I PROTESTANTISM T the diet of Speier which met on February 21, 1529, the controlling Catholic majority, in conformity with the directions of the Emperor Charles V, adopted a recess, or decree, which was intended to settle the religious controversy of the time. In substance, it provided that there should be a complete toleration of Catholics in Lutheran states, but no toleration of Lutherans in Catholic states; and no toleration anywhere of Zwinglians or Anabaptists. Further, it was provided that Lutherans should make no other innovations in their states. Against the recess six princes and fourteen cities protested in the name of God and of conscience whose dictates they held to be above human law. Those who signed the protest and their adherents came soon to be called Protestants. From this beginning the name came to be applied to all those who, however much they might differ among themselves, had this at least in common, that they had abandoned the communion of the bishop of Rome; |