heretic ." Luther ' s friend , who had with great joy listened to his noble defense , trembled at these words ; but the doctor himself said calmly : " May God be my helper , for I can retract nothing ." -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 8 . He was directed to withdraw from the Diet while the princes consulted together . It was felt that a great crisis had come . Luther ' s persistent refusal to submit might affect the history of the church for ages . It was decided to give him one more opportunity to retract . For the last time he was brought into the assembly . Again the question was put , whether he would renounce his doctrines . " I have no other reply to make ," he said , " than that which I have already made ." It was evident that he could not be induced , either by promises or threats , to yield to the mandate of Rome .
The papal leaders were chagrined that their power , which had caused kings and nobles to tremble , should be thus despised by a humble monk ; they longed to make him feel their wrath by torturing his life away . But Luther , understanding his danger , had spoken to all with Christian dignity and calmness . His words had been free from pride , passion , and misrepresentation . He had lost sight of himself , and the great men surrounding him , and felt only that he was in the presence of One infinitely superior to popes , prelates , kings , and emperors . Christ had spoken through Luther ' s testimony with a power and grandeur that for the time inspired both friends and foes with awe and wonder . The 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 , announcing 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
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