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Luther Before the Diet
89
Not a few openly denounced the royal message as evincing a weak
submission to the controlling power of Rome. On the gates of houses
and in public places, placards were posted, some condemning and
others sustaining Luther. On one of them were written merely the
significant words of the wise man, “Woe to thee, O land, when thy
king is a child.” The popular enthusiasm in Luther’s favor through-
out all Germany convinced both the emperor and the Diet that any
injustice shown him would endanger the peace of the empire, and
even the stability of the throne.
Frederick of Saxony maintained a studied reserve, carefully con-
cealing his real feelings toward the Reformer, while at the same time
he guarded him with tireless vigilance, watching all his movements
and all those of his enemies. But there were many who made no
attempt to conceal their sympathy. Princes, knights, gentlemen,
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ecclesiastics, and common people surrounded Luther’s lodgings,
entering and gazing upon him as though he were more than human.
Even those who believed him to be in error could not but admire that
nobility of soul which led him to imperil his life rather than violate
his conscience.
Earnest efforts were made to obtain Luther’s consent to a com-
promise with Rome. Nobles and princes represented to him that if he
persisted in setting up his own judgment against that of the church
and the councils, he would soon be banished from the empire, and
then would have no defense. To this appeal Luther answered: “It
is impossible to preach the gospel of Christ without offense. Why,
then, should the fear of danger separate me from the Lord and that
divine word which alone is truth? No; I would rather give up my
body, my blood, and my life.”
Again he was urged to submit to the judgment of the emperor,
and then he would have nothing to fear. “I consent,” said he in
reply, “with all my heart, that the emperor, the princes, and even
the humblest Christian, should examine and judge my writings; but
on one condition, that they take God’s word for their guide. Men
have nothing to do but render obedience to that. My conscience is
in dependence upon that word, and I am the subject of its authority.”
To another appeal he said, “I consent to forego my safe-conduct,
and resign my person and my life to the emperor’s disposal; but as to
the word of God—never!” He stated his willingness to submit to the