The second section of the twelfth chapter.

Of the Convertions of the Protestant Princes and Estates at Torgau, Rodach, Schleiz, Schwabach, Schmalkalden and Nuremberg.

1. from the convent at Torgau.

843 The Mayor and Council of the City of Nuremberg apologize to Saxony and Hesse for not being able to take any decisive action before the upcoming Diet of Speier regarding the intended alliance for the protection of religion. Feb. 15, 1526.

From Hortleder, "Von den Ursachen des deutschen Krieges," Vol. I, Book VIII, Cap. I, P. 1312.

Most Serene, Most Illustrious, Highborn Princes and Lords! Our subservient and willing services are ready and waiting for Your Electoral and Princely Grace. Grace with diligence. Most gracious, gracious lords! E. C. and F. G. have sent a letter to us, the three elders of the council, with notification and designations of a day which E. C. and F. G. have set for Torgau on account of the divine word, also its resistance and handling, and the gracious request that we should, on such a day, order our embassy, with full authority, to help to establish an understanding in such matters etc.

Introduction to all kinds of Christian memoirs, its content quite subserviently heard.

2 Our desire and inclination is not only to stand and stay by his holy word as the foundation of our salvation, but also to faithfully protect and handle it, as much as it is proper and always possible for us humans to do. May the Almighty graciously give us his divine assistance in this matter (as we do not doubt) and confirm that which he has begun to work in us.

It may be, and public daily history 1) gives irrefutable testimony, that, according to E. C. and F.G. letters, the clergy have hitherto subjected themselves to pursue this light of divine word by manifold ways and practices. But whether their actions have not served more for the benefit and acceptance of the Christian congregation, the promotion and expansion of the same Word of God, than for its prevention, we, praise God, find this out every day; we are also still of the consoling, undoubted confidence that He, who has made His divine Word glorious

1) History - what is happening, events.

He will also break the intention of those who oppose him and show himself as a mighty God, who is also the Lord of his enemies, so that they will have to recognize him as a Lord, whether they want to or not.

(4) Although, in our opinion, it is quite wise and prudent, and the duty of all Christian authorities, to take faithful precautions, so that the subjects are not only fed with the word of God, but are also provided with it, so that they remain with it, live peacefully among themselves, and are protected and preserved from the violence of the unpleasant, we nevertheless consider it difficult to place the handling of the divine word on temporal or physical assistance. For since the Word of God is the most powerful and mighty thing in heaven and on earth, and therefore mighty enough to sustain itself without the protection and help of all men, it will not, in our opinion, require any human intervention.

(5) We will not mention the difficulty of seeking other bodily comfort and help besides God (in whom alone trust must be placed), which is either not necessary or useful.

But now E. C. and F. G. are unaware that this matter. are unaware that this matter, which concerns the Word of God and our faith, as well as its handling and protection, whatever may be attached to it, is not only a common matter that affects all Christian persons and estates separately, but is also, above all other matters incumbent upon the kingdom, the most important and most excellent, of which, according to our convenience, a reasonable equality should be sought and something unanimous and permanent established, by special persons, regardless of how Christian and good it is meant by them, something fruitful to be tractiren and to decide, difficult to send, as also E. C. and F. G. as praiseworthy, reasonable princes before us. And take care that the complaints of which some estates, inclined to the Word of God, have to be concerned in this respect, are prevented and stopped, that (to speak humanly of it) it must be necessary and the most noble main thing to promote with the highest diligence, so that in a common imperial or other Christian assembly, it is initially acted upon and decided not only to preach the holy gospel clearly, loudly and purely, as was done at the recent imperial diet in Augsburg, and in

The only way to do this would be, according to our opinion, to make an equal effort to abolish, change and eradicate the many abuses that have been introduced, which are publicly contrary to God's word and the salvation of one's neighbor, and which are not to be tolerated in the Christian assembly without danger to the conscience, and to allow all Christian authorities to abolish those things that are contrary to God's word, and to carry out in their territories those things that the holy gospel will bring about. This would be, in our opinion, the only way to promote God's word, to live peacefully and unitedly, to preserve the country and its people quietly, and to avoid the danger ahead, if only the honor of God and the salvation of the subjects, and not one's own benefit, were sought in such a thing. For without this, as we fear, and as every reasonable Christian may judge from the divine word and reason, a divided kingdom will hardly endure, and all means sought outside this proper path will not only be unfruitful or unstable, but will rather give cause to strengthen the wicked in their pretensions, and to induce them, as much as possible, to further discontent and subjection.

7 Thus also E. C. and F. G. know and see this every day irrefutably at work, that the punishment of the rebellious subjects has given the clergy and those who have been opposed to the word of God up to now, a noticeable comfort of their intention, and has caused this courage in them, as if they now have the victory in their hands, and are so powerful of fortune, of time, that there is no longer any danger for them. What these repugnants have practiced in many ways before the Roman Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord, in order to prevent the divine word and to preserve many of their abuses, status and nature, and what, without a doubt, they are practicing more and more every day to disgrace their imperial majesty against us and other statuses that have a desire and inclination for the word of God and would like to see things Christian and good, is E. C.'s and F. G.'s business. C. and F. G. unconcealed. Therefore, we, as a community of the Holy Roman Empire, which has to expect much evil from others, who are also obliged to keep a strict watch on the Imperial Majesty, as their rightful, unified, temporal lord and sovereign, in all temporal things, according to divine command, are well advised to act carefully and in such a way that the Imperial Majesty does not have cause to show his disfavor on us more than on other imperial estates.

and that others do not draw glimpses and impulses from this to revolt against us, who have now been sitting for about many years in various troubles, challenges and persecution of our enemies, and therefore have all the more cause for danger, and to shoot at us like a target.

(8) But we do not point this out to EC and FG because we are fainthearted or fearful in some ways because of these things (for we are sure that we have God for our helper, and so He for us, on whom we in this matter, being without remedy, are justly defiant, who then may be against us?), but so that E.C. and F.G. may remember it, so that in this matter, as men, we may not be moved untimely.

9. So then, and with all diligence, we have so far worked for ourselves and with the help of others, to move the Princely Serene Highness of our most gracious Lord, and by His Serene Highness' encouragement, the Imperial Majesty and other estates of the Empire, so that at the future Imperial Diets, or by a free Christian Concilium, these excellent things, Christian, constant unity, orderly handling and fair equality of the Word of God and its fruit, would be acted upon; Just as recently at Augsburg, to our eighth, not an unskillful way and beginning was made for such a thing, and therefore it is a good consolation that God Almighty, at the next coming Imperial Diet, will communicate His grace even more abundantly to carry out this work in a more stately manner, and to bring it into orderly execution: Therefore, for all the Christian reasons and causes mentioned, it is indeed somewhat difficult for us to enter into some decisive action or understanding at this time, before the future and the appearance of this Imperial Diet, because it is so close at hand, and because it will be considered somewhat hateful not only by the Emperor's Majesty, but also by many other estates, to which we are bound with alliance.

10. provide us with all of this according to E. C. and F. They will not take this notice of ours, which is based on reported and all Christian good causes and our mere need, to their disgrace, nor will they point out to us that in these important matters we are still looking to the Emperor's Majesty, our rightful Lord, and this Imperial Diet held by His Majesty, and that we place our comfort, trust and hope in Him who has graciously called us into the wonderful light of His holy Word.

(11) Thus we are confident, without doubt, that God, the Father of all comfort and mercy, who has not considered and has not used E. F. G. as the least instrument, promoter and handler of His divine truth for the comfort of His Christian community, will also strengthen and handle them, E. C. and F. G., and will abundantly communicate His divine mercy to them. and to communicate his divine mercy abundantly, to continue in such Christian conduct boldly and manfully, and to walk among their adversaries without fear, steadily and in such a way that not only country and people are peacefully governed, protected and sheltered, but also the enemies of the divine word receive through this a great horror, and the pious a cheap consolation, heart and courage; which we also wish E. C. and F. G. to do. C. and F. G. from God heartily and eagerly, and in God, because he is faithful, do not doubt at all. What we, then, as Christian people and a member of the Holy Kingdom, can always promote, advise and help in the future Diet and in other ways for the glory of God and His Holy Word, also for Christian unity and the salvation of all Christian subjects, should be done by us with all possible and faithful diligence, not only by E. C. C. and F. G., their subjects and us for good, but in general for the benefit of the whole of Christendom.

12. that we do not want to hold E. C. and F. G. in subservience; for we are inclined to show E. F. G. subservient will, and also want the love of divine word, us and common our city, E. C. and F. graces faithfully and subserviently, and have ordered the same E. F. G. in the protection of the Most High. Date on the 15th day of Februarii Anno 26.

Mayor and Council of Nuremberg etc.

To Duke Johannsen of Saxony, Elector, and Landgrave Philippsen of Hesse.

844 First alliance between the Elector John of Saxony and the Landgrave Philip of Hesse, for the protection of religion and Christian ceremonies, established at Torgau, May 2, 1526.

In Hortleder, "Von den Ursachen des deutschen Krieges," p. 1314 and in Lünig's Reichs-Archiv, purtis speoiul. oout. II, x. 36.

By the Grace of God, we John, Duke of Saxony etc. and Elector etc., and we Philip, by the same Grace Landgrave of Hesse, confess: After God the Almighty, out of special providence

In the light of the Holy Spirit's blessing, and through his mild grace and unspeakable mercy, his holy, eternal and pure Word, as the only consolation for us, the food for our souls and the highest treasure on earth, of which we should be justly grateful to his divine graces for eternity, and, whether God wills it or not, it is nevertheless, unfortunately, openly known in the daytime, what many and various practices have been sought and undertaken for some time, especially by the clergy and their followers in the holy kingdom, to suppress and destroy this same holy divine word again, and to tear it completely out of the hearts and consciences of men, if it had been possible.

2. And although up to now they have not been able to do anything against this with their obstructive attempts, but the more they have striven, acted and practiced against it, the further, by the miraculous effect of God Almighty, this action of theirs has served for the benefit and reception of the Christian congregation, the promotion and expansion of the divine word, as this is still seen daily before our eyes, in quite undoubted and firm confidence, that he who has sent his divine word for the glory and honor of his holy name, for the salvation and enlightenment of his Christian congregation in this world, will continue to break the intention of those who oppose his word, as has happened up to now, and show himself to them as a mighty, powerful God in such a way that they must recognize him, willingly or unwillingly, for a mighty God and Lord, so that they do not have anything to say: Where is now their divine word and gospel, of which they have held so much?

3. Also, although Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord, next appointed and announced an Imperial Diet in Augsburg, which we (because we ourselves were prevented from appearing due to noticeable marriage and causes) were confident would have been and still want to be of the highest necessity, both from the things and from manifold brave causes, The imperial mandate was also understood by many as if the letter gave and brought it, that such innovations and doctrines, contrary to the old customs, and in addition to the deficiencies and complaints, which the secular had against the clergy, and again, should be advised and acted upon; Thus also that the entire messages of the secular estates, ours and others, and of the greater part, out of unavoidable necessity, to prevent further disunity, bloodshed, and other grievances, are to be discussed in the Mei

It has been the duty of the Emperor and the Empress to apply for this article, as the main piece of all imperial action, in which the honor of God and the eternal and temporal welfare of all Christian estates and subjects depend, and to have a Christian understanding in these matters. However, due to the fact that the Imperial Diet proclaimed by Imperial Majesty did not take place this time, but was extended to the first day of May, next to Augsburg, and was held at Speier, it had to remain, confident that there, for the reasons considered (as it should have taken place next to Augsburg), according to the Imperial Majesty's writing and mandate, it would again be judged.

4. And although we are quite inclined to unite with other estates on such an Imperial Diet of Christian equality in everything that is in accordance with the Word of God and the true understanding of His Holy Gospel, we also most gladly see that equality according to right and Christian understanding may be made by the bestowal of divine graces, and we hope for special glory, that we ever and always show ourselves to be obedient Electors and Princes towards the Roman Imperial Majesty, as we are inclined to do now and to our end, and do not want to be found otherwise, and that we may tolerate and suffer the knowledge and instruction of the Imperial Majesty, Electors, Princes and other estates of the Empire in all matters in which we are obligated to follow out of dutiful obedience; We also hereby declare against everyone that, God willing, no one shall have cause to complain against us, as if he did not receive justice against us, and therefore have cause to act against us, our country and people.

5. Now that we have been informed, and we have been given many warnings, that the public and daily actions give some indication that, notwithstanding all that has been said, and especially that at the next Imperial Diet at Speier, of Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord, by mandate and according to the agreement made on this matter next at Augsburg, the matters concerning the divine word and the spiritual and worldly afflictions against each other shall be discussed out of unavoidable necessity; We have also, in part, allowed ourselves to be heard by our skilful persons next to Augsburg, and are once again requested to compare ourselves with other states of the empire in accordance with right and Christian understanding etc., by the

The churchmen and others, who are dependent on them, unexpectedly practiced the Reichstag and whatever was decided there or might be considered good and convenient, further and with assiduous diligence, also established a covenant of them, and of their highest fortune, which they could not accomplish with it, that such should be subdued with the extension and transfer of much money, to keep their old hitherto conducted burdensome abuses, against the divine word and gospel, in pregnancy, and to suppress the truth of God and his word; and to do so in such a way that those who, by the grace of God, allow his holy word to be preached and other things according to it in ceremonies and other things in their lands (as they are guilty before God and their consciences), and allow them to go against the customary abuses that have been touched upon, should be overrun by their practices and instigation, and by their money, and their land and people damaged, attacked and ruined because of it.

6. Now that it would be burdensome, even frightening and pathetic to all Christian hearts, that truth should be suppressed and untruth take its place, and that these things should befit us and every Christian authority otherwise; We do not want to say that we should rather call upon God daily and ask Him to lead us further to the knowledge of His divine word, light and will, because we should not allow what is done according to the given grace of God in sermons, ceremonies and other such things (even if it is against many touched abuses) and be against it in some ways: Therefore, we do not give any cause for such actions, and for the sake of our office, for which we have been provided by God Almighty, we owe and are obligated to protect our subjects from unreasonable violence, and also to take faithful precautions, so that our subjects may not only be further protected with the Word of God, 1) but also be provided in such a way that they may remain so, and be protected and saved from the violence of the unrighteous:

(7) Therefore, considering that necessity requires it, and touching our duty, that we may be related to our own and others who depend on the divine word, we will require ourselves, even from the causes above mentioned and from the offerings made to men, to be unrefusable to that end.

1) "bewiedemt" will probably be as much as: grazed.

so that our people may be protected from unreasonable, unprovoked war, violent and ungodly harassment, remain unoffended by the Word and all the more peaceful: now and herewith in the name of God, in honor and praise of His holy name and word, out of Christian mind, heart and right faithfulness, also to no one's chagrin, nor contrary, but solely for the protection and salvation of ours and others who are of the same mind about much touched matters, as our understanding is able to do, who we are also inclined to take into agreement with us in the same form, have united, assembled, and given each other in understanding as we do and want to have done herewith, thus:

8. Where the above-mentioned adversaries and their followers, on account of the divine word and those things which, in accordance with it, are carried out and held against the above-mentioned abuses in our principalities and lands, or also want to use other things as a pretence, since it is meant in principle on account of the divine word mentioned, and each of us could tolerate knowledge and instruction about such pretended pretence things, as mentioned above: That we add body and goods, land and people, and all assets to each other, and that one of us wants to harm the other, who wants to be attacked, overdrawn, or burdened, as strongly as we can, at our own expense and damage, and to come to help and rescue.

(9) But in all this our trust is not in ourselves or in our country and people, but in God the Almighty, according to His divine will, revealed through us as His instruments and instruments, to whom it is little to conquer with many or few against the enemies, humbly and with devotion placed and set. All with faithful, Christian and right opinion, and without all danger.

(10) And that this agreement and understanding of ours in all its points and articles may be the more steadily and unalterably kept and lived, we Duke John, Elector, have hereunto knowingly affixed our seal, and signed it with our own hand. Done at Torgau, Wednesday after the Sunday Cantate [2 May], after the birth of Christ our dear Lord in the year 1526 etc.

845 Repetition, extension and renewal of the agreement concluded at Torgau between the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave of Hesse.

The first of these is a covenant made for the sake of protecting the faith. Done at Magdeburg, June 12, 1526.

In Hortleder l. c. p. 1317 and in Lünig's Reichs-Archiv 1. e. p. 38.

1st By the Grace of God, we John, Elector, and John Frederick, father and son, Dukes of Saxony etc., Philip, Otto, Ernst and Franciscus, brothers and cousins, all Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, Count of Katzenelnbogen etc., Heinrich, Duke of Mecklenburg, Prince of Wenden etc., Wolf, Prince of Anhalt, Count of Ascanien, and Lord of Bernburg, Gebhard and Albrecht, brothers, counts and lords of Mansfeld, confess: After God the Almighty, by special providence and by good, mild grace and unspeakable mercy, has made His holy, eternal and pure Word, as the only consolation for us, the food for the souls and the highest treasure on earth, that we should be thankful to His divine grace for eternity, and, if God wills, wills, has made it appear to men again: so, unfortunately, it is publicly known on the day what etc.

The further content of this document is identical with that of the preceding one (No. 844) from word to word up to the end, therefore only § 10 is added here.

(10) And that this agreement and understanding of ours in all its points and articles may be kept the more steadfastly and unalterably, and be lived up to, we the above-mentioned Electors, Princes and Counts, each of us, as Duke John, Elector, for us and our son, Duke Hans Frederick etc., and we Duke Otto and Duke Ernst, for us and Duke Franciscus, our brother, have knowingly affixed his own seal to this letter, and have signed it with our own hands. Done at Magdeburg, on the twelfth day of the fallow month after the birth of Christ our Lord, one thousand five hundred and six and twentieth year.

846. Admission of the old city of Magdeburg to the alliance agreed upon there between the Elector of Saxony and several other princes and counts, for the protection of the true pure religion and what is dependent on it. Done at Magdeburg, June 14, 1526.

From Hortleder I. e. p. 1319.

By the Grace of God, we John, Archmarshall of the Holy Roman Empire, Elector, and John Frederick, father and son, Dukes of Saxony, Landgraves of Thuringia and Margraves of Meissen, Philip, Otto, Ernst and Franciscus, brothers and cousins, all Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, Count of Katzenelnbogen 2c, Henry, Duke of Mecklenburg etc., Wolf, Prince of Anhalt etc., Gebhard and Albrecht, brothers, Counts of Mansfeld, confess that we have taken the honorable and wise, our dear specials, council, Jnnungsmeister and community of the old city of Magdeburg and their descendants into the understanding and agreement, which we, by the bestowal of divine graces, for the promotion and propagation of his holy word and gospel, and what depends on it, out of Christian goodwill, we have resolved and united with one another, at their special submissive request, entreaty, and petition, they also hereby, at such their request and entreaty, enter into it.

And because the prescription of such understanding and agreement could not be executed here now due to lack of time, and for other reasons, we want to prepare the same in our above-mentioned name, and have it sealed and sent to those of Magdeburg, from date in four weeks, the next approximate. On the other hand, they shall again hand over a reversal to our messenger, as a copy was sent to them, all without danger.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our seal, and given at Magdeburg, this fourteenth day of the fallow month, Anno Domini 1526.

847 Execution of the acceptance of the old city of Magdeburg into the understanding and agreement, which the Elector of Saxony and several other princes and counts, for the protection of the true pure religion and what is pending, along with the city of Magdeburg reversal letter about it. Given June 25, 1526.

From Hortleder I. c. S. 1319.

By the Grace of God, we John, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, and John Frederick, father and son, Dukes of Saxony, Landgraves of Thuringia and Margraves of Meissen etc., Philip, Otto, Ernst and Franciscus, brothers and cousins, all Dukes of

Brunswick and Lüneburg, Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, Count of Katzenelnbogen, of Dietz, Ziegen, Hain and Nidda, Henry, Duke of Mecklenburg, Prince of Wenden, Count of Schwerin, Lord of the Lands of Rostock and Stargard, Wolf, Prince of Anhalt, Count of Ascanien, and Lord of Bernburg, Gebhard and Albrecht, brothers, Counts and Lords of Mansfeld, hereby declare: After we, out of Christian, princely and good opinion, for the promotion and spreading of God's word, His holy gospel and what is pending on the same, by the bestowal of divine grace, have resolved and united with each other in a special understanding and agreement, all according to sound and content, as follows from word to word:

By the grace of God, we Johann, Elector, and Johann Friedrich, father and son, Dukes of Saxony 2c, Philip, Otto, Ernst and Franciscus, brothers and cousins, all Dukes of Brunswick 2c, Philip, Landgrave of Hesse 2c, Henry, Duke of Mecklenburg 2c, Wolf, Prince of Anhalt 2c, Gebhard and Albrecht, brothers, Counts of Mansfeld 2c, confess: Since God the Almighty by special providence and by good, mild grace and unspeakable mercy has given His holy, eternal and pure Word as the only comfort for us, the food for souls and the highest treasure on earth etc..,

3. And because the honorable and wise people of Magdeburg, our beloved specials, mayors, councillors, jnnungsmeister and congregation of the old city, as those who bear to God's Word, His holy Gospel, and what depends on the same, by the bestowal of divine grace, inclination and will, have humbly and diligently urged and requested of us that we take them with and beside us into such our understanding and agreement, with the humble and Christian supplication that they and their descendants, to the understanding and agreement of God's Word, His holy Gospel, and what depends on the same, that we will graciously and favorably take them into our understanding and agreement with and beside us, with the submissive and Christian submission that they and their descendants, at all times, as far as the divine word, the holy gospel, and what depends on it, is concerned, will commit to us all their property, as far as such extends, and will not seek any help, withdrawal or refusal therein; As they have pledged themselves against us in a letter of reversal under the city's seal.

4. at such their submissive request and inheritance, we, the Reigning Prince, Princes and Counts, confess that we, the mayor, council, mayor and community of the old city of Magdeburg and their descendants have taken with and beside us into our above-mentioned understanding and agreement, and therefore hereby, by virtue of this letter, take them in, where they and their descendants are

If they also suffer persecution, adversity and affliction on account of the divine word and what depends on it, and are therefore attacked, overdrawn or burdened by someone, that we then draw upon them to the greatest extent possible and at our own expense, and thus come to their rescue and help; But that they shall at all times, as far as the divine word is concerned, and as far as the same is concerned, again contribute all their property, as far as this extends, according to their prescription, to us; all faithfully and safely. In witness whereof we, the Reigning Prince, Princes and Counts, have each hereunto set our seal, as we Duke John, Elector, for ourselves and our son, and we Duke Otto and Ernst, for ourselves and our brother, Lord Franciscum, knowingly affixed to this letter. Given on the fifth and twentieth day of fallow month, Anno Domini 1526.

Reversal of the House of Magdeburg.

1. we mayors, council, Jnnungsmeister and community of the old city of Magdeburg etc. As the most illustrious, noble, highborn princes and lords, Mr. Johann, Duke of Saxony and Elector, Mr. Johann Friedrich, father and son etc., Mr. Philipp, Mr. Otto, Mr. Ernst and Mr. Franciscus, brothers and cousins, all Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, Mr. Philipp, Landgrave of Hesse etc., Mr. Heinrich, Duke of Mecklenburg etc., Mr. Wolf, Prince of Anhalt etc., and the noble, well-born, Mr. Gebhard and Mr. Albrecht, brothers, counts and lords of Mansfeld etc., our most gracious and gracious lords, out of princely, Christian and good opinion, for the promotion and spreading of God's Almighty Word, and what depends on it, resolved and united to a special understanding and agreement, all according to sound and content, as is reported above in their chur- and princely graces.

(2) Because we are so much in God's grace that such actions of their sovereign, princely, and royal graces are blessed, Christian, and just, and the salvation of all our souls finally rests in the Word of God. Since, by the grace of God, we find so much with us that such a thing as their sovereign, princely, and royal conduct is blessed, Christian, and just, and the salvation of all our souls finally rests in the word of God, their sovereign, royal, and royal families have, at our humble and diligent request and entreaty, graciously accepted us with and beside them in such an understanding and agreement with their sovereign, royal, and royal families, F. G. and G. have graciously taken us into their understanding and agreement; with gracious entreaties to us and our descendants, where we suffer persecution, repugnance and affliction on account of the divine word and what depends on it, and would therefore be attacked, overdrawn and burdened by someone, that their churf.

G. wanted to come to our rescue and help in the strongest possible way, at their own expense and damage.

3. Accordingly, and in consideration of the foregoing of our most gracious and gracious lords, the electors, princes and counts, gracious and Christian will, we confess for ourselves and our descendants that we will at all times, as far as the divine word, the Holy Gospel and all that depends on it, we will again place all our assets, as far as this extends, with our most gracious and merciful lords, and will not seek any help, withdrawal or refusal in this, all faithfully and safely.

And in witness whereof we have hereunto set our seal, which was given after the birth of Christ our dear Lord, in the year six and twentieth, on the 25th day of the fallow month, etc.

848: Margrave Albrecht of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia, has established a special alliance with Prince John of Saxony for the protection of the faith and all that depends on it. At Königsberg in Prussia. September 29, 1526.

In Hortleder 1. e. Cap. 6, p. 1321 and in Lünig's ReichsArchiv, pari. spse. eont. Ill, p. 310.

By the Grace of God, we Albrecht, Margrave of Brandenburg, Prussia, Szczecin, Pomerania, Duke of the Cassubians and Wends, Burgrave of Nuremberg and Prince of Rügen: After God the Almighty, out of His special providence and through His good merciful grace and unspeakable mercy, has made His eternal, holy and pure Word, as the only consolation for us, the food for our souls and the highest treasure on earth, of which we should be thankful to His divine grace for eternity, and whether God wills it or not, has again made it appear to men: But it is plain to see what many and various practices have been sought and undertaken for some time by some of the aforementioned clergy and their followers in the holy realm, in order to suppress and destroy this same holy divine word, and to tear it completely out of the hearts and consciences of men, if it had been possible.

2. And although they could not have done anything against it with such deceitful plots, but the more they acted, practiced and strove against it, the further, by the miraculous effect of God Almighty, their action served for the benefit and reception of the Christian assembly, the promotion and expansion of the same word; As this is also seen daily before our eyes, in quite undoubted and firm confidence that he who has sent his divine word into this world for the glory and honor of his holy name, for the salvation and enlightenment of his Christian congregation, will for the sake of his word continue to break those who oppose their intention, as has happened up to now, and show himself to them as a mighty, powerful God in such a way that they must recognize him, willingly or unwillingly, for a mighty God and Lord, so that they do not have to say: Where is now their divine word and gospel, of which they have thought so much?

(3) And although we, for our own glory, hope that we will ever and always show and keep all due obedience to Roman. Imperial Majesty all due obedience, as we are then inclined to do for the time being and to our end, nor do we wish to be found otherwise, shown and held, also in due places, in all matters in which we are obliged to follow out of due obedience, We will tolerate and suffer knowledge and instruction, as we have also commanded ourselves against everyone, so that, if God wills, no one shall have cause to complain against us, as if he would not receive justice against us, and therefore have cause to act violently against us, our land and people.

4. But since we are told, and have been made to believe by various warnings, that the public and physical actions give some indication that, notwithstanding all that has been said, they will continue to practice with diligent diligence, and that the adversaries will also set up alliances, of their highest ability, which they cannot accomplish with it, that such will be subdued with the expenditure and transfer of much money, in order to keep up their old, hitherto practiced, burdensome abuses against the divine word and gospel, and to suppress the truth of God and the word as much as is in them, against the divine Word and Gospel, and to suppress the truth of God and His Word as much as is in them, and to do so in such a way that those who, by the bestowal of God's grace, allow His holy Word to be preached, and other things according to it in ceremonies and other things, in their countries, as they are guilty of before God and for the sake of conscience, and allow it to be preached against traditional abuses, may, by their own means, be allowed to do so.

practices and incitement, and on account of their money should be overdrawn and their land and people damaged, attacked and spoiled because of it.

5. Since it would be burdensome, and frightening and pathetic to all Christian hearts, that truth should be suppressed (although it is in no one's power), and that untruth should prevail, and with these things the occasion arises that something else befits us and every Christian authority, we will remain silent, that we should rather call upon God daily and ask Him to lead us further to the knowledge of His divine word, light and will, because we should not allow what is done according to the granted grace of God in sermons, ceremonies and others in accordance with the same (even if it is against many touched abuses), and be against it in some ways; For this reason, we do not give anyone cause to take any offensive action, and we are obligated and obligated by virtue of our office, for which we have been provided by God Almighty, to protect our subjects from unjust violence, and also to take faithful precautions, so that our subjects are not only further protected with the Word of God, but are also provided in such a way that they remain in it, and may be protected and saved from the violence of the unrighteous.

6. Accordingly, we confess and declare in this letter that in the name of God, to the honor and praise of His holy name and word, out of Christian mind, heart, and right loyalty, and also to no one's annoyance or offence, but only for the protection and salvation of ours, we hereby unite with the Highborn Prince, Our kind and dear Lord and Grandfather, Mr. Johann, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, united as follows, and given in an understanding, as we also hereby do, and want to have done.

7. Thus: Where the above-mentioned adversaries and their followers, on account of the divine word, or on account of changes that have followed or are still to follow from the word of God, and the things that, according to it, are carried out and held against the above-mentioned abuses in his beloved principality and lands, or also other things for the sake of appearances, since the divine word touched upon would be meant in principle, and his loved ones could tolerate knowledge and instruction for such pretended appearances, as touched upon above, that we may then have S. L. help, advice and assistance, namely:

If his loved ones or the S.L.'s land and people would be overrun, burdened or attacked for this reason, we will send his loved ones a hundred armed soldiers at the S.L.'s request for help, at our own expense, until they reach his loved ones' land, and if they reach their land, they shall be maintained by the S.L. with a fair amount of transfer, fodder and costs, but at our pay and expense.

(9) Since it has been agreed and granted between the aforementioned our dear lord and uncle and us that each of us can bring other more Christian princes and states into this Christian, friendly, prescribed union, that we both have the diligence and power to do so, and whether one or more of them commit themselves against us with less help than has been foreseen, that on the other hand each of us shall not owe him any more than he grants himself against us, etc. Whether now after this more princes or other states would come to us in this prescribed Christian, friendly union, and we therefore from their one, before from the above-mentioned our dear lord and uncle, the Elector of Saxony etc., and send it, and thereafter also be requested by the said dear lord and uncle, on account of the help prescribed herein: as much as we have then sent for help on the first admonition of the other contracting relative, we shall not be deprived of the help requested thereafter, as long as we are burdened with it, and furthermore; and that such and everything else between us be understood and kept Christian, friendly, faithful and harmless.

(10) But in all things we will not put our trust in such our covenants, or in ourselves, but in and upon God the Almighty, according to His divine will, through us as His instrument and instrumentality, to whom it is also little to conquer with many or few against the enemies, humbly and with devotion, all with faithful right Christian opinion and without all danger.

11. and that this our agreement and understanding in all its points and articles be kept the more constant and unaltered, we have attached our seal to it, and signed it with our own hand etc. Given in Prussia, at our castle Königsberg, Saturday on the day Michaelmas [Sept. 29] Anno 1526 etc.

2) Of the Protestant Estates' Legation to Emperor Carl the Fifth, and the Convention established at Rodach 1).

849. compulsory note for the envoys to be sent by the protesting Electors and Estates to Emperor Carl the Fifth. The 26th of May, Anno 1529.

From Müller's Historie von der evangelischen Stände Protestation, Book II, Cap. I, § 4, P. 146.

After my most gracious and gracious lords, the Elector and the Princes of Saxony, Brandenburg, Lüneburg, Hesse and Anhalt, also the honorable free and imperial cities, which adhere to their Electoral and Princely Grace Protestation, have ordered you, my lords and friends, as their Princely Grace Embassy and Advocates to ride in Hispania to the Imperial Majesty. The noble and princely graces, as well as the honorable free and imperial cities, are much interested in this trade: so our, their princely and princely graces, have ordered you, my lords and friends, to be their princely embassy and advocates, to ride in Hispania to the imperial majesty. [Therefore, we, their electoral and princely graces and favors, kindly request and ask you to promise us, in place of their electoral and princely graces, and on behalf of the honorable cities, in good faith, that you will act faithfully and diligently in the matters in question, according to the instruction you have given and the order you have received, and deal with the allowance in the most faithful and exact manner, and that you will neither give away nor honor anything beyond the granted sum of two hundred florins, if a good parting is given in this matter, without our most gracious, gracious and favorable lords and friends' good knowledge and will; That neither of you without the knowledge and will of the other will take up or spend anything, and that you will faithfully account for your expenditures, and that you will also show and keep yourselves in all this as faithful messages and attorneys of our most gracious, gracious and favorable lords, as their graces and favors and our trust stand in you. Actum on 26 May Anno 1529.

1) Thus Ungewitter, "Geographisch-statistisch-historisches Handbuch", vol. I, p. 294, writes this name, likewise Guericke, Kirchengeschichte (7), vol. Ill, p. 165; against it Walch "Rotach" and likewise the Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. VII, p. 110. De Wette, vol. Ill, p. 465 writes "Rothach", likewise Seckendorf, List. Imtü., lib. II, § 46, ^.ää. L.

850. instruction on what our envoys to the following princes, princes, and cities are to present, solicit, and act upon the surrender of our sealed document of credence to the Roman imperial and Hispanic royal majesty, our most gracious lord. May 27, 1529.

In Müller 1. e. Book II, Cap. 2, Z1, p. 147 and in Lünig's Reichs-Archiv, pari. Zsn. oout. II, x>. Walch notes that this instruction was also written in Latin and French, which is also evident from the following document.

I. First of all, to express to Her Imperial Majesty our most subservient, owing obedience and most willing service, as our most gracious Emperor and Lord.

(2) And then to tell Her Imperial Majesty the following opinion: After Her Imperial Majesty had undertaken to hold a common Diet at Speier on the other day of the month of February, no doubt not without special cause, and had it advertised and proclaimed in the Holy Empire, which Diet was immediately extended and adjourned until the first and twentieth day of the same month, in addition to such advertisement:

3. Thus we, the Elector and the princes, in our own persons, and we, the free and imperial cities, by our stately embassies, as obedient members of the holy empire, have joined together in a certain imperial diet, and have no other opinion than to help to discuss everything at such imperial diet, to act and to decide, which might always have served to promote God's honor, the welfare and acceptance of common Christendom, the Holy Empire and Her Imperial Majesty, as well as the increase and preservation of common peace and justice.

(4) As we have noted each time from the most recent and other notices of Imperial Diet held by Her Imperial Majesty, that Her Imperial Majesty, as a praiseworthy, peaceful Emperor, would finally direct his mind and highest inclination to the effect that, through such Imperial Assemblies, things should be considered, tractted, and carried out that would prosper the peaceful, Christian harmony of all high and low estates in the Holy Empire. For what else would the manifold imperial diets be either useful or necessary for, if the grievances and deficiencies incumbent upon the Holy Roman Empire were not remedied, and if that which is necessary for all estates and subjects were not to be

Peace, tranquility and absorbing would like to promote, taken in hand, and as much as possible should be brought into the work?

(5) But we could not avoid to inform Her Imperial Majesty, as a Roman Emperor, protector and guardian of the Holy Roman Empire, also our most gracious right Lord and by God decreed temporal authority, not only out of our, but also of all relatives of the Empire preceding high necessity, the following opinion in highest submissiveness.

(6) Although Her Imperial Majesty has appointed a common Diet in Speier for the past six and twentieth years. The same way her Imperial Majesty of the past six and twentieth years appointed and announced a common Imperial Diet at Speier, out of the remote necessity of the Holy Roman Empire and its members, and there appointed her Imperial Majesty's brother and governor in the Empire, our dear lord, uncle, brother-in-law and most gracious lord, the King of Hungary and Bohemia, as well as other commissars of her Imperial Majesty, namely the venerable, high and gracious King of Hungary and Bohemia, brother-in-law and most gracious lord, the King of Hungary and Bohemia, also other commissars of her Imperial Majesty, namely the venerable, reverend, noble and high-born princes, dear lords, friends, uncle, brothers, brothers-in-law and gracious lords, Mr. Bernhard, bishops of Trent; Mr. Casimir, Margrave of Brandenburg etc., of blessed memory; Mr. Erich, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg etc., and Lord Philip, Margrave of Baden etc., decreed: Who then, in virtue and by virtue of their plenipotentiary power and command, delivered to them by their Imperial Majesty, with all the Princes, Princes and other Estates of the Holy Roman Empire, but among others, and most especially in matters concerning our holy faith, religion and the ceremonies thereof, after due deliberation and advice, that they have unanimously agreed and decided that, for the sake of such high, important matters, an application should be made to Her Majesty for a common, free, Christian concilium, or at least a national assembly, where the same matters would be dealt with in the most equitable manner, by means of an embassy decreed at that time by the common estates of the empire. And that in the meantime all Princes, Princes and other Imperial Estates, and each one for himself, with his subjects, in all and so much as the Edict, by their Imperial Majesty, is to be applied for. Majesty at the first Diet held by Her Imperial Majesty at Worms. Majesty's Diet at Worms, should and would live, govern and conduct themselves as each one hoped and trusted against God and Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty and trusted to answer for it.

7 As the common imperial decree of the Speier Diet clearly states, which was also unanimously accepted by all the estates of the empire, and which they agreed to keep.

1) Whereupon we Ferdinand, Prince and Infante in Hispania, Archduke of Austria, of Burgundy etc., Imperial Majesty's Governor, and we the appointed commissioners, above mentioned, by virtue of our power, on account of the Roman Imperial Majesty, our most gracious and most merciful Lord, do and promise to keep and perform everything and anything that is written above and may affect Imperial Majesty. Majesty, steadfastly, firmly, and unbreakably, and sincerely, to keep and perform it, to comply with it strictly and without refusal, and to live it, not to do anything contrary to it, to perform it, to act on it, or to let it go forth, nor to permit anyone else to do anything on its account, except all danger.

(8) And we, Electors, Princes, Prelates, Counts and Lords, also of the Electors, Princes, Counts and of the Holy Roman Empire, envoys, embassies and authorities, as named. We, the Electors, Prelates, Counts and Lords, as well as the Electors, Princes, Counts and the Imperial and Free Cities of the Holy Roman Empire, envoys, embassies and rulers, as they are called, also publicly confess with this letter that all and every of the above-mentioned points and articles have been made and decided with our good knowledge, will and counsel, and that the same, all together and especially, hereby and in virtue of this letter, consent to the same, do speak and promise by right, good, true faithfulness, which, as much as each of his sovereigns or friends, by whom he is sent or has authority, concerns or may concern, to keep and perform truly, steadily, firmly, sincerely and unbreakably, and to comply and live with it to the best of our ability, without danger.

(9) And let such farewell be sealed by their Imperial Majesty's rulers, governors and commissars, also princes, princes and other estates of the empire with their seals, as is due, and confirmed for necessity; so that such stately acts shall be confirmed in good faith, and as much as possible, according to the same printed farewell.

(10) Notwithstanding such unanimous and credible union, and the accepted consent and resolution of all the Imperial Estates, it has been prevented and abolished by some of the lesser part, that all the Imperial Estates have not sent their decreed embassies to their Imperial Majesty, no doubt for no other reason than that they have feared when such embassies come to their Imperial Majesty. The Imperial States were prevented by some of the lesser part from riding to their Imperial Majesty with messages ordered by them, no doubt for no other reason than that they feared and worried, when such messages came to their Imperial Majesty, that their Majesty would report the form and occasion of the matters with reason of truth, and otherwise than as and hitherto done by the counterpart.

1) Document No.809, §§31, 32.

The court has also warned and persuaded the people not to obey or comply with the other party's objectionable request.

11 When at this Imperial Diet at Speier an Instruction was presented in Her Imperial Majesty's name. In this instruction, among other things, it was stated that it should be the mind and opinion of Her Imperial Majesty to rescind the article now reported, which was decided upon in the previous Speierian Convention, and which she promised to uphold, and which she had sealed and confirmed, and to return the matter to the old, erroneous and dangerous status; which, however, for the reasons hereafter mentioned and other excellent causes, we do not at all provide to Her Imperial Majesty, but doubtlessly consider it, even though such instruction should have emanated from Her Imperial Majesty, that this is the case. that this is either due to an unequal report of those who concealed the opportunity of this important trade, or to the previous action of some who might be inclined to cause even more proliferation in the Holy Empire: confident that if Her Imperial Majesty had had a sufficient report of the reason for such matters, or of the previous Speierian and other imperial treaties decided before it, which complaints would certainly have resulted from it, if they were to be annulled and passed in such a manner, Her Imperial Majesty would not have been induced to issue such an instruction; because we have committed ourselves to Her Imperial Majesty as a just person, and because we have not been able to do so. Majesty, as a just, Christian and honor-loving Emperor, that Her Imperial Majesty's heart, mind and soul will not be moved to such an instruction. We have no intention to act against what has been unanimously decided, accepted and ratified by Her Majesty's duly authorized commanders and commissars, in addition to all other Imperial Estates, or to rescind, change or allow someone else to do, without the prior consent of all Imperial Estates, so that this act may affect all of them and each of them in particular: Therefore, out of necessity, Christian good opinion, not only for our own and our conscience's sake, but also for the sake of God Almighty and Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty, for praise, honor and dignity, for the prevention of further disturbances and displeasure in the Empire, and also for the sake of the preservation of common peace, we have submitted our advice and objections at the above-mentioned Imperial Diet to the effect that the other princes, princes and estates of the Holy Empire, in the case of the articles mentioned above, drawn up in the previous Speier Agreement, shall, out of appropriate

The people of the city of Vienna, who have been informed by us of the reasons for this, their loves, favors and graces at that time, will remain a Christian council until a future one, and no evil should be decided against them.

12. And when, by some repugnant action, the article indicated, in the pretense that therein alone should consist a brighter declaration and purification, was completely abolished, and in its place some burdensome, unpleasant articles were put in, which would rather lead to discord, division, and presumably to further unity than to peace and goodness, which, for our and our subjects' souls and consciences' sake, would be completely inconclusive in many ways, and presumed further development than unity, peace and good, which would also be quite infallible to us and our subjects' souls and consciences in many ways, if we had given their imperial majesty's governors, orators and commissars, as well as the other imperial states, our manifold shortcomings and complaints, our manifold deficiencies and complaints, in a friendly, good and subservient opinion, and made several honorable, reasonable suggestions, so that the much reported article of the previous Speierian farewell, if it should ever be misunderstood by some, would be more equanimous, more equitable and more reasonable, should be explained in an equitable, reasonable and fair manner, without any other oversight, because all princes, princes and other estates of the Holy Roman Empire would not have made any mistake with us, but would have settled it without any great hindrance or objection.

