204 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
[ 200 ] danger of revolt, they should at least effect no new reform, they should touch upon no controverted point, they should not oppose the celebration of the mass, they should permit no Roman Catholic to embrace Lutheranism.” 286 This measure passed the Diet, to the great satisfaction of the popish priests and prelates.
If this edict were enforced,“ the Reformation could neither be extended... where as yet it was unknown, nor be established on solid foundations... where it already existed.” 287 Liberty of speech would be prohibited. No conversions would be allowed. And to these restrictions and prohibitions the friends of the Reformation were required at once to submit. The hopes of the world seemed about to be extinguished.“ The re-establishment of the Romish hierarchy... would infallibly bring back the ancient abuses;” and an occasion would readily be found for“ completing the destruction of a work already so violently shaken” by fanaticism and dissension. 288
As the evangelical party met for consultation, one looked to another in blank dismay. From one to another passed the inquiry,“ What is to be done?” Mighty issues for the world were at stake.“ Shall the chiefs of the Reformation submit, and accept the edict? How easily might the Reformers at this crisis, which was truly a tremendous one, have argued themselves into a wrong course! How many plausible pretexts and fair reasons might they have found for submission! The Lutheran princes were guaranteed the free exercise of their religion. The same boon was extended to all those of their subjects who, prior to the passing of the measure, had embraced the reformed views. Ought not this to content them? How many perils would submission avoid! On what unknown hazards and conflicts would opposition launch them! Who knows what opportunities the future may bring? Let us embrace peace; let us seize the olive-branch Rome holds out, and
286 D ' Aubigné, b. 13, ch. 5.
287 Ibid. 288 Ibid.