Why not leave in
ambiguity
what has
been left so till now?
been left so till now?
Sarpi - 1868 - Life of Fra Paolo Sarpi
handle.
net/2027/uc1.
31158010289923 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.
hathitrust.
org/access_use#pd-google
? 114 '
CHAPTER VII.
A. D. 1606 -- A. D. 1607.
DoeE or Vrznroa. Leonardo Donato.
Sovnnmon or GERMANY. Rodolph II.
GaaAr BarrAm. James I.
FnAnon. Henry IV.
SnAps. Philip III.
TURKEY. Aehmet III.
Porn. Paul V.
'1'/\rr. /\/'/\/\/_\'/\/\I
Fra Paolo's loyalty. - Treatise on the Interdict. - Fra Fulgenzio Micanzio
chosen by Fra Paolo as his Coadjutor. -- Opinions. -- Signs of accommodation. -
Fra Paolo's works. -- The Doge prepares for war. -- Mediators. - Accom-
modation. - Reformation in Venice.
Fra Paolo, as well as the other Friars who acted according to the
commands of their Prince, did so conscientiously: they knew that their
allegianc/e after God,was due to him. The Pope had arrogated to himself
power over the Doge to which he was not entitled, and which therefore
was not to be obeyed; it would in fact be difficult to prove that he had
a right to exercise any authority whatever in Venetia.
Fra Paolo has shown in his works, more particularly in his letters, how
step by step the Pope had attained power, and why, although he was
obliged to tolerate the abuses of the Church of Rome, he still resolved to
remain in her communion. The Pope thought to bring Venice to his feet
by granting a jubilee to all but to her, but he little knew what was the
joy and consolation of Fra Paolo that the Gospel of Christ was preached
there in all its power, and that far above the fierce waves of controversy
he bade his fellow mortals raise their eyes to the Lamb of God who taketh
away the sin of the world. His was no semi-religion, he stripped humanity
of all vaunt, and bade his hearers trust in their Saviour in all simplicity,
and notwithstanding the varied attempts which have been made to crush
this fact, it still stands written by the pen and dictated by the heart of
. one who really served his God. Sarpi knew, as few else knew, the precipice
on which Venice stood if she were again reconciled to the Pope; with
all his toleration for the'Church of Rome he had little for the Court, he
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? arr. 54. ] FHA PAOLO SARPI 115
knew that a hand divine only could free his country from the tyranny
of papal power, he had a herculean task to perform in resistinglthe Pope,
but there is no doubt that he did effect a great work, in being one of the
members of the Church who dared to question the temporal and spiritual
power of the Popes, as well as many innovations, especially as to their
alleged supremacy and infallibility.
He was not altogether alone, there were a valiant few who shared} his
opinions, and their names appeared as those Theologians, who during the
first period of the Interdict were the defenders of Venice on the publication
of the treatise entitled " Trattato dell'Interdetto. "
" Fra Paolo, " writes M. de Thou, " the Theologian so celebrated in
this great affair, followed up the above work by a very learned and mo-
derate one entitled " Considerazioni. "
He begins by recounting the history of this dispute, its origin, and
progress, and puts in the clearest light all the false steps which the Car-
dinals caused the Pope to take, either from complacency or precipitancy.
He then shows the equity of the decrees attacked by the Holy See,
and proves victoriously the right of jurisdiction of princes over their ec-
clesiastical subjects, and that from the words of S. Peter and S. Paul,
and by quotations from the Fathers; also, that ecclesiastical exemption. is
only founded on the benevolence of princes, and having shown the plan of
this exemption, he cites an important passage from Pope Leo. He shows
that the power given by Christ to Peter was one to be used, but with
discretion. 'Manet ergo Petri privilegium nbicumque ex ipsis fertnr acqui-
tate judicium, nee nimia est vel severitas, vel remissio, ubi nihil erit liga-
tum, vel solutum, nisi quod Beatns Petrus solverit, ant ligaverit. ' And
also by the example of S. Paul withstanding S. Peter, what is the duty
of the Church, and in another place he shows that the Saviour had no
sooner given the keys to Peter which he elsewhere shows is figurative, but
he says to him, ' Vade post me Satanas, scandalnm es mihi qnia non sa-
pis quae Dei sunt sed quae hominum. ' The privilege granted to S. Peter
was only to be in force when judgment is founded on equity.
