[13] The first who thus acquired the honorable appellation of _Protestants_, were John, Elector of Saxony, George, Elector of Brandenburg, Ernest and Francis, Dukes of Luneburg, Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, and Wolfgang, Prince of Anhalt. They were seconded by thirteen or fourteen imperial cities. [14] During a conversation at this time, his mother mentioned the manner in which she was accustomed to attend to her devotions, and the form she generally used, which was free from the prevailing superstitions. "But what," said she, "am I to believe amidst so many different opinions of the present day?" "Go on," replied Melanchthon, "believe and pray as you now do, and have done before, and do not disturb yourself about the disputes and controversies of the time."--_Adam. in Cox._ [15] The election of Ferdinand as King of Rome, was regarded as an artful proceeding of his brother, the Emperor, for the purpose of rendering the imperial crown hereditary in his family, and consequently, subversive of the liberties of the empire.--_Cox._ [16] Maimbourg relates, that Queen Margaret of Navarre, sister of Francis I., united with other illustrious females attached to the Court, who cherished sentiments favorable to the Reformation, to request that he might be invited for the purpose of consultation on existing disputes in religion. The Queen frequently spoke of him to her brother as a man of exalted piety, profound learning, and singular eloquence.--_Cox._ [17] Some Parisians, who had imbibed the principles of Protestantism, indiscreetly posted up hand-bills in several of the public places, and on the gates of the Louvre, containing reflections on the doctrines, rites, and clergy of the Church of Rome. The king, being highly incensed at these proceedings, issued a general order against heretics, and appointed a solemn procession. The holy host was carried through the city, the king walked with his feet bare, and his head uncovered, attended by the queen, the princes of the blood, and all his courtiers. Six Lutherans were publicly condemned by the parliament to be burnt; a decree which was executed with the most shocking barbarity before the procession was finished, and others were sought after with the most eager diligence.--_Sleid. Dupin. Belcar. in Cox._ [18] Milichius was a physician, to whom he was particularly attached on account of his professional skill, devoted friendship, and literary taste. He was a native of Freiburg, and for a series of years led a useful and eminent course of public life at Wittenberg.--_Cam. Life of Mel. in Cox._ [19] Those who wish to know more of this strange event, which has so often been used as an argument against the Wittenberg Reformers, will find a complete and excellent examination of it in Dr. John Bachman's "Defence of Luther and the Reformation against the charges of John Bellinger, M. D., and others." Page 153.