that the Doge's attention should be directed to " a
premonition to all Christian Princes and States, " lately writen by James,
king of Great Britain, but Bedell had failed to persuade Sir Ilenry Wotton
to present this book to the Doge; on which the biographer of Bedell re-
marks, " I have heard him say he was displeased with the Lord Ambas-
sadour, but in this one thing, when the difference between the Venetians
and the Pope was growne to the highest, and there seemed not to be one
' step between their rejection of him and his Popery for ever, and none ever
forsook him that were more likely to doe it upon most rationall and Chris-
tianlike terms. When the Prince, in his speech in the Senate house had
spoken in much praise and consideration of king James, and that things
were not so bad as men bare the world in hand, intending to let discord
between prince, and something alo in commendation of the English Am-
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? arr. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 181
bassador there present, and when the Pope's Nuntio had said that James
was not a Catholik, and not to be relyed upon, the prince immediately re-
plyed, ' that Rex de Angleterra did believe in Jesus Christ, but what
others did believe he knew not. ' P. Paolo and the seven divines, and many . 4
others, sent for Bedell and entreated him to desire the Lord Ambassadour
to deliver the king's book immediately to the prince, and did urge him
and persuade him to doe it, by all possible motives from reason and reli-
gion, keeping himself still within the bounds of modesty and moderation
towards him whose servant, most observant of his Lord and Master he
was, and referring himself still to his wisdom and better iudgment. When
he had said all that he could, the Lord Ambassadour's answer was no more
than this, that he was instructed not to deliver the king's book but on St.
James day which was approaching, and when that day came the State was
reconciled to the Pope, and then when on that fatall day the booke was
delivered, the answer was this: That they thanked the king for his goode
will, but were now reconciled to the Pope, and therefore more resolved not
to admit of any change in their religion according to their articles of ag-
greement with his Holiness. VVhich said answer had almost broke the hart
of D. Bedell, Padre Paulo and of many others that were ready to entertain
the gospel of reformation, as ready as the Israelites to march away from
Pharaoh. "
Considerable insight into the affairs of the church of Venice is ob-
tained from the letters of Mr. Bed'ell to the preceptor of prince Henry,
in which he mentioned several steps which he deemed absolutely neces-
sary towards reform.
" The first. To maintain the States here in heart and courage a-
gainst the Pope, and that which they most fear the power of Spain
by which he is backed.
"The second. To increase the number of those that have received
any light of the truth.
" The third. To formalize and unite into some body of a congre-
gation, some part at least of that great number who now stand alienat-
ed in heart and tongue from Rome, " and in a prior letter, " All
changes in religion seem to me to come from reasons of conscience or
of state, for the former it should be necessary thereto that the ma-
gistrates and people in some regardable number should be informed
of the present abuses, and they offer or these call for redress, a great
work and whereto much time and many instruments would be re-
quisite, save that sometimes the excellency and dexterity of a few
works more than the number of many. Some there are here as ad-
mirably fitted thereto as could be Wished: Master Paulo and his
scholar Fulgentio, Servites, both of great learning, piety, humility,
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? 132 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
discretion, integrity of life, and, Which is specially to be considered as
to our purpose, in great account with all sorts and deservedly; having
in the late controversy served their country so faithfully as the Pope
. 'conns them little thanks for their labour, the former for a long time
lived in Rome, and is holden for a miracle in all manner of knowledge,
divine and human, the chief counsellor of this Signory in their af-
fairs ecclesiastical. The other was some time reader of Scholastic Divinity
in Bononia (Bologna), the Pope's University, out of which place he
was called home, or turned out when the quarrel began; his books are
still detained. He is said to be an excellent preacher, and of his
sermons, I think came the report out of England, in print, of certain
preaching here the last Lent. These two I know, as having practised
with them, to desire nothing in the world so much as the rqformat/ion
of the Church, and in a word for 'the substance of religion they are
wholly ours, what effect now the force of truth may have in the
mouths of such men I leave to your consideration. Sundry of the
Senate and nobility do extraordinarly favor them and their opinions,
the general doctrines which I mentioned before did much good. Private
conferences have more freedom and no less fruit; the name of Papa-
lini, given to the Popish faction, argues somewhat the banishment of
the Jesuits, another no ill sign how the minds of men be affected, and
although it be no small disadvantage that the government here is in
the hands of so many in such sort, 'it will not serve to work one, or
two, or ten, yet hath it some commodity that voices being given by
balls secretly, every man doth freely, without regard of others displea-
sure, sway whether his conscience leads him. Concluding then this
discourse, Reformation by that bye way, or persuasion of the conscience,
though slowlier seems no way to be dispaired of in Venice. "
Sir Henry Wotton had wished that Diodati should have come
to Venice the year before, in order to form a congregation of those
who leant to a reformation in religion, and Bedell further informed
his correspondent that he was detained, first, because it was winter,
and then by his own engagements, and Sir Henry Wotton then wrote
to him not to come till he saw the effect of the volumes of the Holy
Scriptures Which had been sent to Venice. However, Diodati did come
to Venice, in company with a gentleman of Geneva, his cousin and
nephew, both young men, and a French gentleman sent from M. du
Plessis, from Saumur.
" He had divers meetings and conferences with the Fathers, Fra
Paolo etc. , at which both myself and this bearer were present, he
can report to you the particular points discoursed.
"It was told him by M. Paulo, that no fewer than 12,000 in this
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? arr. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 133
city were enlightened- more or less with the truth, and alienated
from Home. That yet among the nobility, nothing could be moved
until there were some occasion of breach with the Pope; with them
therefore he would not that he should yet deal,_ but with others to
Whom he should be brought, chiefly merchants, Germans, Flemings,
French, of whom not long before' a certain French gentlemen had
made a list with the several sums they would contribute to a minister,
that he might try the dispositions of so many as he could. Yet for
his part he thought the matter not yet disposed to receive such a
form as was to be desired, he propourded first other meetings to be
used by way of conscience and talk, whereby men might come to
know one another and inform themselves better of religion ere any
exercises were erected.
