Never had the sacerdotal party appeared in the diet in such numbers, or so powerful and decided.[145] On the 5th March, Ferdinand, the president of the diet, after him the Dukes of Bavaria, and lastly the ecclesiastical Electors of Mentz and Treves, had entered the gates of Spire surrounded by a numerous armed escort.[146] On the 13th March, the Elector of Saxony arrived, attended only by Melancthon and Agricola. But Philip of Hesse, faithful to his character, entered the city on the 18th March to the sound of trumpets, and with two hundred horsemen. [145] Nunquam fuit tanta frequentia ullis conciliis ἁρχιερἑων quanta in his est.--(Corp. Ref. p. 1039.) [146] Mogantinum et Trevirensem cum comitatu armato.--(Seckend. ii. p. 129.) The divergence of men's minds soon became manifest. A Papist did not meet an Evangelical in the street without casting angry glances upon him, and secretly threatening him with perfidious machinations.[147] The Elector-palatine passed the Saxons without appearing to know them;[148] and although John of Saxony was the most important of the electors, none of the chiefs of the opposite party visited him. Grouped around their tables, the Roman-catholic princes seemed absorbed in games of hazard.[149] [147] Vultu significant quantum nos oderint, et quid machinentur.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1040.) [148] Pfalz kennt kein Sachsen mehr.--(Epp. Alberti Mansfeld.) [149] Adversæ partes proceres alea tempus perdere.--(L. Epp. iii. p. 438.) [Sidenote: HOSTILITY OF THE PAPISTS.] But erelong they gave positive marks of their hostile disposition. The Elector and the Landgrave were prohibited from having the Gospel preached in their mansions. It was even asserted at this early period that John was about to be turned out of Spire, and deprived of his electorate.[150] "We are the execration and the sweepings of the world," said Melancthon; "but Christ will look down on his poor people, and will preserve them."[151] In truth God was with the witnesses to his Word. The people of Spire thirsted for the Gospel, and the Elector wrote to his son on Palm Sunday: "About eight thousand persons were present to-day in my chapel at morning and evening worship." [150] Alii exclusum Spiræ, alii ademtum electoratum.--(Ibid.) [151] Sed Christus respiciet et salvabit populum pauperem.--(Corp. Ref. i. p. 1040.) The Roman party now quickened their proceedings: their plan was simple but energetic. It was necessary to put down the religious liberty that had existed for more than three years, and for that purpose they must abrogate the decree of 1526, and revive that of 1521.