re resolved to oppose the infringement of their rights. Luther,
being still under the ban imposed by the edict of Worms, was not permitted
to be present at Spires; but his place was supplied by his co-laborers and
the princes whom God had raised up to defend His cause in this emergency.
The noble Frederick of Saxony, Luther's former protector, had been removed
by death; but Duke John, his brother and successor, had joyfully welcomed
the Reformation, and while a friend of peace, he displayed great energy
and courage in all matters relating to the interests of the faith.

The priests demanded that the states which had accepted the Reformation
submit implicitly to Romish jurisdiction. The Reformers, on the other
hand, claimed the liberty which had previously been granted. They could
not consent that Rome should again bring under her control those states
that had with so great joy received the word of God.

As a compromise it was finally proposed that where the Reformation had not
become established, the edict of Worms should be rigorously enforced; and
that "in those where the people had deviated from it, and where they could
not conform to it without danger of revolt, they should at least effect no
new reform, they should touch upon no controverted point, they should not
oppose the celebration of the mass, they should permit no Roman Catholic
to embrace Lutheranism."(286) This measure passed the Diet, to the great
satisfaction of the popish priests and prelates.

If this edict were enforced, "the Reformation could neither be extended
... where as yet it was unknown, nor be established on solid foundations
... where it already existed."(287) Liberty of speech would be prohibited.
No conversions would be allowed. And to these restrictions and
prohibitions the friends of the Reformation were required at once to
submit. The hopes of the world seemed about to be extinguished. "The
re-establishment of the Romish hierarchy ... would infallibly bring back
the ancient abuses;" and an occasion would readily be found for
"completing the destruction of a work already so violently shaken" by
fanaticism and dissension.(288)

As the evangelical party met for consultation, one looked to another in
blank dismay. From one to another passed the inquiry, "What is to be
done?" Mighty issues for the world were at stake. "Shall the chiefs of the
Reformation submit, and accept the edict? How easily might the Reformers
at this crisis, which was