Luther Before the Diet
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that of our ancestors. We are accountable for the light which they
received, and which was handed down as an inheritance for us, and
we are accountable also for the additional light which is now shining
upon us from the word of God.
Said Christ of the unbelieving Jews: “If I had not come and spoken
unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their
sin.”
John 15:22
. The same divine power had spoken through Luther
to the emperor and princes of Germany. And as the light shone forth
from God’s word, His Spirit pleaded for the last time with many in that
assembly. As Pilate, centuries before, permitted pride and popularity
to close his heart against the world’s Redeemer; as the trembling Felix
bade the messenger of truth, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a
convenient season, I will call for thee;” as the proud Agrippa confessed,
“Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (
Acts 24:25
;
26:28
),
yet turned away from the Heaven-sent message—so had Charles V,
yielding to the dictates of worldly pride and policy, decided to reject
the light of truth.
Rumors of the designs against Luther were widely circulated, caus-
ing great excitement throughout the city. The Reformer had made
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many friends, who, knowing the treacherous cruelty of Rome toward
all who dared expose her corruptions, resolved that he should not be
sacrificed. Hundreds of nobles pledged themselves to protect him. Not
a few openly denounced the royal message of evincing a weak sub-
mission 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 these were written merely the significant
words of the wise man: “Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a
child.”
Ecclesiastes 10:16
. The popular enthusiasm in Luther’s favor
throughout 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 with Luther. He was visited by princes, counts,
barons, and other persons of distinction, both lay and ecclesiastical.
“The doctor’s little room,” wrote Spalatin, “could not contain all the