13. But when princes, princes and other estates of the empire had insisted on their undertaking, and had not accepted our proposals, in the opinion of deciding in this matter by a majority: If the previous agreement of the empire, also its unanimous decision, the approval, acceptance, high obligation and victory of all the imperial estates, had been brought to their remembrance by us, with the further reminder that it would not be due to them at all, to change or rescind such unanimous imperial agreement in the appearance of a majority, because out of the assets of all equity and human right 1) such a unanimous decision of the imperial estates should and must be changed again by a unanimous approval of the same: For if it were in accordance with right and all reasonable order that in temporal worldly affairs, since the matter does not concern many of them in common, but each one in particular, some resolution of the more part against the others and diminish and one of their special approval should not take place, it would be much more reasonable, lawful and orderly,

1) "Rightly" put by us instead of: Judging.

to act in this most supreme, most excellent matter, since it does not concern the temporal, but fundamentally and without means the glory of God, the salvation of souls and consciences, for which reason every person, high and low, for the sake of his faith, life, deeds and actions, must give a serious account and responsibility for himself before God the Almighty and His just, unchanging judgment, and his righteous, unchanging, serious judgment, must give account and responsibility for himself, and in this no man would help, be relevant to, or support any other order, even of the greater or lesser part, along with other more excellent high movements, which we would have indicated to the common estates for the purpose of putting an end to their intention in the most modest and friendly way. But in spite of all this, and notwithstanding our faithful request, exhortation, entreaty, proposal and reminder, the other imperial estates would have persevered in their undertaking and decided in favor of an imperial treaty; But that we, for the following and other obvious and necessary reasons, complained to the highest degree, would not have been able to accept or approve the same resolution and farewell in any way, but would have publicly protested against it out of pressing necessity, of no other opinion, than that our conscience should not only be clear for ourselves, but also for the sake of our commanded subjects, to whom we have been ordered by God, according to their Majesty, to be sovereigns and regents. to whom we are ordered by God to be superiors and regents, as is only fair, to save also Her Imperial Majesty. Maj., as in this matter reported badly and unequally, to report the matter with better true reason, as we hereby do to Her Majesty. Maj. in the shortest possible time in all submissive obedience, thus:

14. Majesty that during the time of Her Imperial Majesty's reign and before that a good while ago, many contentious articles and errors had occurred on account of our holy faith. Maj.'s reign, and before that a good while ago, there had been many contentious articles and errors on account of our holy faith; so, too, through the public teaching, preaching and proclamation of the holy gospel, things had reached the point where the same doctrine had spread everywhere in Christendom, but before that in the German nation, and had come so far that it had been accepted by many estates in Christendom as just, true and Christian, and had hitherto been held and advocated for it without means.

(15) Although many a splendid council and action to counter such divisions and to move the Christian estates into unity had been undertaken and put into effect during the many imperial congresses that had been held so far, daily experience would have taught us so much about this.

that Her Imperial Majesty's governors, decreed commissars and commanders The Holy Roman Emperor has indicated that His Majesty's governors, decreed commissioners and commanders, in addition to princes, rulers and other estates of the Holy Roman Empire, may not find a more feasible, more constant and less burdensome way to help this matter in the Christian action of pending confusion, than that a common, free Christian concilium be held and announced by His Majesty's help, as has always happened in the Christian Church up to now in such disputes of our faith. This is what has happened in the Christian church up to now in such disputes of our faith. Not only all the imperial states, but also the majority of all the empire's relatives and subjects, and especially their Imperial Majesty, would have supported them in this way. And some of the most recent imperial agreements, 1) especially the one at Speier of the sixth and twentieth year, as reported above, would have been seriously put to the test, that their Imperial Majesty would have asked for a conducive approach. Majesty should be requested in the most favorable manner for the conducive scheduling of such concilii, to which also the majority of all those who would be attached to the Gospel and inclined to it, and to whom the opposite of it would have appealed and offered themselves. Although we, together with others, certainly provide that this means and decision of an approved and accepted Christian council should remain valid, and that no one should be obliged to determine, act, and deliberate on it by any other repugnant means, the other princes, rulers and estates of the empire had undertaken at this imperial diet at Speier to take action on all the exhortations and notices that had been given, and also on several important main points of these important matters of our faith, by their resolution and agreement; But how just, could her Majesty., as a Christian, praiseworthy and understanding Emperor, can judge for himself. For since the same imperial estates before and now considered it useful, necessary and fruitful to hold a Christian concilium for the best, they would have declared loudly and more than enough that in no other place than in a free Christian concilium would it be proper to act justly in this matter, and thus they would have surrendered the power of their determination, resolution and judgment, even if they had had some, without means. How then could one thing always suffer alongside the other? For if these matters had been put to the action of a concilii, the estates of the empire would not have been able to act with any

1) In Walch's old edition: "des jüngsten Reichsabschied".

If they have the right to subject themselves to some action, however small it may be, and if they have the right to do so, what need would there be for a council?

16 Secondly, in a crazy time, namely in the 24th year, her Majesty had planned to hold an Imperial Diet at Speier; but when it reached her Majesty that many of the princes, princedoms and other imperial estates had made themselves skilful with some brave counsels, in the opinion that in matters of the Gospel and of our faith they should act there the more nobly, her Majesty had forbidden such plans to the imperial estates by written order issued by her Majesty. Her Majesty had most seriously forbidden such plans to the Imperial Estates by written order issued by Her Majesty, with these reasons attached, that such important matters should be dealt with in a Christian common council and in the presence of Her Imperial Majesty. This would have left not only such action in matters of faith, but also the entire Imperial Diet to be held. From this we could draw this undoubtedly certain reason that Her Majesty would not be of any other mind than that this trade, and what may be attached to it, should not be traded and acted upon by some special imperial estates, as is now done, but by a common Christian council; and that Her Majesty's mind, commission and order would not be placed there at all, in this matter, beforehand without Her Majesty's and other Christian estates' presence. and other Christian estates, although it was said that only the time between here and the Concilii should be kept that way. For so, according to Her Imperial Majesty Majesty. Opinion and command, outside of a Christian Concilii and Her Imperial Majesty's Majesty. If, according to the opinion and command of Her Imperial Majesty, no action is taken on such important matters outside of a Christian Council and Her Imperial Majesty's presence, then neither now nor in the meantime of a Council shall anything be traced or carried out by the Estates in these matters as for a general resolution.

17 Thirdly, because Her Imperial Majesty has given the Commission and Instruction Maj.'s invitation to this Imperial Diet, as well as the commission and instructions submitted to their commissioners at this Imperial Diet, it is clear that Her Imperial Majesty has promised and promised what will be decided at this Imperial Diet for the honor, benefit and welfare of the Holy Roman Empire. Majesty has promised and pledged that whatever is resolved at this Diet for the honor, benefit and welfare of the Holy Roman Empire, Her Imperial Majesty will faithfully observe and uphold. If, as a result of the cassation of the previous Speierian imperial treaty, there should be some discord, strife and further development in the Holy Roman Empire, we could by no means presume that Her Majesty would be inclined to enforce the same treaty for herself, or with the help of some of the

The imperial estates, without the consent of the others, which would have helped to decide the same beforehand, and to cause something more burdensome for it. For which imperial state would want to respect their Imperial Maj. Majesty's mind that she would have given her commissioners the power and command to do and decide what might presumably result in mischief, harm and discord in the Holy Empire? In addition, we had no doubt that the commission, authority and instruction given to her Majesty was not based on a final command, i.e. that the content and letter of the same should be strictly followed and lived, but on a useful, fruitful concern of all imperial estates in general; as princes, princes and the other estates of the empire understood this in the same way, and therefore made several changes against the letter of the instruction. For if it had been the strict opinion of Her Imperial Majesty If it had been her Majesty's strict opinion to act entirely in accordance with the Instruction and not otherwise, what would have been necessary for her Majesty's authority and commission, given to her Majesty's Commissars? What use would this Imperial Diet and all the Imperial Estates described therein have been for their presence, concerns, advice and decisions? From this we can sufficiently remember ourselves that the other imperial estates, by assuming some force or command to contravene the previous imperial treaty at Speier or to cause other complaints in the empire with it, would have had no cause from their Imperial Majesty. Maj. had no cause to presume.

(18) Fourthly, whether we can expect the Imperial Majesty to be satisfied with the articles that the other imperial estates have adopted at this Diet. Maj. in the articles that the other imperial estates had decided upon at the previous Speier Agreement at this Imperial Diet, and to indicate to each of them, in particular, a great deal of our high complaints, where we should accept and agree to the articles, in a different way and as a matter of necessity: we would nevertheless like to make such an arrangement until Her Majesty's happy future in the Empire, which we would expect with great joy and satisfaction, or at another suitable time. We would, however, like to make such an arrangement until her Majesty's happy future in the realm, which we would expect with but joy and desire, or at another more opportune time, but nevertheless, before others, inform her Majesty of this subsequent high complaint, and what would have driven us to our protestation in particular: namely, that some of the same articles have been placed where we should accept and consent to them, that we would have to act against our conscience without any means. We wanted to keep silent of all our subjects and dependents, on whom we imposed an equally burdensome and unmistakable burden on their conscience by our approval; and where no other cause but this should be in view:

we respect the same more than enough, that the imperial estates would have had a reasonable, guilty motion, not to knowingly oblige us by their resolution to that which we would never want to answer to God for the sake of our conscience. For since it would ever be obvious, and irrefutable among all Christians, that if a man considers something to be wrong, and acts on it, if it were otherwise right in himself, it would be sin and damnable; Should we now, by granting the same burdensome articles, or in other ways, be compelled to do that which, from the indication of the divine word, we considered either unjust or a public error in our hearts and consciences, it would not only be most burdensome, injurious, and damnable to us, as Christians, but also, in the case of men, believers and unbelievers, reproachable, and most shameful to our holy faith. We also fully consider that it would be more beneficial, less dangerous and detrimental for us to put the temporal in danger, than to fall into the hands of the Almighty God by such approval of public damnable sins. Moreover, we have always desired from the bottom of our hearts, and we still do, since our minds would never stray, either with knowledge or out of willfulness, not even for our own benefit or piety, but only to seek the glory of God and His holy Gospel, and the salvation of our pious subjects; If anyone from the imperial estates, spiritual or secular, should suspect us of some unchristian insanity, action or misbelief, and want to report all this to us with divine truth: We would be inclined to refrain from such errors, of which we have none in ourselves, without hindrance, just as we would still be without means. For no man on earth could ever deny this with truth; even the clergy themselves would have to confess it. Thus, Pope Hadrianus, through a papal commission and instruction, which he gave to his orator at the recently held Imperial Diet at Nuremberg, would have freely confessed in the same way and announced that there were many certain infirmities and abuses in the Roman Church, 1) moreover, that these abuses were also reported at the Imperial Diet at Nuremberg to one hundred of their Imperial Majesty and the papal authorities. Maj. and the papal orators in writings). From this their

1) In Document No. 718 of the 15th volume of our edition.

2) Document No. 722 in the 15th volume of our edition.

Imperial Maj. Maj. himself, as a highly understanding Christian Emperor, graciously remind us that we also have sufficient cause from the public abuses before our eyes, although the Word of God does not bear witness to them, and that we are also obligated to pacify our consciences in all of this in such a way that we should not, with knowledge, permit, accept or approve anything objectionable against them. It also behooves every Christian, in matters concerning the salvation of souls and our faith, to look neither to the crowd, nor to old habits, nor to repugnant customs, nor to the great multitude, nor to a greater number, but without means to the truth of their God, from whom they have received soul, body, honor and goods, government and all being, as not only the holy divine Scriptures, but also the ecclesiastical papal laws themselves are clearly and expressly able to do.

19. Fifthly, we should not unreasonably consider the impossibility and what might result from the execution of a burdensome and repugnant parting in this great important trade, above and beyond the aforementioned excellent causes: for although our subjects knew, and were told by God's word of necessity, that they owed obedience to the authorities, they were also unaware that they would need some coercion by which to sin and act against their conscience, no less than we were: But besides this, it is also not known to them that they are not obliged to grant a certain compulsion, by which they are required to sin and act against their conscience, no less than we are; that in this case, too, and since it concerns God's strict command without means, all obedience to man would cease. If we now fall into this blindness, that we want to consent for ourselves to what would be burdensome for our souls and consciences, and knowingly sin for ourselves (from which God Almighty mercifully wanted to protect us), our subjects would not accept this as certain to be done, but, as can undoubtedly be seen from the previous action, would show themselves to be opposed to it, so that it would be impossible for us to obtain it and bring it to fruition. What further development, aggravation, disobedience, apostasy, and separation of all civil [order] 3) and common peace would cause, how far this burdensome plague would spread in the holy realm, whether it would not cause public irreparable riots, revolts, and all indecencies, which one would want to prevent, and whether the last days would become worse than the first, which we would like to prevent according to our highest ability, would not be a problem for us.

3) Inserted by us.

less to her Imperial Majesty. Mas., as the highest promoter of all peace and justice, holder of the common peace of the land, and a ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, than to graciously consider us, on whose backs the highest burden would be placed. For the subjects of the holy realm are now instructed this year that they do not want to be instructed in these important high matters, since it concerns the honor of God and His holy gospel and the salvation of their souls and consciences, by any other means than by the certain word of God. If we were now to depart from the previous imperial decree at Speier, and fall into such burdensome articles, and were also to undertake to impose them on ours, without a prior thorough presentation of divine truth, or before a free Christian council, for which all the imperial estates had hitherto urged the highest discord in favor of a just action, it would be certain that such a thing would be impossible to raise among the common man and subjects. Since no man, to whom this would not be in his power, from which he could expect nothing but a final ruin and all danger, should be urged or be obliged to accept it, this movement would be so brave and respectable, notwithstanding all the other causes mentioned above, that the Imperial Majesty, as we have no doubt, would not have given us the opportunity to take it up. Maj. would not, as we do not doubt, refer our refusal and non-consent to any disgrace, and, besides the impossibility of our doing so, would not consider it of little benefit and promotion of the common welfare of the Holy Roman Empire that, by such protesting and non-consenting, we would have prevented a troublesome beginning of greater unpleasant uprisings and revolts, and much more a frightening and irretrievable outcome of the same.

20. It is certainly not in our mind, will and opinion to give any cause for discord, division, apostasy, revolt and repugnance in the holy realm by these or other actions of ours, but rather to devote all our diligence, effort and labor of our highest fortune to faithfully prevent such things, as we would not have been less willing to do in the same way than our forefathers did; That all our actions and what we have suffered because of them, where they are presented to Her Imperial Majesty with reason and truth, should also be considered. Majesty should be presented with reason of truth, would give obvious testimony. But what has been achieved in this matter by the recent Speierische

If we were to take leave, the way would certainly not be, as one would think, to cause much future harm, but, as we have heard, the only way to cause the greatest harm; but we, as the obedient Christian members of the holy kingdom, inasmuch as we also recognize ourselves guilty, would much rather and more cheaply see this prevented with the utmost diligence, and for our part we would not like to lose anything from it 1).

(21) The Imperial Majesty should also take care of all of us. Majesty should therefore take care of all of us, both universally and in particular, that we do not only owe it to Her Imperial Majesty, as our rightful united Lord, to be ordained on earth by God, but that we also owe it to Her Imperial Majesty, as our rightful united Lord, to be ordained on earth by God. Majesty. and faithfully promote everything that may always serve the dignity, honor, welfare and reception of divine truth, of the holy empire and of common Christianity, but also to join with our subjects and relatives in the meantime in a common concilii or national assembly, in matters concerning our holy faith and the same religion, by means of divine assistance, so that, whether God wills it, nothing else but an honorable, princely and Christian mind, love and inclination towards God, Her Imperial Majesty, common Christendom and the Holy Empire shall be publicly felt, and doubtless no one shall have cause to blame or accuse us all of some unchristian action, rebellion and disobedience in some way; Nor would it be in our minds to refuse or protest in others, where these matters of conscience, faith and Christian religion, and what therefore might be a common grievance to us all, are not concerned, but would in such cases, where it is the necessary help against the Turk, The Imperial Majesty at Worms has established the necessary assistance against the Turks, the maintenance of the regiment and chamber court, as long as it is in accordance with the order of the Empire, the handling of peace and justice, and other such matters, and to live faithfully, and to act, perform, and execute everything that is due to obedient members of the Empire.

22 And thereupon our envoys shall petition the Imperial Majesty in the highest respect. Majesty with the utmost submission on our behalf, whether these things and actions have so far been communicated to Her Imperial Majesty by anyone. Majesty by anyone so far.

1) "erwinden" == lack, lacking; put by us instead of: "erwenden".

of any other form than that which is in the ground, or that we would be disparaged and registered, either collectively or especially, with Her Imperial Majesty or in some other way. If we were disparaged and registered in some way or other, or if we were to be discredited and registered in some way or other, Her Majesty would not give any chance or credence to this, but would graciously be mindful of our true Christian and well-founded excuses and not be moved to do us any harm. For we are of no other mind, intention, or will than that we like to be Christians, to do right and to act right, and to be obedient members of the holy Christian church, of its imperial majesty, and of the holy empire. Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire, and faithfully place our property at the disposal of their Imperial Majesty, and also give to God what belongs to God, and to their Imperial Majesty what belongs to their Majesty. Majesty, what is rightfully and obligatorily due to Her Majesty, inasmuch as our forefathers, brothers and ancestors had also done everything of their property up to now. With further most humbly request that also her imperial majesty will graciously promote and be concerned that a common free Christian concilium be held as soon as possible, of the "most humbly" understanding that her imperial majesty would find this our apology and statement so important and respectable that we would have urged to our protestation and non-approval out of unavoidable necessity, and therefore we do not deny ourselves that we would not allow such a thing, which would be quite burdensome to us, our souls and consciences, as well as to our country, people and subjects, but would want to prevent it as much as possible, considering how quite burdensome and frightening it would be for all Christians to fall into deliberate sins, God's wrath, punishment and disgrace, and to cause others to do the same in the same way; Again, with the Christian's most humble request, if we or ours have erred in anything up to now, or should still err, that we then let ourselves be instructed with holy divine Scripture in a completely obedient, willing and inclined manner, and insist on nothing that should be repugnant to our holy faith, Christian religion, or God's Word in some way.

23. we also wish to submit ourselves most humbly to her imperial majesty, as our most gracious lord and emperor, in all owed obedience, and have commanded her imperial majesty's protection, protection and imperial handling most humbly, with most humbly humble request to inform us hereupon of her imperial majesty's gracious answer; that we would be all and one.

each especially for the sake of Her Imperial Majesty, as our most gracious Lord, Emperor and Ruler, to earn in dutiful obedience all submissive diligence, most eager, inclined and willing.

24. this is our Instruction with ours, by God's Grace Johannsen of Saxony, Archmarshall of the Holy Empire, Elector etc., Georgen, Margrave of Brandenburg etc., and Philippsen, Landgrave of Hesse etc., for ourselves and on behalf of the Highborn Princes, our Oheim and brothers-in-law, Ernsten and Franciscen, Dukes of Lüneburg etc., and Wölfen, Princes of Anhalt; and then by us Mayors and Council of Nuremberg, for ourselves, and those of Strasbourg, Costnitz, Ulm, Memmingen, Nördlingen, St. Gallen, Lindau, and other free and imperial cities of the Holy Roman Empire, adhering to us in obberührtem Handel, Insiegeln, aufgedruckt bei Ende der Schrift, besiegelt. Done and given at Nuremberg, on Thursday, May 27, 1529.

851 The Protesting Princes, Princes and Estates' Supplementary Instruction for their Envoys to be Sent to Emperor Carl the Fifth. May 1529.

In Müller I. e. p. 167 and in Lünig's Reichs-Archiv, part. Z6n. eont. II, p. 320.

(1) In addition to this sealed instruction of ours, which is also to be delivered to the Imperial Majesty in German, Latin, and French, our envoys are commanded to act in the same way before Imperial Majesty the Grand Chancellor, the Grand Chamberlain, Count Heinrichen von Nassau, and Alexander Schweiß on our letters of credence. Majesty's Grand Chancellor, Grand Chamberlain, Count Henry of Nassau and Alexander Sweat, to act in the same way on our letters of credence, and to tell them orally these matters of our protestation and the causes of the same in the shortest possible time, and where it is necessary, and, where necessary, have copies of our instructions read to them, to learn from them the principles of the matter, and thereupon to request them altogether and especially implore them, in view of our highest pressing need, truly our excuse and Christian honorable request, to appeal to Imperial Majesty for faithful, good and faithful assistance. Majesty's faithful, good and gracious supporters, and to help entreat their Imperial Majesty to support us, as obedient members of the Holy Roman Empire, the Christian Church and their Imperial Majesty, in their highest mercy. Majesty, to whose highest possible servitude we offer ourselves in all ways, not to be moved, but rather to send our envoys with a gracious written

We are ready to answer all of them. That we would also be quite inclined and willing to blame, deserve, and graciously recognize all of them, and each one in particular.

2 Likewise, Ulrich Ehinger is to be used as a faithful assistant and solicitor to His Imperial Majesty in the name of all of us. Majesty in the name of all of us, and the envoys shall diligently request this.

3. but if our envoys should meet with some opposition from Imperial Majesty or from other persons by disparaging and repugnant actions, we shall be entitled to the same. Majesty, or other persons, if they should apply for promotion on our behalf, as if we should not have some just cause or reason for our action and conduct: Our envoys are to explain our reasons, goodwill and necessity, but not in any other way than in general, to the best of their ability from the acts passed at Speier, also from our protest and appeal, among other things, as they know and have heard at Speier itself, and are not to engage in some special article with answer and dispute. With the further indication that any reasonable Christian would find our undoubted oversight out of our responsibility so much more courageous, respectable and well-founded that he would not blame us in such an unjust, clumsy or wanton action 1). We would refrain from all of our Christian prayers and other more valiant causes, if we were to further harm the Emperor's Majesty in time. We would refrain from all our Christian appeals and other more valiant causes, if we hoped in time to present to Your Majesty even more and with such important prestige that Your Majesty would undoubtedly be graciously satisfied etc.

4 If the envoys receive a gracious answer and farewell from His Imperial Majesty for all their actions, they must work diligently to communicate it to them in credible writings. If the envoys receive a gracious answer and farewell from His Majesty for all their actions, which they should also work diligently to communicate to them in credible writings, then they will have their way.

5. 5. If, however, the Imperial Majesty should ever refuse to accept this noble apology, responsibility, and entreaty of ours, and should be so ungracious to our envoys that they would not have to put up with a more gracious and tolerable discharge, they shall "most humbly" inform the Imperial Majesty that this and other matters incumbent upon the common Christianity and the Holy Roman Empire, such as the following, are not to be considered.

1) "think" put by us instead of: "think up".

We would like to testify with God and our conscience that we all meant nothing else but the most Christian and faithful; we would like nothing better than that among all Christian states, first of all the German ones, a unanimous will, peace and unity, and a confidential mind should be found, to which we would gladly and faithfully promote, and in such we would not spare our fortune; this shall also, if God wills, be evidently decided by Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty and all men shall find this to be true. We would also have provided ourselves completely, our true well-founded excuse, also the therein embodied noble causes and heritages, should have had such a standing with Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty should have had such a reputation that Her Imperial Majesty would have accepted our emergency measures. Majesty would have graciously, and at the least not less, respected and accepted our needy responsibility than their statements, which might have been repugnant to us, and without reason in the eyes of Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty without reason, as God wills, to disparage us and to make an ungracious emperor. However, we initially consoled ourselves of our innocence and of the fact that we considered Her Imperial Majesty to be a praiseworthy emperor. Majesty for a praiseworthy, pious, just, Christian emperor, who, as we have no doubt, would allow himself to be instructed in time, and would fall in with the right truth and uphold it, without any means. Since this transaction affects not only our persons, our country, people and subjects, and thus the temporal, but rather our faith, souls and consciences, as the eternal; in which, even in the case of loss of souls and punishment of eternal damnation, we must look only to the strict command of God, who will be the certain right judge of all men, high and low: Therefore, we, as those who would like to be Christians and prevent a common and even more burdensome adversity, strife and division in the Holy Empire, as well as a pernicious and irreparable damage to our principality and subjects, as each one is obliged to do according to his duties, would have appealed to the youngest of the other imperial estates, out of the greatest need, and not contrary to any man, nor out of any will of courage, for a decision and for the dismissal of this case; how Her Imperial Majesty would graciously hear from the instrument of such appeal, 2) which our envoys were to deliver to Her Majesty in German and Latin, that they, the envoys, are to be considered by Her Imperial Majesty as a Roman emissary. Majesty, as Roman Emperor, Lord of us all and temporal sovereignty, from our command,

2) Document No. 820 in this volume.

with the most humble reverence and reverence, as is rightly due, with the request that we want to follow up our needy and highly caused appeal in due time, and to comply with it as is due and right. Her Imperial Majesty should also be pleased. Majesty, notwithstanding this appeal of ours, should never look to all of us and to each of us in particular for anything other than faithful, dutiful obedience, willing submission and peaceful, united action, as much as is always possible for us, as to obedient, obligated members and estates of the Holy Christian Church, Her Imperial Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire. Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire. And if we did not have the highest desire and inclination for such a thing, but that our mind should be set on causing some displeasure, discord or dissension, however slight it might be, in the Holy Empire, we would certainly not want to be sent to Her Imperial Majesty. We certainly did not want to send to Her Imperial Majesty, and to have indicated our submissive obedience to her in such a tolerant manner, with a submissive, humble request that Her Imperial Majesty may not disobey us. Majesty will not be moved to disfavor us, but to have us in her Majesty's most gracious protection, protection and command. We wish to do this for the sake of Her Imperial Majesty, as our gracious Majesty. Majesty, as our most gracious Lord and Emperor, with all submissiveness and obedient diligence.

(6) And the envoys shall again act with all diligence, of their highest ability, also by the support of Imperial Majesty's Councils, for a gracious farewell and credible answer. Majesty's councils, act for a gracious farewell and credible answer; as we then graciously and favorably trust in the said our envoys; this shall not remain unrecognized and undeserved against their persons.

7 In addition, it is also considered and ordered to the envoys, if Imperial Majesty does not want to lead them, the envoys. Majesty does not want to mislead them, the envoys, that they then send their letter of credence, as well as the instruction and appeal in German, Latin and French to Ulrich Ehinger's hand, to the imperial majesty and the same councilors, and write next to it how they have been dispatched to ride to their imperial majesty and make a submissive request to the same. But since they have been refused an escort, it would be quite burdensome and inconvenient for them to ride into Hispania in these swift heats without a necessary escort; and so that their Imperial Majesty would nevertheless be informed of their command. Majesty of their command, they send their letters of credence, instructions, and our appeal herewith to their Imperial Majesty in all due respect.

With most humbly request, Her Imperial Majesty would again send us a gracious reply in writing and have us in gracious command, protection and protection. Majesty would like to send us again a gracious answer in writing, and have us in gracious command, protection and protection; we would quite willingly deserve this against Her Imperial Majesty in subservience. Majesty in subservience quite willingly. And our envoys shall then ride home again.

852. power of attorney for the envoys sent by the protesting Electors, Princes and Estates to Emperor Carl the Fifth.

Nuremberg, May 1529.

See No. 851.

Before the Most Serene etc., our most gracious Lord, and otherwise manly, we, by the Grace of God Johann, Duke of Saxony et alii etc., and we mayors and councillors of the Holy Empire's free and imperial cities, Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Ulm, Constance, Gall, Nördlingen, Memmingen, Lindau, Heilbrunn,. Kempten, Ißnau [Jsny], Reutlingen, Windsheim and Weißenburg, that we have appointed and ordered as our attorneys in all matters of great importance and necessity, as we have appointed and ordered them all and especially herewith, our dear special and faithful ones, Hansen Ehinger, Mayor of Memmingen, Alexium Frauentraudt, and Master Micheln von Kaden, with orders to appear before His Imperial Majesty, our Allies. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, or His Imperial Majesty's commanders. Majesty's commanders, our well-founded and consistent reason why we could not, due to our conscience and other excellent causes, have granted the leave, assembled by the majority of the estates of the Holy Empire at that time, in matters concerning religion and the Christian faith, to present them together with other necessities after the occasion of these matters: and hereby give them full power to present and act upon our necessity and advertisement, upon our received order, through themselves, or, their all or one hindrance, their subordinate attorneys, whom they may also substitute according to their necessity. Thereupon we the above-mentioned Princes, Reigning Princes, and Estates, speak and pledge to do everything that the above-mentioned our attorneys, or their subordinate one or more commanders, have to do on our behalf in the above-mentioned matters, for which reason they have been summoned by us to Imperial Majesty. Majesty, that we shall have all this approved, and that we shall and will keep it steadily and firmly.

faithfully and approximately. 1) We, the electors and princes, and we, the Nurembergers, on account of all other free and imperial cities, and by their order, have had our petitions knowingly printed hereon. Actum Nuremberg.

853. draft of the oral presentation Lei the imperial audience.

In Müller l. c. S. 174.

What the deputies are to present orally before His Imperial Majesty after transfer of the credentials and due service. Majesty orally.

1st Most Gracious Emperor! At the recently held Imperial Diet at Speier, which was called by Your Imperial Majesty for moving reasons, a discord of religion has arisen, together with that which is to be held in the meantime of a concilii with peace; Therefore our most gracious and gracious lords, princes and princes, and the free and imperial cities have protested, out of urgent necessity, against the other parting made, on account of their consciences, with notice that they wish to have this brought to your Imperial Majesty. Majesty, as follows:

2 It is unknown to Your Imperial Majesty. It is not known to Your Majesty what disputed articles of divine doctrine have occurred for a long time in Germany and other countries, which have been accepted in part by some estates and their subjects, and contested by other estates whose subjects are eager for the same doctrine, Therefore, much error, strife and ill will has arisen among them, and has always been considered by all parts and still is, that these things could not be dealt with more effectively than by a free, Christian, common council or national assembly, as was done at the Imperial Diet by Your Imperial Highness. Imperial. Majesty in the 26th year at Speier, considered good, necessary and convenient, deliberated and resolved that a council be held as closely as possible, and that in the meantime each governed and held with his subjects as he trusted to answer to God and to Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty, and that no other suitable way be devised for the preservation of peace and unity; as was resolved and promised at the same Imperial Diet not to act contrary to this.

1) about - without danger.

all according to the printed farewell.

When, however, in this year another Imperial Diet was again called at Speier by Your Imperial Majesty for moving reasons, their Electoral and Princely Majesties, with notice of the future Council and other necessities of the Empire, deliberated and decided. Majesty, with the indication to act, to deliberate and to decide on the future Concilio and other necessities of the Empire, Her Electoral and Princely Grace in their own persons and the cities by their stately embassies went there. Their Electoral and Princely Graces, in their own persons, and the cities, through their noble embassies, have gone there, in the opinion that everything that serves the honor of God and His Holy Word, the preservation of good peace and the noble welfare of His Imperial Majesty and the Empire, should be done. Majesty and the Empire, to seek and promote.

4. and although in the name of Your Imperial Majesty an Instruction has been read by the same Commissars etc. Majesty, an Instruction has been read out by the same Commissioners etc. in which the previous decree at Speier, concerning the Edict at Worms, has been passed, rescinded and annulled, these causes that a misunderstanding would have arisen with some from it.

5 However, their Electoral and Princely Grace and the others of this part have shown good reasons. Graces, and the others of this part, have shown well-founded reasons why it would be fair to remain with the first Speier parting, and that no better way could be found to avert the anxious upheaval, to calm all repugnance, than that it should be kept as previously reported.

6. there is also no doubt if Your Imperial Majesty would be thoroughly informed of the matter. Majesty had been thoroughly informed of the matter, out of what high and unanimous concern the previous Speierian treaty would have been decided, certified, and sealed; what disruption and careful complication in the Holy Roman Empire would have resulted from its repeal, if His Imperial Majesty had not been moved to the cassation; as well as the opinion that the matter should not have been discussed in the first place. Majesty would not have been moved to the cassation; just as it would have been of the opinion that the matters should not first be discussed, so the imperial diets that had been announced would, in their opinion, have been in vain and fruitless. As, without this, it may well be assumed that it would certainly and finally be in the mind of His Imperial Majesty. Majesty would certainly and finally not have been in the mood to decide on the affected opinion of the submitted Instruction, so nevertheless His Imperial Majesty's letter and mandate would have been in vain. Majesty's decree and mandate do not entail such a thing, but extend to prior consultation and consideration of the above-mentioned affairs of the realm alone.

(7) Although this and other things have been objected to, especially that it would not be proper to do what has been unanimously decided with the approval and promise of Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty's grant and promise not to act contrary to this, has been unanimously decided with the estates, such by the several, in divine matters, our

They know for certain that they have not acted contrary to the same parting; and although a misunderstanding would have been taken of it in the case of some, they have intended to act from a declaration and mitigation, but they have not acted contrary to the same parting. To this end, they know for certain that they have done nothing contrary to the same ordinance; and although a misunderstanding would have been taken from it in the case of some, they have nevertheless wished to act by way of explanation and mitigation, and have proposed several honorable and inexpensive means. But in spite of these, and of all admonition, friendly and submissive request and reminder, the other Electors, Princes and Estates, out of one majority, contrary to the previous unanimous agreement, have decided on a different opinion, and in religion have introduced several burdensome articles, regardless of Your Imperial Majesty's prohibition and permission. Majesty's prohibition and approval of the Concilii. This part, as complainants, protested against this, so that they could not have agreed to it for the following reasons and others; and especially because it is not proper for them, even as a majority, to set and establish anything in the meantime of the Council in matters concerning religion and faith, against the other few parts who hope to have the Holy Scriptures for themselves; first of all, because one should expect the same Council in the future, otherwise one would not be in need of it. Furthermore, in the 24th year an Imperial Diet was called by Your Imperial Majesty at Speier. Majesty to Speier, to separate the evil from the good, and that subsequently, at Speier in the 26th year, the abuses to which Pope Adrian and other clerics had confessed, were to be dealt with and ordered, as the Estates have therefore been well prepared and skilful with their advice in such matters with their university scholars, but one Imperial Diet has remained; so Your Imperial Majesty has seriously ordered the other Imperial Diet to be held in Speier. Majesty had the other one seriously enjoined to abstain from matters concerning religion without the presence of Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty, and of the Concilio 1) neither to act nor to decide.

8 In addition, their electoral and princely graces and others may indicate in truth that it is not only burdensome for them in their consciences, but also impossible against the world. and others indicate in truth that it is not only burdensome for them in their consciences, but also impossible for the world to persuade the subjects to a different doctrine than the one they have been instructed in, and that it would be

1) "and of the Concilio" put by us instead of: "and its Concilii". Compare Document No. 816 in this volume, Col. 251, § 2.

It is to be feared that where something is done against it because of this, and especially in cities where the same doctrine has gained the upper hand, that much more trouble and indignation than ever before may result and arise from it.

9 Therefore, Their Electoral and Princely Graces, and the others. Graces, and the other, humbly and most humbly request that Your Imperial Majesty will not take an ungracious will. Majesty, for the reasons mentioned and others, do not wish to take an ungracious will to the protestation and refusal made against the same, but rather to assign this to the unimportant, urgent and great necessity: considering that the eternal, and thus the salvation of souls, must and should be placed before the temporal and the teachings of men; that it should not be assumed that anyone, out of presumption, would want to place the salvation of his soul in danger and oblivion; moreover, their Electoral and Princely Graces and others, who have been granted the right to do so, are mindful of this. Furthermore, their electoral and princely graces, and others, by means of divine assistance, intend in the meantime to show themselves, to hold, to govern and to live in their jurisdictions and territories in matters concerning our faith and the same religion, as their electoral and princely graces, together with the electoral and princely graces, do. The Holy Roman Emperor, together with the honorable free cities and imperial towns, are obliged to do so in the face of God and His Imperial Majesty, as a Christian. Majesty, as a Christian Emperor, the supreme authority ordered by God, our most gracious Lord, that nothing unreasonable or unjust may be imposed on them because of it; as they also hope that, like their ancestors, parents and brothers, nothing else has been felt or found among them, except that their Electoral and Princely Graces, and the others, have been able to find their way to the Holy Land. Graces, and the others, will work with obedient diligence towards Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty submissively and obediently; and first of all, as far as the temporal is concerned, with the emergency aid against the Turks, also with the assigned maintenance of His Imperial Majesty's regiment, chamber, and army. Majesty's regiment, chamber court and other things that are necessary for the honor and welfare of His Imperial Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire. Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire, for which we, as the competent authorities, humbly ask your graces and favors.

(10) And whether the matters would reach Your Imperial Majesty in another form. Majesty, His Imperial Majesty does not wish to give the same unequal report or disparagement. Majesty will not give the same unequal report or disparagement, but will grant this truthful request and apology, without a necessary and thorough hearing of both parties, and our most gracious, gracious, favorable lords' answer, which they would be well advised to do by God's grace before His Imperial Majesty and other men. Majesty and other masters, their

and Princely Graces, and the others of the cities and followers. The new law will not allow the city and its supporters to be moved in any way whatsoever.

(11) Since they have also appealed, where they have reported and overcome with divine truthful writing of another and certain, they wanted to have their graces and the others duly measured; and do hereby, as the submissive, obedient, command in Your Imperial Majesty as our right lord the protection and defense of Your Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor. Majesty, as our rightful lord, protection, protection and defense, again humbly requesting that Your Imperial Majesty grant them the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Majesty to give them a gracious answer; this is what Their Graces and the others around Their Imperial Majesty, as their allies, wish to do. Majesty, as their most gracious lord.

854 Three letters of credence or promotorial, which were given to the envoys to some imperial ministers. May 27, 1529.

The three letters of credence are to be found in Müller l. c. p.180ff., the first in Latin, the other two in German. We have set the date after the second letter.

Promotorial letter to Margrave Mercurinus, imperial supreme chancellor.

Item inutat. mut. to the second Imperial Grand Chamberlain.

Translated from Latin.

Johannes von GOttes Gnaden, Herzog zu Sachsen, des heiligen römischen Reichs Churfürst, Georg, Markgraf zu Brandenburg, Ernst und Franciscus, Herzoge zu Braunschweig und Lüneburg, Philipp, Landgraf zu Hessen, und Wolfgang, Fürst zu Anhalt, wünschen dem Hochgebornen und vortrefflichen Herrn Mercurinus, Markgrafen etc., Heil.

We have no doubt that the actions of the princes and the German nation, which took place at the last meeting, will have been presented to His Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, from which His Imperial Majesty will assume that we are in agreement with others of the Roman Empire. Majesty will accept that we have not been in agreement with other princes and estates of the Roman Empire on all points concerning the faith. So that Imperial Majesty will not doubt our obedience due to her, we have agreed to have certain delegates indicate to Imperial Majesty how we have had very important and substantial causes for our deliberations, which we hope will be of interest to Imperial Majesty.

will be enough, and prove that we owe obedience in all things to His Imperial Majesty, as our most gracious lord, and seek the general tranquility of this realm with great zeal. Accordingly, we have written to you, and for the sake of your peculiar mind and reputation, we wish to entrust our cause to you, not doubting that you also wish with all your heart that there may be peace in the Roman Empire. We therefore implore you to help us to obtain from His Imperial Majesty that peace be restored to the Roman Empire. Majesty that, in accordance with their highest grace, they will listen most graciously to our apology why we have carried some reservations in the article concerning the disputed points of religion and give us a gracious answer, which we are prepared to convey to Imperial Majesty with all obedient respect. Majesty with all obedient services; you, however, will be able to render yourselves the best service for the entire German nation in this imminent great danger, if you will endeavor to preserve the general peace by your power and good counsel; for which favor we want to thank you at all times and show you on occasion that you recognize that your good deed has not been used on any ingrates. Be well. Given etc.

Promotorial letter to Ulrich Ehinger, imperial council.

By the Grace of God John, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall of the Holy Roman Empire, Elector etc., George, Margrave of Brandenburg, and Philip, Landgrave of Hesse etc.

Our favorable will, friendly and willing services before, special dear, also special trusted lord and friend. We have dispatched your brother, our special dear, also trusted friend and relative, Hansen Ehinger, mayor of Memmingen, also our secretary and syndic, Alexien Frauentraut, and Master Micheln von Caden, to the Roman imperial and Hispanic royal majesty, our most gracious lord, with order and instruction, as you will hear from them verbally. Now we are nevertheless careful, and have more than one good reason to suspect that our friends and gracious lords, the bishops with their entourage, will not celebrate, not only the Royal Majesty of Hungary and Bohemia, our friend, lord, and most gracious lord, as the Imperial Majesty's governor in the Holy Land. Majesty's governor in the Holy Roman Empire, to make this matter and action quite heated, and against the Christian

It is not only necessary to move as much as possible the estates who would like to adhere to the Gospel and be Christians, as we have felt such practices with complaints at the Imperial Diet now held, but also to form much in the Imperial Majesty through her writings and messages, which, whether God wills it, shall never be found with lasting reason among some of the same Christian estates. For this reason, it is necessary that the Imperial Majesty be informed of this high and important trade, which is important to all of us, who are related to and interested in such matters, as well as to the Holy Roman Empire and common Christianity, in many ways, more than can be considered, just as the envoys, at our hope, will not let anything happen to them because of all their faithful diligence. And if we have hitherto recognized you as a good Christian and townsman before others, you have also declared yourselves to be faithful to Imperial Majesty. Majesty as a faithful promoter and solicitator in our, the cities', matters: so out of special gracious and good trust, it is our very kind request, friendly and official request that you, as a Christian, in honor of God, for the welfare of the Christian community, also for the benefit of Imperial Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire, will faithfully submit to and accept this matter, and diligently solicit from Imperial Majesty. Majesty diligently, and promote that Her Imperial Majesty will no longer be denied to those who are in the way. Majesty no more give credence to those who actually seek themselves and their own advantage, and not at all the common benefit and salvation of souls, than to all of us who ever devote ourselves to the cause in a Christian, heartfelt and faithful manner, or allow ourselves to be persuaded to do something from which their Imperial Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire may benefit. Majesty and the Holy Empire with too late regrets, and all our envoys be dispatched with a gracious answer. For our mind is not at all disposed to give cause to any repugnance, disobedience or sedition in the holy realm, or ever to persist in it, in which we should lack Christian just cause, but rather to help to prevent all this to the best of our ability: so we have also always offered, and are still offering, where we should err in one or more articles, that we would almost gladly let ourselves be instructed not only a free Christian concilium, but each one with the Word of God. In this, we want you to show how we graciously and favorably trust you before others: we are inclined to earn this for you, to recognize you in grace, with all friendly servitude and inclined will. Date at Nuremberg, with the absence of the above-mentioned princes, and the of Nuremberg from the

other cities of all, Teeret sealed, on Thursday, 1) the 27th of May Anno etc. in the ninth and twentieth.