On its title page are the words, " Maledicent illi et tn benedices. "
Ps. 109, (" Let them curse, but bless thou, ") and the eye of Sarpi was
lifted upwards, while his foes showered anathemas upon him. He Was bles-
sed. It is by no means to be inferred that his works are faultless; great
allowance must be made for the writings of a friar of the Church of Rome
in the 16th century, emerging from the doctrine of the schools, and oblig-
ed, if his works were to be read at all by those he wished to convince, to
cite many authorities. But it must be borne in mind that some of these
authorities were reckoned heretical at Rome, and that however encum-
bered by them, there is throughout the Writings of Sarpi loyalty to God
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? 116 THE LIFE or {A. D. 1606.
and to his prince, a disbelief in the supremacy of the Pope to a council,
as also of his infallibility, and a constant appeal to the Holy Scriptures. -
The writer of these pages has never seen the MS. of the " Considera-
zioni, " but the testimony of M. de Thou is a satisfactory proof that Fra
Paolo Sarpi did write this work. Fra Fulgenzio also names it, but there
is stronger proof still; Sarpi names it in his manifesto to the Cardinals
as his.
M. de Thou also notices the anonymous work generally attributed to
Fra Paolo Sarpi. It is therein proved that princes have received their
right from God to rule over all people, both seculars and ecclesiastics;
that Jesus Christ, the author of our salvation,. although by his divinity
equal to His Father, the King of Kings and _Lord of Lords, had never,
however, either before his death, or after 'his resurrection, exercised any
temporal authority, and that S. Peter, his vicar, would not arrogate a
power to himself which Jesus Christ, when clothed in our humanity,
would not take; that the immunities of ecclesiastics, which made them
valued for their wealth, was not of divine, but human right; that'the Se-
nate of Venice having received its power from God, and recognizing no
other temporal power as superior, could have committed no sin in making
decrees as to what belonged to the Church, or what might belong to it
and consequently that the Republic, seeing it was unjustly overwhelmed
by the censures of Rome, looked upon the sentence of the Pope as null
and void, both as to divine and as to human law.
As to what S. Gregory says of the sentence of a pastor, that " whether
just or unjust it is to be feared, " has nothing to do with the present af-
fair, where the question was not whether it was unjust, but respecting a
sentence which was null and void, and according to Duns Scotus and the
learned Navarro, there was no reason to dread a sentence which was null
and void. "'
This writing was answered by the Cardinal Bellarmine, and M. de
' Thou observes " that the strongest part of the answer of the Cardinal' is
where he taxes the Senate with having submitted and solemnly accepted
the Council of Trent, and then, without any exception, having permitted
anonymous books on religious matters to be printed, which was expressly
forbidden by the Council. " This connivance alone, according to Bellarmine,
made the Senate amenable to the censures of the Church, " and it must
be confessed, " continues M. de Thou, " that this acceptation of the
Council of Trent is a strong argument against the Venetians, because this
Council is regarded by the Ultramontanes as an infallible and sacred
oracle which confirmed and sealed, so to speak, all the decrees by which
the Popes had imagined to establish their power, so that all objections
against new censures fell to the ground in virtue of this Council, which
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? mr. 54. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 117
is a sort of proscription by which the partizans of the court shut the
mouths of their adversaries, and deprive them of all resource. "
Such wasthe bold language of the upright patriot M. de Thou, one
of the many' Frenchmen who lifted their voices against the decrees of the
Council of Trent. It was true that Venice had unwittingly accepted the
decrees of the Council of Trent. Her Bishops were persuaded to. do so,
and the closing sermon at Trent was preached by the Venetian Bishop I
of N azianzo.