" Now, sir, you shall understand that the French gentleman, whose
name Was M. Papillon, having indeed conversed with M. Paulo and
being animated by him to take that pains, whether out of mistaking
him, or hoping to facilitate the business by that means, had used that
motive, that the Prince and Senate did not abhor herefrom but would
favour and further this course. Whereupon the merchants being not ill
affected, and seeing no fear of danger, were very forward, and would
stick for no money, hoping especially to do a thing that the Signory
should take in good part, and the gentleman being desirous that such
a good work should take place, presently, according to the humour of
some, and very common to many of that nation thought all done which
is desired, and hereupon filled the reformed churches in all France with
the noise that Venice would shortly fall from the Pope, a harder work
and of longer time, as well appeared even by those who had thus far
engaged themselves, for some when they perceived that they ran the hazard
of their goods (and liberty, presently draw back: so hard a thing it is to
follow Christ with the conditions of the cross and leaving all; Others,
although making profession, were yet known to live scandalously, and what
security could there be to commit to the conscience of such men, a business
of this sort. It was urged by myself with some eanestness that at least
some beginning might he made of a congregation, although it were but of a
very few faithful and sound persons, which like a little snow falling upon
the top of a hill, would gather more and more to it in time. A form of
separation was presented, which might serve for the profession of such as
should be admitted, and for a confession of the faith, it was showed that
good advantage might be taken of a short sum of the Scripture printed
here in Venice in the year 1567, before the Bible in Italian, with the li-
cense of the Inquisition, which embraces all necessary and fundamental-
points of faith without even the least touch of Popish corruption. That for
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? 184 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
a liturgy and form of ministering the Lord's Supper, if it should be thought
fit to use that of the French Churches, it was already in the Italian, and
we had the Book, if they thought ours _fitter, which I had shewed the
Fathers before in Latin, and Diodati had seen, it should not be long
ere the same should be put in Italian, as indeed then I had begun it, and
since have finished.
" It was added that the affections of men since the peace with Rome grew
colder and colder, that it was a principle of war that when our strength
is at the best, and that of the adversaries may encrease, if ever, we must
fight; but Diodati thought it not fit to hazard the whole upon so small
a hope, especially considering that none of the nobility did join. They want-
ed also a fit person to be minister, for both himself was none but only
reader of divinity and Hebrew, and he doubted that his travaile should
be of more use and necessity to the Church of God in Geneva, than it
could be here, altho professing his readiness to be employed in this business
if he might see hope of doing good. The Fathers prevented my offer of
myself with saying that it was not fit nor convenient with regard of jealousy
of state, no, nor that I should be present often at any such ridotti or
meetings as we before had thought of for the second intention; thus was
that deliberation broken off with this only fruit that Diodati travailed
with Fra Paulo to put more spirit and courage in him, and to stir him up to
avail'"'hi'mself both of the great graces that God hath given him, and that
favour and authority which he had with these Signors to the glory of God
in the advancement of the truth. He departed also with full information of
the state of this place, and prepared to send thither some young scholars,
who should be as schoolmasters in the houses of some who desired it, not
letting pass to read the Holy Scriptures, and use secret instructions until
more fit occasion should be more publicly offered, such success had that
journey, which we had well hoped should have brought with it the per-
fect judgment of this Church's recovery.
" N ow as physicians of our bodies are by anticipating an imperfect crisis
sometimes remitted over to another critical day, so are we.
" And that shall be I hope the preaching of Mons. Fulgentio, this Lent,
who is resolved, leaving the friarly course of the ordinary postillers, to
preach Christ Jesus and that will be the ruin of Antichrist. " '
As Mr. Bedell refers to his translation of the Cammon Prayer Book
into Latin, we again quote from the Speculum Episcoporum. This valua-
ble MS. informs us, " that, by the help of P. Paulo, Mr. Bedell
learned the Italian tongue and was suddenly so much master of it as if he
had beene an Italian borne, as P. P. said to the Lord Ambassadour, in so
1 Original Letters. Bedell. "New year's day in our own style. 1607. " - Venice.
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? . -E1'. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI . 135
much that the most of his sermons in Venice are written in the Italian
. tongue or in Latin, none excelled (Bedell) since Erasmus brought in the
purity of it. '
" To requite P. Paulo's assistance to him in acquiring the Italian tongue,
he wrote an English Grammar, and many also desired to learn it for re-
1igion's sake, and he translated the Common Prayer Book into Latin, which
P.
of acts of faith, and specifying as a subject those things which are not
specified, is to give in to old abuses. Why not leave in ambiguity what has
been left so till now? I heard say once, and I leave it to the judgment of
the intelligent, that the articles of faith are established, he who does not
receive them has no faith and is an infidel, but he that besides these
articles believes anything else for an article, and separates from others, is
a sectarian; and I do not see you are in this danger, because you leave
the matter in suspense. They have more reason to think of it who made
the article, but I do not think they will separate from one who does not
admit it as certain. Indeed the old abuses creep in still, and those which
drove away the tyrant from the Republic, though out of zeal he is offered
to acquire dominion again. Thanks be to God if he remains within
bounds. "
France again offered to aid the Doge by force of arms, but advised peace.
