nor adhere in any manner whatsoever to the proposed decree , in anything that is contrary to God , to His holy word , to our right conscience , to the salvation of our souls .”
“ What ! we ratify this edict ! We assert that when Almighty God calls a man to His knowledge , this man nevertheless cannot receive the knowledge of God !” “ There is no sure doctrine but such as is conformable to the word of God .... The Lord forbids the teaching of any other doctrine .... The Holy Scriptures ought to be explained by other and clearer texts ; ... this Holy Book is , in all things necessary for the Christian , easy of understanding , and calculated to scatter the darkness . We are resolved , with the grace of God , to maintain the pure and exclusive preaching of His only word , such as it is contained in the biblical books of the Old and New Testaments , without adding anything thereto that may be contrary to it . This word is the only truth ; it is the sure rule of all doctrine and of all life , and can never fail or deceive us . He who builds on this foundation shall stand against all the powers of hell , while all the human vanities that are set up against it shall fall before the face of God .”
“ For this reason we reject the yoke that is imposed on us .” “ At the same time we are in expectation that his imperial majesty will behave toward us like a Christian prince who loves God above all things ; and we declare ourselves ready to pay unto him , as well as unto you , gracious lords , all the affection and obedience that are our just and legitimate duty .”— Ibid ., b . 13 , ch . 6 .
A deep impression was made upon the Diet . The majority were filled with amazement and alarm at the boldness of the protesters . The future appeared to them stormy and uncertain . Dissension , strife , and bloodshed seemed inevitable . But the Reformers , assured of the justice of their cause , and relying upon the arm of Omnipotence , were “ full of courage and firmness .”
“ The principles contained in this celebrated Protest ... constitute the very essence of Protestantism . Now this Protest opposes two abuses of man in matters of faith : the first is
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