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Protest of the Princes
117
thousands who, in pursuance of this arrangement, would have to
yield up their lives in popish lands?
“Let us reject this decree,” said the princes. “In matters of con-
science the majority has no power.” To protect liberty of conscience
is the duty of the state, and this is the limit of its authority in matters
of religion.
The papists determined to put down what they termed “daring
obstinacy.” The representatives of the free cities were required to
declare whether they would accede to the terms of the proposition.
They pleaded for delay, but in vain. Nearly one half sided with
the Reformers, knowing that their position marked them for future
condemnation and persecution. Said one, “We must either deny the
word of God, or—be burnt.
Noble Stand of the Princes
King Ferdinand, the emperor’s representative, tried the art of
persuasion. He “begged the princes to accept the decree, assuring
them that the emperor would be exceedingly pleased with them.”
But these faithful men answered calmly: “We will obey the emperor
in everything that may contribute to maintain peace and the honor
of God.”
The king at last announced that “their only remaining course was
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to submit to the majority.” Having thus spoken, he withdrew, giving
the Reformers no opportunity for reply. “They sent a deputation
entreating the king to return.” He answered only, “It is a settled
affair; submission is all that remains.
The imperial party flattered themselves that the cause of the
emperor and the pope was strong, and that of the Reformers weak.
Had the Reformers depended upon human aid alone, they would
have been as powerless as the papists supposed. But they appealed
“from the report of the Diet to the word of God, and from the emperor
Charles to Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.”
As Ferdinand had refused to regard their conscientious convic-
tions, the princes decided not to heed his absence, but to bring
3
Wylie, bk. 9, ch. 15.
4
D’Aubigne, bk. 13, ch. 5.
5
Idem.