At the same time he issued a declaration that he had taken up arms to prevent the destruction of the Protestant religion, to defend the liberties of Germany which the emperor had infringed, and to rescue his relatives from their long and unjust imprisonment.

The King of France and other princes issued similar declarations.

The smothered disaffection with the emperor instantly blazed forth all over the German empire.

The cause of Maurice was extremely popular.

The Protestants in a mass, and many others, flocked to his standard.