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concession, than the emperor summoned a

second Diet to convene at Spires in 1529 for

the purpose of crushing heresy. The princes

were to be induced, by peaceable means if

possible, to side against the Reformation; but

if these failed, Charles was prepared to resort

to the sword.

The papists were exultant. They appeared at

Spires in great numbers, and openly

manifested their hostility toward the

Reformers and all who favored them. Said

Melanchthon: “We are the execration and the

sweepings of the world; but Christ will look

down on His poor people, and will preserve

them.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5. The evangelical

princes in attendance at the Diet were

forbidden even to have the gospel preached

in their dwellings. But the people of Spires

thirsted for the word of God, and,