Mayors and councils of the cities of Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Ulm, Nördlingen, Memmingen, and others, of these matters pending.

To our dear, special, honorable Ulrich Ehinger, Roman Imperial and Hispanic Royal Majesty's Councillor.

Promotorial letter to the imperial secretary sweat.

Similarly, mutatis mutandis to the Count of Nassau and Secretary Waldes.

Our greetings and friendly services beforehand, dear, special, favorable Lord and friend! We have no doubt that the action taken at the next Imperial Diet at Speier by the Roman Emperor's Majesty, our most gracious Lord, Governor, Royal Dignity of Hungary and Bohemia, our special dear Lord and Grandfather and most gracious Lord, and Her Imperial Majesty's Orator, Commissars, also Electors, Princes and other Estates of the Holy Roman Empire, will now be brought to Her Imperial Majesty's attention. From this Her Majesty will hear how and for what reasons we, in this matter concerning our holy Christian faith and religion, may not at all consent to or heal the same, for the sake of our conscience. And although we have no doubt that Your Most Eminent Roman Imperial Majesty, as our Allies, will be pleased with this. Majesty, as our most gracious lord and emperor, be graciously confident that we are quite eager and inclined to render submissive obedience to her imperial majesty in all due and equitable matters, and especially for the preservation of peace and unity, and otherwise for the welfare and all good in the Holy Empire: Nevertheless, according to our necessity, we did not want to omit to inform Her Imperial Majesty of our moving and high causes, because of which we (as indicated) have taken such action, as far as our Christian faith and religion is concerned, until the future of a free common Christian religion.

1) In the old edition of Walch: "on Pentecost (they) the 27th Mäh", which is in any case wrong, because in 1529 Pentecost was May 16. We have left the given date, May 27, because we are of the opinion that all previous documents, from No. 850 on, are drafted on the same day.

We have not, however, consented to have the matter further brought forward and reported to you by our delegates. We therefore indicate this to you in our gracious and official opinion, so that we hope that you are inclined, as you can and do, to promote peace and unity in the Holy Roman Empire with the Imperial Majesty. Majesty. And therefore it is our gracious and favorable request and official request to you, that you may be helpful and conducive on our behalf to the Emperor's Majesty, that they may obtain from Her Majesty a gracious hearing and answer to their commanded advertisement and request, and that they may also have otherwise commanded us in the best possible way together with the matter in question. In this you show us favorable favor, which we are also inclined to recognize and owe you with graces and favors and willing services.

855. instrument, which was erected because of the one envoy, Alexius Frauentraut, exoneration from the legation. October 7, 1529.

From Müller's Historie 2c, lib. II, enp. 7, p. 191 - Frauentraut had himself exonerated from the legation in order to be able to serve as notary public during the insinuation of the Speier appeal. See No. 857 and No. 863, 8 20.

I. In the Name of God, Amen. Let it be known and manifest to all men by this open instrument and document that in the year counted after the birth of Christ our dear Lord fifteen hundred and in the ninth and twentieth year, in the other Roman number of interest, called Indiction in Latin, in the reign and government of the Most Sublime, Lord Carol, elected Roman emperor, our most gracious lord, her imperial majesty's regiment, the Roman in the eleventh, and the other all in the fourteenth year, on a Thursday, which was the seventh day of the month Octobris, about the time of vespers, or even close to it, Alexius Frauentraut, margravial secretary, personally appeared before me here below written notaries, and credible witnesses, and had and held in his hands a paper note of his own handwriting, in which he indicates reason and cause, why he does not want to wait any longer for his legation and sending, in which he was at that time, but wants to renounce, with request and desire that I, as a notary, make him ex officio one or more open instruments and documents, as much as he would be in need of them, about it and

which note he also asked to be read out immediately, which was thus read out, and read from word to word, as actually follows:

Before you, Mr. Notary, and the present witnesses, I, Alexius Frauentraut, Margravial Secretary, appear today, the seventh day of Octobris, and say: After the most illustrious, noble, highborn princes and lords, Mr. Johann, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Duke of Saxony etc., Mr. Georg, Margrave of Brandenburg etc., Mr. Philipp, Landgrave of Hesse etc., Mr. Ernst and Mr. Franciscus, both Dukes of Lüneburg etc., and Mr. Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt etc., also the honorable free and imperial cities, Ulm, Nuremberg, Strasbourg, Costnitz, Lindau, Eyßna [Isny], Kempten, Memmingen, St. Gallen, and others related to them, my most gracious, gracious and favorable lords, my fellow relatives, here present, namely, Hansen Ehinger and Micheln von Kaden, also me, to the most most noble, most great lord, Mr. Caroln, Roman Emperor and Hispanic King etc.,our most gracious lord, all of us and in particular, have submitted to their imperial majesty, in the matter of a protest against the parting of this 29th year, decided at Speier, concerning, from their all electoral and princely graces, also on account of the other honorable free and imperial cities, advertising and action (content of our instruction). And because such my and my kinsmen's legation and sending is common and varied and in such a way that our one, two or all three may do the same our action and command common or varied: I take care that such my legation may prevent me from carrying out my intention, other necessary business and things, which are not possible to be carried out by others in these foreign lands; Therefore, for the sake of time, cause, and unavoidable necessity, I hereby and now want to dispense with and exonerate myself from such my legation, now as then and then as now, in the best form, measure, manner, and way, as that should, can, or may always be most effective and constant within or outside of law, and to place the others at the disposal of my fellow relatives to act, as they have then for themselves, as much as they have always had the power to do so, have willingly dispensed with such legation and action. However, I reserve the right to submit to this legation again at the opportunity of its time, as I have done before. About this my exoneration requirire, I require and ask from you, Mr. Notary, you want me about all this.

make and give one or more authentic open instrument and deed, as much as I would be of need.

2. These things happened in the city of Playsantin [Hiacenza] 1) in our Francisri Baunon's dwelling, in the year, month, day, hour and jndiction, as above reads, in the presence of the highly learned, honorable and firm and eightable, Johann Efeander, Magister Arnim Costnitzer, Marx Pfister the Younger, and Christoph Pissinger, both of Augsburg, of the same, 2) and Jeronimus Ebner the Younger, of the Bamberg diocese, as witnesses especially required and requested.

3. and if I Johannes Boxhorn, of Brüffel, Cleric of the Bishopric of Camerich, Caiferl. Majesty's Capellan, and Commissioner, by papal and imperial power a manifest Notary Public, have been present at the above protestation, exoneration, acceptance, and all matters as stated above, together with the witnesses, and have thus seen, heard, and recorded such myself: I have written this present instrument by another's hand, preventing my business, and signed it with my own hand, and with my usual sign, which I use, signed it, in faith and sign of all the above mentioned things, required, requisitioned and requested.

856 Emperor Carl V's farewell to the envoys sent to him by the princes and estates of the empire protesting against the imperial treaty at Speier. Given at Placenz, October 12, 1529.

This document is found in Müller's Historie, lib. II, e^x. 8, p. 196 and in Lünig's Reichs-Archiv, xurt. Mn. eont. I., x. 331.

Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord, has granted to the highborn, their beloved sovereigns, princes and rulers, Johannsen, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall of the Holy Roman Empire etc., Jörgen, Margrave of Brandenburg, Ernsten and Franciscen, Dukes of Lüneburg, Philippsen, Landgrave of Hesse, and Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt; also the honorable mayors and councillors of the cities of Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Ulm, Costnitz, Sanct Gallen, Nörd-

1) That the incomprehensible: "Playsantin" is to be dissolved by: ?Iu66ntiu, proves the "Placenz" found at the end of the following document.

2) Here, "Bisthums" will probably have to be added.

lingen, Memmingen, Lindau, Heilbrunn, Kempten, Jsnau, Reutlingen, Winsheim and Weißenburg, which they have had done to their Majesty by their envoys, Hansen Ehinger, Alexien Frauentraut, and Michaeln von Kadan: Namely, why they have not consented to the last agreement made at Speier by (not by them alone) all princes, lords and estates of the Holy Roman Empire, concerning the article of our holy Christian faith, with their attached petition, heard at length in their imperial council and sufficiently understood, and her Majesty has been reminded that they are therefore at odds with the estates, by the same agreement as that made by her Majesty's brother, orator and commissioners, with the Holy Roman Empire's sovereigns and princes and other estates at such Imperial Diet, before these their envoys arrived here with her Majesty. Which disagreement and discrepancy Her Majesty has heard with complaint, and of which she has been justly displeased, considering that from such disagreements and discrepancies nothing but disruption and much misfortune can be expected, which Her Majesty, in her capacity, has the right to prevent and to prevent, and which she is willing and able to do. For this reason, this matter has been discussed and considered in her Imperial Council to the highest degree, and as a result, she has been able to neither assess nor decide anything else, except that this decree has been passed by the much greater part of all the noble estates, not otherwise than solely for the prevention, from that time on, of all kinds of frightening innovations, doctrines and sects, and primarily for the preservation of peace and unity in the holy realm, and has been unanimously decided upon such means and measures: Her Majesty's Duke and Lord of Saxony, as well as princes and cities related to his love, should not have sought any refusal. For Her Majesty does not doubt that all these same noble princes, princes and estates want to act against their consciences and the salvation of their souls just as unwillingly as Her Majesty's dear grandfather and Elector of Saxony with his relatives; that they also ask for a concilium for the sake of the glory of God, and to make some Christian sense, and for the good of all beings, just as they do; which concilium may perhaps not seem necessary after all, as far as all that which was once unanimously decided by all the estates (as well as by her Majesty, with all princes, princes and estates, at her first Imperial Diet at Worms, and on which her edicts were then issued; as her Majesty's grandfather had said) is concerned.

and Elector of Saxony and his beloved kinsmen, that they shall be put off, with the parting of the Speier Diet in the year fifteen hundred and six and twenty, and a parting after change and requirement of the times and things should not be changed), had been or would be lived. And therefore Her Imperial Majesty has decreed, and because it is also customary from time immemorial, what is decided in the common imperial assembly with the majority, that the lesser part shall not resist such, but shall live obediently; and for many other honest motives and causes, to the above-mentioned their sovereign and Elector of Saxony, as well as to his related princes and cities, written and commanded, that they accept again such a resolution made, live obediently to it, and neither by themselves nor by their own do or act anything contrary to it: As they are bound by their duties to be loyal to their Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire. and the holy realm; with the gracious warning, where they would further appear disobedient, that her Majesty would not want to avoid taking serious punishment against them to preserve their obedience in the holy realm. With further contents of such a letter of her Majesty, which [as] her Majesty finally sees fit, they now receive or will receive within a short time, which they are also to comply with obediently, or which they will thus still do without refusal: That Her Majesty would have special joy to hear, especially so much more of these times, since Her Majesty is truly informed how the hereditary enemy of our holy Christian name and faith, the Turk, has come with his great power into the Christian kingdom of Hungary, intending to take his course from there further into Christendom, and especially the German nation, and to extend his empire by his usually tyrannical ravages; which can by no means be resisted without the same unanimous mind and a peaceful, unanimous being being made among the common estates of the holy empire (although her majesty's dear uncle and Elector of Saxony, and princes and cities related to his love, willingly give their share of resistance to the same Turk, together with entertainment regiment and chamber court, as they offer to do); as common princes, rulers and estates have themselves indicated to Her Majesty by their letter; which the Turk's terrible, cruel action, which affects not only one principality or country, but all of Christendom, and especially the

German nation, and of every one of its laudable members faith, honor, soul, body, wife, children and property; and that this must either be resisted in the most beneficial way with unanimous common power and force, or one must await its obvious and inevitable destruction. Even if there are still no other causes, by which her Majesty's grandson and Elector of Saxony, and princes and cities related to his love, would be obliged to accept this parting, as far as our holy faith is concerned, they should nevertheless move them to agree to it. Therefore, and altogether for the aforementioned and other honest reasons, Her Imperial Majesty hereby most earnestly requests of the aforementioned her dear grandfather and Elector of Saxony, and of his beloved kinsmen princes and cities, graciously beseeches them, and thereby also not least, the contents of her previous letter and order issued to them, otherwise commands and enjoins that they accept this farewell, as far as the article of faith is concerned, if this has not been done, and in no way do anything contrary to it, but rather, as Christian, noble, obedient and unanimous members of Her Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire, agree with all the other noble princes, princes and estates of the Holy Roman Empire, who undoubtedly want to be good Christians just as much as they do, all of them to sit down faithfully with one another and to deliberate and decide how they may best assist their Majesty's brother, the Christian King of Hungary, and themselves, and how they may withstand and resist the reported Turkish rage, and as much as their Majesty may on their part most beneficially meet with our Holy Father, the Pope, and deliberate and decide with his Holiness, all that she may consider, which in this place shall not only come to the stay and resistance of the hereditary enemy touched, the Turk, but also otherwise everywhere to the promotion, increase and permanence of the honor and service of our Lord God Almighty, our Christian religion and faith, and peace, tranquility, welfare and prosperity of all common laudable estates of the holy realm and of all Christendom. Her Majesty also intends to take care of the affairs of these Italian lands to the best of her ability, and to rise up in her own person as soon as possible, to offer the aforementioned Turk not only to her dear brother, but also to the praiseworthy German nation, the

The Holy Roman Empire and the aforementioned Christianity for help and consolation, to resist this by the grace of God, and to bring all things to a divine, praiseworthy and Christian being, to do their utmost best and ability, and thus also not to abandon them; In the full confidence that her Majesty's dear grandfather and Elector of Saxony and his beloved princes and cities, to whom her Majesty has already written in large part for this reason, will take all the above-mentioned good causes and circumstances, form and opportunity of this difficult action and obligation to heart and consider them well, and will thank her Majesty for his support., as they owe obedience, and also to them themselves for good and welfare fammentally, and to each of them in particular, show themselves in this as benevolently as they wish, so that their Majesty may feel and recognize that they seek and desire nothing else but to promote the honor and service of Almighty God, The Holy See and the Christian faith, to be obedient to Her Majesty, as their supreme natural Lord and Emperor, and also to their own peace, tranquility, and comfort in the Holy Kingdom and Christendom, and to prove to them their imperial mercy in turn in a more lenient manner, and that they should also have cause to kindly recognize and blame them for this. Given at Placenz, under Her Imperial Majesty's usual sign of hand. Majesty's usual hand sign, on the 12th day of Octobr. An. etc. in the ninth and twentieth, of the same her Imperial Majesty. Majest. The Roman Empire in the eleventh, and all the others in the fourteenth.

CAROL, Ad Mandatum Caesareae et Catholicae M. proprium.

Pro Waltkirch

Alexander Schweis

857 Instrument on the Insinuation of the Speier Appeal to the Emperor. Oct. 13, 1529.

From Müller I. c. S. 202.

1. in the name of God, amen. Let it be known and manifest to all men by this open instrument and document that in the year counted after the birth of Christ our dear Lord, fifteen hundred, and in the ninth and twentieth, in the other Roman number of interest, called indictio in Latin, in the reign and government of the most noble, most powerful prince and lord, Lord Carl the Fifth, elected Roman emperor, at all times ruler of the empire, in Germania, at

Hispania, both Sicily, Jerusalem, Hungary, Dalmatia, Croatia etc. King, Archduke of Austria and Duke of Burgundy etc., Counts of Habsburg, Flanders and Tyrol etc., of our most gracious Lord, His Imperial Majesty's Regiment of the Roman in the eleventh year, on a Wednesday, which was the thirteenth day of the month of October, at eight o'clock in the forenoon or even close to it, before me here below written notaries and the credible witnesses personally appeared the honorable and highly respectable Master Alexander Schwaiß, reported Imperial. Majesty's Secretary, had in his hands a paper document, with Imperial. Majesty's own hand, and also that of his secretary; saying and pretending that he had been appointed by Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Majesty to send the same document and copy to the honorable and firm Hansen Ehinger and Micheln von Kaden, as the envoys of the princes, princes, and also honorable free and imperial cities, for which reason they were sent to Imperial Majesty. Majesty, to hand over their advertisement: which farewell the envoys then took with due reverence, as befits them, to their hands, read out with each other; which has been announced, as actually follows:

Nota: Here the above imperial farewell [Document No. 856] has been mserirt.

2. after the reading of such imperial documents. Majesty. The above-mentioned Hans Ehinger and Michel von Kaden presented the following opinion before their Imperial Maj. Maj. Secretari, and had the aforementioned Michel von Kaden speak, namely:

Respectable and honorable Mr. Secretary! Hans Ehinger and I, Michel von Kaden, as the envoys, have now heard the written farewell (which you have opened for us on behalf of and by order of Imperial Majesty, to bring to our most gracious, gracious and favorable lords) in all humility. Majesty, to be brought to our most gracious, gracious and favorable lords) in all submission; and our most gracious, gracious and favorable lords have provided that their true apology and well-founded reasons for their protestation (such as those given orally and in writing to Imperial Majesty himself in German, English and French) be accepted. Majesty himself in German, Latin and French) should have been held in such esteem by Her Majesty, or at least not less than the disparagement of the opposite, that Her Majesty should have given us a much more gracious and comfortable farewell.

Her Electoral, Princely Grace and Favor. Grace and favor, however, initially take comfort in their innocence and Christian benevolence, and that they consider the Imperial Majesty to be a praiseworthy, pious, and pious person.

The Emperor will recognize the Christian Emperor, who in time will also let himself be instructed and fall in with the right truth. Because this trade not only affects their electoral and princely graces, and the honorable free and imperial cities' persons, land and people, but also their souls and consciences, so that they, at the risk of losing their souls' bliss and damnation, can only rely on the strict command and word of God.] The people of the city, the country, and the free and imperial cities, but also their souls and consciences, so that they, in the danger of losing their souls' salvation and damnation, want to remain solely on the strict command and word of God, and ever willingly be and remain Christians:

Thus, their electoral and princely graces and the honorable free and imperial cities (to prevent even more serious hindrance to the honor of God, discord and desecration in the Holy Roman Empire) have appealed to Speier out of the greatest necessity and not against any human will. The Imperial Majesty, out of the greatest necessity and not contrary to any man, nor out of any will of courage, has appealed to Speier from the most recent of the other imperial estates' resolutions and decrees in this matter, in his will and opinion, to pursue the same appeal in due time, as is proper and right; as His Imperial Majesty graciously has to hear from this instrument, in German and Latin. Which appeal we therefore hereby make to your most respectable honor in place of Imperial Majesty, our allies. Majesty, our most gracious lord, with the transfer of the same appeal actis, and also copies of the same wording to our authority, most humbly insinuated, delivered and announced; humbly requesting that Her Imperial Majesty be notified of the same. Majesty and to request that Her Majesty may, without hindrance, insinuate these copies. without hindrance of this insinuated appeal, to all and sundry, in particular and in common, to our most gracious, gracious and favorable lords, princes and princes and the honorable cities, nothing else, but all faithful obedience, peace, submissiveness and entrustment (as happened in the advertisement) to be completely and in all ways well provided for; That also their electoral, princely graces and the respectable cities want to live, govern and keep themselves in this way, as they trust to answer for it against God the Almighty, their Creator, and against Imperial Majesty, their most gracious and supreme Lord on earth, and that with truth nothing unreasonable may be imposed on them.

With this, Her Electoral, Princely Grace and the honorable free and imperial cities in Her Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor. Majesty. protection and protection, most humbly requesting that Her Majesty will not be moved against them with some disgraces; this is what Her Electoral, Princely Grace and the honorable Free and Imperial Cities want. Her Electoral and Princely Grace and the honorable free and imperial cities around Her Imperial Majesty, as their most gracious lord, will earn this with obedient diligence.

On account of such insinuation by our most gracious, gracious and favorable lords, princes, princes and the honorable free and imperial cities, we requisition you, Alexien Frauentraut, as notaries, that you give us ex officio one or more (and as much of their electoral and princely graces and the honorable free and imperial cities need) instruments and documents. We hereby requisition you as notaries to make, give and deliver to us ex officio one or more (and as much as their electoral and princely graces and the honorable free and imperial cities' necessity requires) instruments and documents. Which appeal was in German, as follows:

Nota: Here the Speierische Appellation has been indented, which is found above Cap. 11, No. 820.

(3) I, as notary public, have given them this answer to the envoys' arguments: Because a few days ago I had exonerated and renounced my legation, in which I would have been completely and irrevocably appointed and ordered, for mobile reasons, I could not avoid making and giving them, the envoys or their principals, the protesting Electors, Princes, also honorable free and imperial cities, my most gracious, gracious and favorable lords, one or more instruments and documents, as much as they would be necessary.

4 On such an insinuation of the appeal and the subsequent requisition, the said Alexander Schwais further said: "Although he had been ordered by Imperial Majesty to give written farewell to the envoys of Her Majesty, he had not been ordered to accept the appeal. Majesty to give the envoys written farewell, however, he would not have the order to accept the insinuated appeal. He gives the envoys leave by order of Imperial Majesty. Majesty's order, as it had been issued and signed by Her Majesty's hand. If they had some deficiency in it, they would like to address Her Majesty themselves, and he would like to indicate this to His Imperial Majesty. Majesty. For even if he had taken such an appeal into his hands, he did not want to have it accepted by taking it into his hands, but rather to report it to the Imperial Majesty. Majesty. He requested and required me, a notary public written here, to make and give him one or more open instruments and documents about it, as much as he would be able to do so. To which I give him this answer: As much as I would be obliged to do.

(5) The above-mentioned Ehinger and Michel von Kaden further said: they did not doubt Imperial Majesty's decision at all. But because he, Master Alexander, had handed it over to them, they, the envoys, acted according to their instructions, and thus did not want to take back the handed-over appeal, but laid it down on the table.

These things happened at Plazentia, in the presence of the aforementioned master Alexander Schweißen, secretary, hostel, in the year, month, day and hour, as reported above, in the presence of Georgen von Wittich, Colniß-/) Jheronmus Ebner, the Younger, of Nuremberg, Bamberg, Jörgen Zenkel, of Plankstetten, Eisteter, and Wölfen, Count of Schwatz, Brichsner diocese, as witnesses, especially required and requested.

858 Report of the envoy Michael von Kaden to the Nuremberg City Council concerning the announced imperial arrest. October 13, 1529.

From Müller I. c. S. 211.

Favorable, commanding^Herren! I hereby hasten to inform E. W. that we, the envoys, have been summoned to this date by the Emperor. Majest. Alexander Schweis, and found the same to be such that the Imperial Majesty will accept the mandate, a copy of which I have sent to E. W. from Lyon; in sum, we ask, desire and give that our most gracious and gracious lords, princes, princes and the honorable cities, if this does not happen on the mandate that has gone out, should accept the Speierian farewell. Thereupon the farewell rests, containing long words: that one is well inclined to help the Turks etc. Upon such farewell we have, according to our order, most humbly insinuated the appeal to the secretary Alexander, in the place of the Imperial Majesty. Majesty, so that he may open the parting to us and serve the appeal on him before notaries, in forma, as the actus is due, and E. W. may take notice of our relation. W. will hear from our relation. Alexander, badly frightened, protested: he had no order, did not want to accept the appeal, we should go to the Emperor etc. We left him the Acta and went away. So he ran to the court to report this to the Emperor. Majesty. And while we are still sitting at home and deliberating about it, and where to go for security and war in the country, Master Alexander Schwais comes with notaries and witnesses, sits in our inn and asks for our three; he has an order to tell them from Imperial Majesty. Majesty to tell them. But I suspected that he would protest that the Imperial Majesty would not allow the appeal. Majesty did not want to dismiss the appeal. 2c,

1) This is "Kölnischen [Bisthums]".

So I went out of the house. Alexander was waiting for Alexium Frauentraut and Hansen Ehinger, whom I had warned before, at home, and they were also waiting for me. But I had some business and did not come home, so it was dark and night. He informed the two of them before the notary that the imperial majesty would have them imprisoned. Majesty has them imprisoned, to stay in the inn, and not to leave it in case of loss of life, limb and property, nor to send some writings or messengers from themselves to our lords, or else by ourselves or other people; and he, Alexander, wants to await my arrival until midnight, if I come, it is good, if I do not come, he wants to report my disobedience to the Imperial Majesty. Majesty. These tales were told to me by my servant; I considered it good to report such a case to E. W. in a custody and secret letter, before I would be forbidden to write, like the other two. I am still in doubt as to how to do it. I cannot leave the city this night; so I worry, if they guard the gates without me, that I will be able to do even less tomorrow; this is a bad way to hide from an emperor in a foreign city, and it is bad to come out of the country. If I am to be disobedient, I must appear before the Emperor. Majesty. If I am to go to prison as a freeman and not a prisoner, it will be painful, and no one knows what scorn may befall one with so many priests. In sum, I am afraid I will go to my companions; they want me to come shortly, otherwise I will burden them, as they think, with my evasion. If I were in Parma or Milan, I would not come; but I must, I worry, for the sake of the others; God help that it be done with grace. Also, E. W. know that Margrave Johann Albrecht has been ordered to a postal service by Imperial Majesty. Majesty to post in one or two days, together with the one from Waldkirch, to post from estates to estates, to work for help, [there] are many letters of credence written. Whether this deal was made because the Emperor's request and the promises of the Estates were made before the protesting Estates were aware of our departure, is a matter for E. W. to consider. However, I consider it necessary to be mindful of the imperial request for our farewell and how we are to be dealt with, and to act accordingly. I have still not yet caught the opportunity to inform E. W. and other protesters of this, and in a hurry I want to discover it as quickly as possible, and have delivered such a letter this evening to a Venetian messenger, who safely escorted us yesterday, and hastened to Venice to send it to Hans Fuwrer, without having to send a messenger and incur costs.

and to send you this letter urgently by your own messenger. Date Placenzia, 13 Octobris, at the third hour of the night, Anno 1529.

E. W.

willing servant Michel of Cadan.

To Nuremberg.

859: The protesting Electors, Princes and Estates appeal before a notary and witnesses against the Emperor's decision to grant them a free Christian concilium. October 14, 1529.

In Müller 1. e. p. 214 and in Lünig's Reichs-Archiv, xart. A6n. eont. II, p. 332.

Before you, Mr. Notary, we, Hans Ehinger and Michel von Kaden, appear as envoys of the most illustrious etc. Princes N., honorable free and imperial cities N., and show you: After we yesterday, the 13th Octobris, in the morning, by kais. Maj. command, by Master Alexander Schweiß, on our action, of our most gracious, gracious Lords, Princes, Princes and the honorable cities protesting against the Speierian farewell, a decree and farewell was opened, in which we found ourselves complained of because of our Lords. Accordingly, we provoke and appeal on behalf of our lords, from such a decree and farewell and to a free common Christian council, or where the matters belong, to the first, second and third; Diligently, diligently and most diligently requesting of you, Mr. Notari, Apostolos testimoniales, with reservation of our lords necessity and will, to extendir, increase, diminish, prosequir or drop this Provocation and Appeal according to their demand, according to all their occasion. Therefore we, the envoys, ad cautelam want to have this Provocation thus diligently interposed, publicly protesting and requesting about it; and requisition you, Mr. Notary, ex officio, to draw up for us one or more instruments about it in meliori forma. The envoys have also requested that the Notary Public of the Imperial Majesty be informed of the matter. Majesty. The envoys have also requested that the Notary put a notice and answer in the instrument, which the Notary has granted. Actum the 14th day of Octobris, at the fourth hour after noon, anno etc. thousand five hundred and in the ninth and twentieth year.

860 Two petitions of the envoys to the emperor for the release of their arrest.

In Müller 1. e. p. 216.

First Supplication. Between October 13 and 21, 1529.

Most Sublime, Most Great, Most Gracious Emperor! Your Imperial Majesty's Majesty's imperial farewell, given to our most gracious and gracious lords, the electors, princes, honorable free and imperial cities, we heard last day in submission, and found so much in our most gracious, gracious lords and the honorable cities' written instruction that we must, by the same order, initiate the appeal, filed at Speier against the same farewell, against such farewell; as we have also done in all submission, with the entreaty that Your Imperial Majesty may, without hindrance, grant us the right of appeal. Majesty, without hindrance of such appeal, to our most gracious, gracious lords and honorable cities, nothing less than all obedience, submission, peace, unity, and legacy, as your Imperial Majesty was initially told. Majesty at the outset, and have issued such a document to Your Majesty's Secretaries in German and Latin. Secretari a German and Latin Appeal Libell.

However, we have immediately initiated the appeal of Speier alone upon the departure of Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty, we have immediately initiated the appeal from Speier alone, and have not appealed; and whoever informs Your Imperial Majesty otherwise has informed wrongly. Majesty otherwise, he has informed wrongly, as evidenced by the insinuated acts, which are in the hands of the Secretary, Alexander Schweiß.

After all this, Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Secretari came, and has indicated to us by order of your Majesty to remain in the hostel, not to come out of it, not to write behind him etc., until your Majesty further orders.

Thereupon we give your Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, that we, as envoys and obligated servants, will not do anything other than what our most gracious lords, princes, and the honorable cities have ordered and instructed in writing, as no doubt your Imperial Majesty's servants must also do according to the same order. Servants must also do according to the same order.

Since we then, by order alone, insinuate a lawful appeal, which has been interposed at Speier, as the imperial rights permit, in the most submissive manner, and your Imperial Majesty, in this respect, all obedience from our most gracious Majesty. Majesty all obedience from our most gracious Majesty,

and the honorable cities, and would like to do so, as pious, honorable messengers, also to Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Majesty's command and obediently, as Michel von Kaden did when he was sent to your Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Majesty's order, and that his fellow relatives had been arrested, he went freely and willingly from his business to the inn, into such obedient arrest and detention. Majesty will graciously consider and count our long silence and innocence free of charge; or, if we would be otherwise disparaged, that we nevertheless know ourselves to be innocent, let us come to a personal gracious interrogation. Such mercy from Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty, we want to praise our most gracious and gracious lords, princes and princes, also the honorable cities, and obediently earn it for ourselves in all submissiveness. Hereupon we hope for your gracious decision.

Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty.

most subservient

of the Electors, Princes, honorable and free imperial cities envoys.

Second Supplication. October 21, 1529.

Most Sublime, Most Great Emperor, Most Gracious Lord! Now that we have entered the ninth day 1) of the Emperor's visit. Majest. Majesty's command, we lie arrested in the hostel with heavy costs, perhaps because Your Imperial Majesty is concerned about us. Majesty, of our concern, may have been moved to disgrace against us on unequal report. But if we have ever done nothing else than what we have to do as poor obligated servants, by order of our most gracious, gracious and favorable masters, as we can prove with our instructions and authority, we most humbly request that Your Imperial Majesty will graciously grant us the right to use the power of attorney. Majesty may graciously allow us to go home, or have us brought to interrogation, so that we may be released and bring the decision given to Your Imperial Majesty to our most gracious, gracious and favorable lords; and in such a way of their electoral, princely graces, even persons, also

1) Since according to the letter of Michael von Kaden (No. 858) the arrest of the envoys began on October 13, this writing is to be set for October 21.

the respectable cities. We want to earn this in all submission. Request Your Imperial Majesty's most gracious reply. Majesty's most gracious reply.

E. kais. Maj.

most subservient

of the lords, princes, honorable

free and imperial cities envoys.

861 The answer given by the Count of Nassau and Alexander Schweiß to the envoys to the promotorial letters. October 30, 1529.

From Müller's History, Cap. 15, p. 222.

The Imperial Grand Chamberlain, Grasen von Nassau, Reply to the Protesting Princes, Princes and Cities.

Most Serene and Serene, Highborn Elector, Princes and Lords, and Honorable, Prudent and Wise! Your churfürstl. And F. G. and you, be my very willing and kind service and greeting beforehand. Most gracious and gracious gentlemen and good friends! Your churfürstl. and princely. I have received and understood your letter from their embassies, Hansen Ehinger, Alexien Frauentraut, and Michael von Kaden, according to necessity and good measure; and although I have not had much desire, for the reason of some of the things reported in their letter, besides your Electoral and Royal Highnesses and you, 2) to accept these things of theirs, nevertheless, your Electoral and Royal Highnesses, and you, to your honor, service, and favor, and F. G., also in your honor, service and favor, and so that these envoys of theirs would not be held up here, I have asked Imperial Maj. Maj., our most gracious lord, for their best clearance, which they have also received from Her Majesty, as your Electoral and Imperial Highnesses and you will hear from them. Thus, for the sake of your Electoral and Imperial Highnesses and yourselves, I have subsequently, after receiving their notifications, announced an appeal in such a way that their Majesty may not have any gracious favor (which then, where I have previously reported such of their order, I have sent to them).

2) This refers to Landgrave Philipp of Hesse, who is therefore omitted from the inscription of this letter. Compare Document No. 829, s 12 z. E. and No. 830 in the penultimate paragraph. Nuremberg is also meant. See No. 863, s 3.

Thus, that, nevertheless, your Electorate and the F. G. and your order should have been complied with by them, and that their request should have been accepted without hesitation for your gracious favor), have petitioned, requested, and received so much from Her Majesty that Her Majesty will release them from their arrest, which they will have done to them in their hostel for this reason, and that they may dispose of them again to Your Electorate and the F. G. and to you. and you, and may graciously permit them to report to Her Majesty of the most gracious good will, even for a short time in the future, which she has undertaken for her in the holy realm of the German nation. But 1) Her Majesty, Michael of Kaden, has ordered to bring a booklet, I do not know what, which he has handed over to Her Majesty, but 2) not to leave Her Majesty's Court without Her Majesty's permission and until further notice, 3) for which Michael, although he has not deserved it for me so far, I nevertheless, together with other my good friends, have given Her Majesty the permission to send him the booklet, and most faithfully, but nevertheless, until now, not otherwise than that he may have succeeded to Bononia [Bologna], or by other order of her Majesty. For the sake of the German nation, for which I am inclined to love and serve, I will gladly do my utmost in the future. That I do not want to let E. churfürstl. and F. G. and you, service and friendly good opinion, on their letter done to me, again unindicated. Date at Parma, on the 30th day of October, Anno etc. in the 29th year.

Heinrich, Grast zu Nassau, Margrave zu Zenete, Count zu Katzenelnbogen, Vianden und Zied, Lord zu Breda, Diest und Grymbergen etc. H. G. z. Nassau.

To the most illustrious and noble, highborn princes and lords, Mr. Johannsen, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Mr. Georgen, Margrave of Brandenburg, Mr. Ernsten and Mr. Franciscen, brothers, Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, and Mr. Wolfgangen, Prince of Anhalt, my most gracious and gracious lords; and the honorable, prudent and wise mayors and councillors of the free and imperial cities of Strasbourg, Ulm, Costnitz, Nördlingen, and others related to them.

1) Here we have deleted "itself" because it seemed too much.

2) "special" - in particular.

3) That is, not to go away.

Alexander Schweiß, imperial secretarii, answer to the protesting electors), princes and cities.),

Most Serene and Serene, Highborn, Elector, Princes and Lords, and honorable, prudent and wise dear Lords and good friends! Your churfürstl. and F. G. and W. my completely submissive, good-willing and friendly service with all faithful diligence before. Most gracious and gracious princes and lords, and dear lords and good friends! Your electoral and royal letters, addressed to Hansen Ehinger, Alexien Frauentraut and Michael von Kaden, in which they report how they have received the letter from the Emperor, my most gracious Majesty. Maj., my most gracious lord, their messages, to indicate their reasons why they have been included in the farewell, so at the next Imperial Diet at Speier, by her Imperial Maj. Maj. governor, orator, commissaries, also princes, princes and other estates of the holy empire, my most gracious, gracious and favorable lords, so far as the cause of our holy Christian faith is concerned, may not have healed nor approved; with the gracious request and entreaty that I may have such E. and F. G. also W.'s action to her Majesty, and that the aforementioned have their messages in favorable order, so that they may be dispatched to her Majesty with the most gracious response etc., I have received and heard them humbly and willingly, and have reported them to Her Majesty's electoral and royal envoys; whereupon Her Majesty has also graciously given them an audience. graciously granted them an audience, and subsequently, for the best possible benefit of their then present, many, considerable other affairs, dispatched them, and had their answer given to them by me in writings, signed by Her Majesty herself; just as the Elector and His Holiness will also hear from the same envoys of theirs. Now, however, when the aforementioned your Electors and the F. G. have also given messages to W., after receiving such their reply, that they would have given them to me, as the one who would have given them such messages by imperial order. Maj. had ordered them to do so, that they announce the appeal to me: then the Elector and the F. G. can also graciously and favorably judge that I, if I had not received an order from Imperial Maj. Maj., it was not proper for me to accept it, and that I should not do less, nor could I do less, than to help Maj. Maj.'s request to the best of my ability, and that Michael von Kaden, as I have been informed, immediately thereafter

I have received an order from the Emperor himself, who had handed over a booklet, in which I was to tell them not to leave their hostel without her Majesty's permission, and where they should continue to stay, which, God knows, was heartily repugnant to me. But I did not discharge myself from this by my most humble and most submissive request, but, since I had previously dealt with this matter by Her Imperial Maj. Maj.'s command and who thus knew, I had to do so obediently as a servant. As I have no doubt that the Elector and the Imperial Guards will be able to judge this: I therefore inform the Elector and the Imperial Guards that, if my gracious Prince and Lord of Nassau, Margrave of Zenetes, or I, have reported such a matter to the Elector and the Imperial Guards beforehand, I shall not be held responsible for it. and W.'s order had been reported somewhat earlier, that I have no doubt that his F. G. would have directed all matters to such good, so that E. churfürstl. and F. G. would have carried out W.'s order nevertheless, and this of their entanglement would have been without necessity; wherefore I have also reported this to his F. G., and where it would have seemed necessary and good to me, I would have faithfully held his hand. But now like this: The said my gracious Lord of Nassau, together with other friends of his F. G., whom she has taken to honor, serve and please the Elector and F. G. and W., has nevertheless done the best, which I have also faithfully reminded her of, so much so that her F. G. has requested of her Maj. that the two envoys of your Electorate and F. G. and W., Ehinger and Frauentraut, have been released from their arrest; but her Majesty has not yet wanted to release Kaden, as E. Electorate and F. G. and W. will hear about all this from the two envoys mentioned above. I hope, however, for the gracious and faithful diligence, which I do not doubt, that my gracious Lord of Nassau will continue to do in the matter, and that I can count on his F. G. and the Lord of Grandvelle, Imperial Maj. Maj. Counselor, when he gave them this last farewell of their settlement and stay, with farther appendix, as much as any concerns, in my presence, in all E. Electoral and F. G. also W. three envoys themselves presence, submissively and diligently asked that they want to have ordered said Kaden in this graciously and for the best, that his cause also to good endschaft at Imperial Maj. Maj. still attains and brings. Therefore, that it be done, no effort nor trouble shall be spared on me of my small fortune, without doubt, that I will give E. all Electorate and

1) "To ensnare" or "to bestricken" - to hold in. Detain.

F. G. and W. would also do me a pleasant service and favor; humbly and favorably requesting that E. churfürstl. and F. G. also W. graciously and favorably excuse me of that which I had to do as a servant herein, as reported above. For as far as I may serve them humbly and acceptably and prove love and friendship, E. churfürstl. and F. G. also W., to whom I hereby, as my most gracious and gracious dear lord, and favorable lords and friends, shall command me humbly and favorably, shall find me on all accounts quite agreeable. Date at Parma, on the 30th day of October, Anno etc. in the 29th year.

E. churf. and F. G. and W. quite subservient and benevolent

Alexander Sweat.

The most illustrious, noble, highborn princes and lords, Mr. Johannsen, Duke of Saxony, Elector etc., Mr. Georgen, Margrave of Brandenburg, Mr. Ernsten and Mr. Franciscen, brothers, Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, Mr. Philipsen, Landgrave of Hesse, and Mr. Wolfgangen, Prince of Anhalt, my most gracious and gracious Prince and Lord; and the honorable, prudent and wise mayors and councillors of the free and imperial cities of Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Ulm, Costnitz, Nördlingen, Memmingen, and others related to them in this matter, my special dear lords and friends.

862: The Margravial Chancellor of Brandenburg, Georg Vogler, writing in which it is explained how great injustice has been done to the Protestant envoys with the imperial arrest.

In Hortleber, vol. I, lib. I, eap. 6, p. 46 and from this in Müller 1. o. lib. II, eux. 21, § 5, S. 318.

Causes, why the protesting Electors, Princes and Estates of the Conflict, in which their delegates were taken by Imperial Majesty, on the happened submissive report of said Estates protestation and appeal against and from the Imperial Treaty at Speier, Anno 1529, also on the insinuation of such appeal, are to be complained about,

Recorded by Mr. Georg Vogler, Margravial Chancellor of Brandenburg, Anno 1529.

1 At the recently held Imperial Diet at Speier, the Imperial Estates, under the semblance and authority of Imperial Majesty, undertook to act and conclude in matters of the Word of God concerning our faith and religion. Maj. to act and conclude in matters of God's word concerning our faith and religion, about which they were duly warned by some of the imperial estates, and given more than one good reason why this was not proper for them. And in spite of all this, they have continued in their proceedings, and have made a supposed resolution and agreement, which the Christian estates reported before them have accepted in all articles, except for the matters of our faith reported; but as far as the articles of faith are concerned, they have publicly protested against it in writings, not to consent to it for many important reasons, as they have written in the long protestation and the appeal that has been made 1) for necessity, and without need to report it again here.

