"Most Serene Princes!" replied Luther, "I give you thanks for your solicitude, for I am only a poor man, and am too humble to be exhorted by such high lords."[556] Then he continued, "I have not blamed all the councils, but only that of Constance; because, in condemning this doctrine of John Huss, viz.--_that the Christian Church is the assembly of those who are predestinated to salvation_[557]--it condemned this article of our creed, _I believe in the holy Catholic Church_; and the Word of God itself. My lessons, it is said, give offence," added he. "I answer that the gospel of Christ cannot be preached without offence. How then should this fear or apprehension of danger detach me from the Lord, and from this divine Word, which is the only truth? No, rather give my body, my blood, and my life!!..." [556] Agnosco enim me homuncionem, longe viliorem esse, quam ut a tantis principibus ... (L. Op. (L.) p. 167.) [557] Ecclesia Christi est universitas prædestinatorum. (Ibid.) [Sidenote: CONFERENCE WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF TREVES.] The princes and doctors having deliberated, Luther was recalled, and Wehe mildly resumed, "It is necessary to honour princes, even when they are mistaken, and to make great sacrifices to charity." Then he said, in a more urgent tone, "Cast yourself upon the judgment of the emperor, and have no fear." _Luther._--"I consent, with all my heart, that the emperor, the princes, and even the humblest Christian, shall examine and judge my books; but on one condition, and it is, that they take the Word of God for their standard. Men have nothing else to do but to obey. My conscience is dependent upon it, and I am captive under its authority."[558] [558] Sie wollten sein Gewissen das mit Gottes Wort und heiliger Schrifft gebunden und gefangen wäre nicht dringen. (Math. p. 27.) _The Elector of Brandenburg._--"I understand you perfectly, doctor. You will not acknowledge any judge but the Holy Scripture?" _Luther._--"Yes, my lord, exactly. That is my last word."[559] [559] Ja darauf stehe Ich. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 604.)