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expectation that his imperial majesty will

behave toward us like a Christian prince who

loves God above all things; and we declare

ourselves ready to pay unto him, as well as

unto you, gracious lords, all the affection and

obedience that are our just and legitimate

duty.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 6.

A deep impression was made upon the Diet.

The majority were filled with amazement and

alarm at the boldness of the protesters. The

future appeared to them stormy and

uncertain. Dissension, strife, and bloodshed

seemed inevitable. But the Reformers,

assured of the justice of their cause, and

relying upon the arm of Omnipotence, were

“full of courage and firmness.”

“The principles contained in this celebrated

Protest ... constitute the very essence of

Protestantism. Now this Protest opposes two