Luther Before the Diet
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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
to render obedience to that. My conscience is in dependence upon that
Word, and I am the bounden 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
decision of a general council, but only on condition that the council be
required to decide according to the Scriptures. “In what concerns the
Word of God and the faith,” he added, “every Christian is as good a
judge as the pope, though supported by a million councils, can be for
him.” Both friends and foes were at last convinced that further effort
for reconciliation would be useless.
Had the reformer yielded a single point, Satan and his hosts would
have gained the victory. But his unwavering firmness was the means
of emancipating the church, and beginning a new and better era. The
influence of this one man, who dared to think and act for himself in
religious matters, was to affect the church and the world, not only in
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his own time, but in all future generations. His firmness and fidelity
would strengthen all, to the close of time, who should pass through a
similar experience. The power and majesty of God stood forth above
the counsel of men, above the mighty power of Satan.
Luther was soon commanded by the authority of the emperor to
return home, and he knew that this notice would be speedily followed
by his condemnation. Threatening clouds overhung his path; but as he
departed from Worms, his heart was filled with joy and praise. “Satan