The members of the Church of Rome are no more blameable for the
decrees of the Council of Trent, than a people whose king passes unjust
laws. But why should the rulers of a people enforce the acceptation of the
decrees of the Council of Trent upon Italy, which, when they were pas-
sed, dared not refuse them, although there were many found in that
Council who told the Papal Legates very plainly, that some of its decrees
" were not according to the Holy Scriptures. " This was long since shewn
by other authors besides Sarpi and by M. de Thou. Look at all the pon-
derous volumes on the Gallican liberties, which lie neglected on the
shelves of the libraries of France as if they had never been written,
and why? -
When Fra Paolo was appointed Theologian to the Republic, he named
his tried friend Fra Fulgenzio Micanzio to be his coadjutor. Of all others
he appeared most eligible for such a trust, he was a man of great ability,
learning and science, he had been reader of scholastic theology at Man-
tua and Bologna, and was still engaged to Bologna for three years more,
but Fra Paolo would take no denial, and Fulgenzio's friendship for Paolo
was so great that he obeyed his command, though at the loss of his li-
brary and all hopes of preferment. Such a companion was a great boon to
Fra Paolo, the innate nobility of Fulgenzids character making him
willingly share Paolo's fortunes. He thus speaks of himself.
" As soon as P. Paolo had entered on this charge, he deemed it neces-
sary to have a faithful companion on whom he could rely as upon him-
self; one who would refer to books for him, because the method of the
times required it. Arguments were not sufficient; it was customary to
quote the opinions, not only of the learned, but many bye--laws. 'And he
who would not err on the credit of another, or who would not be mis-
taken, found it necessary to examine authorities from point to point, a
task which required more labour than intellect.
" To this end, P. Paolo bethought himself of Fra Fulgenzio, a
Brescian, with whom he had the privilege of close familiarity. He had
the kindness to initiate him in the Socratic method of study, not the
common, pompous, and less profitable course of reading; but, first read-
ing, and then by discussion to investigate truth, as also to point out
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? 118 THE LIFE OF [A. 1>. 1606,
error, a true, and singularly good 'method of instruction which has
fallen into disuse, and has given place to pomp and ostentation. The
reader, continues Fra Fulgenzio, " will pardon this little digression,
because it does away with an objection made to the Father, not only
by the friars, but by some of his intimate friends, that although very
learned himself, he communicated but little to others; and many went
' so far as to tax him with an envious and ambitious nature, and that
he did not like others who possessed knowledge; and, also, that he
liked to hide his great talents from them. But this was not the case,
for he had the most gentle, loving, and kind mind, communicating
with the greatest readiness as required. " '
The years which they passed together were often chequered by peril
to both, but Fra Paolo had told Fulgenzio plainly that he considered him
necessary to the preservation of his existence, and there can be no doubt
but that Fulgenzio was the means, on more than one occasion, of saving
the life of Fra Paolo; and was it nothing, after the long and arduous busi-
ness of the day, the discoveries of plots against himself, the contempla-
tion of irreligion, the failure of plans for the good of his country, the
intolerance of the wicked, the lethargy of the weak, to meet the welcome
smile of such friendship, to converse on coming days of liberty to Italy,
to discourse on those intellectual pursuits which nerve the mind to still
stronger effort? And there was yet a stronger link than all these between
" our Fulgenzio " and Fra Paolo; religion had united them by an indis-
soluble chain. They were wrestlers in the same strife, they were both
desirous of seeing their country freed from the yoke of Rome. They were
both intimately acquainted with its court. Open to conviction, Fra Ful-
genzio adopted Fra Pao1o's opinions, because he believed them to be true, 3
by discussion he had investigated truth, and it will be seen how eloquently
he propounded it.
