Luther Before the Diet
121
am. For, since the emperor has summoned me, I cannot doubt that
it is the call of God himself. If they intend to use violence against
me, as they probably do, for assuredly it is with no view of gaining
information that they require me to appear before them, I place the
matter in the Lord’s hands. He still lives and reigns who preserved
the three Israelites in the fiery furnace. If it be not his will to save
me, my life is of little consequence. Let us only take care that the
gospel be not exposed to the scorn of the ungodly, and let us shed our
blood in its defense rather than allow them to triumph. Who shall say
whether my life or my death would contribute most to the salvation of
my brethren?” “Expect anything from me but flight or recantation. Fly
I cannot; still less can I recant.”
As the news was circulated at Worms that Luther was to appear
before the Diet, a general excitement was created. Aleander, the papal
legate to whom the case had been specially intrusted, was alarmed
and enraged. He saw that the result would be disastrous to the papal
cause. To institute inquiry into a case in which the pope had already
pronounced sentence of condemnation, would be to cast contempt
upon the authority of the sovereign pontiff. Furthermore, he was
apprehensive that the eloquent and powerful arguments of this man
might turn away many of the princes from the cause of the pope. He
therefore, in the most urgent manner remonstrated with Charles against
Luther’s appearance at Worms. About this time the bull declaring
[147]
Luther’s excommunication was published; and this, coupled with
the representations of the legate, induced the emperor to yield. He
wrote to the elector that if Luther would not retract, he must remain at
Wittenberg.
Not content with this victory, Aleander labored with all the power
and cunning at his command to secure Luther’s condemnation. With
a persistence worthy of a better cause, he urged the matter upon the
attention of princes, prelates, and other members of the assembly,
accusing the reformer of sedition, rebellion, impiety, and blasphemy.
But the vehemence and passion manifested by the legate revealed too
plainly the spirit by which he was actuated. “Hatred and thirst for
vengeance,” said a papist writer, “are his motives, rather than true zeal
for religion.” The majority of the Diet were more than ever inclined to
regard Luther’s cause with favor.