2. 2. And in order that His Majesty should not have reason to think, on the unequal report of some imperial estates that are repugnant to the Holy Gospel, as if the aforementioned protesting Christian estates were withdrawing from His Majesty's obedience and the obedience of the Holy Empire, and were not obeying without reason and equity that which had been unanimously decided by others at the Imperial Diet held, or wishing to live up to it, these same Christian estates have sent their embassies to His Majesty in Hispania. The same Christian estates have dispatched their embassies to Imperial Maj. in Hispania, which their Maj. also entered at Genoa, and to their Maj. on the occasion of the Imperial Diet, and why the protesting estates, without injury to their souls and consciences, also without the highest burden on their country and people, did not want to accept this parting of the aforementioned article, and why the imperial estates also do not have to recognize therein, with the humble offer that they are inclined to accept such parting in all other articles. That they also surrender their bodies, lands, people, possessions and goods to their Imperial Majesty. Majesty, whom they have recognized in this alone as their rightful, unanimous Lord and Emperor, without any means, so that Her Majesty shall have power over all this. What in these matters of faith is also discussed by an orderly, Christian, free concilium (to which such matters belong) by means of the divine word, that one accepts it without any hindrance, and does not want to separate from the Christian church, as the obedient members of the same, in any way, or wants to separate. As then the most submissive responsibility of the Christian estates, submitting and attaining

1) No. 820 in this volume.

offer through their envoys to the Emperor. Maj. orally and in writing in the German, Latin and French languages.

3) Although the protesting estates have now appealed to this subservient, friendly and, for their part, quite necessary action by Imperial Majesty, the Holy Roman Catholic Church, they have not yet been able to do so. Maj, as their rightful lord, nothing other than a gracious answer, decision and dispatch of their embassies, their envoys have nevertheless received a somewhat rough, unforeseen and burdensome farewell, and have been sent in writings, in the belief that their Maj. 2) have again earnestly commanded that these protesting imperial estates should accept the drafted farewell and resolution at Speier outright etc., as such a resolution (which, however, has not yet been sent or delivered to the estates to this day) undoubtedly indicates in a long opinion.

4 Thereupon the envoys (according to their received order) have sent Magister Alexander Schweiß, kais. Maj. secretary, who opened and read out to them the parting in the name of the emperor. Maj. name and read it to them, delivered and left the protesting estates to appeal by means of a publicly instrumented libell.

5 The causes that moved the same estates to file their appeal are sufficiently expressed in the instrument of appeal, and according to necessity, so that anyone, even of little reason, can conclude from it that the protesters had a great reason and appearance to refuse the imperial decree in this matter, and, as the complainants, to appeal from it.

(6) When the envoys had executed their order and then wanted to leave Italy again, they were imprisoned by the said M[eister] Alexander Schweiß, imperial secretary, in the presence of notaries and witnesses, in their lodgings and condemned not to come out of it without the knowledge of His Majesty the Emperor. Maj. not to come out of it, likewise in case of loss of life and limb, by themselves or others, neither in writing nor orally, not to announce anything about it to their masters etc.

7 This is (how manly, even friends and enemies can consider) an ungracious, burdensome and clumsy act, and quite appalling to hear that the Roman Imperial Majesty has not yet taken the necessary measures. Maj.

2) These speech marks are placed by us instead of the brackets that are often used in old prints to emphasize something.

by those who live around her Majesty, and who are not only opposed to the true Christian religion, but also to all equality and equity/) should be moved to such disgrace and burdensome action; for the following reasons:

First of all, this matter, which the envoys have requested and ordered Imperial Majesty to promote, is not an objectionable, unfriendly act. Maj. and had orders to solicit, is not an unpleasant, unfriendly, or such an act, by which Imperial Maj. Maj. in her sovereignty, or sought some rebellion or disobedience, but (as reported) a subservient denunciation, apology and responsibility, by which the Imperial Maj. Maj. of the protesting estates, and to her Maj.'s own honor and glory, in which the Christian estates also offer themselves to her Maj. for such willing obedience and subservience, and also otherwise for the sake of their faith, in such a Christian manner, that the Imperial Maj. Maj. may not derive from this any cause for disfavor and such quick, 2) inconsiderate actions.

(9) On the other hand, the Imperial Majesty is our, and especially the protesting imperial estates', ordinary lord, emperor and sovereign. Our Majesty, and especially of the protesting imperial estates, is the ordinary lord, emperor and sovereign, and is therefore obligated by the duties of his imperial office to treat the members and estates of the empire, as his Maj.'s relatives and subjects, with all loyalty, to hear them graciously and in an emergency in their complaints and concerns, to protect and shield them from all unreasonable and infallible burdens, and also to give them his imperial assistance against all violence and injustice. Not less than the subjects are obligated to all obedience, subservience and submission to her Majesty in all ways.

10 Now, however, the emperor's own highest enemies, Turks and Jews, are being heard. Maj.'s own highest enemies, Turks, pagans and Jews, as well as others, are heard in their legations and advertisements. With what equity or good grace can it be justified that the most prominent imperial estates, princes, princes and cities, envoys should not be heard, but their legation be carried out in such a way that [that] without doubt these same estates, of their hope, would be tolerated by common Christianity's hereditary enemies, the Turks 3)?

(11) Thirdly, Her Majesty's envoys who came from Hispania before this time to some of the

1) In Walch's old edition: "be", which seems to be a printing error, instead of: sein (- are).

2) "raschen" put by us instead of: "rischen".

3) "tolerate" here seems to be in the meaning of "exalted".

The Imperial Estates have asked for help, and have let themselves be heard with loud words that their Majesty has been approached with a belief, as some of the Imperial Estates have let themselves be heard: as if their Majesty's mind and opinion were, when their Majesty comes to the Empire, that they want to act with force and tyranny against some of the Imperial Estates. 2c, that her Majesty bears a noticeable grievance and displeasure; for her Majesty's mind, will and opinion are not at all disposed to a violent, serious or tyrannical action, but are directed to behave as a mild, gracious Emperor towards his Majesty's subjects in an entirely fatherly and gracious manner, and to hold them in such a way that they should have much more cause to love than to fear her Majesty.

(12) Whether this action on the part of Her Majesty compares with such a gracious offer; whether the Christian estates should not be justly appalled that Her Majesty, as soon as she has set foot in the Empire from her kingdom and has not yet reached Germany, should show herself in such a way; and whether they do not have to worry about an ungracious Emperor, completely undeserved on their part, from these preliminary beginnings, can be judged by anyone who understands.

Fourthly, His Imperial Majesty has pledged and confirmed with an oath. In the receipt and election of her royal dignities, Her Majesty has committed, obligated and confirmed with an oath against the Elector in place of the common imperial estates: that Her Majesty will not rape any of the imperial estates for herself, nor permit others to do so, but will allow each estate, where it may suffer proper justice, to remain with the same, also in due hearing and equity, and will order others to do so.

Item 14: That Her Majesty have and hold her royal residence, estate and court in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation for the benefit and good of all members, estates and subjects of the same.

Item 15: That Her Majesty will not fill and provide her royal and imperial offices at court and in the empire with any other nation than native Germans, who are not of low standing or character, but are true, honest people, princes, counts, lords, nobility, and otherwise of valiant good stock. etc.

. 16 Now it is obvious that the Christian protesting estates in this concern of theirs, for which reason they have sent their message to Imperial Majesty, desire and seek nothing else than proper and necessary interrogation. Maj., do not desire and seek anything else than proper and necessary interrogation, and may also suffer right and proper discussion.

(17) They were not the least moved by their protestations and appeals that the estates of the empire should have dared to make a decision and a decision in this most excellent great matter, in which God's honor and word, as well as the consciences and souls of men, are concerned, in which they can by no means be judges, without all prior examination of the right reason, even without sufficient experience of the truth; as would be just and right even in the smallest matters and affairs.

18 Thus it is obvious that the Imperial Majesty has never had her residence in the Holy Roman Empire. Maj. has never had her residence in the Holy Empire from the time of her first Imperial Diet at Worms, and may not have it as soon as possible: shall the embassies of the Imperial Estates, where they are to be sent to her Maj. In order to honor her Majesty and to indicate a submissive obedience, they are to be sent so far, at considerable risk and expense, and to act in a way that may promote the harmony of common Christianity and the empire, and also*) the sent ones are to be dispatched in such a way that it would be quite burdensome for all the imperial estates to hear from their proper rightful head and sovereign.

19 Moreover, it is irrefutable that the most distinguished offices of the imperial court are mostly occupied by Hispanic or other nations. Moreover, it is irrefutable that the most prominent offices of the imperial court are mostly occupied by Hispanic or other nations, who are not only ignorant of the German and Latin tongues, but who are also ignorant of the opportunity, need, and essence of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Nation. Whether the imperial estates, where they have to act out of their necessity before Imperial Maj. Whether the imperial states, where they have to act out of their necessity with Imperial Majesty, can expect more disadvantage than advantage from this, is a matter for everyone to consider.

20 Most burdensome and unequal, however, is that this trade, the holy gospel, affecting our religion and conscience, where it reaches the Imperial Majesty, is only or mostly with the bishops or clergy who are in the custody of the Imperial Majesty. Maj. alone, or for the most part, with the bishops or clergy, who are the highest, most distinguished and most respected in the Imperial Maj. the highest, most distinguished, and most respectable, and who alone are inclined to preserve the papal see at Rome with its appendages, as well as the public abuses that have so far flowed from there and are in evidence everywhere in the church, should be consulted, mediated, and discussed; since they are themselves parties, counselors, judges, and arbiters for the reasons indicated, and are therefore highly suspect. That now the emperor's Maj. Maj. as a pious, sincere emperor, who undoubtedly wanted to see things well, should have been led by the same people to such an unkind and far-reaching action, which would have been unacceptable to her.

1) Here we have deleted "that".

Maj. may not be caused by friends and foes to slight, despise, and belittle each other, which is to be highly complained of in many ways.

Fifth, the protesting Estates have not appealed from Imperial Majesty's Sentence, Order or Departure. Majesty's Sentence, Order or Leave, and have made such an appeal to Imperial Majesty himself. Majesty himself. From this, everyone may again note what a burdensome act it is that the judge before whom, and not from whom, an appeal is made, should accept for arrest the messages which the same appeal from a command initiates. Her Majesty has not previously seen the acts and instruments of appeal, and has no knowledge of the causes and motions of such appeals, whether founded or not.

22) Sixth, the order and instructions of the protesting estates, which the envoys handed over to the Imperial Majesty in the three witnesses on their behalf, state quite clearly what motivated these estates to protest and not to approve the imperial treaty. Majesty in the three witnesses, clearly show what moved these estates to protest and not approve the imperial treaty. The same causes, however, are so important and respectable that any man who has reason must conclude from them that the protesting estates at least had a great pretense, glimpses and reason, although the same movements should not be justified in protesting and appealing. From this, too, the Imperial Majesty might have found so much. Majesty might have found so much from this that she would have refrained from such action against the envoy.

23) Seventhly, although this protestation of the estates and their envoys has neither reason nor appearance, and should be the most unskilful of all: nevertheless, it is against all public, human, imperial and papal rights to act against the envoy, who is made in a legation to Imperial Majesty as our Lord. Majesty, as Lord of us all, to act in this way. For the same rights are quite clear that all legates are free in all places, have assurance and opening, and shall in no way be arrested or encumbered.

(24) Eighthly, it is ever burdensome, and somewhat disgraceful, to hear that the Imperial Majesty has based her farewell, which she has announced in writs, on an order that should have been sent by Her Majesty beforehand. Majesty is placing its departure, which it is having announced to the envoys in writs, on an order that should have been sent by Her Majesty to the imperial estates beforehand, yet none of the protesters has yet received or been notified of the same imperial order or mandate. The same imperial command or mandate has not yet been sent or announced to any of the protesters. Therefore, the Estates may again excuse themselves from any inequity in these matters.

25 And even if the same imperial order and command should have been opened to the protesting estates, it would have been done only after their protests and appeals. The same estates would not have been obliged to accept such a command any less than the imperial estates' resolution and agreement, for many excellent, important reasons, of which much could be done. And if there were no other reason than this, that the protesters, if they should accept such an imperial command, would have to act publicly against their conscience and the salvation of their souls, to which, however, no man of any temporal power on earth should always allow himself to be forced, because the same farewell is capable of just that, which the decision and farewell of the estates holds: it would be more than complete and sufficient in the sight of God and the whole world to refuse such a farewell and imperial command by the ordinary, permitted means of appeal, which the imperial rights themselves prescribe.

In sum, the protesting estates recognize all of them and especially the Imperial Majesty. Majesty. for their rightful natural lord, and by God decreed emperor and sovereignty, to whom they also offer and submit themselves with their bodies, lands and people to all obedience, assistance and subservience; but that Her Majesty, by affirming the imperial estates, would also submit to be master over their faith, souls and consciences in some ways, or to command them to accept something by which they should deviate from the truth, act against their consciences, and anger God as a Lord: That would be going too far, and God would have taken hold of the rule and sovereignty without any means, who has reserved all power and jurisdiction for Him, and has left no man on earth even the least power in this; as the prophet says: Coelum coeli Domino, terram autem dedit filiis hominum: God, the Heavenly Lord, has reserved heaven and what is spiritual, but what is earthly, He has commanded only earthly men. Nor is any man obliged to obey either the emperor or other rulers of the earth therein, for in this case, as the Scripture says, it behooves God more than men to obey.

27 From these causes, which have been mentioned, one can now complain about this trade to the highest, and so that only men may find it too much of a great, extensive and unmistakable inconvenience.

863 The envoys' written account of the whole plot of their mission.

From Hortleder, tom. I, lib. I, eux. 7, x. 49.

Relation or report of the protesting Electors, Princes and Estates delegates to Imperial Majesty, to the extent that they have reported the protest and appeal of the Speier Reichsabschied Anno 1529 partly to Imperial Majesty. Majesty, and were also insinuated into it, but were then taken into custody, but finally discharged and dispatched. Anno 1529.

Firstly, Hans Ehinger and Alexius Frauentraut came to Placentia on the 7th day of September, and had to leave their fellow deputy, Michael von Kaden, due to weakness of his body, at Genoa, and then on the 9th day of September, they presented their documents to the Grand Chancellor, now Cardinals 2c, the von Nassau, M. Alexander Schweißen and Alphonso Waldes, both Imperial Majesties. Majest. Secretaries, at Placentia their Letters of Credence, and requested them to present them to Imperial Majesty with gracious permission. Majesty with gracious audience and dispatch, who answered them as follows, namely:

2 The Grand Chancellor said: His F. Grace wants to announce them, the envoys, to the Emperor. Majesty, request an audience with them, and give them further notice.

3 Nassau's answer was: The Landgrave of Hesse always wanted to make him a sollicitator, which was not convenient for his Grace; so the Nurembergers did not want him to promote them or the Landgrave against his Grace. There were many Germans who were not much good, although he was also a German; however, he wanted to do to the other princes, princes and cities what was dear to them; they, the envoys, would like to attribute this to their elector and his grace, as well as to the others.

4 M[eister] Alexander Schweiß thus answered: because his lord, the one from Nassau, was at odds with the Landgrave, and the ones from Nuremberg did not want to let him, M. Alexander, follow what the Imperial Majesty had given them. Majesty had given them, he did not intend to demand much from either of them; however, he did not want the other estates to pay anything.

5 Secretarius Alphonsus Waldes has offered to do much to help Hans Ehingern and Alexio Frauentraut before the Grand Chancellor.

6 Likewise, Wilhelm de Rolle, kais. Majest. Hofmeister, on the credenza handed over to him.

The Emperor has offered to have the letter signed over to him, since the other Grand Chamberlain in Hispania is dead, and also to do good will and to promote him with the Imperial Majesty.

On the 10th and 11th day of September, the two deputies again made every effort, and approached the Grand Chancellor, the von Nassau, and the other court masters and secretaries, and asked them to support them, so that they would be heard most graciously by the Emperor. Majesty, and that they be graciously and well handled in turn. They all offered to do so, except for the one from Nassau, who answered: His F. G. had previously said that he did not want to get involved in any matter involving the Landgrave and Nuremberg, and he would leave it at that.

After the envoys had thus stopped daily, His Imperial Majesty had M. Alexander Schweißen announce to them on September 11 that Her Majesty wished to hear them on Sunday, September 12, at an early hour of the day; and therefore they should make themselves so skilful as to hand over the trade to Her Imperial Majesty in writing and not delay Her Majesty with many words, for Her Majesty has so many excellent things in hand that it would be quite inconvenient for Her Majesty to hold a long oral hearing. Majesty in writing, and not to delay Her Majesty with many words, for Her Majesty had so many excellent things under her hands that it would be quite inconvenient for Her Majesty to hear a long oral presentation.

So the two deputies rode to court early that Sunday morning with M. Alexander Schweißen and appeared before Her Majesty's Chamber. Chamber, where again Her Imperial Majesty had them told by the above-mentioned M. Alexander Schweißen that they were to be allowed to vote. Majesty told them through the aforementioned M. Alexander Schweißen: they should hand over their action in writing and not tease Her Majesty long with words. Thereupon the envoys offered to present the deal with the shortest verbally and to hand over their order in writing next to it.

10 They were then brought before Her Majesty and graciously interrogated by Her Majesty in the presence of the Marquis of Ancisa, both Bishops of Osina and Palenta, together with M. Alexander, Her Majesty's secretary, who was especially required for this purpose. Majesty their letter of credence with due reverence, as befits them, and at the same time they express their graciousness to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty's most gracious, gracious and favorable lords, the Electors, Princes, and also honorable free and imperial cities, from which they have been dispatched, the most humble offer of mercy, and also further indicated: Their Electorate and F. G., and the others, have ordered two of them, in addition to Michael von Kaden, who, due to weakness of his body, had to remain back in Genoa, to give their Imperial Majesty the following orders. Majesty.

The following is a summary of the content presented to His Imperial Majesty by Alexium Frauentraut. Majesty by Alexium Frauentraut, as follows harmlessly, namely:

11. Majesty would be unaware of the contentious articles of divine doctrine that have taken place for some time in Germany and other countries. Which doctrine has been accepted in part by some estates and their subjects, and contested by some (whose subjects were, and still are, most eager for it), from which much error, quarreling and disagreement has arisen. For this reason, Her Imperial Majesty Majesty appointed and announced a Diet at Speier in the year 1526 to avert such opposition. At this Diet, all the estates of the Empire unanimously and unanimously considered it to be good, necessary and convenient, and proposed that a common, free, Christian concilium or national assembly be held as soon as possible, with the resolution that in the meantime each estate would live, govern and hold itself with its subjects as it hoped and dared to answer to God and Her Majesty; with the indication that at that time, for the preservation of peace and unity in the realm, no better or more tolerable way could have been devised or found. Such a treaty would also have been unanimously agreed upon and sealed by all the estates, and at the same time it would have been specially spoken and promised that nothing would be done or allowed to be done against the same imperial treaty, the content of the printed imperial treaty enclosed with it.

Item, so her majesty would have appointed this 29th year again an imperial diet to Speier, with notification to act, to deliberate and to decide on the future Concilio and other necessities of the realm. For this reason, their most gracious and gracious lords, the sovereigns and princes, attended the same Imperial Diet in their own persons, and had the other honorable free and imperial cities attended by their noble embassy, in the opinion that everything that serves first of all the honor of God, his holy word, the preservation of good peace and the noble welfare of their Imperial Majesty and of the Empire, is to be done in the name of God. Majesty and the Empire, to seek and promote.

But such a thing would not have taken place; rather, some estates would have pretended and wanted to say as if the previous Speierian imperial treaty in the 26th year had been somewhat misunderstood and therefore misused; that, however, was their most gracious.

The noble and favorable lords of their part have not confessed, and would not yet, know for certain that they would not have acted against the same parting of their part, and would not again be against it, nor do so; but would in the meantime keep to the granted concilii, live and govern as they hoped and trusted to answer for it to God and their Majesty. And even if a misunderstanding would have arisen with some from such a departure, still their churlish and princely graces, as well as the others, would have been able to keep the agreement. They therefore proposed several honorable, Christian means, which, however, the other part did not want to accept, despite all admonitions, friendly and humble requests and reminders, but instead, out of a supposed delusion, decided on a different opinion, contrary to the previous unanimous Speierian imperial treaty of this 29th year. They have decided on a different opinion in the 29th year, and in religion, against such Speierian imperial decree, have set other burdensome, unmistakable articles, which their churlish and princely graces, as well as the others, have not accepted. They could not, for the sake of their conscience, keep nor accept them.

And although their chur- and princely. Gn, also the others, have rejected the opposite more than sufficiently and have indicated the reasons for which they would be justly obliged to adhere to the first unanimous, confirmed and promised Speierian imperial treaty, and against which they could neither grant nor conclude anything else without the special permission of their most gracious, gracious and favorable lords, the Electors, Princes, and also honorable Free and Imperial Cities, and imperial cities, they could not grant or conclude anything, nor could anything more 1) take place, but that it would be equitable to remain with that which their Imperial Majesty herself has permitted, and which has been unanimously decided, certified and sealed by all other estates; that also in particular her Imperial Majesty's The Council of the Holy Roman Emperor is to be informed of the outcome of the next Speierian Imperial Diet, and of the future Concilio and other necessities of the Empire, and that it is not to be interpreted as a means of again abrogating the previous Speierian Imperial Diet.

However, the obnoxious [part] would have persisted in his plan and the supposed increase and would have wanted to drag the matter back to the previous dangerous state, over which Pope Adrianus had previously confessed himself and other clergymen to the abuses at an Imperial Diet.

1) Only here Walch notes: "Votorum pluritas" - the majority.

Thus, in the next 24 years, Her Majesty would have announced an imperial farewell to Speier, in which she herself would have declared that she would separate the bad from the good.

And because their sovereign and princely sovereigns, as well as the honorable free and imperial cities, had encountered such a thing (as stated above) against the previous Speier farewell, their sovereign and princely sovereigns, as well as the others, had protested against such a supposed increase and farewell. The others, too, have protested against this supposed increase and departure, as well as what they have encountered in this regard.

And for this reason it would be most humbly pleading with Her Lordship and Grace, and with the others, that Her Imperial Majesty would not take an ungracious will for the above-mentioned and other reasons. Majesty, for the reasons mentioned and others, would not take an ungracious will to the protestation and refusal made, but would grant this to the unavoidable necessity.

Thus, in the meantime, with the help of divine assistance, their sovereigns and fathers, as well as the others, intend to hold the future approved Concilii, or National Assembly, with their own in their authorities and territories in such a way as they hoped and dared to answer to God and their imperial majesty, so that nothing unjust or unreasonable may be imposed upon them. They also wanted, as their forefathers and ancestors had done, to be submissive to their Imperial Majesty. Majesty's will, and keep themselves as obedient, first of all as far as the temporal is concerned, it would be with the necessary help against the Turks, for the orderly maintenance of the regiment and chamber court, also other things that are necessary for their Imperial Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire. Maj. and the Holy Empire's welfare and honor.

With most humble request, if the matter reaches Her Majesty in a different form, Her Majesty would not allow any disparagement of the same, but rather would allow this truthful excuse to stand and be believed, and would not allow herself to be moved to disgrace against her without the interrogation and responsibility of her most gracious, merciful and favorable sovereigns, after Her Electoral and Princely Grace and the others had been requested, where they would be overcome by divine biblical scripture of another, that they would allow themselves to be rebuked of all charges. They are not to be moved to disgrace against them without the interrogation of their most gracious and favorable rulers, after their sovereign and princely lords, as well as the others, would be obligated, if they were overcome by divine biblical scripture of another, to let themselves be rebuked of all charges.

And their Lordships and F. Gnostics, as well as the others, hereby command themselves under their Imperial Majesty's protection and promise as their most gracious Emperor and Lord. Majesty's protection, patronage, and promise, as their most gracious Emperor and Lord, with the request that their Imperial Majesty would give them, the envoys, the most gracious, gracious, and favorable lords, the most gracious, prompt, written answer.

And so that her imperial majesty of the trade

2) "one" set by us instead of: from.

the envoys hand over to Her Majesty their German sealed Instruction, together with two copies of it in Latin and French, together with the other documents serving for trade; again with the most humble request that Her Imperial Majesty would be so kind as to read them, and thereupon to deliver them again in the most gracious, most hurried, and most bailful manner. This would undoubtedly be done by Her Royal and Princely Grace, as well as the others. The others, too, would undoubtedly deserve this in all loyalty to their Imperial Majesty, as their most gracious lord.

12 And at that time the envoys of their imperial majesty delivered them to their own hands:

I. their German having sealed Instruction;

II. two copies of it in Latin and French;

III. a printed farewell of the Speierische Reichstag of this 29th year;

IV. of the Electors, Princes and Others First Protestation in Latin;

V. the other long protestation in German, and subsequently M. Alexandern, at his request, the same protestation in Latin;

VI. the tender for this Imperial Diet of the past 29th year;

VII Pabst's Adriani Confession on Abuses;

VIII. the hundred complaints, brought before the Diet of Nuremberg.

13 In response to such a presentation by the envoys, the Imperial Majesty immediately gave them the following oral reply through M. Alexander. Majesty immediately had M. Alexander orally give them the following answer, namely: Her Imperial Majesty would have sent the envoys the following information from Her Majesty. Majesty had received the envoys' requests from Her Majesty. He wished to see the action submitted in council, and how Her Majesty sees the matter, and then to give an imperial and gracious answer to the charge.

14 Subsequently, the envoys handed over a Latin copy of the Instruction to the Grand Chancellor and asked for a prompt good answer and dispatch. He offered to do so.

15 Similarly, they have handed over to M. Alexander Schweißen a German, and Alphonso Waldes (both Imperial Majesty's Secretaries) a Latin copy of such instruction, and have also asked for promotion.

to good clearance, which also let themselves be heard well-willingly.

16 And after Imperial Maj. Maj. gave an answer through M. Alexander Schweißen (as stated above), Her Majesty sent all written acts to him that he should overlook them and send them to the Grand Chancellor in advance so that the act could be discussed in the Great Council. This was done by M. Alexander and the entire act was sent to the Grand Chancellor.

The envoys have also handed over a copy of their authority, which they have from the electors, princes, and also the honorable free and imperial cities. But when the Grand Chancellor became weak, he could neither act nor overlook anything. Therefore, the envoys stopped so much that the Grand Chancellor postponed the same deal and sent it to Monsieur Gran Vela [Granvella], who was decaying in the Grand Chancellor's illness, and had him announce that he would translate the act and then bring it to council.

18 Thus the envoys subsequently applied to the same and to all places, but outside of Nassau, while he had given them an answer, as reported above in the entry, also to Imperial Majesty himself for a gracious, grave and written answer and each time received a reply: they would be graciously dispatched.

Meanwhile, Michael von Kaden has recovered and come to them in Placentia; there they have again informed all three of them in many ways, solicited and asked for information.

20 And although they were always assured that they would soon be mercifully disposed of, they still had to take this precaution that they would not be disposed of as they would have liked. And so that, if the matter should come to the insinuation of the appeal, there would be no lack of a notary (which otherwise one would not want to have), Alexius Frauentraut has forgiven and exonerated himself of his legation and sending before another open notary and the witnesses, and has also had an instrument made about it.

21 And because at the time when the envoys were asking for clearance and reply, it happened that Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor had sent the envoys a letter. Majesty. Colman dispatched Plattnern 1) of Augsburg to ride home and make some armor for Her Majesty and also for the von Nassau, which Plattner requested from Imperial Majesty and the von Nassau. Majesty and that of Nassau, and requested that Imperial Majesty Majesty to order the

1) "Platner" - plate maker, harness maker. In the old edition: "Colman Platnern".

When the emperor of Nassau dispatched the envoys so that he would have companions, and did not ride alone in the swift louses, he told the same Plattner that he could well tell the envoys that they would enjoy him, the Plattner. For the imperial majesty also wants to dispatch the embassies so that he has company, and where it would be without him, the Plattner, the envoys would have to walk for a month or more afterwards.

But as it happened that Colman Plattner got other company so that he could ride, the envoy's answer remained behind and was raised. From this it can be deduced that Plattner had no company, that his support was more helpful and had more prestige, neither princes, princes, nor respectable free and imperial cities themselves. From this it is also to be heard that princes, princes and the honorable cities have to provide themselves in matters of faith to their majesty etc.

After Alexius Frauentraut had refused his legation for the above-mentioned reasons, the other two envoys, Hans Ehinger and Michael von Kaden, asked for their leave. This was granted to them on October 13 by the Imperial Majesty's Secretary, M. Alexander Schweiß, with Her Imperial Majesty and the same Secretary. Majesty and the same secretary's hands.

24. Which Hans Ehinger and Michael von Kaden have taken to themselves, read out, and thereupon Michael von Kaden has initiated the Speier appeal, with the request and demand that Alexius Frauentraut, as notary, give them, the envoys, one or more open instruments ex officio from their most gracious lords and princes, from their most gracious, gracious lords, the princes, princes, and also the others, on account of such insinuated appeal, ex officio, to make and give one or more open instruments and documents, as much as they would be or would be in need of them.

25 The above-mentioned notary, in the presence of M. Alexander Schweiß, gave them this answer. Alexander Schweiß, gave this answer: because a few days ago he had refused his legation, in which he had been ordered all and variously, for movable causes, the contents of an instrument, he could not, for the sake of his office, avoid making and giving to the princes, princes, also honorable free and imperial cities, as principals, or to them, the envoys, one or more open instruments and deeds, as much as they would be in need of them. Require the witnesses that were present at that time.

26. on which the appeal has been filed, also the subsequent requisition, has much

The aforementioned M. Alexander said that he had been ordered by Imperial Majesty to give the envoys farewell to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty, but he had no order to accept the appeal; he gave the envoys the farewell by order of Imperial Majesty. Majesty, which would be signed with the same hand, and if the envoys were in want of it, they would address Imperial Majesty himself. Majesty himself, and he wanted to report such action to Imperial Majesty. Majesty. And even if he had taken such an appeal into his own hands, he did not want to have it accepted by taking it into his hands, but to report it to the Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Alexium Frauentraut requests and demands that he make and give him one or more open instruments and documents about it, as much as he would be in need of them, to which the now reported Notary gave him this answer: as much as he would be obliged to do.

The two envoys, on the other hand, did not doubt their Majesty's decision at all. But since he, M. Alexander, had given them the decision of the Imperial Majesty, they acted as their instructions indicated. Majesty, they, the envoys, acted according to their instruction etc., and thus did not want to take the appeal again, and laid it down on the table; which Appeal Acta, German and Latin, M. Alexander, together with a copy of their authority (which they filed again), carried to court from that hour (as the envoys are reported) and reported to Imperial Majesty. Majesty.

28. the same 13th day oct, about 3 hours after noon, the same M. Alexander came and brought with him a notary and several witnesses, and said that he appeared before the same notary, and because he had protested the same day before Alexio Frauentraut, as notary, that he did not want to accept or have accepted the protestation, he repeated the same again, and his request was that if Alexius Frauentraut wanted to make an instrument about such insinuation, that he then not let the same go out, he then inscribed all the action, namely Imperial Majesty's farewell, and what he, Alexander, had given for his person for the answer to it. Majesty's farewell, and what he, Alexander, would have given for his person for answer to it. Requested the same notary that he wanted to make and give him one or more open instruments and documents about all this. This now applies to his own person. For one.

29 Secondly, he would have been ordered by His Imperial Majesty to say to the envoys: "Because they have had such an appeal insinuated and handed over to Her Majesty. Majesty would have ordered him to tell the envoys that because they had insinuated and handed over such an appeal to Her Majesty, that Her Imperial Majesty had by no means provided for them. Majesty had by no means provided for them. Accordingly, she had Her Imperial Majesty sent by him,

M. Alexander, into the hostel, with the appendix that in case of loss of life and property they should not leave the hostel, not write behind them, nor send some servants from themselves. Everything until further notice to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty's Majesty's decision.

30 When Michael von Kaden was in the city at the time when M. Alexander Hansen Ehingern and Alexium Frauentraut were arrested in the inn, and learned of such arrest through a servant, he quickly attributed the same to his lords of Nuremberg, and subsequently went to his companions in the inn, and also heard of such arrest. However, due to the arrest, no notary nor testes [witnesses] were requisitioned by Alexander.

31. on the 14th day of Octob. Hans Ehinger and Michael von Kaden have thereupon in the inn before Alexio Frauentraut, as Notario, from their most gracious and favorable lords, the Electors, Princes, also honorable free and imperial cities, on account of Imperial. Majesty ad cautelam provocirt and appellirt.

32 Thus the envoys were imprisoned as the obedient, namely from the 13th to the 25th day of October, and yet in the meantime they have given instruction in German and French to Imperial Majesty and asked for interrogation. Majesty in the meantime, and asked for interrogation.

On the 25th day of October, when Imperial Majesty wanted to leave for Placentia, M. Alexander Schweiß came to them. Majesty was about to leave for Placentia, M. Alexander Sweat came to the officials and informed them that the von Nassau, together with the secretary Lobis, had two or three times dealt with Imperial Majesty on account of their trade or dealings, but that Her Majesty had taken it into consideration. However, the matter was finally brought to the point that Ulrich Ehinger's embassies, for the sake of his faithful service, now enjoy that her Majesty counts them exempt from this arrest and detention; but that they promised (as they must do) to follow the court as far as Bononia. For her Majesty has complaint and displeasure about their action, and also about the booklet that has been handed over. However, they, the envoys, may, on their way or at Parma, settle the matter themselves and leave the hostel. He tells the envoys all this by order of Nassau; however, they should not overrun him, M. Alexander, too much.

34 Accordingly, the deputies of Imperial Majesty followed up to Parma. Accordingly, the deputies of His Majesty followed as far as Parma and asked and asked daily for a single count of their household.

On Oct. 30, Imperial Majesty decreed that the Majesty the

The following notice was given to the envoy by Monsieur de Gran Vela in Latin, in the presence of Alexander, with the approximate content: Imperial Majesty would have been very displeased with their action for the sake of the appeal. Majesty would have been very displeased with their action on account of the appeal; but as to that, Her Imperial Majesty, as a gracious and gracious man, would have been very pleased. Majesty, as a gracious and kind emperor, wanted to relax the envoys from arrest and allow them to return to their masters.

36 However, it would have been a great pleasure for Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Order, Will and Opinion that Alexius Frauentraut does not make an instrument about the happened insinuation of the appeal, he would have handed it over to M. Alexander Schweißen before, to have a look at it according to necessity. To which Alexius replied: if Imperial Majesty wanted it. Majesty wanted, he would have to do it.

37 Hans Ehinger and Alexius Frauentraut departed from the court at such a time; but Michael von Kaden, on Gran Vel's notice, had to continue to follow the court because of a booklet he had handed over to the Imperial Majesty. Majesty, had to continue to follow the court.

38 Thus the von Nassau and M. Alexius Schweiß again answered the above-mentioned Electors, Princes and honorable free and imperial cities to their letters of credence; as can be heard here.

39 And because Ulrich Ehinger did not appeal to Imperial Majesty, he was not allowed to do so. Majest. Court, the envoys have kept his letter of credence with them, which they also hand over herewith, along with the other documents that have remained to them.

(40) Whatever instruments, namely Hans Ehinger's and Michael von Kaden's Provocation ad cautelam, are to be erected upon the opened parting, Notarius Frauentraut, at her Electoral Grace, is entitled to erect. Notarius Frauentraut, at her Electoral Grace's request and at the request of both of the aforementioned.

41 Likewise, the same notary requests that the instrument on the completed appeal insinuation, provided that it is not contrary to the last dispensation, which was given to him by Monsieur de Granvelle by Imperial Majesty, be set up. Majesty (as stated above), in which he asks for their princely and royal graces and favor, so that he may do what is just and inviolable to his honor.

From all this, the envoys want to give all three of them to their electoral and princely graces, as well as to respectable free and imperial cities. They want to give their electoral and princely graces, as well as honorable free cities and imperial towns, as much to understand and to know as their electoral and princely graces and in favor of the holy Christian faith will allow. The Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor, the Holy Roman Emperor. Majesty, as well as their councilors, in order that they may remember and act in accordance with their considerable need.

43 The envoys must inform their most gracious, gracious and favorable masters, the electors, princes, and honorable free and imperial cities in summary, and must act accordingly.

44. also hereby command their electoral, princely, and other graces. The following is a list of the most important documents of the Holy Roman Catholic Church in the Czech Republic.

The above-mentioned princes, princes, and also honorable free and imperial cities envoys,

Hans Ehinger, Michael von Kaden and Alexius Frauentraut etc.

864. Luther's concern for himself and his colleagues as to whether the dissenters in the article on the Lord's Supper could be included in the religious alliance. (End of May 1529.)

The original of this prayer, which was most likely made for the convention meeting in Rodach on June 7, is in the archives at Weimar, 8. toi. 40. n. 2 and is reproduced from it in Müller's Historie der Augsburgischen Confession, lib. II, eap. 16, s 6, p. 230, but with the ending omitted. Incomplete also in the Leipzig edition, vol. XXII, p. 25 and in Walch. Complete in De Wette, vol. Ill, p.465 and in the Erlanger, vol.54, p.79.

Because this alliance is to have the name and the opinion that the teaching of the gospel is thereby preserved and protected among us, it is

At first impossible and in vain; cause, for such alliance must without doubt be founded and stand on the conscience or faith of those who have joined together, as that they want to believe in one accord. Now such faith is unconscious and uncertain in the others, and certainly to be feared in very few. If the emperor were to attack, there would be very few who would stand, and the others would all fall away: then we would first and too slowly learn how the cities are not powerful in themselves, and the alliance would be destroyed with great shame and damage. We have enough examples of this in Mühlhausen, Nordhausen, Erfurt, Augsburg, 1) Schwäbisch Halle etc.

1) Here De Wette and according to him the Erlangen edition still has "Nuremberg", which is not found in Müller. The

before wanted to eat up the gospel because of love, but now suddenly and easily fell down. So it is to be feared that Ulm, Strasbourg etc., will also go, because there are still many in it who are hostile to the gospel, that one or two men who are now silent and suffering will come forward and turn the whole city back, for: Non est omnium fides, says Paul [2 Thess. 3, 2].

On the other hand, it is dangerous for the landgrave, because he is a restless man. If, however, as he did that time, he should attempt to storm monasteries and convents without our will, we would have to follow suit and do or have done what he did. Likewise, for the sake of the cities of Basel and Strasbourg, which the monasteries (which were not under their control) had closed and taken by their own force, we would have to defend all this with our help. Because the landgrave would like to bring us into such danger, we do against God, where we enter into such danger, as it is written: "You shall not tempt God" [Matth.4, 7.], and again: "Whoever likes danger will perish over it" [Sir.3, 27.].

Thirdly, it is suspicious and annoying, for who can believe that so many people do not seek brachium carnis in this, that is, more consolation and defiance in human help than in God; indeed, very few would be so pure in faith, is there anyone else so pure, who would not let such a covenant be their idol; that would be terrible. And even if two or three were pure, they would have given cause to the others and set up such an idol for them, like Gideon, Judges. 8, 3) 27. and Micah, Judg. 17,5.

Fourth, it is unchristian for heresy against the Sacrament; for we cannot have it in the covenant, we would have to help strengthen and defend such heresy, and if

Erlanger Briefwechsel, vol. VII, p. Ill, notes that "Nuremberg is probably to be deleted. - Augsburg, Schwäbisch-Hall and Nordhausen had signed the imperial treaty at Speier lNo. 818); in Mulhouse the Catholic party was still dominant, in Erfurt there was discord.

2) In Basel, on February 15, 1529, the city council seized the St. Peter's monastery; in Strasbourg, on February 20, the city council and the aldermen abolished Catholic worship, even in the imperial monastery, the high monastery (the cathedral), over which they had no power.

3) At De Wette and in the Erlanger: Jud. 9.

520 Erl. 54.81 f. Section 2: Of the conventicles at Torgau etc. No. 864^ W. LVI, 626 f. 521

If they were to defend themselves, they would probably become worse than before. Because they do not improve this part, there is no hope that they will remain right and firm in the other parts. Notice the example of Joshua 7, where the whole holy nation had to suffer misfortune because of one Achan, until such a sin was punished.

Whether someone wanted to pretend: The cities are one with us in all respects except the one, and there should not be so much concern about the one for the sake of the others.

Answer: There is too much in the one, as said above of Achan; for therefore all the others also become unclean, as. Jacobus says: Offendens in uno, factus est omnium reus [Jac. 2, 10.]. He is no less an unchristian who denies one article than Arius or the other. Therefore we may not escape judgment, faciens et consentiens pari poena plectuntur, Rom. 1, 32. and as the prophet says to King Jehoshaphat 2 Chron. 19, 2.: Impio praebes auxilium, et iis, qui orunt Dominum amicitia jungeris etc.. Also, they complicate things themselves too much, so that without any need they completely remove all ceremonies from the sacrament and make a bad collation out of it, which we cannot justify.

If, however, it is said that this covenant does not concern doctrine, but is to be used against external violence, which is done against the law, because it is based on knowledge.

Answer: It does not hold, because it is known that the adversary does not want to attack us for any reason but for the sake of doctrine. Therefore we cannot believe that we make such a covenant against unjust power. And the fact that they ask for knowledge does not help us; for we know and hold that they are wrong, and may not put this into doubt or knowledge with them, so that we cannot act with them with a good conscience; we would also have to grant and confirm such their request for knowledge, and thus fall with them from our certain knowledge to their doubt or uncertain delusion. That would be more than half, if not denying our faith). The-

he concern we have is to leave it at the articles that are placed on such an action.

2) The emperor must be written to.

First of all, it would be good that our part, with the exclusion of the Zwinglian, writes for itself.

Secondly, that the good deeds of the prince against the church and the common being would be made great, well deleted etc.

1) That he had Christ and his faith taught in the purest way, as it has not been taught anywhere, and not for a thousand years, in so many churches and parishes. And so many abuses and abominable things have been stopped, of which they themselves must confess that they have been exceedingly evil and harmful to the church and the common being, as the fair of the masses, the abuse of indulgences, the violence with the ban, and the like, which was also intolerable with them; such things were brought up by the nobility themselves at Worms and insisted that they be stopped.

2) That he resisted the rioters, as the iconoclasts and the church rioters.