His friendship for Paolo was not borne away by the breath of slander,
like the summer blossom by the summer wind. It survived both evil and
good report, as sincere as durable, and such is the praise that is ever and
anon shed by Fra Fulgenzio airound Sarpi, that he is lost to sight. It
seems to be his whole aim to keep his beloved master in the most
1 MS.
2 Fra Fulgenzio had previously studied under Michael Angelo of Pistoia.
This is a curious old town of " chiare case, oscure ehiese; the houses light,
the churches dark. " In a chapel in the Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle
James, is a prayer in which S. James _is styled the Head and Chief of the
Apostles. "Tu qui primatum tenes inter Apostolos imo qui eornm primus. "
He presided, and not S. Peter, in the first Apostolic Council held at Jerusa-
lem. Acts xv, 13, et seq.
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? E1'. 54. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 119
prominent part of the picture, content to remain in the deepest shade, if
Fra Paolo Sarpi be loved, honored, and admired.
Fra Paolo had not only the advantage of Fulgenzio's assistance in
making references to books for him, but also the opinions of Pellegrini
and Gratiani, Counsellors of State. Menochio lent his aid, while the most
eminent jurisconsults and lawyers of Italy and France, Servin, Lechas-
sier, Vigner, and Casalibon, and the principal universities were consulted
by the Senate. Thus it was with no rash or untried weapons that
Fra Paolo and the Senate of Venice maintained this contest with the
Pope.
There is a large volume of MSS. in the Archives of Venice of Sarpi's
opinions relative to the Interdict. These as well, as correct analyses of re-
ports on state matters which were supplied by him to the college,
were valuable as rendering the subjects clear, and his short and logical
expositions must have also spared their time. More than once he regrets
at the conclusion of a written opinion, that it had not fallen to the lot of
one of more ability than he to supply such; and on one occasion, when
grappling with the question as to the Pope being infallible (which Sarpi
did not believe), there are two marks of his red chalk on the words of Saint
Paul in full, "Butthough we, or an angel from heaven,preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed,"
(Gal. 1, 8). As in death, so it appears to have been his motto in life, " It
is not mine to live, but mine to serve, " and he did serve a state capable
of appreciating him. It is one of the distinguishing marks of this great
people, that the Venetians showed respect, nay even veneration, for their
public servants, and the Princes, the Council of Ten, and the Senate
always evinced the greatest esteem for Sarpi, and well would it be
if they were emulated by others, who seldom, till the tomb has taken
a public servant to its bosom, realize his service, and hang bays that
ought to have graced a living brow on the marble urn over his uncon-
scious ashes. The Venetians had the wisdom to know the worth of
Sarpi; he had the piety and modesty to say he " only defended a just
cause, " if no temptation of the Court of Rome could induce the Vene-
tians to betray him and give him into the hands of the Pope, no bribe
would move him from his allegiance to his Prince, or from the service
of his country.
There can be no doubt but that Sarpi continued hostile to the return
of the Jesuits. His advice weighed with the Senate, and in consideration
of all that has been advanced with regard to them, on the 14th June
they were excluded by an edict from Venice, not a voice was raised in the
Senate in their favor; even after the secret scrutiny of votes, not a vote
was found to have been given for their return.
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? 120 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1606
The Pope at length published a jubilee,' inviting all Christians to pray
with him for the wants of the Church, and conceded indulgence, absolution
and remission to all save those under the Interdict. At Vicenza an anony-
mous work appeared in which the writer called the Pope, Antichrist. This,
Sarpi reports, disturbed the Senate, lfe did not hold this opinion.
" As to the question which you propose, I have endeavored to compass
it , but I have always considered the words of Saint John quoted
by you, as a name common to many, and by antonomasia to one ,
but Whether that one was really to be, or whether it was merely a vulgar
opinion without any foundation for it, did not appear to me sufficiently
clear, but capable of both interpretations. That to the Thessalonians,
though not that name, shows that such a particular person is plainly
spoken of; but for all this, it is not sufficient to determine me, because it
is not clear, whether such an one be an individual, or many men. And I
remain still in doubt, nor have I found any other person who has met my
thoughts on this but yourself. 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'?
