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

The emperor's entry into Augsburg took place
on Corpus Christi eve. It was so timed in order that
a pretext might be had for the attempts which were
to be made for corrupting the Protestants. The
program of the imperial and ecclesiastical
managers was a short one–wiles; but if these did
not prosper they were quite prepared to resort to
arms. The Protestant princes were specially invited
to take their place in the solemn procession of
tomorrow, that of Corpus Christi. It would be hard
for the Lutheran chiefs to find an excuse for
absence. Even on Lutheran principles it was the
literal body of Christ that was to be carried through
the streets; surely they would not refuse this token
of homage to their Savior, this act of courtesy to
their emperor. They declined, however, saying that
the body of Christ was in the Sacrament not to be
worshipped, but fed on by faith. The legate
professed to be highly displeased at their
contumacy; and even the emperor was not a little
chafed. He had nothing for it, however, but to put
up with the slight, for attendance on such
ceremonies was no part of the duty which they
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