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Luther’s Separation from Rome
71
had received the document pledging him the emperor’s protection,
did he appear in the presence of the papal ambassador.
As a matter of policy, the Romanists had decided to attempt
to win Luther by an appearance of gentleness. The legate, in his
interviews with him, professed great friendliness; but he demanded
that Luther submit implicitly to the authority of the church, and
yield every point without argument or question. He had not rightly
estimated the character of the man with whom he had to deal. Luther,
in reply, expressed his regard for the church, his desire for the truth,
his readiness to answer all objections to what he had taught, and to
submit his doctrines to the decision of certain leading universities.
But at the same time he protested against the cardinal’s course in
requiring him to retract without having proved him in error.
The only response was, “Recant, recant.” The Reformer showed
that his position was sustained by the Scriptures, and firmly declared
that he could not renounce the truth.
When the prelate saw that Luther’s reasoning was unanswerable,
he lost all self-control, and in a rage cried out: “Retract, or I will
send you to Rome, there to appear before the judges commissioned
to take cognizance of your case. I will excommunicate you and
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all your partisans, and all who shall at any time countenance you,
and will cast them out of the church.” And he finally declared, in a
haughty and angry tone, “Retract, or return no more.”
The Reformer retired with his friends, leaving the cardinal and
his supporters to look at one another in utter confusion at the unex-
pected result of the conference.
Luther’s efforts on this occasion were not without good results.
The large assembly present had opportunity to compare the two men,
and to judge for themselves of the spirit manifested by them, as well
as of the strength and truthfulness of their positions. How marked
the contrast! The Reformer, simple, humble, firm, stood up in the
strength of God, having truth on his side; the pope’s representative,
self-important, overbearing, haughty, and unreasonable, was with-
out a single argument from the Scriptures yet vehemently crying,
“Retract, or be sent to Rome for punishment.”
Notwithstanding Luther had secured a safe-conduct, the Roman-
ists were plotting to seize and imprison him. His friends urged that
as it was useless for him to prolong his stay, he should return to