? 114 '
CHAPTER VII.
A. D. 1606 -- A. D. 1607.
DoeE or Vrznroa. Leonardo Donato.
Sovnnmon or GERMANY. Rodolph II.
GaaAr BarrAm. James I.
FnAnon. Henry IV.
SnAps. Philip III.
TURKEY. Aehmet III.
Porn. Paul V.
'1'/\rr. /\/'/\/\/_\'/\/\I
Fra Paolo's loyalty. - Treatise on the Interdict. - Fra Fulgenzio Micanzio
chosen by Fra Paolo as his Coadjutor. -- Opinions. -- Signs of accommodation. -
Fra Paolo's works. -- The Doge prepares for war. -- Mediators. - Accom-
modation. - Reformation in Venice.
Fra Paolo, as well as the other Friars who acted according to the
commands of their Prince, did so conscientiously: they knew that their
allegianc/e after God,was due to him. The Pope had arrogated to himself
power over the Doge to which he was not entitled, and which therefore
was not to be obeyed; it would in fact be difficult to prove that he had
a right to exercise any authority whatever in Venetia.
Fra Paolo has shown in his works, more particularly in his letters, how
step by step the Pope had attained power, and why, although he was
obliged to tolerate the abuses of the Church of Rome, he still resolved to
remain in her communion. The Pope thought to bring Venice to his feet
by granting a jubilee to all but to her, but he little knew what was the
joy and consolation of Fra Paolo that the Gospel of Christ was preached
there in all its power, and that far above the fierce waves of controversy
he bade his fellow mortals raise their eyes to the Lamb of God who taketh
away the sin of the world. His was no semi-religion, he stripped humanity
of all vaunt, and bade his hearers trust in their Saviour in all simplicity,
and notwithstanding the varied attempts which have been made to crush
this fact, it still stands written by the pen and dictated by the heart of
. one who really served his God. Sarpi knew, as few else knew, the precipice
on which Venice stood if she were again reconciled to the Pope; with
all his toleration for the'Church of Rome he had little for the Court, he
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? arr. 54. ] FHA PAOLO SARPI 115
knew that a hand divine only could free his country from the tyranny
of papal power, he had a herculean task to perform in resistinglthe Pope,
but there is no doubt that he did effect a great work, in being one of the
members of the Church who dared to question the temporal and spiritual
power of the Popes, as well as many innovations, especially as to their
alleged supremacy and infallibility.
He was not altogether alone, there were a valiant few who shared} his
opinions, and their names appeared as those Theologians, who during the
first period of the Interdict were the defenders of Venice on the publication
of the treatise entitled " Trattato dell'Interdetto. "
" Fra Paolo, " writes M. de Thou, " the Theologian so celebrated in
this great affair, followed up the above work by a very learned and mo-
derate one entitled " Considerazioni. "
He begins by recounting the history of this dispute, its origin, and
progress, and puts in the clearest light all the false steps which the Car-
dinals caused the Pope to take, either from complacency or precipitancy.
He then shows the equity of the decrees attacked by the Holy See,
and proves victoriously the right of jurisdiction of princes over their ec-
clesiastical subjects, and that from the words of S. Peter and S. Paul,
and by quotations from the Fathers; also, that ecclesiastical exemption. is
only founded on the benevolence of princes, and having shown the plan of
this exemption, he cites an important passage from Pope Leo. He shows
that the power given by Christ to Peter was one to be used, but with
discretion. 'Manet ergo Petri privilegium nbicumque ex ipsis fertnr acqui-
tate judicium, nee nimia est vel severitas, vel remissio, ubi nihil erit liga-
tum, vel solutum, nisi quod Beatns Petrus solverit, ant ligaverit. ' And
also by the example of S. Paul withstanding S. Peter, what is the duty
of the Church, and in another place he shows that the Saviour had no
sooner given the keys to Peter which he elsewhere shows is figurative, but
he says to him, ' Vade post me Satanas, scandalnm es mihi qnia non sa-
pis quae Dei sunt sed quae hominum. ' The privilege granted to S. Peter
was only to be in force when judgment is founded on equity.
