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see of Rome.
His words were not without effect. On the day following Luther’s
answer, Charles Fifth caused a message to be presented to the Diet,
a
sors 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. Nevertheless, the
safe-conduct granted him must be respected, and before proceedings
against him could be instituted, he must be allowed to reach his
home in safety.
“I am firmly resolved to tread in the footsteps of my ancestors,”
wrote the monarch. He had decided that he would not step out
of the path of the custom, even to walk in the ways of truth and
righteousness. Because his fathers did, he would uphold the papacy,
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with all its cruelty and corruption. Thus he took his position, refusing
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to accept any light in advance of what his fathers had received, or to
perform any duty that they had not performed.
He seemed to feel that a change of religious views would be
inconsistent with the dignity of a king. There are many at the present
day thus clinging to the customs and traditions of their fathers.
When the Lord sends them additional light, they refuse to accept it,
because, not having been granted to their fathers, it was not received
by them. We are not placed where our fathers were; consequently
our duties and responsibilities are not the same as theirs. We shall
not be approved of God in looking to the example of our fathers
to determine our duty instead of searching the word of truth for
ourselves. Our responsibility is greater than was 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
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the proud Agrippa confessed, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a
Christian,” yet turned away from the Heaven-sent message,—so had
Charles Fifth, yielding to the dictates of worldly pride and policy,
decided to reject the light of truth.
Several of the pope’s adherents demanded that Luther’s safe-
conduct should not be respected. “The Rhine,” they said, “should
receive his ashes, as it received those of John Huss a century ago.”
Rumors of the designs against Luther were widely circulated, caus-
ing great excitement throughout the city. The Reformer had made
many friends, who, knowing the treacherous cruelty of Rome toward
all that dared expose her corruptions, resolved that he should not be
sacrificed. Hundreds of nobles pledged themselves to protect him.
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
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decision of a general council, but only on condition that the council
be required to decide according to the Scriptures. 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 begi
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 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