Basic HTML Version
Protest of the Princes
119
The Diet at Augsburg
The evangelical princes had been denied a hearing by King
Ferdinand, but to quiet the dissensions which disturbed the empire,
Charles V in the year following the Protest of Spires convoked a diet
at Augsburg. He announced his intention to preside in person. The
Protestant leaders were summoned.
The elector of Saxony was urged by his councilors not to appear
at the diet: “Is it not risking everything to go and shut oneself up
within the walls of a city with a powerful enemy?” But others nobly
declared, “Let the princes only comport themselves with courage,
and God’s cause is saved.” “God is faithful; He will not abandon us,”
said Luther
The elector set out for Augsburg. Many went forward with
gloomy countenance and troubled heart. But Luther, who accompa-
nied them as far as Coburg, revived their faith by singing the hymn
written on that journey, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Many a
heavy heart lightened at the sound of the inspiring strains.
The reformed princes had determined upon having a statement
[130]
of their views, with the evidence from the Scriptures, to present
before the diet. The task of its preparation was committed to Luther,
Melanchthon, and their associates. This Confession was accepted
by the Protestants, and they assembled to affix their names to the
document.
The Reformers were solicitous that their cause should not be con-
founded with political questions. As the Christian princes advanced
to sign the Confession, Melanchthon interposed, saying, “It is for
the theologians and ministers to propose these things; let us reserve
for other matters the authority of the mighty ones of the earth.” “God
forbid,” replied John of Saxony, “that you should exclude me. I
am resolved to do what is right, without troubling myself about my
crown. I desire to confess the Lord. My electoral hat and my ermine
are not so precious to me as the cross of Jesus Christ.” Said another
of the princes as he took the pen, “If the honor of my Lord Jesus
Christ requires it, I am ready ... to leave my goods and life behind.”
“I would rather renounce my subjects and my states, rather quit the
8
Ibid., bk. 14, ch. 2.