On its title page are the words, " Maledicent illi et tn benedices. "
Ps. 109, (" Let them curse, but bless thou, ") and the eye of Sarpi was
lifted upwards, while his foes showered anathemas upon him. He Was bles-
sed. It is by no means to be inferred that his works are faultless; great
allowance must be made for the writings of a friar of the Church of Rome
in the 16th century, emerging from the doctrine of the schools, and oblig-
ed, if his works were to be read at all by those he wished to convince, to
cite many authorities. But it must be borne in mind that some of these
authorities were reckoned heretical at Rome, and that however encum-
bered by them, there is throughout the Writings of Sarpi loyalty to God
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? 116 THE LIFE or {A. D. 1606.
and to his prince, a disbelief in the supremacy of the Pope to a council,
as also of his infallibility, and a constant appeal to the Holy Scriptures. -
The writer of these pages has never seen the MS. of the " Considera-
zioni, " but the testimony of M. de Thou is a satisfactory proof that Fra
Paolo Sarpi did write this work. Fra Fulgenzio also names it, but there
is stronger proof still; Sarpi names it in his manifesto to the Cardinals
as his.
M. de Thou also notices the anonymous work generally attributed to
Fra Paolo Sarpi. It is therein proved that princes have received their
right from God to rule over all people, both seculars and ecclesiastics;
that Jesus Christ, the author of our salvation,. although by his divinity
equal to His Father, the King of Kings and _Lord of Lords, had never,
however, either before his death, or after 'his resurrection, exercised any
temporal authority, and that S. Peter, his vicar, would not arrogate a
power to himself which Jesus Christ, when clothed in our humanity,
would not take; that the immunities of ecclesiastics, which made them
valued for their wealth, was not of divine, but human right; that'the Se-
nate of Venice having received its power from God, and recognizing no
other temporal power as superior, could have committed no sin in making
decrees as to what belonged to the Church, or what might belong to it
and consequently that the Republic, seeing it was unjustly overwhelmed
by the censures of Rome, looked upon the sentence of the Pope as null
and void, both as to divine and as to human law.
As to what S. Gregory says of the sentence of a pastor, that " whether
just or unjust it is to be feared, " has nothing to do with the present af-
fair, where the question was not whether it was unjust, but respecting a
sentence which was null and void, and according to Duns Scotus and the
learned Navarro, there was no reason to dread a sentence which was null
and void. "'
This writing was answered by the Cardinal Bellarmine, and M. de
' Thou observes " that the strongest part of the answer of the Cardinal' is
where he taxes the Senate with having submitted and solemnly accepted
the Council of Trent, and then, without any exception, having permitted
anonymous books on religious matters to be printed, which was expressly
forbidden by the Council. " This connivance alone, according to Bellarmine,
made the Senate amenable to the censures of the Church, " and it must
be confessed, " continues M. de Thou, " that this acceptation of the
Council of Trent is a strong argument against the Venetians, because this
Council is regarded by the Ultramontanes as an infallible and sacred
oracle which confirmed and sealed, so to speak, all the decrees by which
the Popes had imagined to establish their power, so that all objections
against new censures fell to the ground in virtue of this Council, which
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? mr. 54. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 117
is a sort of proscription by which the partizans of the court shut the
mouths of their adversaries, and deprive them of all resource. "
Such wasthe bold language of the upright patriot M. de Thou, one
of the many' Frenchmen who lifted their voices against the decrees of the
Council of Trent. It was true that Venice had unwittingly accepted the
decrees of the Council of Trent. Her Bishops were persuaded to. do so,
and the closing sermon at Trent was preached by the Venetian Bishop I
of N azianzo.