The Spanish Minister continued to make fair promises to Paul; ' at this
Venice was disquieted, but her preparations for war both by sea and land
progressed. Her sailors were ready to serve her, her arsenal resounded
with the strokes of the hammer, and many new galleys were added to her
renowned fleet. Sarpi on no occasion displayed fear, and his intrepid
conduct and powerful arguments still continued to encourage the Doge
and Senate to resistance. '
A little more, and Venice might have been lost to Rome for ever, un-
fortunately for her all her great men were not wise men. Much infor-
1 Sottilissima invenzione, June 19, 1606. Sarpi MS.
2 Ofi? . ? Papa in Spagna, p. 52, Sarpi, MS.
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? 157. 54. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 121
mation is obtained from a letter of M. Abain, ' as to the State of affairs
at Rome with respect to Venice-,1the Cardinal du Perron assures King
Henry, " that Donato; the Doge of Venice, is of that faction which
always kept the Republic in fear of giving offence to Spain. " He adds
that " the GrandDuke of Tuscany had lately told him that the said Donato
had hindered the Venetians from rising, and said in full Senate, ' that
they must not trifle with the King of Spain, although, " the Cardinal
continues, " other sentiments might have drawn Donato and his party to
other ideas, " still, there is more than sufficient to prove that fear of
Spain held Donato back, and was one of the grand obstacles which stood
in Sarpi's way to severance from the Court of Rome. He looked for re-
form in religion when there was a change in the State, and it is for his
countrymen now to ponder on what he meant. He gave honor to the Doge
Donato as a great and good man, but it must not be overlooked that he
wrote " as a Prince he was nothing. " ' This must mean, that as Doge he
had very little power, but there can be no doubt that Sarpi hoped that
Donato would be able to exercise greater independance towards Rome.
He was too keen sighted not to know the great advantage that would
accrue to his country did she free herself from the Roman yoke, and it is
amatter of astonishment that the wise men of Italy, who have in some
measure broken the civil and ecclesiastical thraldom in which the Pope
kept their country, do not wholly free themselves by a return to the eccles-
iastical polity of days gone by.
Fra Paolo soon furnished another able work in favor of the Republic,
" The Apologia," a volume consisting of 132 pages quarto. On its titlepage
is an engraving. The Saviour with his right hand points to the world at his
feet, and around the engraving are these words, " Regnum meum non est
de hoe mnndo " (John xvrn, 36), to which Christ draws attention by the
forefin/gei of the left hand. " Europe, Asia, Africa, and America," are written
on the globe. The whole is a solemn appeal to 'the reader, and prepares
his mind for the pages which follow, which were read with interest and
admiration. Sarpi knew the magnitude and justice of the cause he defend-
'\
1 Appendix, 1-Oth-J. u. l. y, MS. Bib. Imp. 1/11/2'? . . ? L/~/'? ? r;,. .
'3 A full Senate was composed of the oge, six counsellors, three heads of
the forty criminal judges, six Savi of the Council of the Pregadi or Senate,
commonly called the Great Savi, five Savi of Terra Firma, and five of the
Savi. It convoked the Senate, deliberated on affairs of state, received ambas-
sadors, aud in fact was the principal part of the Government of the Republic.
But the reader need scarcely be reminded of the power of the Council of
Ten, which at that period took cognizance of every affair of state, and
without whom neither Doge or full Senate could act. Vide, Paolo V (Cornet's),
presented by the Abbate Valentenelli. '
8 MS. '
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? 122 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1606.
ed. The rights of the Church of Rome had been advocated and exalted
beyond their limits; God was dishonoured thereby, and this true but
humble soldier of the cross again drew from the'mighty arsenal of the
Holy Scriptures well tried weapons, and from the Fathers and Councils
arguments against such infractions of the laws of heaven. The style is
simple and agreeable, the dignity of the subject is felt, and the untenable
position of the Pope is pointed out with the hand of a master; but there
is no railing or assumption, and this work is still valued. Fra Fulgenzio
praises/1he modesty of the writing, the profundity of the doctrine, and
_ the sufficiency of the defence. " Fra Paolo showed by the Apologia that
he was not convinced by the arguments of the Cardinal Bellarmine.
If he had listened to the offers made to him by the Court of Rome,
he would have been preferred to the highest dignities of the Church,
but he was a man of honor. He had promised to serve the State of
Venice and he did serve her; he held a place of great distinction,
which was a public acknowledgement of his piety, talents and high
character, but he found that his enemies still aimed at his des-
truction.
The next work which appeared, was "Le Confirmazioni. " Fra Ful-
genzio ascribes all the praise of it to Fra Paolo, although it was
written by the former. The writings of the Roman Court contained
many severe calumnies against the Republic, and Fra Paolo's anonymous
work was pronounced to be "rash, calumnious, scandalous, seditious,
schismatical, and heretical. " His "Considerazioni " was prohibited at
Rome, and all were declared excommunicated who read it. However,
the French Ambassador at Venice writes, "I hear that Cardinal Bel-
larmine has written in favor of the Pope, and that his book is in the
press, although what he said was as solid as a diamond, he will find
pens here to answer him. " '
This work was not published anonymously, and it is to be regret-
ted that the Cardinal was betrayed into expressions unworthy of his
character and his friendship for Sarpi, still such works are useful,
they convince the candid that the doctrines of the Jesuits are hetero-
dox. The -fact that this distinguished Cardinal endeavored to defend
what is indefensible, proved that, if for political reasons the doctrines
of the supremacy and the infallibility of the Pope, the sovereignty of
the people, probability, and many others have been occasionally sup-
ported by a Pope of Rome, these doctrines cannot be proved by
sound logic, and never have been Valued by the most profoundly
learned either in morals or in theology. A system of religious opinions
which required a man to write against his will by command in favor
of the Pope Paul V (and on more than one occasion Bellarmine de-
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? E1'. 54. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 123
clared that he did not agree with the Pope), cannot be orthodox-
christianity, but is an upholder of falsehood. It is profound as the ocean,
yet clear to its utmost depths, it is as high as the heavens, and yet
is not beyond the reach of the most simple. It is wide as the universe,
and yet cannot be bound within finite limits. It is divine, and there-
fore cannot be amalgamated with what is untrue.
