Page 14 - 11 Protest of the Princes

position marked them for future criticism,

condemnation, and persecution. Said one of

the delegates: “We must either deny the word

of God, or—be burnt.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5.

King Ferdinand, the emperor's

representative at the Diet, saw that the

decree would cause serious divisions unless

the princes could be induced to accept and

sustain it. He therefore tried the art of

persuasion, well knowing that to employ

force with such men would only render them

the more determined. He “begged the princes

to accept the decree, assuring them that the

emperor would be exceedingly pleased with

them.” But these faithful men acknowledged

an authority above that of earthly rulers, and

they answered calmly: “We will obey the

emperor in everything that may contribute to