He distinctly told them "that, as he was unable to restore peace in Germany by mild measures, he was obliged to proceed against the disobedient with the power of the Empire." The Pope united with him, and published this treaty, in which he openly speaks of the extermination of heretics. Melanchthon wrote about this to Amsdorf, on June 25th: "It is certain that the Emperor Charles is preparing to wage a terrible war against the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave. Already large armies are gathered in the neighborhood of Guelders, and troops, to be supported by the Pope, are expected from Italy. Charles does not conceal that he intends to wage war against the Duke of Saxony; for he called together the deputies of the cities in Ratisbon, and exhorted them not to assist the Duke of Saxony. But the cities nobly and firmly declared that they would not forsake their ally in the hour of danger. So much of the beginning of the war. But as God protected the house of the widow of Zarephath, so I pray that God would protect our princes, who govern justly, and do many good services to the churches and the studies of religion." As the treaty between the Pope and the Emperor was published, the Protestants opposed it in a public address, in which they asserted that the Emperor had been instigated to this war by the Roman Antichrist, in order to suppress religion, and German liberty. On the other hand, the Emperor gave as a reason the disobedience of the princes, which was particularly shown in their invasion of the rights of the bishops and founders, in the expulsion of the monks, and also because they detained the Duke of Brunswick in custody. The Pope ordered public prayers for the extermination of heretics, but the Protestants made all possible preparations to resist the Emperor.