This diet was to be a lay council, or at the very least a national convention.[347] The Protestants foresaw that a few unimportant concessions would be made to them at first, and then that they would be required to sacrifice their faith. It was therefore necessary to settle what were the essential articles of christian truth, in order to know whether, by what means, and how far they might come to an understanding with their adversaries. The Elector accordingly had letters sent on the 14th March to the four principal theologians of Wittemberg, setting them this task, all other business being laid aside.[348] Thus, instead of collecting soldiers, this prince drew up articles: they were the best armament. [347] Cum hæc comitia pro concilio aut conventu nationali haberi videantur.--(Seckend. ii. p. 17.--Letter to the Elector, Corp. Ref. ii. p. 26.) [348] Different projects will be found in _Forstenmanns Urkundenbuch_, i. p. 63-108, and in the Corp. Ref. iv. p. 973, sqq. Those that were presented were doubtless the _Articuli non concedendi, Articles not to be conceded_. They treat of the communion in both kinds, of celibacy, the mass, orders, the pope, convents, confession, distinction of meats, and of the sacraments.--(Corp. Ref. iv. p. 981.) Luther, Jonas, and Melancthon (Pomeranus remaining at Wittemberg), arrived at Torgau in Easter week, asking leave to deliver their articles in person to Charles the Fifth.[349] "God forbid!" replied the Elector, "I also desire to confess my Lord." [349] Mirantibus hominibus.--(Seck. ii. p. 153.) John having then confided to Melancthon the definitive drawing up of the confession, and ordered general prayers to be offered up, began his journey on the 3d April, with one hundred and sixty horsemen, clad in rich scarlet cloaks embroidered with gold. Every man was aware of the dangers that threatened the Elector, and hence many in his escort marched with downcast eyes and sinking hearts. But Luther, full of faith, revived the courage of his friends, by composing and singing with his fine voice that beautiful hymn, since become so famous: _Eine vaste Burg ist unser Gott_. Our God is a strong tower.[350] Never did soul that knew its own weakness, but which, looking to God, despises every fear, find such noble accents. [350] We have attempted a very feeble translation of the second stanza. With our own strength we nought can do, Destruction yawns on every side: He fights for us, our champion true, Elect of God to be our guide. What is his name? The Anointed One, The God of armies he; Of earth and heaven the Lord alone-- With him, on field of battle won, Abideth victory. [Sidenote: LUTHER REMAINS AT COBURG.] This hymn was sung during the diet, not only at Augsburg, but in all the churches of Saxony, and its energetic strains were often seen to revive and inspirit the most dejected minds.[351]