It has been a cause of surprise that the Republic of Venice did
not, upon a perusal of the monitory of Paul V, instantly break with
the Court of Rome. She had not then discovered that if she advoca-
ted reform in the Church, her civil government would have greater
strength. The Doge did indeed say to the Nuncio, that the Republic
of Venice, like other states that had embraced reform in religion, might
separate from Rome; but the Venetians believed that reform was
schism, and did not consider, as did Sarpi, that the Pope by his in-
novations had changed, and also had added other articles of faith, as
well as observances and rites, to the Church of Rome. Sarpi and some
others were desirous that the Church should return to its primitive go-
vernment, and in so doing, he knew that the first great step ought to
be the abrogation of the temporal power of the Pope.
It was, and is, a great mistake to say that reform is change, if
by change, novelty is -meautrffi desire reform within the Church of
Rome is only to return to the old religion from which the Church of
Rome has changed. As the crust of time and noisome-damp may
deface a pillar, without touching its foundations; so, if these defects
be removed, the column remains entire, and more beautiful than
before. It was never pretended by Sarpi, that the Church of Rome
was not built upon Christ and His apostles. He again and again
repeats this; but he never denied that there were great abuses in
the Church, and he did not hesitate to obey the command of the Re-
public to enter her service, doubtless in the hope to uphold the
liberties of his country against the Pope, who,'' in temporal power
as well as spiritual, desired nothing less than the sovereignty of
Italy.
The power of the Pope was deemed exorbitant prior to the time
of Fra Paolo Sarpi. One of the earliest who argued against it was
Claude, Bishop of Turin, in the ninth century. He was Bishop of
the Valdesi, Waldenses, Albigenses, or Paterins. Sarpi mentions them,
and the reports of their enemies of them. " All the countries were in
communion and obedience of the Church of Rome, only, in a small
part, that is, on thattract where the Alps joined the Pyrenees, were
some remainder of the old Waldenses or Albigenses. " When Italy
succumbed to the Pope, after the valorous Arnold of Brescia suffered
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? 124 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1606-
death, the Waldenses never yielded. In 1180, they were in Lombardy;
and in the thirteenth century, were in Rome. In 1231, Gregory IX
issued a ball against them; but in Milan, Como, Cremona, Venetia
and Naples, Sicily and Genoa, they were to be found in numbers.
In 1370, they went to Pragela, in Calabria, " enriching the land for
the space of two hundred years, and sharing in the revival of letters,"
and a learned writer remarks also, on the first gleam of light which
shone on that remote spot of Italy where they found an asylum.
It does not appear that Sarpi knew that there were in Venetia
many of this primitive Church of Italy who had held the faith
delivered by Christ the Saviour to the Apostles, but he thus pities
their sufi'erings elsewhere. " While they met in Trent to convince he-
resies by a Council they did the same. by arms against a small remainder
of the Waldenses, poor creatures who had neither weapons or thought
otherwise than to defend themselves by flight, it is certain that four
thousand were slain, who without defence desired mercy. " Sarpi notices
that the Duke of Savoy made a composition with them which displeased
the Pope, and that this took place after a battle in which the Duke lost
seven thousand men and slew but fourteen of the enemy. In 1500 the Wal-
denses had a house of learning at Florence, presided over by their '
Barbes or Ancients, they had Bishops from the time of Constantine
who did not receive their authority from the Pope; ' they preserved
their liturgy.
The reader will pardon this digression, as any notice of the Church
of Italy must be incomplete without mention of the Waldenses, but
they have shared in the enlightened policy of Victor Emmanuel, the
valorous King of Italy, they are again established in Florence, in an
ample college; the head of which, President Revel, unites rare qualities
of head and heart, and is able by his great knowledge of the dead lan-
guages to superintend the publication of the Italian Bible of Diodati,
the friend of sarpiff -
To return, a perusal of the various histories of the Interdict, and an exa-
mination of many MSS. relative to it must convince their readers that the
authority of the Pope was considerably impaired by these disputes with
Venice. Paul V had gone too far, the eyes of men were opened, at least par-
tially, and Venetia beheld herself injured by one who ought to have been
her friend. Preparations to carry her cause by force of arms continued.
The Pope, flattered by the promises of Spain, determined to proceed to
extremities against Venice, and Sarpi, far from dissuading the Senate
from war, appears always to have upheld it in that resolve, if necessary.
I Card. Rainerius; Bunsen's, Elementa Liturgica.
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? arr. 54. ] FBA PAOLO SARPI 125
Poland, Holland, Tuscany, Modena, France, and Savoy were ready to aid,
especially the three last mentioned; the King of Great Britain (who dis-
tinguished Sarpi by inviting him to England at a later period) urged the
Doge to perseverance.
If we now cast a long gaze down the vista of past ages, what meets our
view? The Doge Donato, on the appointment of the Admiral of the fleet,
taking his way to the arsenal, and having passed through the memorial
gates of the battle of Lepanto, proceeding to pay the sailors who were
about to fight for their country. One million and five hundred thousand
ducats in shining heaps lay before the Doge, they had been brought from
the treasury, and a chain of solid gold measuring one hundred feet in
length hung around. The people were unanimous in their loyalty to their
prince, and their acclamations were loud and long in his favor, a more
striking scene cannot well be imagined, it is one well worthy of a painter:
the Senators, the Savi, the Secretaries, the aged Doge, the countenances
and picturesque dress of his brave soldiers and sailors, nor would the Ser-
vite be wanting there. If he had not leisure to go down from the chamber
in the Ducal palace, Where Galileo says he was always to be found, and
mingle with the crowd, he could take a rapid glance of the stirring scene
from thence, he could see the expression of indignation mingled with re-
solute valor, he could hear the shouts of his countrymen for their liber-
ties, and surely if ever a human being had reason to be satisfied, it was
Fra Paolo who knew how large was his share in this patriotic demon-
stration, it was no love of bloodshed that stimulated him to counsel war,
he had counselled peace if it could be maintained, but when the liberty
of his country was at stake, he did not scruple to raise his voice, and by
his energy to support her courage, valor and renown.