3) That the honor of the authorities and majesty has been gloriously displayed, praised and restored, more than has been done for many centuries.

4) Against the rebels, such as Muenzer, we would have done and suffered the utmost to preserve majesty and public peace.

5) No one held down the Sacramentirans except us, the Papists would have been overpowered.

6) We have put down the Anabaptists in the same way,

7) Moreover, 3) the evil seeds of exceedingly wicked human doctrines, scattered in various places, of the Holy Trinity, of faith in Christ etc. (as those of Erasmus, Egranus and the like).

2) The following is in the original Latin and translated by us into German.

3) Per ea in our template seems to us to be read from kraetsrea. We have assumed the latter.

865: List of those who were present at the Convention at Rodach.

From Müller's History, eup. 16, s 8, p. 235.

1. Hans von Minkwitz, Knight, on account of Chursachsen and Duke Ernst of Lüneburg.

2. Caspar von Seckendorf, Marshal, on account of Margrave Georgen of Brandenburg.

3. Sigmund von Bopneburg, Amtmann zu Schmalkalden; 4. Johann Nordeck, KammerSecretarius, on account of Landgrave Philippsen zu Hessen.

5. matches pastor, ammeister, because of the city of Strasbourg.

6. Christoph Kreß and 7. Christ. Tetzel, mayor; 8. Georg Hüpler, town clerk, on account of the city of Nuremberg.

9th Bernhard Besserer, mayor; 10th Daniel Schleicher; 11th Conrad Aytinger, city clerk, on account of the city of Ulm.

866 Consöderationsnotel, erected by some Protestant estates at Rodach (June 7) 1529.

From Müller's History 1. e. p. 236.

By the Grace of God, we John, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire 2c, George, Margrave of Brandenburg, and Philip, Landgrave of Hesse 2c, and we Mayors and Councillors of the Holy Roman Empire cities of Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Ulm, do hereby confess and declare to God Almighty with this letter. Imperial cities of Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Ulm, confess and declare with this letter that for the following movable Christian and good reasons, but first of all for the praise and honor due to God Almighty, for the promotion and acceptance of His holy word and gospel, and so that we may remain with the Holy Empire, as obedient members of the same, and so that we may remain in the holy kingdom as obedient members thereof, and also that our subjects, who are commanded by God to govern and preside over us in a Christian manner, may be handled in a manner that is honorable, Christian and fair, and also conducive to the salvation of their souls, and may be prevented from unjust unlawful rape and damage, have unanimously agreed, joined and committed themselves to this with one another. And do so in the name of the Almighty, knowingly, by virtue of this letter, for us, all our heirs and descendants, as follows: Initially, our minds, wills and opinions shall not stand in any way, nor shall this confidential and friendly understanding of ours.

that we are not to be drawn by the same against the Roman Imperial Majesty as our most gracious rightful lord and superior. Majesty, as our most gracious rightful lord and sovereign, decreed to us by God, for which we also recognize their Imperial Majesty without means. Majesty, without any means, against the Holy Roman Empire, its members or relatives, or their Imperial Majesty. Majesty, the order of the Empire, or the unification of the alliance in the land of Swabia, to which we are partly related, in some way, or to wage war against anyone for ourselves, or to wage war against anyone, or to overreach anyone, or to violate the law, or to break the common peace, or to arouse indignation or repugnance in the Holy Empire. Majesty. Rather, by such means we want to help in the most faithful way to maintain the dignity, honor and majesty of the Holy Roman Empire, its reception, welfare and prosperity, as well as public peace, justice and unity everywhere, to prevent as much as possible the dangerous uprisings, outrages and repugnances that we have to worry about in the Empire, and to use only the means of defense and salvation that are permitted to every human being by human, natural and imperial rights, without any means. The same applies to ours, to whom we are ordained by God as superiors and protectors, to protect ourselves from unjust complaints and violent actions by those who might act against us and ours against God's command, the common peace of the realm, common law and all equity; and just as we, as Christian princes, sovereigns, cities and sovereigns, know that we owe it to ourselves by virtue of our commanded office to do so without any means, and are therefore obligated to account to God Almighty, as the Lord, Creator and Sustainer of us all.

2. and above all, the Roman Imperial Majesty, as our Lord Emperor and Superior, shall be exempt from this friendly understanding and agreement. Majesty, as our Lord, Emperor and Sovereign, shall be excluded from this friendly understanding and agreement of ours, finally and without means, so that such our understanding shall in no way be drawn, placed or interpreted on Her Imperial Majesty's person, nor shall it be understood at all in any article on Her Majesty. Similarly, we also take from the common estates of the empire, as much as they are not included in this our understanding; as far as each one for himself, or next to other estates, with and in the same help, does not commit against us and ours some felonious, miscreant action, help, war exercise and insurrection, still for the sake of reported things.

3) And even though we Princes and Reigning Princes, as mentioned above, are in hereditary fraternity and hereditary union with others, the content of the prescription and the Roman Imperial Majesty, we are not to be held responsible. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, Be-

The order and unification of the Union of Swabia, in which we aforementioned Estates are mostly involved, can therefore include, among other things, an article with the harmless content: that the covenant relatives may well enter into unification with princes, princely and other Estates in the Empire, and also accept a covenant and understanding with them, but that they freely exclude the unification of the same Union of Swabia etc. Because of this, some might think that we, the estates, should exclude such hereditary brotherhood, hereditary alliance, and also alliance relatives, the others of our mutual union: This union of ours is not a common or such an agreement, which in all cases that may occur, or therefore hereditary brotherhoods, hereditary brotherhoods of the princes and princes, included therein, also the covenant relatives of Swabia may recognize, The only thing that is required is a confidential, friendly understanding of whether our one of the divine word, the holy gospel and our faith and what is dependent on it, and what is pending on the same, and therefore in a common case, where the relatives on both sides have not joined agreement to each other at all, in which they also have no power to do some knowledge, relief, decision or help, and therefore may not be judges, would be attacked, overdrawn, feuded, raped or burdened against fairness, which one should provide to the other in such a case, and what salvation, protection and defense he should rely on from them; so that, for such reasons, against all of them, as has been reported, there is no need at all to make any exceptions in this matter; Moreover, our minds are not in any way, either altogether or in particular, as we hereby expressly reserve, that we do not wish, through this understanding of ours, to withdraw from the agreements indicated, but rather intend to comply with the same hereditary brotherhoods, hereditary unions and the order of the covenant, as far as each of these is concerned, all of their content and in all articles, Therefore the same agreements have been made and established, and therein they are to be recognized, to be lived and complied with most faithfully, not less than if our understanding, which, as reported, is based solely on a defense of the united case and things, and not on a move or physical helpful agreement, were not at all before our eyes. Do also the same hereditary fraternizations, hereditary

and order of the covenant in all things, wherefore the same is established and therein admitted to be known to the same kinsmen, hereby also freely excepted, and have not drawn our understanding thereon, in the undoubted confidence that every Christian mind, which is inclined to God's honor, common peace and human respectability, will from this friendly understanding of ours, which we also bear no hesitation to reveal to Imperial Majesty, to all imperial states and to all men, so much that it will be nothing else than a Christian mind, faithful, obedient to God and to our kinsmen. Majesty, to all imperial states and to all men, that he has no other reason to judge than a Christian mind, faithful to God, obedient to our authorities, and a responsible protection, pacification and handling of our faithful subjects and common peace.

We, the aforementioned princes, princes and cities, together with all and each of our subjects, relatives and dependents, together and in particular, shall hold, maintain and promote the time of our established understanding with good, right, true loyalty to each other, for the sake of the matter in question, faithfully and safely. To this end, we, and all of us, shall not do or practice anything violent or unfriendly towards or against each other, but each of us shall be content with ordinary and equitable rights towards the other and his relatives, and shall not complain about them or allow his own to do so, nor shall any of us allow the other his secret or public enemies, Nor shall any of us knowingly keep, nurture, undercut, or induce another to keep, nurture, undercut, or induce his secret or public enemies, plagiarists, and injurers in his principalities, authorities, and territories, or permit his officials and others to do so to his own, but each shall let the other and his dependents remain within the common peace and rights of the realm. And if any of our enemies, injurers, and such like public plagiarists enter our towns, territories, and courts, we shall act against them, at the request of the injured party, or on our own behalf, by official authority, as the Holy Roman Empire's common land peace and common rights and practice allow, and as each of us would like the other to do in the same case. And after the recent Imperial Diet at Speier, the other imperial estates that were present at that time, in several articles, but especially in matters concerning the holy gospel, our faith and religion, have made our friendly and submissive requests, reminders, proposals and requests difficult and so difficult for us.

that we have publicly protested against this article, do not want to heal it, and have also appealed against it, as is proper. Likewise, that certain princes and estates of ours, in appearance of spiritual jurisdiction, as they call it, of which they believe we have deprived them unreasonably and by force, have complained and have undertaken to defend us, or may henceforth complain and defend themselves, not to visit and examine the pastors and preachers in our authorities for their doctrine, conduct and character, not to change the unfit, infirm pastors and church servants, and not to make some improvement in that which is divine, Christian and honorable, and also in part necessary and beneficial to our subjects, for which every authority is fchuldiglich obligated; Therefore, it is to be feared that the word of God and our opponents may subject themselves to forcibly force us and ours from the word of God by all kinds of means, practices and ways, and to coerce us to re-establish the old un-Christian abuses, or to forcibly prevent in the future that which is in accordance with Christian faith and the word and command of God, for which reason we and ours may also be openly feared, violently attacked or damaged in other ways. Whether anyone, whatever his status or nature, would like to or would subject himself to our understanding at the time of this, to attack ours or ours on account of the holy divine word and gospel, also on account of the same doctrine and attitude, or on account of the above-mentioned ambivalent Speierian imperial treaty, as far as it affects our faith and religion, as well as the changed and abolished ceremonies and church customs, and what is pending to the same all straight and without means, and against our given appeal, so against the next Speierische Abschied of this ninth and twentieth year to the imperial majesty and the future Concilium happen, whether the Widertheil imperial order or mandate to the lid, by too lenient report, would bring and turn forward, since we nevertheless request, imperial majesty to the truth again to ours, and against our given appeal, so against the next Speierische Abschied of this ninth and twentieth year to the imperial majesty and the future Concilium happen, since we nevertheless request, imperial majesty to the truth again to ours. Majesty again to report the truth on our appeal; to overdraw, rape, secretly or publicly to feud, damage and complain, or that the Imperial Regiment and Chamber Court, or someone else, who would be, on the accusation and indictment of our repugnants, or for themselves, by virtue of office and authority, should

We hereby declare that we shall not, either in whole or in part, act against us in any of the matters and articles now reported, either in whole or in part, with eight or more other burdensome findings and proceedings, including the subsequent physical execution and enforcement of the same, which may result in public damage to us and ours, and which may cause us undue hardship: For all this, and nothing more, nor for any other case or matter which may otherwise arise against us and ours, we shall all and especially be obliged to save each other, to help each other faithfully, according to the form and measures mentioned. However, in matters outside the above-mentioned cases, concerning the Word of God and faith, as expressly reported, we shall and may each use the ordinary law against our party, or other measures, ways and means, as may be convenient to him in each case, to his need and advantage, in which we shall not be obligated to render any assistance to each other.

5 However, with our assistance, which we are obliged to render to each other, as reported, it shall be held thus: If, at the time of this our understanding, one of our aforementioned estates is in danger and distress of unreasonable rape, violation, encumbrance or damage, to ourselves or to ours, on account of our property and faith, so that the same has certain information, notice or suspicion of the same, or that we and ours are in danger of the same, or that we and ours are being attacked, overrun, warred against, feuded against or damaged, or that our or their land, people, castle, towns, villages or fortifications are being taken away by force, because of the above-mentioned matters: Then the same estate, being thus troubled, raped, invaded or damaged, shall describe and require us, the others, to a place situated, which it shall have power to name, with a statement of its distress and concern; And then we, the princes above, shall send three of our wise councillors, and we, those of the cities, also three of our councillor friends or others of ours, who are related to us with duties, services or offices, and no more, to the named place and at the appointed time, according to the description, without any delay, delay and hindrance. The same six persons, who have been sent and dispatched by us, as reported, shall also be discharged of their duty, so that they are related to us, in the matter reported, for which they have been sent, and as long as it lasts, and shall hereby be obligated and bound to be equal and common to us of all parts, and to one as the other among us the most faithful, best and most honorable, to his

He shall advise and help in our affairs, for which he is needed by us as his lordship, faithfully, diligently and uprightly, and shall also not undertake, speak, act and give advice in any other way for the settlement, rescue and help of any grievance that may be before his eyes, except whether it concerns our, as his lordship, or his own affairs and concerns. If, however, one of us wanted to or would send more than the number of persons and councillors mentioned, and namely one to two more, he shall have the power to do so; but that it shall always remain with the six votes and that they shall not be increased, we would therefore, according to the opportunity of the time, runs and more persons, whom we would take to us, compare ourselves with another. And when the same six councillors come together, and the above case and the plight of the aggrieved estate is presented to them: Then they shall diligently consider and deliberate on the same matters to the best of their ability and without delay, in what manner and by what proper means such complaints and objections are to be prevented, averted, or brought to an amelioration in ways that will be agreeable to the aggrieved party, by proposing necessary legislation, sending our embassies or writings, visiting and accepting amicable days, or in other ways. If, however, one or more of the advised ways and means are not provided or accepted by the opposing party, or if the distress and damage is so urgent and unmistakable that no other than a public, violent damage, assault or damage can be provided for, or if the distress and violence is present in the work, so that in such a case the help and salvation would not suffer in any way: Then the said six of our dispatched councillors and envoys shall, at the time of the aforementioned their duties, have the power to recognize and decide, according to the occasion of any complaints occurring at the time and incumbent upon them, also the land and property of the aggrieved party, how and in what manner, also with what number, assistance, ordnance and armament on horseback or on foot, assistance shall be rendered to the aggrieved or damaged party, whether it be for rescue, defence, garrisoning of towns, castles or other fortifications, for an addition or a patrol, as may be most convenient, but that the number of the same recognized and most appropriate assistance does not exceed the sum of the assistance on horseback and on foot, which we have united with each other as follows, in each case, or that it is not exceeded by the councillors' opinion.

knowledge be increased. And what is at any time discussed, recognized, decided and complied with by the same our sent councils in matters of all our incumbent emergencies and complaints, half of the above-mentioned cases and matters, or by the more part of the same, it shall remain so, and it shall be complied with by us in all parts without refusal, and by no means be prevented or withdrawn by anyone from us or from ours. If, however, the invasion and violence of our enemies should turn into a full-scale war or otherwise prove so burdensome that this assistance we have agreed to provide will not be sufficient, either in whole or in part, to avert this formidable obstruction, even if our appointed councillors and envoys, depending on the nature of the war, would deem more assistance necessary: They shall not have the power to recognize or moderate a greater or greater number of people on horseback and on foot by their own judgment, outside of the aid hereafter contracted, but shall then send us, as their masters, their concerns and advice, with the necessary reasons for their movement, along with the designation of another conducive day and place, and then we shall send our prudent councillors and embassies together on the named day and time at a convenient place, with necessary and perfect authority, to move and discuss such important matters and the need at hand with their circumstances in the most diligent manner, whether and how the aforementioned contracted assistance is to be increased, also in which way the trade is to be carried out in the most useful and bearable manner, and the least burdensome end is to be sought therein. And if one of the states, reported to which the assistance is recognized as above, becomes in need of some ordnance, that state shall have and decree it for itself in its lands and territories. The same burdened part shall also maintain and use the reported ordnance for necessity without our, the other estates', cost and disadvantage.

6. And in order to prevent ourselves and ours all together and especially from such suspected harassment, assault, violence and damage, to keep the peace, and to withstand the adverse authorities, in matters as mentioned above, all the sooner and to do necessary rescue and defense: We have voluntarily united and agreed on the following assistance and armament, so that we, the cities, have declared to the said our most gracious and gracious lords, the Electors and

If the princes should be attacked, raped, damaged or encumbered and need assistance, they will send three thousand fit, mustered footmen, with their armor and armor, as befits the use of the country and necessity, at our, the cities', expense and maintenance. If, however, we, the cities, should encounter such a violation, encroachment, damage or burden: Then we, the Elector and Princes, shall and will send to the city complained of fifteen hundred fit, mustered, armed horses, also at our, the Princes', expense and maintenance, to use the same aid on horseback and on foot, as long as necessity requires it, after consideration of the councils sent together, for the counter-defense; but all on the prior knowledge and moderation of the above-mentioned councils ordered by all of us. Nevertheless, we, the other estates, shall send our due number on horseback or on foot, and the burdened part shall be equipped with its number in the same way, so that there will be no shortage of such united help, and how it is to be provided each time. And if it will be necessary and the invasion will be in sight, the burdened state shall have occupied its spots for necessity, and be prepared with all its might to resist such invasion all the more handsomely, and to cover itself up in an emergency. If, however, it should happen that, due to necessity or hindrance, the recognized aid on horseback and on foot cannot be brought to the state in need of it, and to which it has been recognized by the councilors, by any means: Then the money for such aid, as has been recognized and appropriate, and at the time of the recognized aid of the cavalry and footmen, also for their remuneration, shall be sent and delivered by us, the others, to whom the aid is due to be sent, without delay and hindrance, to pay others with it as necessary. The highest diligence shall also be used in all cases to do and render the moderate aid with people, and not with money, where it is always possible to exist. And whichever part of us will send some aid on horseback and on foot to the other and weighed down, it shall dispatch its captains and men-of-war with the same stately and serious command, nor shall the men-of-war take any other form than such that they may act to the benefit of the overdrawn, raped or weighed-down part, promote its piety, and prevent harm to itself.

We will also use them faithfully and without objection for the needs and concerns of their burdened state; They shall also be obedient and compliant to their sub-chiefs, as well as to the supreme captain assigned to them from time to time, and also to the appointed war councillors of ours, whom we shall assign each time as hereinafter provided, and shall in no way oppose due honest duty, which would be held against them by the same supreme appointed captain or the appointed war councillors, but shall perform it obediently and want to live according to it. And if we, the Elector and Prince, receive help from the other estates: we shall all, or he to whom aid is thus given by the others, have a supreme captain over all the people of war; If, however, assistance is sent to us, the cities, or to one of our most gracious and gracious lords, the princes, we, the cities, or all those to whom assistance is sent, shall have the power to appoint and decree a chief captain of the people of war; all the people of war shall then be obedient to the same captain and swear, as has been safely reported above. The said captain shall not, however, at any time undertake for himself any march, raid, assault, battle, pillaging, or any other proper action, but shall do such things as the necessity and occasion of the things and the exercise of war may at any time require, with the knowledge, order, and command of six of our councillors reported beforehand, and also of the other councillors of war whom we shall assign to the same, as follows, and shall live obediently to the same order and command. However, so that in times of need we may act all the more fruitfully and stately: We, the princes, shall and will assign and appoint two more war councillors to the aforementioned six appointed councillors, and we, the cities, shall also assign and appoint two war councillors who are knowledgeable and experienced in war; with the councillors' knowledge and will the supreme captain, as first mentioned, shall and may act in the field and otherwise, even if not otherwise, to whom all warriors shall also be obedient and subject, and, as is proper, shall pay homage and do duty. The same six and their assigned councillors of war shall also have the power, where some field or other action will occur out of our distressed emergency and counter-defense, on which this agreement is also based, that they shall advise, act and consider the best for the sake of muster, fire chief, booty and recovery, as it shall also be held with that which would be conquered each time; and what is thus advised, moderated for fair and decided by them for the sake of such matters, it shall remain so,

and finally lived and obeyed. Likewise, it shall also be in their power, with the knowledge, consent, and approval of the overdrawn or damaged party, to make an amicable stop to the pending war action at any time; however, they shall not accept or decide on a final report unless it has first reached all of us collectively and specifically, and has been approved by all of us. If also for the daily exercise of war some sum of money would be necessary, the said six and their assigned councillors of war shall have the power to recognize, to moderate, and to crush, so that in such no shortage shall appear. The same sum shall then be allocated and distributed from us to both parts in the most equal manner, and according to the measure of each of our shells, and in such no part or estate shall be preferred over the other, and no part shall appear to be in default with the payment of such moderate money. And if the councils, as stated above, decide and recognize to provide assistance for a campaign, occupation and preservation of our cities, castles or fortifications, or for an addition or a patrol, it shall be in the power of the party to whom the assistance is given, recognized and authorized to accept it in whole or in part. In particular, however, we have united and agreed with each other jointly and specially that none of us shall undertake any campaign, war or siege for ourselves, on account of the above-mentioned agreed and expressed matters, or act in such a way that a war exercise may subsequently be presumed; But if any of the above-mentioned matters should become troublesome or necessary to one of us, he shall let it be communicated to us, the others, in the manner described above, and then, with the help of our councillors and their advice and moderation, he shall act as necessity requires. Our Elector, Prince and City, who are related to this alliance, shall also be obligated and bound to do in all ways what the several part of the appointed six Councils shall deem convenient and most useful in the above-mentioned matters and shall decide to live up to it without any refusal, and not to undertake or approach anything about it, even if he would be willing to do such for himself and on his own adventure, without our, the others', help: Unless someone should dare to attack and damage one or more of us or ours, without warning and unawares, on account of the cases and things mentioned above; against whom or the same ours would have to give each of them a distressed emergency or counter

We shall be free to defend ourselves, or to take appropriate action where we see fit; and then, after that, the goods shall nevertheless be brought to us, and therein, as is proper and as is stipulated above, shall be acted upon and the necessities considered. At the time of such acts of war, all our castles, towns and villages shall be open to those who are thus violated and damaged, so that they may help themselves against the violators and violators therein and therefrom for their necessities. To this end, we shall and will diligently order that those who are sent to us for help be given supplies and other necessities in the same cheap purchase for their money. Above all, however, we, the Elector, Princes and cities, are to have our diligent inspection, attention and experience each time, whether it is to be carried out against us collectively or especially, or against ours, in a hurry or otherwise in a troublesome or violent manner; And what we thus learn each time, that each of us, to whom such things would come by notice, shall make known to the others, so that each of us may act accordingly and with better care and providence. And if thereupon it shall be necessary to name day and place, to send together and to consult, how such aforesaid complaints and coincidences, by means of divine graces, shall occur, or what else the necessity shall require, to act, that shall be done and executed in the same manner and to the extent as stated above. And if afterwards any of the princes, counts, cities or other estates should wish to enter into this confidential understanding and agreement of ours, they shall not be taken into it, nor shall any final promise be made to them, except with the foreknowledge and advice of all of us. And if then all of us, or the greater part of us, should decide to accept one or more estates into this alliance, then it shall first be considered, consulted and decided with and by us, or our appointed six councils and embassies, with what measure, assistance or votes the estate or estates shall be accepted into it; so that in each case a right equality may be maintained among us in assistance and votes. And this our understanding or agreement shall be effective on the date, namely the ... day of the month ... of this present 1529th year, and for five years next succeeding each other, that is, until ... . Day of the said month, to be counted

would... The Church of the Holy Spirit, which has been in existence for many years, will have strength and power, and will be held and carried out by all of us, especially in the most faithful way, and will be lived without any error or hindrance.

7. And if it should happen that, after the end of this understanding and union of ours, someone, whoever he may be, should approach and ask one or more of us for matters concerning the Word of God, our Christian faith and the above-mentioned expressed cases and matters depending on it, who have gone and left during the time of our union: therein we shall and will, according to the measure and content of this our union and prescription, nevertheless advise and assist him, or them, to the end of the same matters, in like manner as if this union were still subsisting.

And all this for constant true testimony and witness, so we have etc.

Hans von Minckwitz, knight. Caspar von Seckendorf. Sigmundt von Boyneburg. Matthes Pfarrer, as envoy from Strasbourg.

Christoph Kreß.

Bernhard Besserer.

3. about the convention at Schlei; and the correspondence between Electoral Saxony and Hesse, as well as the other conventions held at Schwabach, Schmalkalden and Nuremberg.

867 Letter from Landgrave Philip of Hesse to the Elector of Saxony, in which he expresses his impatience that the Elector wants to speak out to the Confederation for the sake of the article on the Lord's Supper. July 18, 1529.

From Müller l. c. S. 256.

Our friendly service, and what we can do dear and good, always before, highborn prince, friendly dear grandfather, brother-in-law and godfather ! We have taken the farewell, so your love, Margrave George of Brandenburg, our friendly dear uncle and brother, and our councils, next verschienenen Thursday after Ulrici [July 8] at Salfeld 1) with, from

1) Saatfeld, in the Duchy of Saxony-Meiningen-Hildburghausen, is five German miles south of Weimar.

We have received all the information from our councilors. And we do not want to leave it undisclosed that our councilors had no order from us to agree to this; but after the others had decided on it, they had to agree to it as well. For we have so instructed our councillors on all and any points and articles, on account of which there might have been speech or consideration (as we have provided that your beloved has also done), that also by them everything necessary might finally have been negotiated, and our own personal meeting and this taking into consideration would have been without necessity. As we again therefore consider our personal meeting to be quite unnecessary; For the sake of the article, for which our meeting might be considered necessary, and especially those of Strasbourg, Ulm and others, who might be suspected of the discord of the sacrament, we are completely resolved, since there is not so much in the article that is so highly excellent, than that our faith and salvation would finally be interested in it, and in addition, Strasbourg is not at all in disagreement with us about the article, but also confesses Christ in the supper just as we do, that for this reason and for other reasons that follow, we do not disassociate ourselves from Strasbourg. In the event, however, that they were in dispute with us in certain matters, we must not (according to Scripture) throw away or despise the erring person for this reason, and especially those who may suffer instruction and teaching, from whom we can also assume that they will be corrected, because those from whom they receive such teaching and instruction are obligated to come to their teaching for friendly consultation and instruction. Therefore, we are confident, where your love continues, that Doctor Martin Luther, and the others (as we E. L. have come together, and your beloved desire them to compare themselves with each other in a Christian brotherly manner, regardless of their own honor or glory, to the good benefit of all Christians and to avoid annoyance, they will, with the gracious granting of the Almighty, amicably report to each other their opinions and reasons, and therefore compare themselves, and thus those who adhere to them as their leaders in the Word of God will also be united for this reason. If we were to separate Strasbourg, we would also have to worry that the other cities would not come to an understanding with us. In addition, Ulm is as committed to these matters as Strasbourg, and will therefore by no means separate itself from Strasbourg.

nor perhaps those of Nuremberg would then join us in the understanding; and whether we would already have those of Nuremberg without Strasbourg and Ulm would be of little help to us. It is also necessary that we do not allow ourselves to be separated from each other in such a negligent manner, whether our scholars are unanimous for the sake of easy or otherwise disputatious matters, in which our faith and blessedness are not involved. For if this were so, it would give birth to new disputes every year; for from day to day and year to year much unnecessary and disputatious division in Scripture occurs now and then between the scholars. And in addition, our scholars agree on the main articles concerning faith and our salvation. Now if we were to be divided on this, if our scholars were to be divided: How often would your love and we have had to separate from each other, and especially for the reasons that Luther and his followers must confess that they have done wrong by attacking our uncle and cousin, Duke George of Saxony, with such invective; likewise Eisleben now, in his book called The Proverbs, which he recently let go out, has harshly attacked the good Duke Ulrich of Würtenberg, who was driven out, with some invective and untruth. And if it had already been so, as he writes, he (as a Protestant) should have kept silent, covered up, and not so publicly raised before the whole world, as they teach us, his neighbor's disgrace, as has already happened. Whether all of this your love, as the highly intelligent, can easily judge that in this case we have no cause to differ from each other. Therefore, for the above-mentioned reasons, and after those of Strasbourg have sat with us as one of the cities among the three, we have finally decided that no cause for separation or segregation will be put forward or sought. As for the other articles, however, namely the exclusion of Imperial Majesty, our allies, and the other articles, we have decided that no cause for separation or secession shall be put forward or sought. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, and the others, in which we are already in agreement and understanding; item, that this agreement is based on the Gospel and what is attached to it, and that the Swabian Confederation and other members of our Confederation on all sides are excluded from this understanding, provided they do not complain for the sake of the Gospel; item, the assistance that we are to render one another, whether equal or unequal, too little or too much etc., the supreme captain, the gathering together of the six councils, and other things that are necessary to be put in the note! concerning: all this is done in such a way that it is based on perfect teaching and

We have also given our councilors a sufficient report and order in our instruction, so that they may finally act and conclude on our behalf. Therefore, if your beloved and our dear grandfather and brother, Margrave George, give such a report and order to their councilors, and our councilors on all sides come together in such a skillful manner, they will compare notes and save us the trouble. We have also appointed the time when the councils will meet, namely on Bartholomew's Day [24. For this reason, we do not know what it would be considered by the cities, since at your dear request we have first of all asked the cities to come to an understanding with us on your dear and our behalf: If it has now come to such a point that it has come to days and actions, that now causes should be made for special arrangements, or perhaps, as they would like to consider it, for evasion and refusal of that which we have previously desired and sought from them. Your beloved may also consider that it would be almost burdensome and displeasing for us, as we did the action with the cities, that we would not so easily engage in some more action hereafter. Therefore, we consider it good and advisable and do not want to agree otherwise than that the day at Schwabach is not announced to the cities, but that its continuation is left, kindly requesting that your beloved will not note this our announcement otherwise than in a friendly good opinion, think about the things; and since, for the above-mentioned reasons, our personal assistance is unnecessary, we will leave it at the discretion of our advisors, not seek any separation, and let the day in Schwabach proceed as we see fit, so that your beloved will also be pleased. For your love, we sincerely deserve it. Date Cassel, Sunday after Margaret [July 18] Anno 1529.

Philipp von GOttes Gnaden Landgrave of Hesse, Count of Katzenelnbogen etc.

Philip L. of Hesse.

868: Prince John's answer to Landgrave Philip, in which he insists that an oral conference must be held before the Schwabach Convention. July 26, 1529.

In Müller I. c. Cap. 18 immediately after the previous letter.

Our friendly services, and what we are able to love and good, always before. Highborn Prince, friendly dear uncle, brother-in-law and godfather ! Now on Sunday, St. James' Day [July 25], we have received a document from your beloved, dated Cassel, Sunday after Margaretha, concerning the union and understanding with several imperial cities, and the parting which our grandfather, Margrave George of Brandenburg, your beloved and our councilors, next to Salfeld, have taken with each other for this reason.

And as your beloved indicate first of all that their councilors, who were next to Salfeld, had no other order than that all and every point on which, for the sake of the aforementioned understanding, speech and concerns might have occurred, might finally have been negotiated, and our own personal meeting and the bringing of the matter to hand had been without necessity: So we do not want to leave your dear ones undisclosed that our council, namely Hans von Minkwitz, knight, has brought us a recorded parting of the said action at Salfeld, in which they expressed that they found that without the personal meeting of all three of us, their submissive consideration, nothing could be fruitfully or properly done, for reasons that each of them would have to report to his lord; Therefore, they had agreed that we should meet in person on St. Bartholomew's Day in the near future, and close as many of our minds as possible. And after, by virtue of the farewell at Rodach, a day for further action to Schwabach has been appointed, also on Bartholomew's Day, where then our grandfather, Margrave Georgen, and your beloved have pleased their agreement; which both your beloved should ascribe to us between then and Jacob's Day, then it shall be written to Nuremberg, and the day at Schwabach shall be extended until Galli [Oct. 16]. Since the extension of the Schwabach day in question, and that we ourselves should personally meet beforehand, has now been considered necessary and good by our counsels on all sides, for reasons of their deliberation, which your beloved has no doubt, by virtue of the above-mentioned farewell, no less than we have been reported by ours.

that your love would have so attracted the same extension on our part. Nevertheless, we know of your kind opinion and cannot rely on its avoidance, that we ourselves consider it quite good, useful and necessary, for the same reasons of the councils, that our personal meeting, before and before further action is taken with the cities, is not omitted, as we are also in our part completely inclined to it, and do not want to let anything happen to us. And so our grandfather, Margrave George, has written to us, where the day might be more convenient than towards Naumburg, and especially towards Schleiz, that he would then, by divine help, appear in his own person; whereupon we have written to his love again, that the indicated place should not be displeasing to us. Although your beloved, we, and the cities, next to Speier have had discussions about the above-mentioned union and understanding with each other, also about articles on which the same should stand safely, and have let speak of the day and place for further action: nevertheless, also next to Rodach, all sorts of things have been brought for and into the notel, which has been set up there, and further, as we have meant, the negotiations have arisen. And although we note from your dear letter that these articles and matters have no complaint at all with your dear, we still hope that our opportunity, and what we, and indeed all of us, want to do in it, will also be kindly considered by your dear; which, however, will not be indicated or acted upon in writings according to necessity. Should our grandfather, the Margrave, your beloved and we not be completely unanimous in our decision on the same and the above Rodachian matter before the day and the gathering of the councils in Schwabach, but our councils and the people there stand and act in a special way: Your dear friends may consider how fruitful, useful or beneficial such an action would be; and that it would be altogether less reproachful for us if our councils on all sides were to take unanimous action, than if they were to be scattered and go against the cities in three groups. However, we also want to comfortingly hope to God Almighty that He will grant His grace, so that we may compare ourselves on all sides of the understanding, and also in all other respects, in a Christian manner. However, if there should be a lack of this, as we do not want to provide ourselves with it, then our mind, will or opinion is not at all to be taken away from our grandfather, the Margrave, and your love as our friends.

because we are already in hereditary and other friendly agreements with each other, but to show ourselves friendly to your love in all respects and graciously and favorably to the cities. In the same way, we will provide ourselves to your love in turn. In addition, we do not know by the grace of God that our grandfather, Margrave Georgen, your beloved and our beloved have ever met in matters concerning the faith; we also hope and pray to God that he will more graciously keep them and us in Christian unity of faith and the sacraments he has instituted, to his praise and glory. And although we have never accepted to represent Doctor Martin Luther and Eisleben, or other matters, of which your beloved further reports, as we also place them at their own responsibility, without doubt they will know how to inform, instruct and answer them, moreover, we cannot respect what your beloved causes to attract such and such a thing from Doctor Luther and Eisleben against us in their letter: nevertheless, these are matters that touch history and not doctrine. For your beloved know how we both were condemned against our cousins, and your beloved sisters-in-law, and how we ourselves were partly condemned, and we are all sinners and human beings; but in no way do we hope that your beloved will consider both of them, and especially Luther's doctrine, as wrong; as we have not noted the same from your beloved until now. After the aforementioned our personal meeting by the councillors at Salfeld, content of their recorded departure, was considered to be a stately, also more fruitful promotion of the Rodachian trade, for which we, for the above-mentioned and such other reasons, may not consider or regard it otherwise: So once again our very friendly request is made to your dear ones, who would like to personally and kindly talk with our grandfather, the Margrave, and us on appointed time and place towards Schleiz, according to our need on all sides, and to sign the document which the aforementioned councillors sent to those of Nuremberg next to Salfeld, and which we are sending to your beloved herewith, in our part, and not to complain about it, and to send it to our grandfather, the Margrave; as we are confident that your beloved will not refuse to do so because of her reservations. For where your beloved, for the sake of these important matters, is to meet with us personally at the time and place indicated

If we were to refuse and refuse to come together, we would have to make this known to our grandfather, the Margrave, in a favorable manner, and on our part leave the matter as it is. And so that we may know your love's mind about it, we request an immediate answer from your love. We do not wish to disregard your love's friendly opinion, which we are inclined and willing to serve in a friendly manner. Date Torgau, Monday after Jacobi [July 26] Anno Domini 1529.

John.

869 Replica of Landgrave Philip to the Elector, August 1, 1529.

This letter together with the following ones up to No. 872 can be found in Müller's History, Cap. 18, p. 261 ff.

Our kind services, and what we are able to love and good, before. Highborn Prince, kind, dear grandfather, brother-in-law and godfather! We have received your love's answer to our next letter, to the farewell recently taken by our councils at Rodach, to our own personal meeting next Bartholomew's Day and to the announcement of the day at Schwabach, the understanding in which your love, our kindly dear uncle and brother, Margrave George of Brandenburg, and we, together with some of the cities we want to leave, are concerned, and we have read out all the contents at length. And we do not want to kindly ask your love to answer that, no less, as we have indicated to your love in our previous writing, we had dispatched our councilors to Rodach on such a day with sufficient instruction and perfect authority, also with respect to all matters for which speech or action might have occurred, so that such a parting or joint consideration would have been without necessity, and ours could finally have acted and concluded therein, that we refer to the same our instruction, which is still present. And we cannot report on this or any other matter for which they have not had sufficient and perfect instruction and command, neither from the parting nor from our councils, who, after having discussed such parting with us and been present at the action, should have helped to discuss such causes at our own meeting, and should have known of them: why, for the aforementioned reasons, we have left it at that with our reservations, and by no means know how to grant that the appointed day to

Schwabach be announced to the cities, but that we let it continue its straightforward course and let our councils visit it. For it is no less burdensome to us than it is disgraceful, as reported before, that we, who before sought and intended to seek such things from the cities, now want to reject this and seek a back way. But if your love persists in its opinion, for the sake of our meeting, so that in this and in other things we will always comply with your love as much as possible and not let anything happen to us: Although this is most burdensome for us, if your love and Margrave George want to meet in person at Schleiz one day seven or eight before the day at Schwabach, and attend the day at Schwabach as it stands, we will send our councillors there with perfect authority and all necessary reports, so that they may act and decide for the best in everything that is useful to decide, and that we ourselves could do and act in person, to both your loves; For it is not only insecure and inconvenient for us to come there ourselves, because we do not want to pay much attention to this, but it is also difficult for us because of other marital matters, which are as much and more important to us and our lands and people, because of which we have summoned other lords and friends to us at this time. For this purpose, your love and Margrave George can act together with our representatives, who will have such a perfect command, without our own presence, and immediately both eight days before and on Bartholomew's Day (for which reason it is not necessary to extend the day to Schwabach). And we do not doubt that your love will consider this, please it, and let the day at Schwabach proceed, and also provide it with its representatives. For this is what your love will propose: namely, that our councils, if we do not first meet personally and the deal is decided unanimously among us, go to the day on three heaps, and each act out for himself; that then, how useful and fruitful or serviceable it would be, we could consider etc., prevented, and on the appointed day may be acted fruitfully, unanimously and without reference. Accordingly, for your love's sake, we will not provide anything else, except that the visitation of the day in Schleiz, as we have indicated, will please her, and that the cities will not cancel the appointed day in Schwabach. If, however, such a day should ever be extended, and should have to be extended, may your dear ones have the proclamation of the

We have had the same (which we herewith send to your love again) sealed for them, also with Margrave Georgen, and report therein that your two loves therefore have authority from us. Thus our seal, which might prolong the matter, is without necessity, and the notice can reach the cities all the sooner. And then, if your beloved will give us further notice, we will send our councilors with complete authority, as stated above, to your beloved and Margrave Georgen in Schleiz on St. Bartholomew's Day. As your dear ones also report, they do not know about the graces of God that your dear ones, Margrave Georgen and our scholars have ever been in contact with each other in matters of faith: we have not stated this in our letter, and if your dear ones had reported this, our writing has not been read to them properly. For we set it thus: if we should let ourselves be divided, if our scholars should be in two minds etc., that is future and not past. As then your love itself confesses in its letter that we are all men: so it can also easily come to pass, as we have truly experienced b^her in other many things with history, and could still well come to pass in cases 1) before which we also want to ask the Almighty with faithful diligence; and hope to God Almighty, through His divine grace and mercy, that those who are divided over the sacrament will soon meet in Marburg, as they have attributed to us from all parts, and that they will amicably settle the dispute. To this end, we adhere, as your love suggests, to Martin Luther's doctrine concerning salvation, in no other way than Christian, honorable and righteous, in which and to the holy Gospel, God willing, we want to remain steadfast. But as for the other subsidiary books, which have been written and issued from time to time, we leave that up to him, and let the work bear witness to its master. But what are similar, and which Eisleben has let go out several times, called the German proverbs, that is and should be nothing. We are also repugnant to it, and we reasonably condemn it as a Christian nuisance, and with us every pious Christian who is tired of cutting off, persecuting, and afflicting his neighbor's honor. For he, Eisleben, has publicly acted unjustly in this and against brotherly love; as your love can see from the confession of his own handwriting, of which we have told your

1) "beschehen" put by us instead of: "bestehen".

The Elector's answer to this dated August 9, 1529.

This writing follows the previous one at Müller 1. e.

Our friendly services, and what we are able to love and good, always before. Highborn Prince, friendly dear grandfather, brother-in-law and godfather ! We have read all the contents of E. L.'s letter to our next given answer, concerning the farewell recently taken by our councillors at Rodach, also our personal meeting on St. Bartholomew's Day and the announcement of the day at Schwabach, which your love's letter holds at Lichtenau on Sunday, St. Peter's Day, and which was handed over to us yesterday by a messenger delivered by our sheriff at Eisenach. And there is no doubt that your love has been told by her advisors, whom she recently had there in Rodach, for what reasons it was considered necessary and good that your love, such as our grandfather and brother, Margrave George of Brandenburg, and we, should meet in our own person before the day in Schwabach. However, we note that your love is once again not convenient for reasons indicated by E. L. in their letter. in her letter, it will again not be convenient to attend the same day in Schleiz in person, but otherwise to dispatch her advisors there with full force: So we have now written the same to his beloved by a hurried messenger, and in addition have sent the announcement of the day in Schwabach, made in his love and our name, with notification that your love has sent it to both of us in the power of attorney, and in part sent it to his love; with a friendly request that his love should send the same letter, if his love also has it sent, to those of Nuremberg without delay, so that they and those sent to the other cities should not travel in vain. That we have also indicated in our next answer, how we do not know by the grace of God, that our grandfather and brother, the Margrave, your love and our scholars, in matters touching the faith, have ever been in contact with each other until now, has come to pass,

that we have heard the words that follow next after the one that your love repeats in the present letter, at that time from the past, as namely these: How often then would your love and we have had to do away with each other etc. But our opinion is not at all to interpret such or other of your love's letters differently than your love's mind is, but rather to note your love's indication in that, also what your love reports on account of Luther's teaching, which concerns salvation, quite kindly, and also want to hope comfortingly to the Almighty, because those who are divided on account of the sacrament of the body and blood of our Savior JEsu Christ [come together, as they are attributed by all parts] 1) God would bestow His grace that they compare themselves with each other Christianly on account of the same discord. We do not want to let this go unreported to your love, as our friendly dear grandfather, in our friendly opinion, and we are inclined to your love for friendly service. Date Torgau, Aug. 9th Anno Domini 1529.

