From the Diet of Worms to the Augsburg Confession - James Aitken Wylie

Protestantism. He embraced it with characteristic
ardor, for he did nothing by halves. He made the
Gospel be preached in his dominions, and as he
brought to the cause the whole energy of his
character, and the whole influence of his position,
he rendered it no ordinary services. In conflicts to
come, his plume was often seen waving in the thick
of the battle.
About the same time, other princes transferred
the homage of their hearts and the services of their
lives to the same cause. Among these were Duke
Ernest of Luneburg, who now began to promote the
reformation of his States; the Elector of the
Palatinate; and Frederick I. of Denmark, who, as
Duke of Schleswig and Holstein, ordained that all
under him should be free to worship God as their
consciences might direct.
These accessions were followed by another, on
which time has since set the print of vast
importance. Its consequences continue to be felt
down to our own days. The knight who now
transferred his homage to the cause of
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