He, however, soon after learned that the adherents of the Pope at the
Court of the King of France advised him to endeavour to reconcile Venice
to Rome. Proposals were made but rejected, the Venetian counsellors
did not approve of them, and Sarpi could ill conceal his dislike against
" a congregation of war, " composed of fifteen Cardinals, all in the Spa-
nish interest.
The Doge bore this news with fortitude; the King of Great Bri-
tain again proffered aid, promising to incite the King of Denmark and
the Princes of Germany to join him; but a heavy blow now fell on
Venice, her Theologian was summoned to answer for his conduct at
the tribunal of the Inquisition. He excused himself from appearing
there, not only because of the little security given to him, but he pro-
tested his innocence, his submission to the Church, named the works
which he had Written in the service of the State, begged the inquisitors
to cite the exceptionable passages, and said he was ready to bow to the
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? 126' THE LIFE OF [AJ)-1606.
Cardinals, except Bellarmine, that if they refused this, he could only
add there was nothing in his works which deserved censure. '
No one can for an instant suppose that the Senate, much less Le-
onardo Donato, would permit Sarpi to go to Rome. If he had set out
on his journey publicly, the people of Venice would have risen to
prevent him; such was their veneration for "Paul the Venetian, " and
such the strong feeling of these independent citizens against the Pope
of Rome. This is a subject too little considered; it needed but to
convince the understanding of the Venetians that their liberties were
infringed, and for a time even superstition was flung to the winds.
It was not cowardice that made Fra Paolo decline to go to Rome-,
we have seen that he looked on the excommunication of the Pope
as null and void, he had defended a righteous cause, and in reply to
the charges brought against his writings in favor of the laws and
dominion of his Prince, he could point to the Holy Book of God and
repeat, " Rex qui judicat in veritate pauperes thronus ejus in aeternum
firmabitur. "
Of the citation to Rome, Fra F. Micanzio writes, "Notwithstanding
his moderation, it was not in his power to prevent his being cited to
Rome to give account of his writings. To which citation he answered
by a manifesto which is in print, wherein he proved the nullity of
the citation, and the impossibility of his going to Rome. It has never
been confuted. What followed will show whether he had reason to
trust himself there, or whether it was just, as he had humbly peti-
tioned that some place be assigned where he might make his defence
before proceeding further. It seemed that God, the Just Judge, at
the time that this tempest of persecution arose against him, consoled
and comforted him; and as the Divine Majesty does not lay heavier
burdens upon His servants than what by His divine grace they are
able to bear, the fatigue of his office increasing as well as persecution,
he was cured of those grievous infirmities of body which he had borne
with admirable patience, and notwithstanding the weakness of his con-
stitution, he was as well as he could desire. At this time he was about
55 years of age, October 30, 1606. "
Fra Paolo shewed great leniency to those who " either from scruples-of
conscience, faction or interest disobeyed the public orders, not one of
them was punished by death at Venice, he coincided with the clemency
of the government, and excused whatever was capable of excuse in the
accused. " Two of the seven theologians " were induced to disregard the
law of conscience, and to desert the cause they once espoused, but such
1 Manifesto.
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? Er. 54. ] . . FHA PAOLO saarr 127
was the opinion even of Fra Paolo's enemies of his integrity, that
having tempted all the others by means most likely to shake their fidelity,
they dared not even address a word to him on the subject. And it is a
fact, that Alessandrini, an intimate friend of his, on going from Rome to
Venice, had strict orders to remove Paolo and Fulgenzio from the
service of the Republic. But the General of the Servi answered, " that as
to Padre Paolo he could not have the least influence, " and on his wai-
ting on the Cardinal d'Ascoli, he said openly, "that he had read P. Paolo's
works; that it would be lost labor, and his removal need not be at-
tempted. This great prelate. knew the justice of the Venetian cause, and
that his incorruptibility was such that he was as impenetrable to the
enticements as to the bribes or threats of the Court of Rome. " '
A change now came over the state of affairs. After long delay and
circumlocution, Lerma, the Prime Minister of Spain determined to
endeavor to effect an accommodation between Venice and Rome, and
deputed his nephew, Don Cardenas, to go to Venice. Still her counsellors,
Fra Paolo and the Republic were determined not to yield, especially as
they knew that Lerma had deceived the Pope, and in reality had no
intention of making war with him against Venetia.
The Cardinal du Perron and the other French Cardinals took care
that Henry IV should not join the Republic against the Pope, the Doge
and Senate preferred to treat with French mediators, but they gave a
magnificent reception to the Spanish Ambassador extraordinary; not one,
however, of all the high dignitaries of the Church who accompanied him
dared to broach the subject of bribery to Sarpi.
But he was mortal, and why should not he be tempted to leave"the
path of honor and turn aside from his duty to his God and to his
Prince'? So some thought, but they were mistaken. At the Sechini's
house a spy tried to ingratiate himself with him by abuse of the Pope, but
Sarpi was unmoved; what touched him more nearly was to see how little
good had accrued from this long and painful struggle, little to what he
had hoped, although great in reality to Europe. It was unfortunate for
Venetia that the chief mediators, who were ultimately allowed to treat
for her, had forsaken the reformed religion, and were in consequence more
zealous for their newly adopted papistical opinions, and more attached to
the Court of Rome than Sarpi.
