Luther Before the Diet
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Spirit of God had been present in that council, impressing the hearts of
the chiefs of the empire. Several of the princes boldly acknowledged
the justice of Luther’s cause. Many were convinced of the truth;
but with some the impressions received were not lasting. There was
another class who did not at the time express their convictions, but
who, having searched the Scriptures for themselves, at a future time
became fearless supporters of the Reformation.
The elector Frederick had looked forward anxiously to Luther’s
appearance before the Diet, and with deep emotion he listened to
his speech. With joy and pride he witnessed the doctor’s courage,
firmness, and self-possession, and determined to stand more firmly
in his defense. He contrasted the parties in contest, and saw that the
wisdom of popes, kings, and prelates had been brought to nought by
the power of truth. The papacy had sustained a defeat which would be
felt among all nations and in all ages.
As the legate perceived the effect produced by Luther’s speech,
he feared, as never before, for the security of the Romish power,
and resolved to employ every means at his command to effect the
Reformer’s overthrow. With all the eloquence and diplomatic skill
for which he was so eminently distinguished, he represented to the
youthful emperor the folly and danger of sacrificing, in the cause of
an insignificant monk, the friendship and support of the powerful see
of Rome.
His words were not without effect. On the day following Luther’s
answer, Charles caused a message to be presented to the Diet, announc-
ing his determination to carry out the policy of his predecessors to
maintain and protect the Catholic religion. Since Luther had refused to
renounce his errors, the most vigorous measures should be employed
against him and the heresies he taught. “A single monk, misled by his
own folly, has risen against the faith of Christendom. To stay such
impiety, I will sacrifice my kingdoms, my treasures, my friends, my
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body, my blood, my soul, and my life. I am about to dismiss the
Augustine Luther, forbidding him to cause the least disorder among
the people; I shall then proceed against him and his adherents as con-
tumacious heretics, by excommunication, by interdict, and by every
means calculated to destroy them. I call on the members of the states
to behave like faithful Christians.”—Ibid., b. 7, ch. 9. Nevertheless the
emperor declared that Luther’s safe-conduct must be respected, and