John, Elector.

871: The Landgrave of Hesse's own handwritten letter to the Elector of Saxony, in which he urges an answer as to what he has to provide for himself from the Elector. September 14, 1529.

This letter and also the following one can be found in Müller's Historie, Cap. 18, p. 261 ff.

Dear grandfather, brother-in-law and godfather! I have now written more than once to E. L. that such credible opinions have come to me that Imperial Maj. Maj., after she has now brought her things to an agreement, wants to bring the Lutherans to the obedience of the papal church, which I, as I would like to see good for E. L. and for all of us, should not behave otherwise. If now is the time to warn, advise or ask, then now is the time: for truly, I receive such credible warnings from princes, lords, cities, counts and nobles that I now know not to despise it. Therefore, my friendly request to E. L. is that he should think about the matter while it can still be done. I have no doubt that if one wants to get a little involved in the matter, then advice and help can be found from many, since it is probably not possible to provide for it; but if one fails to do so, then our enemies will have the advantage over us.

1) Supplemented by us from the previous letter.

If we win, God help us, as they say, it is truly half lost. One can now send an embassy to Imperial Maj. Maj. and ask for an honest peace or for discord; that would be the next way. For my part, E. L. must not think that I am so afraid; for if I see that no one wants to help, and it will not be otherwise, then I want to get a hole or a treaty as well as another. But if E. L. and others want to seek time, do and consider their children, their subjects and also the benefit of all of us, and the highest, our blessedness and God's word, even if we do not become eternally our own, then my body and my goods shall not be lacking. It is good to find counsel in these matters, if one does not otherwise *) beat out the people oneself who would like to help us. Summa: I know so much that, God willing, or so many princes, noble and ignoble, must lie and all suspicion must be lacking, your love, I and others who adhere to the Gospel, will be forced away again by force. And if your love wants to know where such warnings come from, then send your love a confidant to me, and I will tell him as much as is due to me. If your love now wants to defend itself against the emperor, if he wants to force us away from it, then your love writes it to me; if you do not want to defend yourselves and suffer, or fall away from it, as I do not hope to God, then your love writes it to me, and what I should put off to your love, if I would be overdrawn. For necessity requires that one knows what to put off to the other. And please, let your love tell its writers to leave the polite answers, and in your love's name, if your love does not want to write to me itself, let me finally receive a correct answer as to what your love's mind is in it. For I would like to serve your love with body and soul, as one to whom I wish good things with all my heart, as God knows best. But if nothing helps and we all become so despondent that we do not want to defend ourselves and leave one another and watch one another, then God have mercy, it is nothing but a plague from God on us despondent Germans. And your love will never let itself be persuaded, if I and others go down, that your love will be spared; and whoever tells E. L. that, advises E. L. unfaithfully, or does not understand it; and whether E. L. is already in written communication with the King of Bohemia, it will not help. What E. L. is now inclined to do in the above-mentioned, and what I know about

1) Here we have erased "not" because it is too much.

E. L., let E. L. know, and what is E. L.'s concern, how to get rid of this burden and burden. And E. L. take my letter to my credit, for it is certainly done in good opinion, to E. L. and to all who cling to God's word. I am inclined to serve E. L.. Date Tambach, Tuesday after Nativitatis Mariä [14 Sept.] 1529. Philipp, L. zu Hessen.

872 The Elector's answer to the previous letter, September 23, 1529.

See No. 871.

Highborn Prince, kind dear uncle, brother-in-law and godfather! I have received E. L.'s letter, which she has now addressed to me with her own hand, for the sake of her careful plea and warning, and I note that same and E. L.'s plea and warning in no other way than very kindly. L.'s request and warning in no other way than in a very friendly manner, and I want to earn it for E. L. in a friendly manner again, if I can and may do so. And when E. L. asks, among others, that I should make my mind known to her, whether in such a case, of which E. L. writes, I also want to defend myself, or suffer, or fall away from the word, as E. L. did not hope, also what E. L. should provide for me, if she is overdrawn: then E. L. shall, if God wills, not do otherwise, if God wills it, shall not decide otherwise than that I will recover and remain by His word through the bestowal of His grace, at the cost of body, honor and goods, or whatever it may be, on this earth. But what E. L. wants to do to me and others who cling to the word, and also wants to agree with God, if Imperial Majesty wants to oppose us to the same. Majesty would allow himself to be moved against us on account of the same things: that, as the most important thing that can happen to E. L., me and the others at this time, must be considered and discussed. For if ever a matter has come to E. L. or to me that needed discussion and good faithful counsel, I am sure that it is this one. I also hope that the practices will be as they always want, so they cannot be spent before winter against E. L. or me. However, I understand that our message, which has been sent to Imperial Majesty for the sake of the next Speier farewell, will also be returned. Majesty will also return, and then it will be heard what the Emperor's answer has been: according to this, one can proceed further, and also consider what is to be indicated to Her Majesty again by another message. And, God willing, we have the whole winter ahead of us, and can move and send our things with all necessity. For E. L. shall not send

I am obliged to do in this matter before God, myself, my lands and people, and others, as my neighbors, especially E. L., according to our agreements, or it agrees with God and my conscience that I want to do the same and not be the last with the help of God; only that this be well thought out beforehand and decided beforehand, what E. L., I and others can and will be able to do with God in such a case, which concerns the Emperor, so that we do not fall into God's judgment because of the word against the same word, and the punishment comes upon us with scorn and ridicule, and with danger to our souls, since the Almighty will protect E. L. and me from it. And that we would like to talk about it ourselves personally without delay: so I ask most kindly that E. L. should come to Margrave George [Oct. 3] against Schleiz. As I am writing to E. L. from my office about this, and other things cannot be prevented, I ask most kindly that E. L. will do it at least for the sake of this matter. Margrave George, whom the matters concern as well as both of us, is then also at hand, and we can then talk to each other confidentially on E. L.'s report, as much as E. L. wants to report, what has reached E. L.: so E. L. shall then be well informed by me, since I cannot write to E. L. now, before we talk to each other, nor do I want to write about land. And E. L. should not be burdened with my answer, as I want to provide myself to E. L.. I want to earn this for E. L. in a very friendly way. Date at Lochau, Thursday after Mauritius [Sept. 23] Anno Domini 1529.

873: The instructions agreed between the Elector of Saxony John and the Margrave George of Brandenburg at Schleiz for their envoys to the Schwabach Convention arranged for October 16, 1529.

From Müller's History, Cap. 19, p. 281.

1. instruction, what by God's grace our, Johannsen, Duke of Saxony, Elector etc., and our, Georgens, Margrave of Brandenburg etc., Councillors, decreed on St. Gall's Day [Oct. 16] at Schwabach, on their riding there, first at Nuremberg with the elders there, and then.

The President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Austria is to act at Schwabach on a certain day, at the time of and in addition to all other messages sent, in matters concerning the confidential understanding.

Firstly, our councilors are to arrive in Nuremberg on Thursday before October 14, at the earliest in the evening, and there advertise to the councilors of the Council of the Elders who have knowledge of the matter, according to the announcement of our gracious offer, as follows: After the reason for the understanding has been established, as well as the necessity: Where someone of covenant relatives wants to be attacked, damaged, or overdrawn because of the divine word, the holy gospel and faith, and what is pending to the same, that the covenant relatives shall save and help each other, also in such their body, property and all assets cordially and faithfully together. So that no one may enter into such a union through the common words indicated, who is not of one true Christian faith with us and other united relatives, and who also holds the same baptism and sacrament with us now and in the future: Let it be necessary that the articles on which the unity of our faith and Christianity rests be first confessed to one another, and that the same confession 1) be placed in the prescription of the agreement of articles to articles; and whichever state would not be in agreement with us in one or more articles, with him no understanding shall be entered into. Wherever in the future among us Unificationists it is credibly felt and discovered that a state has fallen away from one or more of the said articles of our faith and Christianity, it should, if it persists in its apostasy and does not without delay unite with us again, then no longer be partaker of or susceptible to this understanding and what is otherwise due to it from us, the other Unificationists.

3) Secondly, for the sake of the Roman Imperial Majesty. Because this understanding is to be based solely on rescue and resistance (which is permitted by natural and imperial rights), we have considered that the highest temporal authority has neither the right nor the justification to deprive someone of this natural protection. Since this understanding is to be based solely on rescue and resistance (which is permitted by natural and imperial rights, so that even the highest temporal authority does not have the right to deprive anyone of the same natural protection, neither by itself without means, nor by its business), the reported exception should be made with such a measure, so that one does not commit more in this than one is justly guilty of before God, so that the understanding is not unjustified.

1) This refers to the 17 Schwabach Articles, Document No. 874.

and in vain, and be found more a comforting salvation and handling than a useless pretence, since most of the danger now wants to lie in the place 1); but otherwise and outside of it we and other our relatives would know how to keep ourselves in all ways against imperial majesty of all owed obedience. Majesty to all owed obedience.

4. And since there is no doubt that the mind and opinion of an honorable council at Nuremberg is no different than to enter into understanding only with those who are of a right Christian faith, also to hold one baptism and sacrament with them, and that in such understanding no one is excluded further than as much as is rightly owed before God: In our gracious and good opinion, we did not want to conceal such concerns and resolutions from them, confident that they would agree with us and send their message to Schwabach on the appointed day, to act in the same way with the other states, and to compare us all to a unanimous Christian understanding.

What then our councilors encounter with those of Nuremberg, they know how to act before and after, according to the instruction mentioned, and also with the other estates at Schwabach.

(6) And when the said counsellors come to Schwabach, they shall first of all speak that we confess the reason of this understanding, that is, our holy faith, also what we hold of the holy sacraments of baptism and of the body and blood of Christ, to one another, and immediately indicate the articles of our confession 2) as the same are delivered to them in addition to this Instruction; also say on our behalf whoever does not agree with us on such matters of our faith and holding of the holy sacraments and other Christian ordinances. We also declare on our behalf that those who are not in agreement with us and do not remain in agreement with us, but who now or in the future hold or would hold something else, that we could not or would not enter into any helpful understanding with them. Our councillors, the councillors of the other estates and the embassies shall also hear and take note of this in their minds and opinions (before they further deal with other articles and the substance of the agreements made). And if there are some among them who are not of the mind to confess our faith with us, and to keep the holy sacraments as we do, with him or them our councillors shall be informed of this.

1) That is, with the emperor.

2) No. 874.

We do not want any further understanding, but only deal with those who have and confess one faith, one baptism and one sacrament with us, and who subsequently report our reservations to Imperial Majesty. For the sake of exception.

(7) Thirdly, our councillors shall report to the other estates in agreement with us, as we have considered, since matters now rest on it, where something of the divine word and of our faith should be done against us and them, and the others, our kinsmen, that it might be subdued by the imperial Majesty himself or his decreed commanders with the greatest power, and in about a year's time, which the Almighty graciously wishes to avert. If this understanding should be fruitful, useful and conducive to the salvation of all our people, lands and kinsmen, then the great unavoidable necessity should require that such understanding be thoroughly and heartily intended and directed, so that it is comforting and conducive to salvation even against a great valiant force. For if some of the members of this union, be they the greatest or the least, should be hurried and drawn out because of such things, lest they receive powerful support and help from the other allies, it is to be feared that it might make the adversaries more hearty and give them all the more incentive to act in the same way against the other; Otherwise, if they saw or knew of a brave resistance, things would be directed to peace or to other convenient ways, and one sword would keep the other in its scabbard. Therefore, let it be highly necessary and good that the relatives of this settlement do not consider any temporal opportunity or inconvenience, nor neither body nor goods, but consider and consider with right earnest and Christian hearts what will be in store for us all in the end, for the sake of all eternal and temporal welfare. Namely, if someone among us, as touched upon above, overreaches, and we should be so divided that one would thereby have to fall away from the holy and only saving word of God to eternal damnation, or at least lose and forsake, not only that which we, the united kinsmen, have been burdened to turn to for salvation and help, or have had theurge, but also all that we would have and are able to do. We would also hardly have to give an account before God that we would have considered a temporal lesser disadvantage more than keeping our subjects and relatives in the eternal word with God's grace and help.

8 And for this reason the urgent help, of which

The following points in particular are not sufficient for some permanent salvation and handling:

First of all, that the reported urgent help at Rodach does not exceed fifteen hundred on horseback and three thousand on foot, which is a small thing compared to the might and power of our adversaries, and is to be regarded as nothing.

(10) Secondly, the Rodachian Charter states that any prince, sovereign or imperial city that is overrun shall provide itself with the necessary ordnance and ammunition for rescue and assistance. But if a kinsman were to be overrun who did not have the means to provide and maintain himself with guns and ammunition for the necessities of war, then if he were not helped, the hurried help on horseback and on foot would also be fruitless, since no righteous warrior would go on such a campaign, knowing that the warlord was provided with guns for the necessities of war.

Thirdly, by virtue of the Rodachian Notel, where a relative is in need of urgent assistance, that the same, whether it is done in whole or in part, is to be recognized by the appointed councils. This, however, is also a matter of concern and a burden. For if it were to remain with the opinion, and a state of this agreement were to be overdrawn, then it could easily happen that the councils, especially if it were to remain with the matters of set opinion, would come together slowly, or not agree on the matters at all, and thus the urgent assistance would be recognized too late or not at all, or would not be provided, and be of little or no use to the one in need of it, although it is to be assumed and feared that if, for the sake of these matters, something violent is done against someone related to this understanding, it will be done with all haste and with all the benefits to be considered; Therefore, all delay, as much as possible, in preventing this part of the union will be necessary, useful and good.

12. Fourthly, although it was not granted by the honorable imperial cities at the meeting in Rodach, nor was it finally rejected, we, the Elector of Saxony, as well as the Dukes of Lüneburg, Duke Henry of Mecklenburg, Landgrave Philippfen zu Hessen, Count Albrechten and Count Gebharden zu Mansfeld, with the city of Magdeburg, would consider, although our highest consolation of the Christian unity relatives shall be placed solely on God, and in no temporal power, that we nevertheless use the ways and means, so

the almighty, benevolent God sends to us for our abstention, as His benevolent instrument, should not be despised. And because the power of the adversary is so valiant and great, it cannot do any harm to strengthen us with those who are also Christians and of our faith, so that all of us may be saved and helped in a more noble and comforting way: Our councils should therefore continue to urge and act with the other estates, councils and embassies, so that not only the other princes, counts and the city of Magdeburg, but also other potentates and cities in Saxony, Brunswick, Lüneburg, on the sea and elsewhere out here in the Holy Roman Empire, who are of our faith and hold the holy sacraments, are taken into this understanding and drawn in, and that it is thus definitely a unanimous union. Which then may be not a little frightening to the adversaries, and may move or urge them all the more to keep peace with us on account of the divine word. Thus the princes, counts and cities in Saxony, Brunswick, Lüneburg and on the sea, 1) are of such power that they can help us bravely, or at least endure so much for us, the other allies, against others who oppose us and God's word, that we can do all the more noble and mighty rescue and help to each other.

13. Fifth, necessity requires that the article, which is set at Rodach because of the opening, be further explained and extended; So that it does not apply to a common opening, but also where the allies lose a battle, or someone else from them is so over-hurried that they cannot make a stand, that they then flee to the nearest castles and towns of the other allies, and have an opening with their warband, cannon and supplies as long as their opportunity and need requires; However, the state that makes use of such an opening should conduct itself with its warband in the same manner as the open city's own warband.

14) Sixthly, in the agreement at Rodach, it is stipulated which part of us kinsmen shall be helped to appoint a supreme captain over all the people of war; therein we consider, if it should happen that a city is helped and the same has a supreme captain over all the people of war.

It should be clear from yours that this would result in the counts, lords, knights and others of the nobility, sent by us electors and princes, complaining about being of lesser status with so many people under such a supreme captain, and perhaps, for this reason, even if it does not please their lords, they would want to withdraw, which would lead to great trouble and irreparable harm. Item, if it should ever come to the powerful or persistent help and emphasis in time, then this powerful help must without doubt follow the hurrying sleeve. And the fact that the princes and rulers would march with their own would be even more diminishing for them to have a captain of cities above them. The salvation on which the union is to stand, according to the form and occasion of all things, does not want to burden the city with which it is begun alone, but all allies in general, therefore the cities, suffering change for the sake of the captaincy, should not bear any burden; and grant that for the sake of more prestige, also for the sake of a stately salvation of peace and unity, a prince or prince, or where one would not have one, an earl or lord, should be the supreme captain of these allies. Just as the union of the Swabian Confederation requires that, regardless of the fact that most of its members are cities, a prince should be the captain in times of war, and if half of this is lacking, a count or baron should generally be appointed captain.

The seventh is the agreement at Rodach that the cities are in all cases as many as the Electors and Princes have; that the votes should also be in the same number, namely six, from which all kinds of division, confusion, neglect, harm and damage arise, and at times no majority should be made, or should not have been decided.

16 Eighthly, the agreement at Rodach states: If the force were so great that the matter wanted to turn into a whole main war, how then, upon the return of the aforementioned councils, another meeting would be held, and the matters should be discussed. Now, however, such a different summoning would and would cause a long delay, and would lead to the overdrawn state becoming despondent, and the urgent help would be defeated before further or more help could be agreed upon, or before the same could be brought together; from this, then, this part would be weakened, and the opposing part would be strengthened. For, as mentioned above, there is no other

It is to be presumed that if something is done against us, our kinsmen of our faith, it must be done and written beforehand in such a way that our salvation will not suffer a long day's work.

(17) Therefore, let it be considered by us that, for the sake of urgent help and mighty pressure, the deficiencies indicated are to be corrected in the following measure and ways for the comfort, benefit, and good of all those who are related to us, so that it may indeed be a true, legitimate salvation, and not a pseudo-covenant or union in vain.

(18) First of all, after the words in the above-mentioned note: that the united relatives, as long as this agreement lasts, want to mean each other kindly, faithfully and from the right heart, this opinion is set: Which of the United Relatives, for the sake of the Articles, concerning our holy faith and what is pending, which we now confess against each other and are to be placed in the Unification Deed, would or would be feuded against, attacked, attacked or damaged by anyone, whoever he or they might be, that for the rescue, protection and defense of the same, the other united parties shall faithfully assemble their bodies, goods and property, and shall draw with all their might upon the one who would thus be attacked, or who would be in certain danger thereof, without any evasion or contradiction, as follows. Accordingly, it shall also be expressly stipulated in the unification charter what princes, lords, counts, lords, cities, spiritual and secular, will in time accept the holy pure gospel, also hold the many-named articles equal to us, and request that they be taken into this unification, that they shall at all times, for the greater planting and spreading of the gospel and divine word, be taken into such our union by means of necessary letters of support and reversal:

(19) Firstly, when or as often as the consensuals come together and want to discuss the matters on which this understanding is based, all consensuals or their skilful apprehensions shall be heard, after God often gives to the last that which He hides from the first. But nevertheless, as will be stated hereafter, there shall be no more than seven votes, which shall finally have to decide in the matters in question; also the said votes shall be distributed, as follows: namely, the Royal Duke of Denmark one; the Elector or Electors, as much as is related to the agreement at this time or in the future, one; likewise all the Princes two votes; the Counts and Lords one vote, and the Counts and Lords two votes.

One; and the free imperial and trading cities two votes, namely the Upper German one, and the Saxon or Dutch the other. And each estate shall compare which persons shall have the votes. So that order is kept in the votes, and also with the questioning in the indicated assembly of the unification relatives, the Elector of Saxony, since he is also otherwise entitled to the questioning in the empire, shall have to question.

(20) And if all the Estates of the Union or their delegates have heard the objections, then the same Estates or their delegates, if they are related to the seven votes, shall each part meet with those who belong to the vote; and what is decided by the seven votes and considered best in the Council shall remain so. If, however, the seven voices do not agree on a unanimous opinion, the greater part of them shall decide.

21 Secondly: Because two kinds of help, one urgent and one persistent, are considered highly necessary in this action, the urgent help shall be ordered to two thousand on horseback and ten thousand on foot, so that it may be comforting and useful to all allies, Also, for the preservation of such a warband, two monthly guilds shall be deposited at a certain time in one or more locations, as one may and should compare them now, without danger for this installation, according to the order, as each one and his ancestors were commonly occupied and posted in the help of the empire, one against the other.

22 Thirdly: However, after we George, Margrave of Brandenburg, for ourselves and in place of our young cousin, have reported our concern to our dear grandfather and brother, the Elector of Saxony, and that we are not able to support our parents in the empire; as our grandfather and brother, the Landgrave of Hesse, recently considered the same against ourselves at Speier, and gave us Imperial Majesty the right to demand that we be allowed to go on with our work. Majesty. We cannot submit to the old requests, nor can we allow ourselves to be ordered to render urgent assistance other than according to our own safe ability, which we also wish to do with the other estates.

23) But what, fourthly, of counts, lords and cities in this Christian understanding, or would still come into it by God's grace, who without means are not attached to the kingdom, with the same one shall be taken to their help and

Compare for the sake of explanation. If it should happen, as follows, that in a hurry one of the covenanting relatives of the other, who is or are being harassed, would draw comfort from among us on all stands, then one traveler shall be counted for three and a half footmen. And in order that the aforementioned money may be used righteously and for emergency aid, where the need arises, since God is present, the captain, as aforementioned, shall be a prince, or, if no prince is available, then an earl or lord, who shall also be skilled in such a matter, understanding, and not too hasty or polterical; who shall also now be ordered to attack such deposited money with the advice, knowledge and will of the assigned war councils, and to order a certain number of warriors on horseback and on foot as quickly and as best as possible, and also to use them more effectively for the rescue and help of the person or persons harassed, as this union is capable of doing. It shall also be discussed and decided now, on which such a supreme captain, who is a prince, shall be appointed and paid, from which he may maintain himself and receive necessary support; but if the supreme captain has made the agreement with the subordinate captains, he shall have this passed on to the other united relatives, who shall be more willing to do so and know how to order their payment. And what all our councils and embassies decide with each other in such and other matters, that shall then be dealt with as conducively as it can be done with the prince who is elected to the captaincy, and his mind shall also be heard therein, and it shall now be decreed at Schwabach, in addition to others, by whom such action shall be taken with the prince elected to the captaincy. For it is comforting to God to hope that nothing will be started before or during winter and before spring with a mighty deed against us allies, so that there is convenient time for action and regulation of all necessities. The supreme captain, who has been appointed now, should not be appointed for longer than one year, and should be at the disposal of his relatives to let him stay longer, or then to appoint another one.

(24) Fifth, six councils of war shall be assigned to the captain; namely, three from the princes, counts, and lords, and three from the honorable free, imperial, and commercial cities; with which six assigned councils of war the captain shall discuss all matters, and what the councils of war unanimously decide, the captain shall be obliged to comply with. But where the councils of war meet in

If the four war councillors would disagree with their advice at the same time and in the same number, the captain shall give a chance in diligent consideration of the trade, and shall have to make and conclude the majority with his vote. Otherwise, however, where four councils of war would be of a unanimous opinion, the captain shall, as if they were all unanimous, follow the four councils' objections. And the captain shall not do anything for himself or herself outside of the councils of war, even of a different opinion than that stated above.

25. The sixth: And for greater prudence the estates shall, each for itself, also as it knows how to do this most easily and conveniently, have and make good inquiries; And what each estate inquires about (that would be practiced or done to the disadvantage of the united allies by the adversaries), these same estates shall make known to the captain, and also one estate to the other without delay; as is also to be done by the captain himself for the half of the office, and thus good counsel shall be appointed everywhere, both within and outside the realm. And if the captain receives such reports, which are dangerous and worrying, and which are not to be despised, so that the things against us united kinsmen might all or especially turn to rebellion, insurrection, invasion, damage, or such acts of war, then the captain shall require the six war councillors to come to him from hour to hour, hold the reports before them, and hear their advice on them. If the captain finds in the council of the councillors of war that the reports are so considerable that a counterattack must be initiated without delay, the captain, together with the councillors of war, shall have the power to attack the deposited money for urgent aid, and therefore to order the troops on horseback and on foot, and to use them for the rescue and good of us allies. The captain shall also be ordered to seek as much as possible such cavalry and footmen as are not related to the allies or to him, if he were to be a prince of the union, so that the allies may use their cavalry and footmen for persistent help, or further, in a mighty assault, and be all the stronger, and also cut off such foreign cavalry and footmen from the rear. If, however, the captain and the councillors of war find and judge that the sum of cavalrymen and footmen ordered for urgent assistance is too small in the light of the emergency, they shall

The captain, according to the advice of the councils of war, shall have the power to demand from the united ones in general, or from the nearest seated one, a further addition at the expense of all of us, as much as he and the councils of war consider necessary and good; so that the urgent help against the adversaries may persist until the united ones arise with their further insistence and power. And as the captain, after the council of the ordered councillors of war and several votes, requires everyone to such urgent assistance, he shall be obliged to show himself obedient.

26. For the seventh, the captain and the councillors of war shall, in addition to requesting and summoning the men of war for urgent assistance, confine us, the princes, earls, lords and councillors, to a special, peacefully situated place, where to deliberate and decide, whether and where necessity will require it, to undertake the great and persevering resistance, how this is to be done, and each unifier to move in with body and goods, also what and how the most fruitful and useful action is to be taken with the urgent help. If, however, the captain and the councillors of war find that things are moving and sending for a main war immediately, and that the urgent assistance provided, nor a common supplement, would not be enough to resist the move, then, without a prior meeting or sending and consultation, all allies shall, upon the reported captain and the councillors of war, give notice of and request for the urgent assistance. Especially those who have been sitting closest to each other shall, without delay or common knowledge of further assistance, approach each other on horseback and on foot, with artillery and all assets, to the country and its people, and render assistance; each in such a manner and no other than as if it were up to him without means; as it is in truth, and would be no other way. However, with the difference that those among the estates who are in a hurry to help each other shall do so, as before, at the expense and damage of the others, so that no part is burdened before the other, and in this case, as in similar cases, one traveler is counted as three and a half on foot. And since the Christian union and constitution do not mean anything else for the counter-defense, but by the bestowal of divine graces to anticipate this, so that those who are united, and against God's word, also right and equity [would be overdrawn, protected]: the captain and his assigned warriors are to be protected by the law.

If the captain and the councillors of war do not consider the certain indications and experience of the adversary practices and attacks, or other contingencies, in such a way that urgent and persistent help would still be necessary at this time, then the captain and the councillors of war shall consult with each other as to how the aforementioned and anxious trouble may occur and be averted with the least harm and damage, either by action for peace or in other suitable ways. But if peace cannot be obtained, it will be sought through us, if things will suffer it, that then the resistance, as necessity requires, will be made in the name of the Lord with heart and all faithfulness.

27 Eighth: If it were to happen that our adversaries were to attack us united kinsmen in many places, as they easily and undoubtedly intend to do, they would be of the opinion that each of the allies or the several parts of them should have so much to do with themselves that one could not come to the aid of the other, so that they would soon be divided, and the adversaries would have their way, take over all or part of our Christian lands, drive out the Word of God, and re-establish the papacy, which the Almighty God graciously wants to happen, and re-establish the papacy, which the Almighty God graciously wishes to happen, it will be highly necessary if the attack or invasion were to take place in more than one place against us, our kinsmen, that in the captain's and war councils, ordered to the urgent help, diligent and faithful consideration and decision should stand, at which place they consider the most necessary, most fruitful and best, to watch with the urgent help and to do rescue, that it happens. However, in order that the pressure and the persistent help, if the necessity requires it, may also take place in this case, the captain together with the councils of war (as far as it can and may suffer such a delay without harm and damage to the united relatives) shall immediately send to another place the churons and princes, together with all other states of this union, as reported before, The court and the princes, together with all the other estates of this union, as reported above, shall immediately describe and request the matters in question at another place, by which it shall then be diligently considered and decided where or how the assistance shall be continued, so that no one may be held up as if he had not kept to his part of the assistance in due form, but shall know how to show himself and keep to it in all respects, as has been discussed and decided before.

28. to the ninth: But will the attack on

The covenanting parties must then, with all their might, assemble in one group, and the cause of the Gospel, as well as the country and its people, cannot be saved in any other way: Then each member of the confederation shall, at the request of the forewarned captain, be ordered to render urgent assistance, but with prior consultation and further decision of the councils of war, to do so, and be obliged and obligated to assemble with all his might, horse and foot, into one group. They must also do so faithfully without any opposition, and nothing must be considered in this, except that the word, and subsequently the temporal, as land and people, may be preserved and saved, even if it must happen with a temporal damage to our and the subjects. Because the minds and intentions of the adversaries are finally based on two things: one, that they bring all of us, lovers of God's word, land and people to themselves; and the other, that they drive us and ours from God's word, drive out all Christian preachers with us, and replant and establish the papacy with all its ungodly abuses.

29 To the tenth: Since not all cases that may arise in the future according to God's will can be provided for this time, the reason, beginning and resolution of this understanding must finally rest on the fact that above all things God's glory and His holy word are to be considered, and for this reason, each one of us should treat the other, and all of us together, with a right heart and faithfulness in these matters, and should not consider or want to consider anything in this matter other than what we owe to God, and what each of us would like the other to do or have.

30 Eleventh: If it should come to a persistent or great help, and especially if the same should be divided or rescue should be done in more than one place, that the necessity should require and be good, to appoint from the electors and princes of the union still a supreme captain with six war councils over the persistent help, as is set before, for the sake of the urgent help. These, together with the other captain, must also be those who otherwise hold the seven votes of all the estates over the entire war trade and have the power to command all things: but so the captain over the urgent assistance and his assigned gun, with his war councillors, should have their own

Only that he be obedient to the other supreme captain over the mighty shell and his assigned councillors, as the seven main voices, in everything that would be created and commanded by them on account of the common estates. However, the captain over the urgent aid, together with his war councillors, shall also be heard in the council of the supreme captain and his war councillors, where the troops are with each other; however, only the supreme captain with his assigned councillors, as the seven votes, shall finally have to decide.

31 Twelfth: The supreme captain of the persistent aid, together with his assigned warriors, shall be given their usual maintenance, so that they may be well provided for, understanding that in this trade, as his own affair, the captain will also be satisfied with a fair share. But in all other use or profit, no more than, according to the number of his own people, the due part shall follow them, and everything else shall be drawn and used in the common use of all united relatives; in the same way it shall be kept with the captain, ordered to the urgent help, in the same cases.

The thirteenth: He who has now been appointed captain of the urgent assistance, together with his warriors, shall from that time on provide an emergency war regiment, and so keep it in his hands until it is needed, so that then there will be no lack of it.

Fourteenth: Where and how the ordnance, together with its ammunition, is to be most conveniently obtained and preserved for urgent assistance, shall be a matter of concern to the captains and councils of war, and such shall be previously discussed and decreed in their rules of war; however, equality shall be maintained in such and other matters, so that no rank shall be burdened more than the other, according to its opportunity.

34 To the fifteenth: The united kinsmen, or the captain and the councillors of war, which is now considered most convenient and best at the Schwabach meeting, shall also appoint rottmasters and captains over the routers and footmen, and give them a waiting allowance to promise and hold up for a time up to two thousand routers and ten thousand footmen, so that they may be obtained in a timely manner. In addition to this, some of them are to be dealt with, so that they do not have anyone appointed for them.

In their order, this unification was to be freely carried out; and so it was to be acted against us unification relatives that they might withdraw and warn us of the same.

35. to the sixteenth: If it should happen that one or more of the united kinsmen should be in need of an opening in one or more of the other's castles, cities, lands and territories, the opening should be arranged and given to the united kinsman or kinsmen, whatever their status, with their warband, possessions and goods, in one or more of the other's lands, principalities, dominions and territories, castles, cities and other towns, as long as this unification lasts. Those who seek and use the opening for their own needs shall be held, defended and handled in a friendly and benevolent manner by those who permit and give the opening, as if it applied to each of them. In turn, those who seek the opening shall also use it at their own expense and damage, and shall also hold themselves in the same place under siege and otherwise, as the opening's sovereignty's own warriors, helping to guard, protect, and shield the place, no less than if it were incumbent upon the one or ones who seek and use the opening.

36 To the seventeenth: What has not been changed and improved by this our concern, understood in the Notel at Rodach, we allow to stand and remain, thus established.

37 And for the resolution: Since we and other Christian estates, because of the matters touched upon and the recent unpleasant departure from Speier, have dispatched our embassy to Imperial Majesty, it will be good and necessary to advertise and act there according to the instructions issued. Maj. to advertise and act there, according to the instructions given, it will be good and necessary, when the reported embassy returns, and we receive other than a gracious, good answer, that we then meet again without delay at the appropriate place, or send our authorized embassy, to discuss further what can be done by a new dispatch to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty, to show owed obedience and obtain Christian peace. Where then Her Imperial Maj. Maj. should ever insist on disgrace and offence or complaint against us united kinsmen, we shall not be able to provide for what Her Imperial Maj. Maj. of this our union, or of others, should or may be reported with the best of grace and favor. May God the Almighty and Lord of Peace send it all for His praise and the salvation of our souls, through Christ, His dear Son, Amen.

564 Erl. r.> 21,3U1-340. sec. 2. of the conventicles at Torgau rc. No. 874. W. xvl, Ikl I. ' 565

874 The seventeen so-called 1) Schwabach Articles, presented and adopted at the second Schwabach Convention, October 16, 1529.

About this writing J. T. Müller says in his historical-theological introduction to "Die symbolischen Bücher der eoanaelisch-lutherischen Kirche", p. LVI: The first part of the Augsburg Confession, 'Articles of Faith and Doctrine', was based on those 15 articles which Luther had written at the religious discussion held with Zwingli in Marburg [Oct. 14] 1529. These were redacted by Luther and the other theologians who were with him at the request of Elector John of Saxony, so that the original 15 became 17, then presented at Schleiz in Voigtland to the Elector and Margrave George of Brandenburg, who reported there on the alliance to be established with Landgrave Philip of Dessia, and finally presented and accepted at the second Schwabach Conveur (Oct. 16, 1529)." Elias Frick found in the Ulm Archives the original of our step, the second Schwabach Articles "not to be confused with the 23 Articles of the first Schwabach Con- venis, June 14, 1528), and had them printed in the German Seckendorf, p. 968. After that, our text. Without Luther's amen and will, "probably in May 153") the Coburg printer Hans Bern had these articles printed under the title: "Die bekenntnus Martini Luthers aufs dem jtzigen angestciren Reichstag zu Augspurgk eynlegen, In siebentzeben Artickel verfasset. In the XXX. Jar." At the end: "Printed at Loburgk by Hans Bern." 1 sheet in 4. Against this, the papal theologians Wimpina, Mensing, Redörfer and Rupert El- gersma, who were present in Augsburg, wrote a rebuttal. Luther responded by printing these articles himself and adding a preface under the title: "Auff das schreien etlicher Papisten, vber die sieben- yehen Artickel. Martin Luther's Answer. Wittemberg. In the M.D.X.X. Jar." No place. 14 sheets in 4. With the printer's mark of Hans Bern zu Coburg. - The 17 articles are printed in the Wittenberg edition (1569), vol. IX, p. 490; in the Jena <1566), vol. V, p. 14; in the Altenburg, vol. V, p. 14; in the Leipzig, vol. XX, 2. 1; in Walch, vol. XVI, 681; in the Erlangen, 1st ed, Vol. 24, p. 322 and 2nd Anst., Vol. 24, p. 338; in Chyträus, Historie der Augsburgischen Confession, 2. 45; in Müller's Historie etc., p. 442; and in Cyprian's Historie der Augsburgischen Confession, Beilagen, A. 159. - Luther's preface is found in the .Hallischen Theil, p. 345; in the Leipzig edition, vol. XX, p. 8; in Walch, vol. XVI, 778 (No. 901 in this vol.); in the Erlanger, 1st ed, Vol. 24, p. 321 and 2nd ed. vol. 24, p. 337 and in Cyprian I. c., Suppl., p. 159.- The papist refutation is found in the Wittenberg, vol. IX, p. 402; in the Jena, vol. V, p. 16b and in Walch, vol. XVI, 766 (in this volume No. 900.)

1) The variants given are found in the edition organized by Luther himself: "Aus das Schreien etlicher Papisten" etc. What is enclosed in brackets is only in the original concept. For the relationship of the Schwabach and Torgau articles, see No. 899.

Article by the Elector of Saxony, for the sake of faith.

I. That it be firmly and unanimously held and taught that there is only one true God, Creator of heaven and earth; that in the one true Divine Being there are three distinct Persons, namely God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. That the Son is born of the Father, is from eternity to eternity true natural God with the Father; and that the Holy Spirit is both from the Father and the Son, is also from eternity to eternity true natural God with the Father and the Son, as all this may be clearly and powerfully proven by the [Holy] Scriptures, as Joh. I, 1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God was the Word, all things were made through the same [, and without the same nothing was made that was made] " etc., and Matthew 28:19: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"; and similar sayings more especially in the Gospel of John.

II. that only the Son of God became true man, *) born of the pure virgin Mary, perfect in body and soul, and not the Father or the Holy Spirit became man, as the heretics Patripassiani have taught; also the Son did not only take on the body without soul, as the Photinians have erred; for He Himself often speaks of His soul in the Gospel, as when He says: "My soul is sorrowful even unto death" etc. [But that God the Son became man is clearly stated in Joh. 1, 14: "And the Word became flesh"; and Gal. 4, 4: "When the time was fulfilled, God found His Son, born of a woman, and put under the law."

*) received from the Holy Spirit, from the rc.

III. that the same Son of God, true God and man, Jesus Christ, is one inseparable person, suffered for us men, was crucified, died, was buried, rose from death on the third day, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, Lord over all creatures rc. So that it is not to be believed, *) nor taught, that Jesus Christ as man, or mankind, suffered for us; but therefore, because God and man here are not two persons, but One inseparable person, it is to be held and taught that God and man, or the Son of God, truly suffered for us; as

Paul Rom. 8, 32. says: "God did not spare His only Son, but gave Him for us all. 1 Cor. 2, 8: "If they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory," and similar sayings.

*) or can or shall teach etc.

IV. That original sin is a true sin, not only a defect or infirmity, but such a sin as condemns all men who come from Adam and separates them eternally from God, unless Jesus Christ had represented us and taken upon Himself such sin, together with all the sins that follow from it, and had sufficed for it through His suffering, and had thus completely abolished and destroyed it in Himself; as then Psalm 51 and Romans 5 are clearly written about such sin.

V. Since all men are sinners, subject to sin and death, and also to the devil, it is impossible for a man to work himself out of it by his own strength, or by his good works, so that he may become righteous and godly again, nor can he prepare or send himself to righteousness, but the more he undertakes to work himself out, the worse it becomes with him. But this is the only way to righteousness and salvation from sin and death, if one, without all merit or works, believes in the Son of God, suffered for us etc. As said, such faith is our righteousness, f)which God will accept and hold as righteous, pious and holy, having forgiven all sin and given eternal life, that they may be received into grace for His Son's sake, and be children in His kingdom etc. As all this St. Paul and John 1 "f)teach abundantly in his gospel, as Rom. 10,10.: "With the heart one believes and is justified" etc. Rom. 4, 5.: "Their faith is counted to them for righteousness"^; Joh. 3, 15.: "All who believe in the Son shall not perish, but have eternal life."

*) out -^) he can etc.

1) For God will count and count as righteous, pious and holy, having forgiven all sin and granted eternal life to all who have such faith in His Son, that they may be saved for etc.

14) in their writings abundant etc.

VI. That such faith is not a human work, nor even possible by our own efforts, but is a work and gift of God, which the Holy Spirit, given through Christ, works in us;

and such faith, because it is not a *) mere delusion or conceit of the heart, as the false believers have, but a strong, new, living will, it bears much **)fruit, always does good to God with praising, thanking, f) praying, preaching and teaching, s-f) giving to the neighbor with love, serving, helping, counseling, giving, *f)and suffering all kinds of adversity even unto death.

14) vs '4) and borrow and suffer etc.

VII To obtain such faith, or to give it to us humans, God has instituted the ministry of preaching or the oral word, namely the gospel, through which he *) proclaims his faith and his power, benefit and **) piety, and also gives faith through it, as a means, with his Holy Spirit, as and where he wills, otherwise there is no other means or way, neither path nor bridge, to obtain faith. For thoughts apart from or before the oral word, however holy and good they seem, are nevertheless vain lies and error.

*) suchfruit

VIII. In addition to such oral word, God has also instituted outward signs, namely baptism and Eucharist, by which, besides the Word, God also inspires faith and His Spirit, and gives and strengthens all who desire His.

'4 which is called Sacrament, namely etc.

IX. That baptism, the first sign or sacrament, is in two parts, namely in water and the word of God, or that one baptizes with *) water, and speaks the word of God, and is not only bad water and**) sprinkling, as the blasphemers now teach, but because the word of God is involved, and it is based on the word of God, it is a holy, living, powerful thing, and as Paul says Tit. 3, 5. and Eph. 5,26.: "a bath of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" etc., and that such baptism is also to be administered to the children. God's words on which it stands are these: "Go and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit", Matth. 28,19. f^and Marc. 16, 16: "Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved"^, so one must believe.

*) the water or

1) and of the Son, and of the Savior.

X. The Eucharist or Sacrament of the Altar is also in two parts, namely, that it is truly present in the bread and wine of the

568 Erl. (2.) 2t, 342-344. section 2. of the conventicles at Torgau etc. No. 874 f. W. XVI, 684-686. 569

true body and blood of Christ, according to the words of Christ: "This is my body, this is my blood"; and not only bread and wine, as now the devotional claims. These words also promote and bring about faith, and exercise the same in all those who desire such a sacrament, and do not act contrary to it, just as baptism also brings and gives faith when it is desired.

XI. That the secret confession should not be forced by laws, as little as baptism, sacrament, gospel should be forced, but free; But that it be known how very consoling and wholesome, useful and good it is to the afflicted or erroneous conscience, because in it absolution, that is, God's word and judgment, is pronounced, by which the conscience is released and satisfied from its affliction; nor is it necessary to tell all sin; but one may denounce those that bite the heart and make it restless.