The first of these was King HenrVIV his advisers the Cardinal du Per-
ron, and M. de Canaye. /
Fra Paolo was little esteemed by the Cardinal, his remarks have been
reprehended by some authors and ridiculed by others. They are at least
1 MS.
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? 128 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
singular. " Je ne remarquerai rien d'eminent de cet homme, je ne vois
rien que de commun et un peu plus que moine. " This criticism on Paolo
produced the retort, " M. le Cardinal du Perron etoit un bel esprit, mais
pas savant. " Let us briefly sketch his career. He was born 1. 566, and
was educated by the Reformed, and at the age of twenty had made great
attainments in the Latin, Greek and Hebrew tongues, and at the court
of Henry IV was regarded as a young man of rare endowments. As a
controversialist, his talents attracted attention, but like most people given
to change, his abilities were more brilliant than profound. He embraced
Popery, and seldom has there been so zealous a proselytiser. He was the
applauded orator of the funeral oration of Mary Queen of Scots; by his
remonstrance, the Secretary of the Queen of Navarre renounced the re-
formed religion; and it has been noticed that he is believed to have par-
tially influenced King Henry IV in his conformation to popery. He as-
sisted in the conference between the Reformed and the Papists at Fon-
tainebleau when he triumphed over de Mornay, but not without reproach
from his royal Master, who had rejected with disdain a Writing drawn
up by the Cardinal and others for the King to sign as his creed on uniting
himself to the Church of Rome. Du Perron had lived at Venice before he
was deputed to arrange matters between the Pope and the Venetians.
The third mediator, de Canaye, at fifteen years of age embraced the
reformed religion, and after long travel in foreign parts, practised law
in Paris, where his appointment as Counsellor to Henry III was opposed
on account of his religion, but Henry of-Navarre took him into his most
secret counsels, and intrusted him with various embassies. He discharg-
ed his duties as President of the parliament of Toulouse with great
ability. In the year 1600 he reentered the communion of the Church of
Rome, upon which he was complimented hy Clement VIII, was ambas-
sador to Venice in 1601, and now he bent every energy to effect a
reconciliation between her and the Pope. Truth demands the statement
of his vacbllating opinions, but it is only justice to M. Canaye to affirm
that he bore a high character, and this is apparent by the letters of
Fra Paolo. '
It was useless to expect that either king Henry, du Perron or de
Canaye, but late members of her communion, would advise Venetia to
break with Rome. Fra Paolo had hoped for a better result, still he
was pleased that France and not Spain should mediate for Venice.
The Pope was uneasy at the continued differences, and seeing that
these still encouraged the perusal of works against his authority, he
began to give some signs of reconciliation, but always insisted on the
return of the Jesuits to Venice.
The year 1607, therefore, opened with some prospect of adjustment, but
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? E1'. 55] FRA PAOLO SARPI 129
with no intention on the part of the Doge, Senate, or their Counsellors
to readmit the Jesuits. The threats of the Pope, not to listen to an
accommodation unless they returned to Venetia, were summarily disre-
garded. Fra Paolo knew what an array of foes he thus marshalled against
him, but he felt it to be his duty to give counsel against a measure
fraught with evil to the State. Spain and France still contended for the
/ honor of the final mediatorship, but it would be tedious to recount all
the delays and various rejected propositions of the Senate, lliere was
some hope that France would act justly, and king', Henry IV, who was
fully apprized of all concerning the Venetians, at last determined to send
Cardinal Joyeuse to Venice to affect an accommodation, which after
much discussion' was agreed upon, the Venetians maintaining their re-
solution not to readmit the Jesuits; this resolve had again nearly frustrated
all attempts at an accommodation, but the Senate was firm; their Coun-
sellor was doubly watchful of any infringement of the honor of his
country, and these proposals were at last accepted, -- that the kings of
France and Spain request the Pope to raise the Interdict; that the
two ecclesiastics be given up as a favour to the king of France, with-
out any prejudice as to the power of the Doge and Senate of Venice
over ecclesiastics; that the protest against the Interdict be withdrawn, and
as in reality the Pope had been the aggressor, that he should be thanked
for asking an accommodation.
Sarpi has been censured because he would not consent to the word
" revoke " the interdict, in place of " raise " the interdict in the manife-
sto of the accommodation of the protest. To admit that it was revoked was
to admit that Venice had received it, which she never did. The following
day the two ecclesiastics (prisoners) were delivered up to the Cardinal
J oyeuse, " at the request of the king of France, and without any prejudice
to the Republic, " the French ambassador answering, " that so he receiv-
ed them. " A deed being drawn out, they were then recommended to the
Ambassador, who took them under his protection, the Cardinal saying to
M. de Canaye as he passed, "These are the prisoners which are given
to the Pope, " and the Cardinal said, " Give them to such an one. "
Claudio Montano received them, and begged the Minister of Justice to
keep them in custody. This done, the Cardinal departed with the Am-
bassador to find the Doge, but he had passed from the Ducal chapel,
with the Lords and Savi to the College, where they were all sitting
in their usual places.
Sarpi affirms distinctly that absolution never was given; it is plain
from the above that the Doge and Senate would not receive it, and Sarpi
drew up the small work entitled Particular information on the accom-
modation, in consequence of a rumour having been spread that the Car-
9
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? 130 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
dinal Joyeuse gave absolution to the College; 'tie' had intended that a
great demonstration should have been made, that amid the plaudits of the
multitude, the loud voice of cannon, the thrilling tones of the cathedral
bells, the Pope of Rome should have told out to the world that Venice
had been absolved; that she had repented and was pardoned, but the Doge
would not permit any sign of concession. Not a cannon was fired, not a bell
poured its chimes on theear ofde J oyeuse, not a sound evinced either
pleasure or regret. The churches were filled to overflowing, as they had been
all the time of the dispute between Venetia and Rome. What wasreally
felt was heard only in the private houses of the Venetians, and there were
not a few who secretly regretted the accommodation, and judged that their
liberties had been compromised. Venice had missed the golden opportu-
nity of freeing herself from the Court of Rome; it cost her dear.
