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Champion of Truth
87
Not content with this victory, Aleander labored to secure Luther’s
condemnation, accusing the Reformer of “sedition, rebellion, impi-
ety, and blasphemy.” But his vehemence revealed the spirit by which
he was actuated. “He is moved by hatred and vengeance,” was the
general remark
With redoubled zeal Aleander urged the emperor to execute the
papal edicts. Overcome by the legate’s importunity Charles bade
him present his case to the diet. With misgivings those who favored
the Reformer looked forward to Aleander’s speech. The elector of
Saxony was not present, but some of his councilors took notes of
the nuncio’s address.
Luther Accused of Heresy
With learning and eloquence, Aleander set himself to overthrow
Luther as an enemy of the church and the state. “In Luther’s errors
there is enough,” he declared, to warrant the burning of “a hundred
thousand heretics.”
“What are all these Lutherans? A crew of insolent pedagogues,
corrupt priests, dissolute monks, ignorant lawyers, and degraded
nobles. ... How far superior to them is the Catholic party in num-
ber, ability and power! A unanimous decree from this illustrious
assembly will enlighten the simple, warn the imprudent, decide the
waverers, and give strength to the weak.
The same arguments are still urged against all who dare to present
the plain teachings of God’s Word. “Who are these preachers of new
doctrines? They are unlearned, few in numbers, and of the poorer
class. Yet they claim to have the truth, and to be the chosen people
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of God. They are ignorant and deceived. How greatly superior in
numbers and influence is our church!” These arguments are no more
conclusive now than in the days of the Reformer.
Luther was not present, with the clear and convincing truths of
God’s Word, to vanquish the papal champion. There was manifest
a general disposition not only to condemn him and the doctrines
which he taught, but if possible to uproot the heresy. All that Rome
could say in her own vindication had been said. Henceforth the
3
Ibid., bk. 7, ch. 1.
4
Ibid., bk. 7, ch. 3.