Calvin: On the Vitriol of Luther

In a letter to Melanchthon, Calvin writes

If the matter stands as the Zurichers say it does, then they have just occasion for their writing. Your Pericles [Calvin means Luther of course] allows himself to be carried beyond all due bounds with his love of thunder, especially seeing that his own case is by no means the better of the two. We all of us do acknowledge that we are much indebted to him. Neither shall I submit myself unwillingly, but be quite content, that be may bear the chief sway, provided that he can manage to conduct himself with moderation. Howbeit, in the Church we must always be upon our guard, lest we pay too great a deference to men. For it is all over with her, when a single individual, be he whosoever you please, has more authority than all the rest, especially where this very person does not scruple to try how far he may go.

The background to this letter is as follows-