sought by counsels , to all appearance most wise , to strengthen their dominion . ' God removeth mountains , and they know it not .'" -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 8 .
Luther had spoken in German ; he was now requested to repeat the same words in Latin . Though exhausted by the previous effort , he complied , and again delivered his speech , with the same clearness and energy as at the first . God ' s providence directed in this matter . The minds of many of the princes were so blinded by error and superstition that at the first delivery they did not see the force of Luther ' s reasoning ; but the repetition enabled them to perceive clearly the points presented . Those who stubbornly closed their eyes to the light , and determined not to be convinced of the truth , were enraged at the power of Luther ' s words . As he ceased speaking , the spokesman of the Diet said angrily : " You have not answered the question put to you . . . . You are required to give a clear and precise answer . . . . Will you , or will you not , retract ?"
The Reformer answered : " Since your most serene majesty and your high mightinesses require from me a clear , simple , and precise answer , I will give you one , and it is this : I cannot submit my faith either to the pope or to the councils , because it is clear as the day that they have frequently erred and contradicted each other . Unless therefore I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture or by the clearest reasoning , unless I am persuaded by means of the passages I have quoted , and unless they thus render my conscience bound by the word of God , I cannot and I will not retract , for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience . Here I stand , I can do no other ; may God help me . Amen ." -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 8 .
Thus stood this righteous man upon the sure foundation of the word of God . The light of heaven illuminated his countenance . His greatness and purity of character , his peace and joy of heart , were manifest to all as he testified against the power of error and witnessed to the superiority of that faith that overcomes the world . The whole assembly were for a time speechless with amazement . At his first answer Luther had spoken in a low tone , with a respectful , almost submissive bearing . The Romanists had interpreted this as evidence that his courage was beginning to fail . They regarded the request for delay as merely the prelude to his recantation . Charles himself , noting , half contemptuously , the monk ' s worn frame , his plain attire , and the simplicity of his address , had declared : " This monk will never make a heretic of me ." The courage and firmness which he now displayed , as well as the power and clearness of his reasoning , filled all parties with surprise .
The emperor , moved to admiration , exclaimed : " This monk speaks with an intrepid heart and unshaken courage ." Many of the German princes looked with pride and joy upon this representative of their nation . The partisans of Rome had been worsted ; their cause appeared in a most unfavourable light . They sought to maintain their power , not be appealing to the Scriptures , but by a resort to threats , Rome ' s unfailing argument . Said the spokesman of the Diet : " If you do not retract , the emperor and the states of the empire will consult what course to adopt against an incorrigible
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