"Truly," continued the Kurfürst. "What difference would there be between me and those bloody men at Paris and Madrid, if I were to follow out such advice? They write to me, that they themselves would be responsible for the wrath of God, which has already been kindled, if they prolonged the finite life of the blasphemers, and suffered the Honor of God which has been trodden under foot by so many varied damnable blasphemies, to remain thus trampled upon through a godless leniency. It is all very well for them to talk. They do not know what it means to dip a pen and wipe out a human life by one's own signature."
"Your Gracious Highness' christian conscience is more satisfying to me than the wisdom of the Church Council and all the Faculties. I pray God may keep both your conscience and heart strong in this matter. But what has Your Gracious Highness decided upon?"
"The matter is not yet ripe for sentence," said the Prince. "I will ask my brother in Dresden to look over the report of the trial, as well as the theologians at Zurich, that thereby Judges may look into the case, who cannot be suspected of personal enmity against the accused. We disciples of Calvin dare not in matters of general belief be more sanguinary, or appear more lax than those of Luther or Zwingli."
Erastus bowed his head assentingly.
"The Theologians also demand that a codicil be added to the inquiry," continued the Kurfürst with a troubled look.
"Sylvanus in his letters to the Transylvanians mentions several as holding the same views as himself who would be willing to migrate thither, Neuser does the same in his letter to the Sultan. Being asked during the trial, who these accomplices might be, Sylvanus named Neuser, Neuser, Sylvanus. In the same way Vehe mentioned Suter, and Suter Vehe. The Church Council thinks therefore that these matters call for a strict inquiry, or searching inquisition."
"That means," cried Erastus excitedly, "that the prisoners must be racked till they name as accomplices any one who may be opposed to Olevianus. Quotes this ruffianly fox any scriptural authority for such a proceeding?"
"Certainly," said the Kurfürst taking up the report once more. "The Lord says Moses V, 13. 14.: Tunc inquires, investigabis ac interrogabis diligenter. That is 'thou shalt inquire, interrogate and investigate diligently.' The Lord commands such a diligent and accurate investigation, in order that the authorities may not overlook such evils, or become careless, inattentive or drowsy. That such sin be not committed, it is not sufficient that the prisoners acknowledge their own blasphemies, they must likewise be compelled to name their accomplices. And for that cause as God does not command this diligence with one word alone, but insists upon it with three distinct words, and says: inquires, investigabis ac interrogabis diligenter, it is certain that the authorities who remained satisfied with the wicked lies of the prisoners, would act with remissness." The Kurfürst laid down the documents.
"Horrible!" cried out Erastus.
"Calm yourself," said the Prince. "Torture would in this case only render the matter worse. I shall not permit it."