Zealand under his government and protection. Negotiations were
accordingly opened with the Duke-of-Anjou, the dilettante leader of the
Huguenots at that remarkable juncture. It was a pity that no better
champion could be looked for among the anointed of the earth than the
false, fickle, foolish Alencon, whose career, everywhere contemptible,
was nowhere so flagitious as in the Netherlands. By the fourteenth
article of the Peace of Paris, the Prince was reinstated and secured in
his principality of Orange; and his other possessions in France. The
best feeling; for the time being, was manifested between the French court
and the Reformation.

Thus much for England and France. As for Germany, the prospects of the
Netherlands were not flattering. The Reforming spirit had grown languid,
from various causes. The self-seeking motives of many Protestant princes
had disgusted the nobles. Was that the object of the bloody wars of
religion, that a few potentates should be enabled to enrich themselves by
confiscating the broad lands and accumulated treasures of the Church?
Had the creed of Luther been embraced only for such unworthy ends?
These suspicions chilled the ardor of thousands, particularly among
the greater ones of the land. Moreover, the discord among the Reformers
themselves waxed daily, and became more and more mischievous. Neither
the people nor their leaders could learn that, not a new doctrine, but a
wise toleration for all Christian doctrines was wanted. Of new doctrines
there was no lack. Lutherans, Calvinists, Flaccianists, Majorists,
Adiaphorists, Brantianists, Ubiquitists, swarmed and contended pell-mell.
In this there would have been small harm, if the Reformers had known what
reformation meant. But they could not invent or imagine toleration.
All claimed the privilege of persecuting. There were sagacious and
honest men among the great ones of the country, but they were but few.
Wise William of Hesse strove hard to effect a concordia among the jarring