XII. That there be no doubt that there *) remains and is on earth a holy Christian church until the end of the world, as Christ says Matth. 28, 20: "Behold, I am with you until the end of the world." Such a church is nothing else than the believers in Christ, who believe and teach the above-mentioned articles and parts, and are therefore persecuted and martyred in the world; for where the gospel is preached and the sacraments are rightly used, there is the holy Christian church; and it is not bound with laws and outward splendor to place and time, to persons and earth.

*) be and remain **) hold, believe †) about it

XIII. That our Lord Jesus Christ will come at the last day to judge the living and the dead, and to deliver his faithful from all evil and bring them into eternal life, to punish the unbelieving and ungodly, and to condemn them together with the devils to hell forever etc.

XIV. However, until the Lord comes to judgment and abolishes all authority and rule, one should hold secular authority and rule in honor,*) and be obedient, as a state ordained by God to protect the pious and to control the **) wicked. That such a state a Christian, where he is duly called to it, may well lead or serve in it without harm and danger to his faith and †) salvation. [Rom. 13. 1 Petr. 2Z

*) have **) the †) of his souls bliss etc.

XV. From all this it follows that the doctrine which prescribes marriage to priests and clergy, and in general meat and food, together with all kinds of monastic life and vows, is vainly condemned and the doctrine of the devil, as St. Paul calls it 1 Tim. 4:3, because by it one seeks and believes grace and blessedness, and does not leave it free, when Christ alone is the only way to grace and blessedness.

*) Souls bliss etc. damn devil doctrine etc. †) Blessedness of souls.

XVI. that, before all abominations, the mass, hitherto considered a sacrifice or work, so that one might acquire grace for the other, should be abolished, and f) instead of such a mass, a divine order should be kept, that the Holy Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ should be administered in both forms, to each according to his faith, and for his own need.

well work etc. has want etc. †) but

XVII That the ceremonies of the church, which are contrary to God's word, should also be discontinued, but that others should be free to use them*) or not, according to love, so that one does not give frivolous annoyance**) without cause, or deceive common peace without need.

875 Instruction of the Hessian envoy, Siegmund von Boyneburg, on what he should present to the Elector of Saxony, together with an appendix. October 29, 1529.

From Müller's Historie, Book II, Cap. 21, pp. 312 and 314.

Instruction, what to the Highborn Prince, Mr. Johannsen, Duke of Saxony, of the H.Roman. Reichs Erzmarschall und Churfürsten etc., by our, Philipps von GOttes Gnaden, Landgrafen zu Hessen, Grafen zu Katzenelnbogen etc., because of, our Amtmann zu Schmalkalden, Rath und lieber Getreuer, Siegmund von Boyneburg.

First, we offer our friendly service to his love, and that we are eager to hear of their welfare everywhere. And then we will report that our councillors, who were appointed at the recent meeting in Schwabach, have reported to us on the occasion of their return, the actions that have now taken place there, on which they have also been left and are now based. Which we then noted and recorded everything according to length.

Now there would be no doubt that this would have been opened to his love by their councilors who had been appointed there. But among other things, they understood in particular what trouble they had and had all of the cities in the presented list of some questions, so much that from it their unanimous and final mind and opinions can be taken that they do not think to let themselves be divided in these actions, means or means. Also that it was farewell requested to our skilful councillors, if they wanted to persist in such a pretence of the question and separation, to compare the same among us, together with our uncle, Margrave Jörgen of Brandenburg, and if it would be on the opinion, then it would be necessary to inform them of this by us, Landgrave Philipsen, before the appointed day, and then to request further action and the appointed day.

2 And for this reason he dispatched his love to do further friendly remembrance and request. Now do not doubt us, his love would know to modestly and admonish himself out of high understanding to our previous manifold writings, what it and all of us would be interested in this doing; how burdensome, shameful and disadvantageous it would be, if it should be broken up in such a way and go backwards: it would be better that this would have been thought of before, would not have been pushed so far, and one would not have let oneself in with the people at all. And we could consider his love, if such a thing were to be made public (as it would be difficult to keep it secret), what reflection, consolation, peace of mind and strengthening it would bring to our opponents, and waste to us all.

3 Because it is not hidden from his love that, praise God! the highest discord between the most distinguished scholars and preachers of our Christian faith, held at this time in our Convocation at Marburg, has come and grown to the point that now D. Martin Luther and his followers, and those who are of the other part, understand each other better and agree more closely than before, since they are one in the main articles, and not yet compared in the one thing alone, which is Christ in the Sacrament; in which God could in time bestow His grace, and, as we hoped, would bestow it; that even the scholars write of themselves that they want to show Christian love to one another; and that it is not yet certain what faith, Luther's or Zwingelin's opinion, in the 1)

1) In the old edition: "was Glaubens des Luthers oder Zwingelins Meinung, indem" etc.

every person of the council and the community of Strasbourg and Ulm, and thus in his love and our lands, is also common 'almost everywhere: so we considered it, if his love because of this in these intended matters and dealings had some displeasure, difficulty and misgivings, such should now be mitigated and fallen with her, and his love can be caused the less to separate.

4. Accordingly, our friendly request, with amicable and faithful diligence exhorting, his beloved to consider this trade at all times, the circumstances and succession, and to take into consideration not to let this separation happen for himself; to promote the same with Margrave George for the best; and to consider besides how careful, dishonest, scornful and disadvantageous it would be to let these people out of hand, who would be glad to be with us, after all; For it is not hard to see how the cities of the Upper Lands are dampened with the noticeable brave warriors who are well established and well evangelized in them and in their countryside, that this would cause inevitable and irretrievable disruption and disaster to the rest of us who would gladly stay with the Word of God; we alone, who would otherwise have fifty or sixty thousand more men, would then have to defend ourselves. And are we ever sure of what we would all like to see in this matter, and his love has been written by us several times before, what much more credible warnings have reached us, that the imperial majesty is of the final will and intention to punish the princes and estates, so dependent on the Gospel. About this he, Siegmund, has received special orders from us to inform his beloved in confidence that we have received credible and certain information from the Dukes of Lorraine and Guelders, from the Court of Cologne, and from other elders whom we may not name to his beloved, that Imperial Majesty does not have the power to punish the princes and estates who are dependent on the Gospel. Majesty does not want anything to be done to their bodies, property and all assets, that she wants to bring them back into the old use, order and statutes of the Roman Church, and to punish the Lutherans.

Item 5: His love could well find and notice this himself from the concept of the mandate that Imperial Majesty intended to issue and that Christoph Groß brought with him. Majesty intended to issue, and Christoph Groß brought with him; which might also have been executed, if the Turkish attack had not occurred, and is to be assumed even more so every day since then.

6 Further, his beloved feels what a severe, unheard-of inquisition Imperial Majesty has made against the people. Majesty against the,

The above-mentioned Christoph Groß will therefore continue to report everything to his beloved. Herewith we send to his love a copy of a writing from the Imperial Majesty to us. Majesty to us, in which his beloved, if they pay attention to the incorporated words "according to the old laudable usage", may again note what the mind of the Imperial Majesty is. Majesty is. He shall also report his love in particular that those of Nuremberg will not step aside from the cities, nor enter into or establish a special one without the others, as such is actually understood by their deputies. And so that in the near future they may not be sent again in a futile and unprofitable manner, we ask that they do not doubt this to his love, but have good hope that they will promote such a thing with Margrave George, so that it may continue for the sake of his love and not be delayed or delayed any longer, and that they may demand a friendly and confident answer from his love. Date Cassel, under our own signed handwriting, and printed secretes, on Friday the ninth and twentieth day of Octobris Anno 1529.

Philipps, Landgrave of Hesse, . Manuscript.

Appendix to the Hessian Instruction.

He shall also report to the Elector on our behalf that this morning we have received from the Nuremberg City Council writings on our affairs that we and the others have with the Imperial Majesty. This is shown by the copies we have had sent to him for this purpose, and his love has also come to know of those of Nuremberg without doubt. Therefore, it is not difficult for his beloved to judge, to accept and to understand what the Imperial Majesty's mind is in this matter. His Majesty's mind in this at last, and that she meant either to reject the Word of God with the evangelical orders, to force us away from it, and to subject us again to the old papist abuses; or that we have nothing else to suspect from her Majesty but disfavor, conquest, and rape, and that we have to go through it daily. For such an act, done against the person sent, would not only bring scorn, ridicule and contempt upon us, who have dispatched and sent them, but would also bring certain charges of the Emperor's disfavor and disgrace upon us. Majesty's displeasure, and is a testimony to their intended ungracious will. Therefore, let his love pursue the matter with serious diligence, what is in it for all of us, our lands and people, and promote it with diligence, also for himself.

all estates, princes, counts and cities of the Oberland, none who accept the Gospel, and describe ourselves together on the named time and goal, to think about the matters with advice, and therefore to unanimously compare and decide what should be done here according to the high unavoidable necessity, and that his love wants to give us to understand its mind in this conducive again. Date ut supra.

876. Luther's writing to the Elector of Saxony, concerning the counter-defense. November 18, 1529.

See Walch, St. Louis Edition, vol. X, 552.

877: The resolution made at the Schmalkalden Convention on Dec. 4, 1529.

From Müller's History, Book II, Cap. 22, S. 330.

As the most illustrious, and the most illustrious, highborn princes and lords, Mr. Johann, Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire; Mr. Ernst and Mr. Franciscus, Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, brothers, and Mr. Philipp, Landgrave of Hesse etc., own person; also of the most illustrious, highborn princes and lords, Mr. Georgen, Margrave of Brandenburg etc., Councillors, Georg Vogler, Chancellor, and Wolf Christoph von Wiesenthau; and then the honorable, free and imperial cities, of Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Ulm, Costnitz, Reutlingen, Heilbronn, Memmingen, Lindau and Kempten, embassies, on Sunday after Catharina [Nov. 28], next verschienen, have arrived here at Schmalkalden, from which, of all their churfürstl. and fürstl. The Holy Roman Emperor is pleased to inform you of the messages of all his graces and favors in matters of protestation and appeal of the recent Speierian imperial treaty, as far as faith is concerned, to the Holy Roman Emperor. Majesty, to confer with each other and to decide what further action should be taken before His Imperial Majesty. Majesty should further act on this matter.

And now the reported message of Imperial Majesty. Majesty have come here on this day, heard them first in their oral and written relation 1), of which also all the above-mentioned princes, princes and estates have taken copies.

1) Document No. 863.

have. But because in the articles of our holy faith, recently brought forward at the meeting in Schwabach, 1) some misunderstanding has arisen, and the aforementioned Elector and Prince of Saxony etc., Margrave George of Brandenburg etc. and the Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, for many brave causes and movements, are not of mind or opinion to enter into such or such an action with anyone who is not in agreement with their electoral and princely graces, and thus of a unanimous faith and sacrament. Their Electoral and Princely Graces have this time given the cities' embassies, especially to those who had no knowledge of the articles of our holy faith beforehand, and therefore could not have been dispatched on this day, that they bring such articles behind them to their magistrates, and that another day is hereby appointed, namely on the Holy Three King's Day ^6. Jan. 1530^, in the near future, at Nuremberg, and thus: Which cities of the listed articles of our holy faith want to be in agreement with the Elector and Princes with God's help and insist that the same send their authorized messages to their Electoral and Princely Grace. Grace. They are to prepare their embassies for Nuremberg on the appointed day and have them announced by their authorized envoys; then they are to be summoned to Nuremberg by the person sent to the Imperial Majesty or otherwise. Majesty, or otherwise to mitigate or reject Her Imperial Majesty's ungracious refusal. Majesty's ungracious leave and mind, to consult with each other, and to decide as much as possible, as should now be done here. But which cities are not inclined to confess the indicated articles of our holy faith with the prince and princes announced beforehand and to persevere in doing so by means of divine help, do not need to be sent to Nuremberg on the appointed day. And so some of the cities would come to their electoral and princely grace. Grace. If, therefore, some of the cities should not send to Nuremberg on the appointed day to their electoral and princely graces, their electoral and princely graces would still want to meet with the Counts and Counts of Nuremberg. and others, confess and adhere to the many articles of our holy faith with their Electoral and Princely Grace at the same time. They confess and keep them at the same time, in accordance with the gracious will of God through their Electoral and Princely Grace. Grace. They will compare and decide with each other. Actum at Schmalkalden, Saturday after Andreä [Dec. 4], Anno Domini 1529.

1) Document No. 874.

878 Chursachen's and the Margrave of Brandenburg's answer, which they have given to the cities of Strasbourg and Ulm.

In Müller l. c. S. 333.

The answer of the Elector of Saxony and the skill of Margrave Jürgen of Brandenburg to the skill of the cities of Strasbourg and Ulm, which they gave at the next Schwqbachian farewell in Schmalkalden.

His Electorate. His Electoral Grace knows to remember, in which way at the discretion of His Elector. Gn. His Elector's Grace and brother-in-law, Landgrave Philippsen of Hesse, have acted with you, as the authorities who were near Speier on behalf of their lords, in addition to the envoys of the city of Nuremberg, for the sake of a Christian understanding, and that there, on some of the articles in question, a farewell and a day for further action and discussion were made to Rodach. Although it is also true that the same articles, so his churfürstl. and Margrave Juergen's councilors next to Schwabach have not been thought of so far or in such a way: You know, however, as those with whom the action was taken at Speier, that nevertheless all kinds of doubts arose on account of the discord, whether one was otherwise unanimous in many important articles concerning our holy Christian faith; and that also an opinion was brought into a list, as to how especially at Strasbourg, on account of the sacrament, the body and blood of Christ were preached and proclaimed, from which it would perhaps be possible to hear, as if there were no troublesome discord in this. For this reason, the matter has been directed, and it has been considered good, that the scholars should come together for friendly discussion and dialogue, in the confidence that such articles would then, with the help of the Almighty, be led to a good settlement and unity, which one can comfortably expect in this matter, and especially the Elector of Saxony. And where, according to the will of the Almighty, the same discord would have sufficed for Christian settlement and unanimity in such a way and completely, that with a happy and good conscience, and without violation of the same, as begun at Speier and further acted at Rodach in indicated hopeful confidence, such understanding could finally have been established and executed with each other: you, the skilled ones, shall doubtlessly

2) "hopeful" put by us instead of: "polite". Compare No. 883, § 1 towards the end.

that the Elector of Saxony, and undoubtedly his Electorate, is entitled to the same. Gn. and brother, Margrave Jörgen, to their special will; their electoral and princely graces should not have been in short supply. They should not have been lacking in their part, besides their electoral and princely graces. Gn. and brother-in-law, the Landgrave of Hesse, to finally carry out the more touched understanding. However, after the Elector of Saxony together with H. F. Gn. Oheims, des Markgrafen, Geschickten, have heard from your presentation that the articles, which were handed over at Schwabach, were considered by your lords to be disputatious and extensive, and therefore, as it is understood, they have been reluctant to agree to the same and that the union should be executed thereon: so his Electoral Grace and the Margrave's Geschickten must agree. His Electors and the Margrave's deputies must also leave it at that, and put the understanding to rest, so that it is not acted against conscience. If the Elector of Saxony had also provided for this, since the Nuremberg City Council, next to his Elector's Grace, had asked for a delay in the day's proceedings, he could have done so. If the Elector of Saxony had provided that the Council of Nuremberg, next to his Electors, had asked for the postponement of the day that should have been here in Schmalkalden due to the Schwabach agreement on the 15th day of December, for the sake of this matter concerning the understanding, had written that your Lords of Strasbourg and Ulm would have had the articles reported beforehand, as if they were extensive and contentious, his Electors would have notified those of Nuremberg. His Grace had indicated to those of Nuremberg to leave them, those of Strasbourg and Ulm, as far as this matter of understanding was concerned, unattended with descriptions. And the Elector of Saxony, together with the Margrave's deputies, have heard with no small misgivings that your lords may not agree with the same articles, considering what, to speak humanly, would have been accomplished among themselves, as well as among others, for the reception of the Gospel's consolation and good: also what joy, if it should become known, the adversaries would feel at such a resulting disagreement. However, since it will not be otherwise, his Electors and the Brandenburgers will have to be punished. The Electors and the Brandenburg authorities must, on account of their lords, order the matters to the almighty God, who (although the aforementioned consolation wants to arise) is nevertheless more powerful than all adverse force. And are of the final mind and will, also want to ask and call upon the Almighty, that he may grant their electoral and princely grace in this matter. and sovereigns of this part in their Christian intention, as hitherto, graciously preserve and confirm that their electoral and princely grace, their body and property and all temporal welfare may be placed in God's will and set aside, also

The people who want to be sure of what his divine will and good pleasure is. will and good pleasure. Since their princely and royal graces may also show and prove gracious and good will to the cities of Strasbourg and Ulm, and to your persons, as their envoys, as much as may happen in conscience, their princely and royal graces will be inclined to do so.

879: List of those persons who appeared at the Nuremberg Convention.

This and the following documents up to No. 886, which belong to the history of the Nuremberg Convention, are to be found in Müller l. c. Book II, Cap. 23-26, p. 336 ff.

1) Christian Bayer, Doctor and Chancellor, on account of Elector Johannsen of Saxony, and at the same time having power from

1. Mr. Ernsten, and 2. Mr. Franciscen, Dukes of Brunswick,

3. Mr. Wolfgangen, Prince of Anhalt,

4. lord Gebharden, and 5. lord Albrechten, brothers, counts and lords of Mansfeld.

2) Georg Vogler, chancellor; Wolf Christoph von Wissenthau, keeper at Schwabach; Christoph von Seckendorf, court marshal, because of Margrave Georgen of Brandenburg.

3) Siegmund von Boyneburg, Amtmann zu Schmalkalden, on account of Landgrave Philippsens zu Hessen.

4) Clemens Vollkamer, Christoph Koler, Jörg Höppel, the younger, because of the city of Nuremberg, as well as by force of the cities: 1. Winsheim, 2. Reutlingen, and 3. Weißenburg am Nordgau.

880 The city of Reutlingen sends a letter to the city of Nuremberg in which it declares its support for the seventeen Schwabach Articles and indicates that it cannot attend the convention in Nuremberg. January 3, 1530.

See No. 879.

To the careful, honorable and wise, mayor and council of the city of Nuremberg, our favorable dear lords and friends.

Careful, honorable and wise, favorable dear gentlemen and friends! E. F. W. be our very willing and diligent services always before.

We have recently presented the farewell, together with several articles concerning the holy faith, at Schmalkalden, have heard all the contents, and give E. F. W. to understand in good opinion that we, by virtue of the aforementioned farewell, were willing to attend the appointed day on Trium Regum in the future: however, in the meantime, such business has occurred with us that we do not know how to deliver some message at this time for noticeable reasons. However, we want to firmly persevere and remain with the above-mentioned articles, which have been and are still being taught, preached, and defended as Christian with holy scripture by our preachers, because we are not rejected from them with holy scripture and a good conscience. Therefore, what is now being protested by the estates on account of the articles mentioned, as well as whether anything is to be done against Imperial Majesty for interrogation and dismissal. Majesty for interrogation and averting Her Majesty's disfavor. We hereby, now as then, and then as now, on our part, also consent to submit our number and fee in all ways, E. F. W., the Emperor, and the Emperor's Majesty, and ask them very diligently. requesting with all diligence that they thus faithfully pardon us for our remaining outside against Princes, Princes and other Estates, our most gracious, gracious and favorable Lords, and that whatever is acted upon and decided at such a day be sent to us at our expense 1); also that we be reimbursed for the costs of those sent to Imperial Majesty in Hispania, who have sent the same to us. Majesty, so that the excess money is drawn down, report to us, to direct us the better to know with conducive sending of our fee. We want to earn this for E.F.W. with friendly will at all times. The 3rd of Jan. Anno 1530.

Mayor and City Council of Reutlingen.

881 Letter from the city of Heilbronn to the Elector of Saxony and other princes and lords assembled at Nuremberg in matters of faith and the convened Nuremberg Convention. January 5, 1530.

See No. 879.

Most Serene, Serene, Highborn Princes and Lords, our subservient willing services, and your Electoral and Princely

1) "our costs" put by us instead of: "our first". Similarly, following "the costs" instead of: "the first". In the original probably "costen", which will be read in "first".

Graciously ready, beforehand. Most gracious and gracious lords! When our envoy from the recently held day in Schmalkalden arrived at our house, he handed over to us seventeen articles by your electoral and princely grace, concerning the Christian faith, which we read out all the contents: we respect and consider them to be Christian, which we also believe and hold. However, it is not possible for us to completely refrain from keeping the mass for the following reasons: we have a member of the German Order with us, who is a member of the Confederation and has his own priesthood; likewise, we have Barefooters as observers, with both of whom we have rights, and we have been commanded by imperial authority not to innovate against them. And since the Schmalkalden agreement states that anyone who does not wish to accept the articles mentioned above 2) should not attend the Trium Regum meeting in Nuremberg, we would have been inclined to attend such a meeting if the above-mentioned good reasons had not prevented us from doing so. We have not wished to behave in such a manner to Your Electoral and Imperial Graces in all submission, humbly requesting to have us in your gracious command; for wherever we may serve Your Electoral and Imperial Graces, we wish to be found willing at all times. Date Wednesday Vigilia Trium Regum [5 Jan] Anno 1530.

Mayor and Council of the City of Heilbrunn.

882 Instruction of D. Bayer, von Sachsen, Braunschweig und Anhalt, on the Nuremberg Convention,

See No. 879.

Instruction, what should be done by us, the Elector of Saxony, and the Highborn Princes, Mr. Ernsten, Duke of Brunswick and Lüneburg, and Prince Wolfgang of Anhalt etc. on account of the highly esteemed, our councilor and dear faithful, Christian Baier, D. and Chancellor, at Nuremberg on Trium Regum with the fates of the princes, counts and cities, who were recently at Schmalkalden and took their leave there.

First of all, our skilful man shall consult with our dear grandfather, Margrave Jürgens of Brandenburg, councillors and deputies, about the

2) "not" put by us instead of: "with", which will probably be read from "nit". The city declares its inability to implement the sixteenth Schwabach article.

Opinion: we did not doubt that your master would once again be inclined to stick to the articles of faith handed over to you, and to let himself be heard of the farewell at Schmalkalden this time finally and with a friendly mind. And, if our deputy is informed of this by them, to find out further whether their lord is willing to enter into union with us; then to unite further with the same Margrave's deputies, and also to speak with the Landgrave's deputy in Hesse, and to ask them how they were dispatched by their lord to Nuremberg after the farewell at Schmalkalden, with recovery of the farewell given at Schmalkalden, which of the property, contents of the written articles, so handed over to each part: Those who agree with us and others on the aforementioned articles of our holy faith, and who wish to insist that the same send their authorized message to Nuremberg on the appointed day for our and the other princes' messages, but who are not inclined to confess the articles of our holy faith, do not need to send them to Nuremberg on the appointed day. Now, if the Landgrave's deputies were to declare that they had been prepared to unite with ours and others of the same faith and sacrament in an instruction and sending to the Emperor's Majesty, they would not need to be sent to Nuremberg on the appointed day. Majesty: then ours shall enter into a settlement and further discussion with them, and then continue to act in the same way with those of Nuremberg and other cities. If, however, it were the case that the Hessians were to hear that their lord did not want to be sent by the other cities, and had perhaps allied himself with them, if this were to be noted, from which ours would also assume that the Landgrave is not inclined to send with us and the others who agree on Christianity, then we consider it unnecessary that his love should be advised in the issuance and counseling of the instruction. If his love would not be willing to send with us and ours, then our defender shall nevertheless unite with the Brandenburg, Nuremberg, and other defences that want to come to Nuremberg. And the sum is this: whoever confesses the Articles of Faith with us, and with God's help would insist on it, the same shall be admitted to the sending, settlement of the Instruction and alliance; but if anyone to those of Strasbourg and others, who have a misunderstanding in the Sacrament, and do not unanimously believe with us, according to the Articles, that it is the Landgrave, he shall be admitted to the sending, settlement of the Instruction and alliance.

or anyone else, they are not to be admitted to the council, in which way the instruction is to be given, nor to anything else. For it is one thing to confess the error of the sacrament, and to enter into alliance and confidential understanding with them; lest we should fall into it now, which we fled before. And all this is at stake if the cities all, or in part, separate themselves from us and the others for the sake of Christianity. But if they publicly confess the articles handed over after due consideration, it remains on the course, as is further reported below. And if the princes or cities, in the event that they are in agreement with us on the matter of Christianity, should apply for alliance, ours shall inform them that, since our councilor and dear friend, Hans von Mingkwitz, had previously sent them the articles of alliance, ours would be ordered to listen to and accept their reply, concerns and report, and to carry all this to us; with the understanding that a day would be set aside for this purpose, so that a final decision could be reached, since at the present time we do not really know what their minds would have wanted to rest on. If, however, they would not appeal to ours for the sake of the alliance, ours shall make mention of it and take their minds to what they intend to do about it. And to consider this against the Brandenburgs and those of Nuremberg in general and in particular, whether they want to enter into the union in unity or in particular, they shall be accepted with moderation, as reported above.

(2) As many of the other cities' deputies as will present themselves to ours, our deputy shall indicate to them what kind of farewell was recently taken by their lords and deputies at Schmalkalden: whereupon we above-mentioned have instructed our chancellor in the above-mentioned name to give the same farewell enough; in addition, ours shall offer to speak, act and conclude about it. Those of them who will insist on the main articles of faith, as mentioned above, which were handed over to them in Schmalkalden, and who will confess them like others, may be admitted to the discussion of the Instruction and other matters. If they would also be inclined to enter into a confidential understanding and covenant, like the others, our skilful shall not refuse such, but accept them in measure, like others.

3. even if Brandenburg and those of Nuremberg, as the most distinguished, are, as touched upon above.

If the first two would be willing to enter into the covenant and union, they should be all the more willing to enter into it with the others. If, however, it were a matter that they were all inclined to come into it, and to confess the articles of faith which they have hitherto held and moved with them, it would be in the order and the way of the previous trade, ours and the others', which are of one sacrament and faith. However, if Brandenburg and Nuremberg, alone or together with the other cities, do not want to conclude the articles with us and the others, as far as the faith is concerned, they shall not compare with them, either together or in particular, the instruction or answer. If, however, Brandenburg and Nuremberg want to be in agreement with us on the grounds of faith, as we have provided for them and noted next to them, and yet do not want to enter into any further new agreement, Magdeburg or other alliance against us, then we shall nevertheless unite with them, be it Brandenburg, Nuremberg or those who alone are in agreement with us on the grounds of faith, for the sake of the Emperor's Majesty with the Instruction; this is the main article of all this consideration. We also consider it convenient and useful that a number of respectable people have been appointed to Imperial Majesty. Majesty, and that the instruction be handed over by them in Latin, French and German; and that besides this, a small report be made in which the trade is summarized; and that the sent ones, if they are ordered by the princes and cities, come again to Nuremberg. And that the transfer and exchange would be held, as in the next; and that the sent ones, according to opportunity and requirement of the trade diligence and dräulichex weighting, would arrive to the sheerest. That it would also be proposed by ours by chance, as if they were doing it for the benefit of the trade, for themselves, and that it would not be detrimental to the same: we would, besides the other princes, take the trouble to send a count or other brave people of nobility, who would be at the imperial court and with the von Nassau, to the city. We would, in addition to other princes, endeavor to use a count or other brave people of nobility, who are in special esteem at the imperial court and with Nassau, to be skilful to the imperial majesty. What the same might be useful to the cause could well be assumed. To consider that the von Nassau and Alexander sweat be answered as it is deemed useful; likewise to consider whether the complaint, protest, appeal, and what our and the other skilful people encounter in our advertising and command for this reason should be allowed to come into print, or whether it should be left up to Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Answer should be delayed.

4) However, the Instruction to the Imperial Chancellor is not binding.

Majesty should be understood, ours will learn this from what we will send him hereafter, and otherwise, according to the occasion of the whole matter, move the same beside its circumstances, and pay attention to it, so that a steady, fair and Christian lawful answer may be given, thereby Imperial Majesty's ungracious farewell may be averted. Majesty's ungracious departure may be mitigated and averted. After we have considered above that it would be good that a count or some of the nobility would be sent to Imperial Majesty. Majesty: we also consider, according to the occasion and time, that it would not be unfruitful for one of the princes to be dispatched, and that Duke Ernst of Lüneburg would be able to personally petition Imperial Majesty. Majesty personally, on prior escort and assurance.

883 The instructions for a nme legation to the emperor and his brother, King Ferdinand.

See No. 879.

1. project of the instruction, what to do at the roman imperial majesty, our most gracious lord. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, our electors, princes, counts and cities, who are named below, are to advertise and act.

1. Maj. our submissive, most subservient, dutiful and entirely willing services in all obedience, as our most gracious Lord and Emperor. Afterwards Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty this opinion in submission: When we, upon Her Imperial Majesty's Majesty's request and description at the next Imperial Diet proclaimed and held at Speier. Majesty! We appeared there in our own persons and in our embassies sent by the cities, through some of the estates, in the appearance that they had sent their Imperial Majesty a message. Majest. (about which we have repeatedly indicated excellent causes and complaints as to why this is not proper for them, and why we could not consent to it on account of our consciences and souls), to make a supposed decision and resolution, which we are urged and inevitably caused to protest against, as far as the same article is concerned, and further to appeal to their Imperial Majesty, as our unanimous representative. Majesty, as our sovereign lord and protector, about such and such highly important complaints.

We have therefore, after the end of the above-mentioned Imperial Diet, decided to appeal to Her Imperial Majesty, the Holy Roman Emperor, and to a future common, free Christian council, to which the action of such matters, concerning the faith, belongs. Majesty, 1) to disobedience, or not to be interpreted as if we did not want to agree with the one that other estates were obliged to conclude at the reportedly held Imperial Diet for the sake of faith, without special and important causes; when it was decided beforehand and afterwards that we would not be able to register anything with Her Imperial Majesty with uncertain representation. Majesty; in all humble good opinion and to show our obedience to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty, as our united lord and ordinary authority, and that we need no other means or ways to remove the apportioned burdens than the natural and described rights, and that we seek our comfort, protection and protection, according to God the Lord, from their Imperial Majesty. Majesty. (how just) and to seek a Christian concilium in an orderly manner, our message to Her Imperial Majesty in Hispania. Majesty in Hispania, and to petition Her Majesty there on our behalf; which, however, Her Imperial Majesty at Genoa in Italy has done. Majesty met at Genoa in Italy. And although Her Imperial Majesty Majesty. the same has graciously heard our envoys of their request and of the order received from us, with necessary information of all occasions of the next Diet of Speier, and why it would not have been proper nor due to us, the protesting and appealing estates, without injury to our souls, salvation and conscience, also without the highest burden on our country and people, to so grant the above-mentioned leave, touching the first article, touching the faith: that we have committed ourselves against Her Imperial Majesty to the highest and most absolute authority. Majesty in the highest and most submissive manner, in the hope that such a submissive action, which is also quite necessary for us, will be granted to us by Her Imperial Majesty, as our Lordship. Majesty, as our most gracious Lord and Emperor, would give us a gracious answer and decision.

2 Recently, however, our envoys, when they returned from Italy from their Imperial Majesty, sent us a message. Majesty back to us and home. They reported that they had received an ungracious and quite unforeseeable farewell from us, and that they had been sent back to us.

1) Added by us.

them as from Her Imperial Majesty. Majest. The following is one of the concluding contents: that Her Imperial Majesty, the Holy Roman Emperor, has been reminded of this Speier farewell before our envoys arrive at Her Majesty. Majesty, having been reminded of this Speier farewell before our envoys arrive at Her Majesty's, and on account of several other indicated causes, has asked, requested and requested that, in accordance with Her Majesty's serious order previously issued to the estates of the empire, we should once again earnestly command that we consent to the farewell and resolution passed at Speier and comply with it in all respects. etc.

3) But when our envoys, after receiving the farewells and answers notified to them, 2) lodged our appeal there against the decision made by the Estates at Speier, their Imperial Majesties were informed of our decision. Majest. Secretaries, Magister Alexander Schweiß, in the place of Her Majesty, as they had been ordered to do in their dispatch from us, they would, before and before our appeal to Her Imperial Majesty, have been submitted to Her Majesty. Majesty according to necessity, they would have been taken by her Majesty's order to the inn at Plac. They were also seriously enjoined that in case of loss of life and property they were not to leave the inn, not to write behind them, nor to send some servants of theirs, all until further notice to their Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Majesty's decision. All of which we have heard with no small complaint and great horror, and would not have been able to provide ourselves with it before in this great brave deal, concerning conscience and God's word. For Her Imperial Majesty Majesty, our most gracious Lord, knows from imperial virtue and understanding how easy it is to judge and accept who would not want to have his mind made up if in such important matters, not concerning temporal goods, honor or welfare, but concerning consciences and the eternal salvation and harm of souls, he should find himself so over-hasty that his right and proper superiority (for which we recognize Her Imperial Majesty), to which the consciences and the Word of God are concerned, should not be able to give a ruling. Majesty), to which one has had the most submissive recourse by means and ways, which in much lesser and unimportant temporal matters admit all rights as a natural inevitable protection and shield, without doubt, and, as we note, by only the other part's too much, also unsuccessful submission, outside of proper legal cognition, to such mandates, of which Her Imperial Majesty's Majesty has the right to demand. Majesty. Answer 3) and the issued constriction of our envoys, and the same shall be moved by the unfavorable parties.

2) Document No. 846.

3) Document No. 846.

further be so interpreted and formed in the people, as without doubt did not remain: Because the entanglement of our embassies became known in the Empire of the German Nation a little sooner than the same came to us again, as if it had been carried out of our command to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty that we did not have the right nor the right, but were to blame, that our embassy carried the message of our, as Imperial Majesty, subordinate chieftains. Majesty's subjects, princes and cities, and not acted for themselves, of the natural and all peoples' rights, liberties and securities, on account of His Imperial Majesty. Majesty; in consideration of the fact that our skilful appellants, who have intervened at Speier after the leave has been granted, for the sake of the abatement of the imperial rights described above, are entitled to the same. Rights, interponed, for Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty. Person, as our Lord and Protector, by us and by our order to her Majesty's Secretaries on the same arduous parting alone and insinuated.

4. for this reason, out of our special high confidence in Your Imperial Majesty, we have no other choice than to accept them after a gracious hearing. Majesty, we have no other choice than that they should be accepted after a gracious interrogation of their necessary commanded action, and that they should be dispatched again with mercy; since this is what natural equity, reason and all respectability require, and so far it has been held everywhere against the infidels' and public enemies' embassy and legation.

5 However, we bear witness to Her Imperial Majesty's Majesty. We are, however, much more sorry for her Imperial Majesty than we are aware of the many important and excellent affairs with which she is overburdened, and that she may not have been reminded of all the opportunities that would have been due to her. For we have no doubt that at the time our embassy was with Her Imperial Majesty, things were in a state of flux. Majesty, the matters were discussed in the presence of impartial German counselors, as the same had informed Her Imperial Majesty of this in Her Majesty's presence. Majesty's royal election of a future Roman Emperor at Frankfurt for the honor and welfare of the German nation. Majesty would also be bound by the gracious obligation imposed by Her Imperial Majesty there at Frankfurt. Majesty there at Frankfort to the members of the Empire by grace and kindness, and without the requirement of equity, that Her Imperial Majesty should not allow any of the members of the Empire to be removed. Majesty not to rape any of the "imperial estates" for themselves, nor to permit others to do so, but to graciously allow each estate, where it might suffer proper justice, to remain in the same and otherwise due interrogation and equity; and, besides this, also to allow all of the

circumstances and occasion of the cause of our rightful protest and appeal, to His Majesty's Secretariat. Secretariats, also what is necessary to move these important matters everywhere: His Imperial Majesty would undoubtedly show a more gracious response against us. His Imperial Majesty would undoubtedly show himself with a more gracious response against us, and would not have been able to order such a mandate against us in any way before now.

(6) Although we stand in hopeful and quite undoubted confidence, since the same mandates have been with us until the time of the dispatch of these embassies and have not yet come to us, that His Imperial Majesty will now have received such opportunity and circumstances without such report that she will graciously abolish the same mandates in the pending appeal. Majesty will have received such an opportunity and circumstances of the matters without such a report now, that she will graciously abolish the same mandates in the pending appeal and let them be drawn again.

7 And after Her Imperial Majesty has indicated in her reply that Majesty indicates in her answer, as if the departure had been made solely to prevent, from that time on, further all kinds of frightening innovations, doctrines and sects, for which reason we should not have sought a refusal etc.

(8) Thereupon, our skilful ones shall inform and report to their Imperial Majesty. Especially so that our submissive and obedient will may be noted all the more, and our protestation and appeal may be made not out of any premeditation, but out of compelling necessity, for the sake of our souls' salvation.

(9) If the ambiguous article of the next Speier Farewell were to be upheld as presented to Her Imperial Majesty, we could also show ourselves by the grace of the Almighty that we are being unreasonably refused help in considering and closing ways that would be harmful. If, for the sake of the next article of the Speier Farewell, the situation were to be as presented to Her Imperial Majesty, then we could also be guided by the graces of the Almighty Himself in that we would unreasonably refuse to consider and close the ways that would prevent harmful and frightening innovations, doctrines and sects, and especially from now on.

(10) Thus, we have the honor to say that before the time of the next Speierian farewell and until then, the bravest refutations of all such frightening innovations and doctrines have been made and put forward from our princedoms, lands, territories, and by our own, that we invoked the entire empire's testimony.

(11) And with the help of the Almighty we are determined to avoid these and similar doctrines, of which there is a considerable difference, even though they arose before the time, concerning the reincarnation and what is known to the reverend Sacramental.

We are not allowed to proclaim, break in or allow the true Corpus Christi and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in our principalities, lands and territories, neither publicly nor secretly. Some of our friends, and others from the aforementioned greater part of the princes, princes and estates of the empire, know about this and have been appointed to the great committee at the next imperial diet, in addition to one or two of us, which we have let ourselves be heard about more than once and on account of such troublesome innovations and doctrines, no less than they, in a Christian and unprovable manner.

12. also refer us to the writ which we sent to them next at Speier, with notice of our complaints, to be read and moved, and which we again denied in our appeal: that our protestation and appeal on our part should and would remain and have been put to rest, where it thereby (as to prevent the reported and now henceforth such harmful and frightening innovations and doctrines, as her Imperial Majesty has requested to the other estates with almost too little report and to our displeasure) remained. Majesty's Majesty for the benefit of the other estates, with almost too little report and to our displeasure), and not also to have proceeded further to some abuses fallen with us by means of public divine writing before this time, to re-establish them and to impose them (as one then subjected oneself to this by a biased Mehrer, unheard and unconsidered of all instructions given). And after the Imperial Majesty Among the most important reasons why we of the imperial estates should accept the resolution and agreement made at Speier, the Imperial Majesty has set this motion: what is to be decided with the majority in the common imperial assembly, that the lesser part should not resist it, but live obediently; then our envoys shall submit the following report to their Imperial Majesty. Our envoys shall humbly report our report to their Imperial Majesty:

13. Your Majesty, as an emperor of great understanding, knows how to graciously guide himself, not only from reason and all uniformly just and divine orders, but also from the past histories of practiced imperial actions and acts, so that it will not be found at all that the common imperial assembly has ever subjected itself, or that it has considered it divine, just and just, in the confusions and divisions of our faith, the salvation of souls, and whatever may depend on it, to some action or order,

However small they may be, but the same things have from the time of the early church to this time always been discussed and acted upon in the common Christian and ordinary councils, to which not only the Holy Roman Empire, but all the common Christian classes, and especially those who are learned and understand the Holy Scriptures, are to be called and allowed, Those who have been taught and understand the Holy Scriptures should be called and discussed, and it should be done properly by divine right, by means of divine word and Holy Scripture, so that not the greater, but the more divine and true, should be decided and accepted there.

(14) For what Christian reasonable action could that be, if in a matter by someone, without prior necessary interrogation and diligent investigation of the root, from which the main action and error has its origin, what finally it should be recognized and carried out, when the imperial and other described rights do not allow such in temporal, civil matters by any means. But it is much more appropriate to act in matters of faith with the utmost diligence, seriousness and bravery, so that this can be justified before God, as a mighty Lord of heaven and earth (whose cause it is without means), with an undaunted conscience.

(15) How would we and other Christian people always be satisfied in our consciences if we were to place the foundation of our consciences and salvation on men, or on the decision of a superior made by men, and were to live by this decision, regardless of whether it is in accordance with divine truth or contrary to it? Because the holy word of God, as the foundation of our faith, is more worthy and more powerful than that it should take clarity from men, as it is said, through a superior, and God the Almighty bequeaths supremely and curses all men who place their trust, that is, their blessedness, in men.

(16) Moreover, all natural, reasonable equality and equity, which concerns many people in common, requires that this should not be done by some alone, but in the presence and with the knowledge of all those who are related to the matter and have an interest. Because this article of the agreement, in which the estates of the empire agree, [and which] 1) all Christians in general confess, states: what is repugnant to order?

1) In the old edition: "therein the imperial estates, but insgemein" etc.

nce again, it would be a discrepancy and inequality if, in the absence and ignorance of the others, the Christian estates, the lesser part, were to determine what is divine and Christian, and to decide in such a way, as if the others all had to be committed to it? Who could not assume from this a public division and separation of our Christianity, and therefore 1) conclude unquestionably that one error would cause the others and bring them along with it?

(17) However suspicious it would be considered by all reasonable people, their Imperial Majesty, out of high understanding, graciously considered that our opponents, who are opposed to the righteous, truthful teaching of the holy gospel, should teach, preach and write against it to the utmost, not with little persecution, and should be judges in this dichotomy: if they were not allowed to judge in their own matters for the sake of a temporal, according to all divine and human rights. And what irretrievable burden and disadvantage our consciences and those of our descendants would suffer from this, and what should be considered right and just, is easy to assume. Therefore, it is our hope that it would be acceptable to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty. would not consider it fair that in matters of the divine word a majority should take place, and that the counterpart should proceed as a party and judge against us, and that we should be bound to do with it against our conscience; There is no doubt that if we outnumbered them and outnumbered the other estates, they would suffer considerable hardship in return, since we wanted to advance with such a majority in these matters, and would not refrain from protecting and preserving themselves by legal means, as has now been done by us to our great need. In addition, as Her Imperial Majesty, the Majesty, as the fountain of all rights, know that cases may nevertheless occur in which the greater part is not to be concluded against the lesser part; as we are then before Her Imperial Majesty and the common Christian law. Majesty and the common Christian Council, in accordance with the form and occasion of this transaction.

