206 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
[ 202 ] troubles and divisions. The Diet is incompetent to do more than preserve religious liberty until the council meets.” 291 To protect liberty of conscience is the duty of the state, and this is the limit of its authority in matters of religion. Every secular government that attempts to regulate or enforce religious observances by civil authority, is sacrificing the very principle for which the evangelical Christians so nobly struggled.
The papists determined to put down what they termed“ daring obstinacy.” They began by endeavoring to cause divisions among the supporters of the Reformation, and to intimidate all who had not openly declared in its favor. The representatives of the free cities were at last summoned before the Diet, and required to declare whether they would accede to the terms of the proposition. They pleaded for delay, but in vain. When brought to the test, nearly one half their number sided with the Reformers. Those who thus refused to sacrifice liberty of conscience and the right of individual judgment, well knew that their position marked them for future criticism, condemnation, and persecution. Said one of the delegates,“ We must either deny the word of God, or— be burnt.” 292
King Ferdinand, the emperor ' s representative at the Diet, saw that the decree would cause serious divisions unless the princes could be induced to accept and sustain it. He therefore tried the art of persuasion, well knowing that to employ force with such men would only render them the more determined. He“ begged the princes to accept the decree, assuring them that the emperor would be exceedingly pleased with them.” But these faithful men acknowledged an authority above that of earthly rulers, and they answered calmly,“ We will obey the emperor in everything that may contribute to maintain peace and the honor of God.” 293
In the presence of the Diet, the king at last announced to the
291 Ibid. 292 Ibid. 293 D ' Aubigné, b. 13, ch. 5.