The members of the Church of Rome are no more blameable for the
decrees of the Council of Trent, than a people whose king passes unjust
laws. But why should the rulers of a people enforce the acceptation of the
decrees of the Council of Trent upon Italy, which, when they were pas-
sed, dared not refuse them, although there were many found in that
Council who told the Papal Legates very plainly, that some of its decrees
" were not according to the Holy Scriptures. " This was long since shewn
by other authors besides Sarpi and by M. de Thou. Look at all the pon-
derous volumes on the Gallican liberties, which lie neglected on the
shelves of the libraries of France as if they had never been written,
and why? -
When Fra Paolo was appointed Theologian to the Republic, he named
his tried friend Fra Fulgenzio Micanzio to be his coadjutor. Of all others
he appeared most eligible for such a trust, he was a man of great ability,
learning and science, he had been reader of scholastic theology at Man-
tua and Bologna, and was still engaged to Bologna for three years more,
but Fra Paolo would take no denial, and Fulgenzio's friendship for Paolo
was so great that he obeyed his command, though at the loss of his li-
brary and all hopes of preferment. Such a companion was a great boon to
Fra Paolo, the innate nobility of Fulgenzids character making him
willingly share Paolo's fortunes. He thus speaks of himself.
" As soon as P. Paolo had entered on this charge, he deemed it neces-
sary to have a faithful companion on whom he could rely as upon him-
self; one who would refer to books for him, because the method of the
times required it. Arguments were not sufficient; it was customary to
quote the opinions, not only of the learned, but many bye--laws. 'And he
who would not err on the credit of another, or who would not be mis-
taken, found it necessary to examine authorities from point to point, a
task which required more labour than intellect.
" To this end, P. Paolo bethought himself of Fra Fulgenzio, a
Brescian, with whom he had the privilege of close familiarity. He had
the kindness to initiate him in the Socratic method of study, not the
common, pompous, and less profitable course of reading; but, first read-
ing, and then by discussion to investigate truth, as also to point out
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? 118 THE LIFE OF [A. 1>. 1606,
error, a true, and singularly good 'method of instruction which has
fallen into disuse, and has given place to pomp and ostentation. The
reader, continues Fra Fulgenzio, " will pardon this little digression,
because it does away with an objection made to the Father, not only
by the friars, but by some of his intimate friends, that although very
learned himself, he communicated but little to others; and many went
' so far as to tax him with an envious and ambitious nature, and that
he did not like others who possessed knowledge; and, also, that he
liked to hide his great talents from them. But this was not the case,
for he had the most gentle, loving, and kind mind, communicating
with the greatest readiness as required. " '
The years which they passed together were often chequered by peril
to both, but Fra Paolo had told Fulgenzio plainly that he considered him
necessary to the preservation of his existence, and there can be no doubt
but that Fulgenzio was the means, on more than one occasion, of saving
the life of Fra Paolo; and was it nothing, after the long and arduous busi-
ness of the day, the discoveries of plots against himself, the contempla-
tion of irreligion, the failure of plans for the good of his country, the
intolerance of the wicked, the lethargy of the weak, to meet the welcome
smile of such friendship, to converse on coming days of liberty to Italy,
to discourse on those intellectual pursuits which nerve the mind to still
stronger effort? And there was yet a stronger link than all these between
" our Fulgenzio " and Fra Paolo; religion had united them by an indis-
soluble chain. They were wrestlers in the same strife, they were both
desirous of seeing their country freed from the yoke of Rome. They were
both intimately acquainted with its court. Open to conviction, Fra Ful-
genzio adopted Fra Pao1o's opinions, because he believed them to be true, 3
by discussion he had investigated truth, and it will be seen how eloquently
he propounded it.