The Cardinal J oyeuse wished to visit Fra Paolo, but the Senate forbade
an interview and he did not wish it, the Cardinal remonstrated in vain,
he had bent the Pope to his purpose, but he could neither influence the
Senate or their Theologian.
. Little mention has yet been made of those who shared Fra Paolo's wishes
with regard to the reformation of the Church of Venice, and who from
time to time might be found in his society.
The English Ambassador, Sir Henry Wotton, evinced anxiety on this
subject, and he was ably supported by his learned chaplain Mr. Bedell, who
arrived at Venice shortly before the accommodation. Eager to make the
acquaintance of Fra Paolo, he wrote to him, and the Servite admitted him
to his cell and to his studies, and discoursed with him on religious subjects.
Grave, but of agreeable demeanour, Bedell won the regard of Fra Paolo,
and although Bedell was twenty five years his junior, Paolo acknowledged
with gratitude, " that he had learned more from him than from any other
divine. "
Paolo had wished that the Doge's attention should be directed to " a
premonition to all Christian Princes and States, " lately writen by James,
king of Great Britain, but Bedell had failed to persuade Sir Ilenry Wotton
to present this book to the Doge; on which the biographer of Bedell re-
marks, " I have heard him say he was displeased with the Lord Ambas-
sadour, but in this one thing, when the difference between the Venetians
and the Pope was growne to the highest, and there seemed not to be one
' step between their rejection of him and his Popery for ever, and none ever
forsook him that were more likely to doe it upon most rationall and Chris-
tianlike terms. When the Prince, in his speech in the Senate house had
spoken in much praise and consideration of king James, and that things
were not so bad as men bare the world in hand, intending to let discord
between prince, and something alo in commendation of the English Am-
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? arr. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 181
bassador there present, and when the Pope's Nuntio had said that James
was not a Catholik, and not to be relyed upon, the prince immediately re-
plyed, ' that Rex de Angleterra did believe in Jesus Christ, but what
others did believe he knew not. ' P. Paolo and the seven divines, and many . 4
others, sent for Bedell and entreated him to desire the Lord Ambassadour
to deliver the king's book immediately to the prince, and did urge him
and persuade him to doe it, by all possible motives from reason and reli-
gion, keeping himself still within the bounds of modesty and moderation
towards him whose servant, most observant of his Lord and Master he
was, and referring himself still to his wisdom and better iudgment. When
he had said all that he could, the Lord Ambassadour's answer was no more
than this, that he was instructed not to deliver the king's book but on St.
James day which was approaching, and when that day came the State was
reconciled to the Pope, and then when on that fatall day the booke was
delivered, the answer was this: That they thanked the king for his goode
will, but were now reconciled to the Pope, and therefore more resolved not
to admit of any change in their religion according to their articles of ag-
greement with his Holiness. VVhich said answer had almost broke the hart
of D. Bedell, Padre Paulo and of many others that were ready to entertain
the gospel of reformation, as ready as the Israelites to march away from
Pharaoh. "
Considerable insight into the affairs of the church of Venice is ob-
tained from the letters of Mr. Bed'ell to the preceptor of prince Henry,
in which he mentioned several steps which he deemed absolutely neces-
sary towards reform.
" The first. To maintain the States here in heart and courage a-
gainst the Pope, and that which they most fear the power of Spain
by which he is backed.
"The second. To increase the number of those that have received
any light of the truth.
" The third. To formalize and unite into some body of a congre-
gation, some part at least of that great number who now stand alienat-
ed in heart and tongue from Rome, " and in a prior letter, " All
changes in religion seem to me to come from reasons of conscience or
of state, for the former it should be necessary thereto that the ma-
gistrates and people in some regardable number should be informed
of the present abuses, and they offer or these call for redress, a great
work and whereto much time and many instruments would be re-
quisite, save that sometimes the excellency and dexterity of a few
works more than the number of many. Some there are here as ad-
mirably fitted thereto as could be Wished: Master Paulo and his
scholar Fulgentio, Servites, both of great learning, piety, humility,
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? 132 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
discretion, integrity of life, and, Which is specially to be considered as
to our purpose, in great account with all sorts and deservedly; having
in the late controversy served their country so faithfully as the Pope
. 'conns them little thanks for their labour, the former for a long time
lived in Rome, and is holden for a miracle in all manner of knowledge,
divine and human, the chief counsellor of this Signory in their af-
fairs ecclesiastical. The other was some time reader of Scholastic Divinity
in Bononia (Bologna), the Pope's University, out of which place he
was called home, or turned out when the quarrel began; his books are
still detained. He is said to be an excellent preacher, and of his
sermons, I think came the report out of England, in print, of certain
preaching here the last Lent. These two I know, as having practised
with them, to desire nothing in the world so much as the rqformat/ion
of the Church, and in a word for 'the substance of religion they are
wholly ours, what effect now the force of truth may have in the
mouths of such men I leave to your consideration. Sundry of the
Senate and nobility do extraordinarly favor them and their opinions,
the general doctrines which I mentioned before did much good. Private
conferences have more freedom and no less fruit; the name of Papa-
lini, given to the Popish faction, argues somewhat the banishment of
the Jesuits, another no ill sign how the minds of men be affected, and
although it be no small disadvantage that the government here is in
the hands of so many in such sort, 'it will not serve to work one, or
two, or ten, yet hath it some commodity that voices being given by
balls secretly, every man doth freely, without regard of others displea-
sure, sway whether his conscience leads him. Concluding then this
discourse, Reformation by that bye way, or persuasion of the conscience,
though slowlier seems no way to be dispaired of in Venice. "
Sir Henry Wotton had wished that Diodati should have come
to Venice the year before, in order to form a congregation of those
who leant to a reformation in religion, and Bedell further informed
his correspondent that he was detained, first, because it was winter,
and then by his own engagements, and Sir Henry Wotton then wrote
to him not to come till he saw the effect of the volumes of the Holy
Scriptures Which had been sent to Venice. However, Diodati did come
to Venice, in company with a gentleman of Geneva, his cousin and
nephew, both young men, and a French gentleman sent from M. du
Plessis, from Saumur.