18 From all of which Her Imperial Majesty, our most humble hope, has graciously and clearly noted. Majesty, at our most humbly request, graciously and clearly note the highly important, excellent and significant grievances, which do not concern temporal benefit or welfare, but rather the salvation and eternal harm of souls, against which we are in violation.

1) "accordingly" put by us instead of: "nevertheless".

We are of the opinion that the other estates need a parting and more of the means, rightly admitted as a natural and cheap protection, for our highest and unavoidable need, and, as it happens, have to protest, also further appeal to their Imperial Majesty and a common and free Christian council; and that in truth, as their Imperial Majesty may certainly believe us, there is no disobedience nor disobedience of any kind. Majesty and a common, free, Christian council; and that it is in right truth, as Her Imperial Majesty may surely believe us to be, of no disobedience, nor any other such concern, lust, outrage or malice.

19 For Her Imperial Majesty, even male. 19. For their Imperial Majesty, even male, can easily judge for themselves how we and some of our forefathers want to be willingly felt by their Imperial Majesty in all ways of honor, welfare, and all the best, and also in all things due and possible to our end; therefore, besides the fact that their Imperial Majesty is our rightful authority from God, we would much rather expect mercy from their Imperial Majesty and want to know and have a most gracious Emperor and Lord at his Imperial Majesty's side than to expect and have a most gracious Emperor and Lord at his Imperial Majesty's side for things unnatural. Majesty, and to know and have a most gracious Emperor and Lord at His Imperial Majesty's side, than that we want to burden Her Imperial Majesty upon us with matters that are unnecessary and move Her Imperial Majesty to displeasure alone, and would rather feel or be aware of the same displeasure besides our own unrest, as Her Imperial Majesty graciously indicates in the decision of her answer.

20 Moreover, that the Holy Scripture admonishes us to obey God in matters concerning His truth more than men. For whether we obey their Imperial Maj. Maj. and the Holy Roman Empire, as obedient members of the same, entangled with duties without means, and therefore guilty, indeed quite inclined and willing, to obey their Imperial Maj. Maj. as our rightful lord, with our persons, lands, people and property: yet our souls and consciences, like those of Her Imperial Majesty, are unconcealed. Maj. himself, are taken out of the hands of all men and placed under the rule and authority of the commandment alone, who bought and freed them with his blood, and to whose obedience, command and government we confessed and committed ourselves in baptism.

21 Although we also note from the much-reported reply of Her Imperial Majesty that the matter has been referred to Her Imperial Majesty. Maj.'s reply that the matter has reached Her Imperial Majesty with this palliation of the other states. Maj. that perhaps the Turks would by no means be resisted by such an equal understanding as the treaty allows: we nevertheless know of our special glory, and hope, especially we, those princes, princes and cities, that we will nevertheless be able, in the next Turkish emergency, to rely on the Turkish troops.

Her Imperial Majesty's Maj.'s gracious written request, and to the Royal Dignity of Hungary and Bohemia, Her Imperial Maj. Maj. brother, kindly and graciously requesting to praise God Almighty, to be kind to Her Imperial Maj. Maj. for subservience, Royal W. for kindly experience, and also for the benefit of Christendom and the Empire of the German Nation, both with the resistance of the Turk, which has been held at several imperial diets, at the request of Her Imperial Maj. Maj.'s request, and also what has been decided about it in the aforementioned emergency by Her Imperial Majesty and the Holy Roman Emperor. Maj. and K.W. and K.W., and, notwithstanding the much-touched discord, let it be heard that in the same, besides the fact that I, Duke Johann, Elector of Saxony, have not been the last to take the days set aside for the Turks, nor have I been otherwise lacking, we have not been the last to take the days set aside for the Turks; that therefore Her Imperial Maj. Majesty is graciously obliged to accept, with what justification such a thing may be brought to the attention of Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty to a cause to make Her Imperial Majesty all the more against us. Maj. to disgrace us all the more by this.

22 Since the Christian and imperial heart of Her Imperial Majesty is now once again set on this. Her Imperial Majesty's Christian and imperial heart is once again directed to this end, as Her Imperial Majesty has done several times before. Maj. has on several occasions graciously and Christianly put off a common concilii, and the answer given to Her Imperial Maj. Maj.'s answer that Her Majesty, in addition to the present complaint against the Turks, wishes to consult and help to resolve that peace, tranquillity and prosperity of all the estates of the Empire and of the whole of Christendom may come about for the promotion, increase and permanence of the honor and service of our Lord God Almighty, of our Christian religion and faith, and that all such things may be directed and brought to a divine and praiseworthy Christian being; to which end Her Imperial Maj. Maj. the eternal and almighty, merciful God, through Christ His Son, our Beatificator, is pleased to grant grace, happiness and prosperity.

23 And a common, free, Christian concilium is always considered the most useful and convenient way for a Christian settlement and reformation of the pending abuses and disputes, as therefore the other estates, with the content of their Imperial Majesty's next answer, have again requested. Maj.'s reply, once again ask for it, and no other means may be found. And where there is still a Christian, free Concilium

and it remains in the meantime with the parting in the 26th year, then her imperial majesty will also all Churfürsten and Stände of the empire. Majesty, as well as all Princes, Princes and Estates of the Empire, will be relieved of all the unrest that would otherwise have occurred at every Imperial Diet held up to now, due to such partings, as should now be held at the Concilii, and the disputation that would have occurred as a result will finally be shortened.

24. and we then also, without that by prevention, from that time on, to which this decree shall be primarily meant, to prevent all harmful and burdensome innovations, in accordance with the same decree, as we then also agreed before in none, and furthermore in everything else, as we trust the same against God and her imperial Majesty in a future Christian concilio. In addition, in case of necessity, since we do not want to be left of it, we are obliged to justify and justify our necessary appeal, as is due to us by law and equity.

25 And let our envoys most humbly request and entreat Imperial Majesty. Maj. most humbly request and entreat that Her Imperial Majesty may grant this request. Maj. and what has happened in all places up to now, especially the instruction and appeal handed over to our previous envoy, or the reasons and causes contained therein, will graciously take note of it, and move it, where in the matter in question, outside the ordinary determination of a common Christian council of all Christian states, even without prior necessary interrogation, thorough truthful inquiry as to how to act in such a brave important matter, what should be undertaken, acted upon and subjected to force, what great repugnance, unrest, division and sedition such should presumably arouse everywhere, and that which Her Imperial Majesty would like to see prevented. Maj. would like to see prevented; and that, after all this, Her Imperial Majesty would not be able to prevent it. Maj. graciously amend and rescind her given decree and the order therein, and as a Christian Emperor, who is commanded by God to administer and rule over the Holy Empire, as well as to handle the Christian name above others, graciously promote that in this article, concerning our holy faith, a man may, as is just, remain free and uninvolved in his conscience; and that, with the next, an entirely free, Christian, orderly council be held in a convenient location of the German nation for the most beneficial purpose, and that, in the same, of these matters, orderly and Christian, the basis be established.

and from the root of this ambiguous and important matter, by means that are proper in the sight of God, and thus by such an orderly way be brought to Christian peace and unity, and not to act by force and deed against those who would like to be Christians, seek the truth and do right: We also oppose this, and before our lawful appeal, which we are obligated to follow and prosecute legally in case of necessity, namely, since we, due to the above-mentioned causes that affect our souls' salvation and consciences, in addition to our petition concerning the burdensome innovations, at the parting of the previous Speierian Imperial Diet, when we quite humbly pledged ourselves to your Imperial Majesty, we were outside the framework of the Constitution of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. We were not to be allowed, outside the legal execution of our appeal, to be ungraciously or in any other way inconvenienced by the gracious undertaking given at Frankfurt by Her Imperial Majesty, the Estates of the Holy Roman Empire. Maj. to let the estates of the empire remain under ordinary law, against us, as their Imperial Maj. Maj. in all possible matters, nor to allow others to attest against us, and in particular to attest against our made and pending appeal, nor to act in any other way, but to issue once again a gracious order, as we have submissively requested from Her Imperial Majesty by our embassy. Maj. by our embassy. This will undoubtedly be a pleasing and orderly act to God Almighty, highly conducive to the right harmony and Christian reformation of all estates and the whole of Christendom, and also the only way to eradicate all confusion, abuses and unbelief, to plant Christian peace, and to have a rightly heartily unanimous being among the Christians, and before that in the German land.

26 For to what extent the proliferation, discord, and ineptitude of hard-headedness, so far outside of Christian negotiations, have preserved the pending abuses with tremendous acts of unheard-of things, and the people want to urge such public abuses by deed: that same action has been sufficiently indicated by past history. Therefore, we humbly request that Her Imperial Majesty will intervene in this matter as a matter of urgency. Maj. will, as a Christian head, evenly and graciously investigate the truth in this matter, and will graciously dispense with what is so abusive, and will be our most gracious Lord and Emperor. This undoubtedly honors God Almighty, and will please Her Imperial Majesty with all due respect. Maj. with all

The more they do, the more they communicate victory and salvation to their leaders, and the more they serve the Reich and the German nation for peace and harmony.

Moreover, it is quite frightening to hear among Christians that they should persecute one another for the sake of their faith in such a way and to the point of blood, and that they should do this against their members, brothers and relatives, that the unbelieving pagan superiors have used against the Christian community and the holy martyrs, for the purpose of exaltation of the divine name and its salvific, immortal word. And that Her Imperial Maj. Maj. will graciously take note of this highly caused, necessary notice from us, as Christian estates, who desire nothing but the truth and whatever may be conducive to the highest harmony of common Christianity. Maj. should certainly not have anything other than all obedient servitude and subservience with us, with all our property; we also wanted such, as obedient members of Her Imperial Majesty and of the Holy Roman Empire. Maj. and of the Holy Roman Empire, in order to make Her Imperial Majesty the most submissive. Maj. to the most subservient.

What the skilful are to advertise orally before Imperial Maj. Maj. the skilled are to advertise orally.

1st Most Sublime, Great Emperor, Most Gracious Lord! The most illustrious, noble, highborn princes and lords, lords N. N. and the wellborn counts N. N., together with the honorable and wise cities N. N., have sent us to E. kaiserl. Maj., their and our most gracious lord, with credence and command to present their great need, with humble request that Your Imperial Maj. Maj. to graciously hear our plea, which we hereby submit to Your Imperial Majesty.

2 Firstly, Your Imperial Grace and the others offer their submissive services to Your Imperial Majesty. Maj. their submissive and obedient services, and where E. kais. Maj. would be well and truly pleased to hear about blessed government, victory over her enemies, and the health of her body.

(3) Secondly, Your Imperial Majesty graciously bears knowledge of the permanent Christian causes of her chur- and F. Grace. Maj. graciously know, for what constant Christian causes your chur- and F. Grace, as well as others of your kinsmen, may not in good conscience have accepted before God the performed farewell of the next Imperial Diet, as far as it concerns faith; and especially from the fact that the same farewell is quite contrary to the previous one, unanimously erected and granted in the 26th year at Speier.

rvärtig and entgegen, dass auch ein Mehrers in den Dingen, das Wort Gott und unser Gewissen betreffend, nicht statthatten darf, viel wenig ein Part gegen den anderen, der nicht zugleich in die Handlung bewilligt, fortrücken darf.

(4) For this reason, also their Supreme and Federal Graces, and others, protested against it; and when, after manifold Christian exhortations, entreaties and requests, they did not want to yield from their authority, they appealed to Your Imperial Majesty as their supreme protection and umbrella, and to a free Christian council or national assembly. Maj. as their supreme protection and umbrella, and to a free Christian concilium or national assembly, and thereupon immediately dispatched their embassies with it, which Your Imperial Majesty has requested in Jtalia. Maj. have met in Jtalia, and there have reported in writing and orally on their masters' orders, according to their instructions.

(5) And although their Lord and F. Grace, and the others, would have provided, according to the occasion, and since nothing else was sought, but what is just and right, Your Imperial Majesty would have given them a gracious answer. Maj. would have given them a gracious answer, yet, in view of their previous causes and instructions, an ungracious answer has been given, and in such a way that they should once again grant and accept the same leave.

6 And when the deputies heard the same through Your Imperial Majesty's Secretary Sweat. Maj. Secretari Sweat, by their order, they have lodged the appeal, which was interposed at Speier after the parting made, before Your Imperial Maj. Maj. in the opinion that their Electoral and Imperial Grace, and others, would justify it in due time.

But before the same appeal was heard and read by Your Imperial Majesty. Maj., the said sweat has taken the embassies into custody in such a way that they should not leave the inn at Placenz, nor write anything to their masters about it, until further order of Your Imperial Maj. Maj. command.

(8) Although the embassies, according to natural and all peoples' and Your Imperial Majesty's written laws, should be free, and the infidels should not do anything unruly against such persons, and they should be allowed to enjoy their freedom and goodwill. Maj. written laws, and the infidels should not do anything untoward against such persons, and they should have enjoyed their good conduct and good deed of rights; moreover, that they neither spoke nor advertised anything else than what they were ordered to do, and their Electoral and Imperial Grace, and others, did not provide for this: nevertheless, they could have excused Your Imperial Majesty in this respect, because of the many transactions, and believe that where the same is rightly reported, they should not have done so. Maj. in this respect, on account of the many affairs, and believe that if the same had been rightly reported and, as is proper, remembered and acted in the presence of German, impartial advisors, they would have obtained a better decision.

(9) And are their churlish and princely graces, also the aforementioned cities, caused to us by the unpredictable answer. Grace, also the aforementioned cities, on account of the unforeseen answer, have caused us to be delivered to Your Imperial Majesty. Maj. with the order to inform Your Imperial Maj. Maj. humbly:

10 If it had this opinion, as it has reached Imperial Maj. Maj. with an unequal report, that the departure would be made in such a way, as it is touched upon in their answer, as if it were to be placed solely for the prevention, from that time on, of further all kinds of frightful innovations, doctrines and sects, then their churlish and princely grace and others would recognize themselves that they had sought unreasonable refusal. If, however, in her grace and in other lands and regions, the sects and doctrines of the Anabaptists and those who do not believe that the true body and blood of Christ are in the sacrament of the altar, which is expressly reported in the farewell, are preached, written, and taught fiercely and more than in other places, and her churlish and princely grace and others will continue to support them. Their electoral and princely grace, and others of their kinsmen, are again opposed to the same sects and erroneous doctrines, and want to remain so by means of divine help.

(11) What they have been asked to do in the Grand Committee and otherwise publicly before all the Estates of the Realm, they refer to their list, which they have handed over, and the counterpart's own statement.

(12) And that Your Imperial Majesty has suggested that a concilii might not be necessary. Maj. argued that perhaps a concilii should not be necessary, since this had once been decided by all the estates: on this we have orders to inform Your Imperial Majesty that if one speaks and acts only about matters that concern God's word and conscience, then it is impossible to come to a concilii. Maj. that if one speaks and acts solely on matters concerning God's word and conscience, it is impossible to come to a decision, since it is still not clear from the root, from which the division stems, how duly and properly God's word has been acted upon.

13 So may their chur- and princely grace, and the others, indicate at the appropriate time that this may not happen. The others may indicate at the appropriate time that the majority may not conclude, and first of all because the matter concerns the consciences, and as far as many are concerned, the will and consent must also be required, as the rights state. And if those who are on their side, and against one and the other's part, wanted to conclude as a majority 1) against the others, they would also consider it unequal, as reason dictates.

1) This sentence is completely out of order in the old edition. We have corrected it according to s 17 of the previous written instruction.

14 To what disruption of the common peace in the German nation this would lead, where it should be considered that the opposing party wanted to advance with its majority, and that this was considered a decided matter, then one misfortune would increase the other.

15 For this reason, it is considered useful by all estates, and also by Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty, that a free Christian concilium be announced in these matters, so that all those who are interested and consider themselves Christians may also be heard.

16 And no more useful way and means may be devised, and that in the meantime it would be held, as any authority "hoped to answer to God and Your Imperial Majesty". Maj. which is punishment enough if they expect the same.

17 And when ultimately in Ew. kais. Majesty. Majesty's reply, as if by living up to the parting, the Turks should be resisted all the more, we have again been ordered to send this report to Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty this report, that Her Royal and Princely Grace, at Your Imperial Majesty's request, is to be informed. Grace, on Your Imperial Majesty and his brother, King. Majesty and his brother, King Ferdinand, have shown themselves to be in such a position that they cannot be accused of any shortage and that they were the last in need. For this reason, their electoral and princely graces, and those of the others, have been granted. Graces, and the other, submissive request, Your Imperial Majesty would like to have this important matter dealt with. Majesty would graciously consider this important matter, even in honor of the Word of God, and rescind the mandates and orders, if they have not already been revoked otherwise, and most conducively call for a free Christian concilium in a convenient place, so that the cause of the discord may be properly traced and acted upon, and decree that, therefore, their message to Your Imperial Majesty in Italy, according to the content, be sent to your Majesty. Majesty in Italy, according to the content of their instruction and oral request, and consider that Their Electoral and Princely Graces, and others, are in the best interests of the Church. and others should be more obedient to him than to men in matters concerning God's honor. Otherwise, those who have been sent to us will recognize your Imperial Majesty as their rightful lord and master in all matters owed to us. Majesty for their rightful lord and emperor, and also want to show themselves to Your Imperial Majesty with all that is in their possession, as their forefathers and ancestors faithfully did. Majesty so that the latter shall have a good pleasure in it; as they have been diligent in all matters up to now, and have obediently pursued and paid everything that they were ordered to give against the Turk, for the maintenance of the chamber court, regiment, and otherwise.

18. and hand over to Your Imperial Majesty our Instruction. Majesty our Instruction, in which their Electoral and Princely Graces, and the other needs, are further set forth. and the others' needs, and ask, as stipulated therein, for Your Imperial Majesty's most gracious answer. Majesty's most gracious reply.

Salvo jure addendi.

2. draft of the instruction, what the strict N. and N. at the most illustrious etc. Ferdinand, King of Hungary and Bohemia, Imperial Majesty in the Holy Empire. Majesty, Governor of the Holy Empire, on our behalf.

1. beginning of their royal dignity to say our etc. Service etc. And then to indicate the following opinion: Their royal dignity would not know what happened at the recently held Imperial Diet at Speier concerning the parting there, in the article concerning faith, between the other imperial estates, us and our adherents and co-relatives, and that we, out of the distressed need of our consciences, also other brave, important causes, which we have reported to their royal dignity and to the imperial estates in writings, but before that, because they had protested against our amicable warnings, exhortations, entreaties and requests, in committee and otherwise, they had continued with such their resolution and farewell, had protested against it, and had also appealed against it in writings, as is proper to do; not of the opinion to cause some burdensome segregation or division among the imperial estates (for that should, if God wills, be far from us), but only to keep our consciences, as is fair, free and uncaptured, also to protect our faithful sovereigns and subjects from unequal complaints of their consciences and souls, and besides from revolts, disobedience, and an irretrievable apostasy, as every faithful authority is bound to do out of the duty of its commanded office of its property.

2 When we decided to send an embassy to the Roman Imperial Majesty, our most gracious Lord. Majesty, our most gracious Lord, as to whether Her Imperial Majesty would receive our protest and appeal to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty that we may, for the sake of our protest and appeal to Her Imperial Majesty, take another form. Majesty in a different form than we had intended for the action we had taken, and that we had been disparaged without cause; as we reported before and after with faith that we had very hardly been carried to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty: nevertheless, in honor of Her Imperial Majesty, we would have been carried away. Majesty's honor, out of a

but submissive and inclined will, and so that Her Imperial Majesty may have a clear and thorough report on us. Majesty may have a clear, thorough report of our dispositions, which also moved us to such a course of action and non-approval, to Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty our embassies and envoys to Hispania, which Her Majesty also encountered in Italy, and to give Her Imperial Majesty a clear and thorough report. Majesty. and have us inform her Imperial Majesty orally and in writing of many good, brave and respectable causes by which we have been driven to our protests and appeals out of necessity; with the special request that we accept the aforementioned Speierian ordinance in all other articles, outside of those against which we have publicly protested, and that we approve of it, and that we faithfully carry out what the aforementioned ordinance imposes on us, and that we do not adhere to the Holy Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and to rebaptism, but that we do not adhere to their Majesty's will., whom we recognize as our rightful lord and superior, and who should be powerful over our lands, people, bodies and goods, and likewise, as faithful members of the holy kingdom, want to show all submissive obedience, support and charity, and what we would be able to accomplish in the temporal, with eagerness. Wherever, on Christian grounds and according to the Scriptures, we should be directed to another than we held, believed and professed to be Christian, or should be directed to another by the ordinary determination of a free Christian council, by means of the divine word, that in such we, as Christian people, and who recognize themselves to be obedient members of the Christian Church, and who desire nothing but the truth, as is only fair, and who do not want to accept or defend an insanity, much less insist and submit to the resolute request of a subject, whether this treaty has reached or will reach Her Imperial Majesty in any other form. Majesty, but to be and remain our most gracious Lord and Emperor, as our envoys' advertisement and the sealed instruction handed over at length indicate, of which we are sending copies in the same wording to their royal dignity herewith, and have also provided ourselves entirely that these important causes of ours, as well as our submissive notifications, high requests and imploring petitions to Imperial Majesty, should at least be as much requested as possible. Maj. should at least have had so much respect that Her Majesty, in such a brave deal, which does not temporally affect property, honor, country or people, but souls, our conscience and bliss,

to keep the matters in the realm until Her Imperial Majesty's future. Majesty's future to the Empire, or until further thorough inquiry into our request, whether Her Imperial Majesty has ever entertained any doubt or lack of certain report in such matter. Majesty has ever entertained some doubt or lack of certain report in such matters, or have shown themselves in their answer to our envoy in such a way that we may indeed feel a favorable imperial and gracious inclination on the part of Her Majesty, as our Lord, towards our high subservience.

Not only has an ungracious, unforeseen farewell been given to our envoys in their Majesty's name, but it has also been sealed. 3. Not only have our envoys received and sealed in writing an ungracious unprepared farewell in her Majesty's name, of the opinion that we should again accept the Speier farewell made, live obediently to it, and do nothing against it, with the appendix, if we were to appear disobedient about it, that her Majesty would not avoid taking serious punishment against us etc., further contents of the same farewell etc. Majesty by our command, and the instrument of our Appeal Libell Master Alexander Schweißen, to their Imperial Majesty. Majesty's Secretaries, on account of Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty's Secretaries, are also to be informed of the appeal in the name of the Imperial Majesty. Majesty to their hostel at Placentia, where their Imperial Majesty is holding court. Majesty with her court, and besides entangled with high threat, not to give us, as their masters, any written or oral notifications of this.

4 However, we would certainly not have provided for this, according to the form of these things, according to the opportunity of the time and the course, also according to the concerns of the Holy Roman Empire, and according to the emergency needs that were present, and according to the causes that are reported hereafter. For we have sent our embassies this long journey to the Emperor's Majesty as our rightful representative. Majesty, as our rightful lord and superior, from whom we should seek and wait for the cheapest help, consolation and protection, and made them obedient, honorable and pleasing to Her Majesty. For one.

On the other hand, we have asked Her Imperial Majesty for a very necessary, friendly and unobtrusive opinion. Majesty a quite necessary, friendly and mild opinion, which could not have been given in a more submissive and respectful manner, from which the Imperial Majesty could not have drawn even the slightest disfavor. Majesty would not have been able to derive some motive for even the slightest disfavor.

Thirdly, our envoys have at that time, on the basis of such an unpredictable and burdensome farewell, only appealed our previous appeal from the Speierische Reichsabschiede kaiserl. Majesty.

Secretaries, solely according to our unavoidable necessity, in all submissiveness insinuated, and us thereby in her imperial majesty. Majesty. Majesty's protection and protection.

7) Fourth: We have not made our appeal before any foreign judge or any disorderly, inconvenient place, but first of all before the Imperial Majesty himself as our protector and protector. Majesty himself, as our protector and guardian; therefore, out of special, high trust that we have placed in Imperial Majesty, we are justified in relying on him. Maj., we have no other recourse than that Imperial Majesty, in accordance with his gracious wishes, may grant us the right. Majesty, after gracious interrogation of our embassies, should have accepted the action ordered by necessity, and should have dispatched them again with grace; even though natural equity, reason and all respectability require this, and so far embassies and legates have been held everywhere against the infidels and public enemies. But that our messages would have met with a different outcome, Her Majesty could easily have considered, to whom such a thing would not have been fair to his mind, first of all, if he [the Emperor] should find himself in such a hurry in such important matters, which do not concern temporal goods, honor or welfare, but the consciences, and the eternal salvation and disaster of souls.

Fifthly: That in the imperial and all written laws it is expressly provided for necessity that all legates and embassies in all places have comfort, freedom and assurance, and as long as their legation lasts shall not wait for some burdensome action, as also such rights against the Turk's and public enemies' embassies have hitherto been held: much more and cheaper should, in our opinion, that against Christian estates, against the Empire's kinsmen and members, also obedient to the Imperial Majesty, the right of the Imperial Majesty to take action be granted. Majesty. Majesty's subjects as foreigners; moreover, that the Imperial Majesty should also be careful in the entrance and election of his subjects. Majesty had promised and undertaken against all Electors in place of the common estates of the Empire, that Her Imperial Majesty would not allow any of the subjects of the Empire to be elected. Majesty will not rape any of the imperial estates for herself, nor will she permit others to do so, but will allow each estate, where it may suffer due justice, to have due hearing and equity, and will order others to do so. Item, that Her Imperial Majesty Majesty shall have and maintain her residence, estate and court in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation for the honor, benefit and good of all members, estates and subjects there. Item, that her imperial. Majesty shall grant their offices, offices at the Court

and in the empire, with no other nation than native Germans, who are not of a different class or nature, but are truly honest people of princes, counts, lords, nobility and other brave people of good origin.

9 Our envoys of the royal dignity shall do all this. Dignity, as at this time Imperial Maj. Maj. in the Holy Roman Empire, also indicate our need of official, friendly and subservient opinion, and with the best modesty, and at the same time make it known that we presume to be of service to this Imperial Majesty. Majesty. This farewell and action is due in no small part to the fact that the Imperial Majesty, in the time of her Imperial Majesty's reign, has spent very little time and now 1) not for a long time in the Holy Roman Empire, and therefore has not reported thoroughly on the occasion of the affairs of the Empire, but before that, as is the case with all acts of faith and the Gospel, and as the necessity of such heavy and important matters requires to the highest degree, and in addition has been so burdened with much other business of her Majesty's own that her Imperial Majesty has not been able to report on the affairs of the Holy Roman Empire. Maj. of the Holy Roman Empire's affairs at this time. Thus also Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty has few German advisors, first of all those who know the actions, concerns and complaints of the Empire and the opportunity of the Imperial Estates and the German nation, that we are also interested in this trade in a remarkable and excessive way, and therefore it is impossible for the Imperial Estates to leave Speier in the articles of faith, for the reasons which have been brought to the attention of Imperial Majesty by our embassies. Majesty through our messages, that we would anger God Almighty as our rightful Lord, Creator, Sustainer and Savior, knowingly act against His divine word and truth, deliberately weigh down our conscience, and burden our obedient subjects with all unhappiness; which, however, all Christian people, at the loss of their souls' salvation, owe their highest fortune to prevent, and to guard against. Thus it has never been the duty of the imperial estates to first make a decision about the Imperial Majesty as their lord. Majesty, as their lord, in this matter concerning faith, Christian doctrine and religion, in which only a Christian Christian may be protected, which has been proclaimed to all the imperial states and has not been revoked or rescinded by their Majesty to this day.

1) "now" put by us instead of: "only". - After the Diet of Worms in 1521, Emperor Carl V left Germany and did not return to the Diet of Augsburg until 1530, after an absence of nine years.

It is the duty of the Council of Europe, through proper Christian means, and not of some of the states of the empire, to act and determine, in the form and without interrogation of the principal matters and parties, what to recognize, to decide, or to forbid anyone to accept against his conscience; nor should it behoove us, in such high divine dealings, to look to the more or the more unanimous of men, as some suppose, but rather to the one true Word of God.

10 We are therefore determined to again send an excellent message to Imperial Majesty. Majesty, also to report our above complaints of all ends even more and more nobly to her, with the comforting confidence that we will find a different and gracious mind and farewell with Her Imperial Majesty. Majesty a different and gracious mind and farewell.

11. Since the Holy Empire has never been in greater danger in many hundreds of years, and has been burdened with heavier obligations than it is now, there is no other reason to suspect from all true reports than that the hereditary enemy of our faith, the Turk, will return in the coming summer and perhaps try his luck even more fiercely and bravely than before, It is of the utmost importance to us that the Christian nations unite with one accord, sit faithfully in one another, and do their best as brothers next to one another, and each let the other's concerns and hardships be his own affairs, to unanimously resist the hereditary enemy of the Christian faith with the grace and help of God, who, above all, is to be invoked and prayed for daily through faithful prayer. But the way to do this is not at all to make the estates of the empire do what is most unbearable and burdensome to them for the sake of their souls, consciences, country and people, and to act by force without proper, fair and thorough interrogation and Christian determination, as the royal dignity, as an understanding Christian king, to whom the occasion and present need of the Holy Roman Empire and the German nation is known and not hidden from others, cannot easily consider. And our envoys shall thereupon request and entreat their royal dignity in an entirely official and humbly manner, since we are committed to their royal dignity with all friendship, inclination and grace, and that their royal dignity of the Holy Roman Empire and Imperial Majesty of the Holy Roman Empire may be granted. Majesty. Majesty, as well as Christian peace, harmony and obedience of the subjects with all possible means.

that her royal dignity will then send an excellent message on behalf of her royal dignity, in addition to our envoys, to the imperial majesty, and that her majesty will help to consider this high trade with diligence. Majesty, and to ask and entreat Her Majesty most diligently to consider this high transaction graciously, and to consider not only some special estates, but common Christendom, the Holy Empire and the German Nation's honor, benefit and prosperity, in addition to Her Majesty's own highest welfare, and in our protestation or appeal. until a common, free, Christian concilium, or to put this trade at rest, where it may be acted upon with proper forethought and necessary diligence, and that which is most useful, most Christian and most conducive to common peace may be promoted and taken in hand: this would actually [be the right way] 1) and prevent the imperial estates from much unhappiness and presumably separation, against imperial majesty in the case of men. Majesty, promote a great obedient love and inclination among men, and make the royal dignity much friendship and good will, which we are also willing and submissive to earn for their royal dignity.

Nota: Where the Royal Majesty of Hungary and Bohemia of the Princes, Princes and Estates would request instructions to His Imperial Majesty. Majesty, the embassies of Her Majesty shall also comply with them.

884. Derer von Nürnberg's submitted concern as to why it would be more useful to discontinue these legations.

See No. 879.

Causes and concerns of the people of Nuremberg, why it might be more useful to stop the shipment to the imperial majesty at this time.

First of all, it is no consolation at all that without the royal dignity of Hungary and Bohemia, the protesting estates will achieve anything fruitful or change the previous imperial decree, since these matters of faith and other matters of the empire and the German nation, as is certainly known, will all be discussed and debated at the royal court beforehand.

(2) If the king should not send an embassy, or if he should not want to promote this trade in the most faithful way, then not only would, as reported, the

1) Added by us.

It is not only fruitless and futile, but also, as every reasonable person may consider, the matter would be worse than before, because not only at the imperial court, but also at the royal court, one would have to worry about more disfavor and hardship, also less change of imperial majesty's mind and farewell than before. Majesty's mind and farewell than before.

3. Item 3: Since it is no small advantage for the protesting estates in this matter that the writ or the imperial command on which her Majesty's farewell is primarily based has not yet been delivered; For this reason, the estates have to excuse themselves in every way and say that they cannot assume anything else from the non-response to such an order than that her imperial majesty has changed her mind, through which the protesting estates' insistence on the Speierian imperial decree has even gained a great reputation, and an honor with imperial majesty and all estates. It is to be considered whether, by the present sending, and since it is more doubtful than certain whether a gracious farewell can be obtained from the Emperor, the Emperor will not be induced to hand over such an order, upon which Her Majesty's farewell is finally forthcoming, and also to cut off from the Estates the advantage they previously had with it, and thus to make the matter much worse than better.

4. Item 4: In case of doubt as to whether one has not shied away from giving the Emperor a gracious farewell and amendment of that which Her Imperial Majesty has refused to give to the protesting estates in response to their first dispatch, it is better and less burdensome, depending on all reasonable concerns, to take the safer path, in which the estates are less inconvenienced; But this is that one may still be out of time, and have a stir at the runnings and Reichstag, and not cause trouble with that which one has thought of in the best way.

Item 5: Everyone must admit that the closer the emperor is to the pope, and likewise the farther he is from the empire, the more difficult it is to deal with him in this matter, which is almost repugnant to the whole world, but especially to the pope.

Item 6: In the meantime, the protesting estates do not need the nearer Imperial Diet, before these runs in the empire, and all because the emperor is not in the empire in his own person, a mighty march or other so burdensome

The people of the city are not yet allowed to worry about this in the absence of the emperor. For what reason do the estates now want to send to the emperor to prevent and dissuade that which they are not yet allowed to worry about in the absence of imperial majesty?

7. It is obvious what great costs have now been incurred for the embassies in Italy to the Emperor's Majesty; should one now send again, and perhaps, according to necessity, a brave or respectable embassy; likewise, should an embassy be obtained from the King of Bohemia, which would then also be at the expense of the estates: Consider, then, what excessive cost this would be, and how burdensome it would be for the protesting estates, since the lesser part would send and bear it; moreover, that the same cost would be in vain, no less than the previous one.

(8) Therefore it is considered most fruitful, but on the previous request of our most gracious and gracious lords, the electors, princes and estates, as the more prudent, that the shipment not now finally decided, but the causes by their electoral and princely councils be brought behind them to their most gracious and gracious lords. They have decided that a further day should be appointed for this purpose, each party opening its opinion to the other in writings.

9 And that, nevertheless, in the meantime, when something troublesome should happen to the estates to their detriment, they do this to know about each other, faithfully compose themselves, and thus show themselves against each other as he would have liked from the other.

885 Draft of a letter brought by the Margrave of Brandenburg to Borschlag and to be sent to the Emperor instead of the legation.

See No. 879.

Project of a Letter of the Protesting Estates to Imperial Majesty. Majesty.

Most Gracious Sir! We have received our decreed embassies, which we sent after the next Speier Diet, for the sake of our necessary protest and appeal, which is allowed in all rights, from high submissive

We have been sent to your Imperial Majesty, as our most gracious Emperor, Lord and Protector, with confidence, and report on their return, as they have graciously heard from your Imperial Majesty in their first advertisement. Majesty in their first advertisement, and have also been graciously put off: of this we say to Your Imperial Majesty that we are entirely submissive. Majesty our most humble thanks. But after our embassies reported to us, when they waited several days for your Imperial Majesty's gracious answer and dispatch, and were in despair of the same (according to their submissive advertisement ordered by us), that they, perhaps due to our displeasers, or those who have not reported this trade and the Holy Empire's opportunity in a necessary manner. Not only have they been served an unforeseen farewell in writs, but also that they, when they had interposed our appeal to Speier to your imperial majesty's secretaries, had alone insinuated it with all submissiveness before your imperial majesty had read or read the same properly. Majesty may read or hear them properly and consider them according to equity, they are arrested in the hostel and obliged not to write anything to us nor to send any servant of theirs to us until your Imperial Majesty's further notice; And although they have graciously refrained from such arrest and obligation, this has been heard of everywhere in the empire, and interpreted by many as if our embassies had solicited and acted something on our behalf that was not proper; but which is and should be far from us. Nevertheless, this does not cause us any slight disgrace and disadvantage; out of loyalty, we would be inclined and willing to send other of our noble embassies to your Imperial Majesty, and to have your Imperial Majesty informed of our complaint with a more thorough report of the matter. But since we hear and understand that your Imperial Majesty in Italy is burdened with considerable great business, and is willing to come to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation as soon as possible after the completion of his business in Italy, for all of which we wish your Imperial Majesty God Almighty's mercy and all welfare, as those who in truth enjoy your Imperial Majesty's future to the highest degree and humbly ask the same to promote it as soon as possible: We therefore abstain from any other than submissive, faithful, good opinion to Your Imperial Majesty. We therefore refrain from burdening your Imperial Majesty this time with any other message of ours, but are of the submissive will and mind, when your Imperial Majesty comes out into the Empire, to send the same to your Imperial Majesty.

Majesty's own person, or by our public message, for the sake of matters touched upon, to make further thorough and, in our hope, such a good report that Your Imperial Majesty will not only change her leave, given to our previous message in haste and on unequal report, but will be our most gracious Emperor and Lord. Majesty will not only change her farewell, given to our previous message in haste and on unequal report, but will be our most gracious Emperor and Lord, and will hear from all actions that in all our doings we are more, or ever not less, than anyone else to your Imperial Majesty, the Holy Roman Empire. Majesty, the Holy Empire and common Christendom, and have wanted nothing better. When we also defended ourselves against the tyrannical Turkish invasion by surrendering our common imperial treasury in money, we also subsequently called upon Your Imperial Majesty's gracious consent. Majesty's gracious request, and your Imperial Majesty's brother, the King. Majesty's brother, Royal Dignity of Hungary and Bohemia, friendly and gracious request, with consultation, salvation, consolation and other assistance, before and besides other Imperial Estates, in such a way that we have therefore received thanks from the said Your Imperial Majesty's brother. Majesty's brother, and hope no less for the same from Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty; and we also remember this and other things to your Imperial Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire. Majesty and the Holy Roman Empire as pious, faithful, obedient, Christian princes, as far as our fortune of body and good extends, as from our forefathers and ancestors to your Imperial Majesty and the same forefathers to your Imperial Majesty. Majesty and the same ancestors until their death. And on all this, to Your Imperial Majesty, our all-subject Majesty our most humble request, whether we have been or would still be brought into your Imperial Majesty together or in a different form. Majesty, that Your Imperial Majesty may grant the same our right. Your Imperial Majesty will not give credence to our plea for necessity without being heard, nor, without prior proper interrogation and recognition of the right, will he allow himself to be moved to disgrace or other complaint against us, as Your Imperial Majesty, as a just man, would have us do. Your Imperial Majesty, as a just emperor, is entitled to do, and to grant the same to Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty will graciously do so in accordance with our submissive high trust. This we wish to do towards Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty in all due submissiveness obediently and entirely willingly. Hereupon also command us to Your Imperial Majesty. Majesty, as our most gracious Emperor, protector and patron; and although we, in accordance with the law and with all due and equitable considerations, have no other means of support for Your Imperial Majesty, we nevertheless ask you to grant us the right to do so. Majesty, we humbly request Your Imperial Majesty's gracious attention. Majesty's gracious reply to this messenger. Date etc.

By the Grace of God John, Duke of Saxony, Elector etc., George, Margrave of Branden-

bürg etc., Ernst and Franciscus, brothers, dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, Philipp, landgrave of Hesse etc., Wolfgang, prince of Anhalt, Gebhardt and Albrecht, counts and lords of Mansfeld, and the honorable free and imperial cities, related to the above-mentioned trade.

To the Imperial Majesty.

886: The Protesting Princes and Estates' Departure from the Nuremberg Action. Nuremberg, January 12, 1530.

See No. 879. Further in Lünig's Imperial Archives, xart. ML. eont. II, x>. 333.

As the most illustrious and the most illustrious Highborn Prince and Lord, Mr. Johannsen, Archmarshal and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire. Reichs Erzmarschall und Churfürsten; Mr. Georgen, Margrave of Brandenburg, and Mr. Philippsen, Landgrave of Hesse, my most gracious and gracious counsellors, and among them also the counsellors of the most illustrious, high-born and well-born princes and lords, Mr. Ernsten and Mr. Franciscen, Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, Mr. Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt, and Mr. Gebhardden and Mr. Albrechten, brothers, counts and lords of Mansfeld; and then of an honorable council at Nuremberg council message, for themselves and by force of the honorable cities of Winsheim, Reutlingen, Weißenburg am Nordgau, on the parting recently at Schmalkalden have been with each other: have reported to my most gracious and gracious lords and an honorable council of Nuremberg, first of all an instruction to the Roman. Imperial. Majesty, our most gracious Lord. In addition

An instruction has been issued as to whether it would please their electoral and princely graces and the other estates to send the same to the royal dignities in Hungary and Bohemia. The Nurembergers have been given instructions as to whether it is desirable to send them to the royal dignities of Hungary and Bohemia. However, when the Nurembergers raised a number of reasons for considering whether to send to the Imperial Majesty and the Royal Dignity of Hungary and Bohemia, they did so. Majesty and the royal dignity should still be sent at this time, the authorities of their sovereignty want to report on the simplest of these. And the council is moved, if some of the ranks find out that all or some of the others might be entitled to some objectionable burden, to report this to the other in confidence. Even if the mandate, of which Imperial Majesty Majesty. If the mandate of which Imperial Majesty is notified were to proceed, the Elector of Saxony would, as far as possible and always tolerable, inform the other estates that agree with his Electors on the articles of faith and Christianity that have been handed over. He will have them describe in a hurry to a convenient place or otherwise indicate in writing what would be useful and good to do to avert the burdensome care and disadvantage, and send it to the imperial majesty and royal dignity. Majesty and royal dignity, or in other ways. And since it is presumed that His Imperial Majesty will be present on the first day of his visit, it is not necessary to send a letter. Majesty will call an Imperial Diet on the first day of March, and perhaps not all the estates will appear in person, it is considered good that in the meantime everyone should be concerned about what is to be brought forward or otherwise acted upon at the same Imperial Diet where it is to be attended, so that hereupon they will have to compare and decide with each other all the more respectably. All these things the deputies have agreed to carry to their sovereignty, and what will be the concern of each of them in all this, shall be submitted within a month to the Elector of Saxony, and later by his Electoral Grace to the other estates. His Grace to the other estates. Actum Nuremberg, Wednesday after Trium Regum [12 Jan] Anno Domini 1530.