His friendship for Paolo was not borne away by the breath of slander,
like the summer blossom by the summer wind. It survived both evil and
good report, as sincere as durable, and such is the praise that is ever and
anon shed by Fra Fulgenzio airound Sarpi, that he is lost to sight. It
seems to be his whole aim to keep his beloved master in the most
1 MS.
2 Fra Fulgenzio had previously studied under Michael Angelo of Pistoia.
This is a curious old town of " chiare case, oscure ehiese; the houses light,
the churches dark. " In a chapel in the Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle
James, is a prayer in which S. James _is styled the Head and Chief of the
Apostles. "Tu qui primatum tenes inter Apostolos imo qui eornm primus. "
He presided, and not S. Peter, in the first Apostolic Council held at Jerusa-
lem. Acts xv, 13, et seq.
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? E1'. 54. ] FRA PAOLO SARPI 119
prominent part of the picture, content to remain in the deepest shade, if
Fra Paolo Sarpi be loved, honored, and admired.
Fra Paolo had not only the advantage of Fulgenzio's assistance in
making references to books for him, but also the opinions of Pellegrini
and Gratiani, Counsellors of State. Menochio lent his aid, while the most
eminent jurisconsults and lawyers of Italy and France, Servin, Lechas-
sier, Vigner, and Casalibon, and the principal universities were consulted
by the Senate. Thus it was with no rash or untried weapons that
Fra Paolo and the Senate of Venice maintained this contest with the
Pope.
There is a large volume of MSS. in the Archives of Venice of Sarpi's
opinions relative to the Interdict. These as well, as correct analyses of re-
ports on state matters which were supplied by him to the college,
were valuable as rendering the subjects clear, and his short and logical
expositions must have also spared their time. More than once he regrets
at the conclusion of a written opinion, that it had not fallen to the lot of
one of more ability than he to supply such; and on one occasion, when
grappling with the question as to the Pope being infallible (which Sarpi
did not believe), there are two marks of his red chalk on the words of Saint
Paul in full, "Butthough we, or an angel from heaven,preach any other gospel
unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed,"
(Gal. 1, 8). As in death, so it appears to have been his motto in life, " It
is not mine to live, but mine to serve, " and he did serve a state capable
of appreciating him. It is one of the distinguishing marks of this great
people, that the Venetians showed respect, nay even veneration, for their
public servants, and the Princes, the Council of Ten, and the Senate
always evinced the greatest esteem for Sarpi, and well would it be
if they were emulated by others, who seldom, till the tomb has taken
a public servant to its bosom, realize his service, and hang bays that
ought to have graced a living brow on the marble urn over his uncon-
scious ashes. The Venetians had the wisdom to know the worth of
Sarpi; he had the piety and modesty to say he " only defended a just
cause, " if no temptation of the Court of Rome could induce the Vene-
tians to betray him and give him into the hands of the Pope, no bribe
would move him from his allegiance to his Prince, or from the service
of his country.
There can be no doubt but that Sarpi continued hostile to the return
of the Jesuits. His advice weighed with the Senate, and in consideration
of all that has been advanced with regard to them, on the 14th June
they were excluded by an edict from Venice, not a voice was raised in the
Senate in their favor; even after the secret scrutiny of votes, not a vote
was found to have been given for their return.
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? 120 THE LIFE OF [A. D. 1606
The Pope at length published a jubilee,' inviting all Christians to pray
with him for the wants of the Church, and conceded indulgence, absolution
and remission to all save those under the Interdict. At Vicenza an anony-
mous work appeared in which the writer called the Pope, Antichrist. This,
Sarpi reports, disturbed the Senate, lfe did not hold this opinion.
" As to the question which you propose, I have endeavored to compass
it , but I have always considered the words of Saint John quoted
by you, as a name common to many, and by antonomasia to one ,
but Whether that one was really to be, or whether it was merely a vulgar
opinion without any foundation for it, did not appear to me sufficiently
clear, but capable of both interpretations. That to the Thessalonians,
though not that name, shows that such a particular person is plainly
spoken of; but for all this, it is not sufficient to determine me, because it
is not clear, whether such an one be an individual, or many men. And I
remain still in doubt, nor have I found any other person who has met my
thoughts on this but yourself. 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'?