" He had divers meetings and conferences with the Fathers, Fra
Paolo etc. , at which both myself and this bearer were present, he
can report to you the particular points discoursed.
"It was told him by M. Paulo, that no fewer than 12,000 in this
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? arr. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 133
city were enlightened- more or less with the truth, and alienated
from Home. That yet among the nobility, nothing could be moved
until there were some occasion of breach with the Pope; with them
therefore he would not that he should yet deal,_ but with others to
Whom he should be brought, chiefly merchants, Germans, Flemings,
French, of whom not long before' a certain French gentlemen had
made a list with the several sums they would contribute to a minister,
that he might try the dispositions of so many as he could. Yet for
his part he thought the matter not yet disposed to receive such a
form as was to be desired, he propourded first other meetings to be
used by way of conscience and talk, whereby men might come to
know one another and inform themselves better of religion ere any
exercises were erected.
" Now, sir, you shall understand that the French gentleman, whose
name Was M. Papillon, having indeed conversed with M. Paulo and
being animated by him to take that pains, whether out of mistaking
him, or hoping to facilitate the business by that means, had used that
motive, that the Prince and Senate did not abhor herefrom but would
favour and further this course. Whereupon the merchants being not ill
affected, and seeing no fear of danger, were very forward, and would
stick for no money, hoping especially to do a thing that the Signory
should take in good part, and the gentleman being desirous that such
a good work should take place, presently, according to the humour of
some, and very common to many of that nation thought all done which
is desired, and hereupon filled the reformed churches in all France with
the noise that Venice would shortly fall from the Pope, a harder work
and of longer time, as well appeared even by those who had thus far
engaged themselves, for some when they perceived that they ran the hazard
of their goods (and liberty, presently draw back: so hard a thing it is to
follow Christ with the conditions of the cross and leaving all; Others,
although making profession, were yet known to live scandalously, and what
security could there be to commit to the conscience of such men, a business
of this sort. It was urged by myself with some eanestness that at least
some beginning might he made of a congregation, although it were but of a
very few faithful and sound persons, which like a little snow falling upon
the top of a hill, would gather more and more to it in time. A form of
separation was presented, which might serve for the profession of such as
should be admitted, and for a confession of the faith, it was showed that
good advantage might be taken of a short sum of the Scripture printed
here in Venice in the year 1567, before the Bible in Italian, with the li-
cense of the Inquisition, which embraces all necessary and fundamental-
points of faith without even the least touch of Popish corruption. That for
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? 184 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1607.
a liturgy and form of ministering the Lord's Supper, if it should be thought
fit to use that of the French Churches, it was already in the Italian, and
we had the Book, if they thought ours _fitter, which I had shewed the
Fathers before in Latin, and Diodati had seen, it should not be long
ere the same should be put in Italian, as indeed then I had begun it, and
since have finished.
" It was added that the affections of men since the peace with Rome grew
colder and colder, that it was a principle of war that when our strength
is at the best, and that of the adversaries may encrease, if ever, we must
fight; but Diodati thought it not fit to hazard the whole upon so small
a hope, especially considering that none of the nobility did join. They want-
ed also a fit person to be minister, for both himself was none but only
reader of divinity and Hebrew, and he doubted that his travaile should
be of more use and necessity to the Church of God in Geneva, than it
could be here, altho professing his readiness to be employed in this business
if he might see hope of doing good. The Fathers prevented my offer of
myself with saying that it was not fit nor convenient with regard of jealousy
of state, no, nor that I should be present often at any such ridotti or
meetings as we before had thought of for the second intention; thus was
that deliberation broken off with this only fruit that Diodati travailed
with Fra Paulo to put more spirit and courage in him, and to stir him up to
avail'"'hi'mself both of the great graces that God hath given him, and that
favour and authority which he had with these Signors to the glory of God
in the advancement of the truth. He departed also with full information of
the state of this place, and prepared to send thither some young scholars,
who should be as schoolmasters in the houses of some who desired it, not
letting pass to read the Holy Scriptures, and use secret instructions until
more fit occasion should be more publicly offered, such success had that
journey, which we had well hoped should have brought with it the per-
fect judgment of this Church's recovery.
" N ow as physicians of our bodies are by anticipating an imperfect crisis
sometimes remitted over to another critical day, so are we.
" And that shall be I hope the preaching of Mons. Fulgentio, this Lent,
who is resolved, leaving the friarly course of the ordinary postillers, to
preach Christ Jesus and that will be the ruin of Antichrist. " '
As Mr. Bedell refers to his translation of the Cammon Prayer Book
into Latin, we again quote from the Speculum Episcoporum. This valua-
ble MS. informs us, " that, by the help of P. Paulo, Mr. Bedell
learned the Italian tongue and was suddenly so much master of it as if he
had beene an Italian borne, as P. P. said to the Lord Ambassadour, in so
1 Original Letters. Bedell. "New year's day in our own style. 1607. " - Venice.
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? . -E1'. 55. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI . 135
much that the most of his sermons in Venice are written in the Italian
. tongue or in Latin, none excelled (Bedell) since Erasmus brought in the
purity of it. '
" To requite P. Paulo's assistance to him in acquiring the Italian tongue,
he wrote an English Grammar, and many also desired to learn it for re-
1igion's sake, and he translated the Common Prayer Book into Latin, which
P.
