The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 109

The European Union in Prophecy
the scorn of the wicked, and let us shed our blood for it, for fear they should triumph.
It is not for me to decide whether my life or my death will contribute most to the
salvation of all. . . . You may expect everything from me. . . except flight and
recantation. Fly I cannot, and still less retract."-- Ibid., b. 7, ch. 1.
As the news was circulated at Worms that Luther was to appear before the Diet,
a general excitement was created. Aleander, the papal legate to whom the case had
been specially entrusted, was alarmed and enraged. He saw that the result would be
disastrous to the papal cause. To institute inquiry into a case in which the pope had
already pronounced sentence of condemnation would be to cast contempt upon the
authority of the sovereign pontiff. Furthermore, he was apprehensive that the
eloquent and powerful arguments of this man might turn away many of the princes
from the cause of the pope. He therefore, in the most urgent manner, remonstrated
with Charles against Luther's appearance at Worms. About this time the bull
declaring Luther's excommunication was published; and this, coupled with the
representations of the legate, induced the emperor to yield. He wrote to the elector
that if Luther would not retract, he must remain at Wittenberg.
Not content with this victory, Aleander labored with all the power and cunning
at his command to secure Luther's condemnation. With a persistence worthy of a
better cause, he urged the matter upon the attention of princes, prelates, and other
members of the assembly, accusing the Reformer of "sedition, rebellion, impiety, and
blasphemy." But the vehemence and passion manifested by the legate revealed too
plainly the spirit by which he was actuated. "He is moved by hatred and vengeance,"
was the general remark, "much more than by zeal and piety."-- Ibid., b. 7, ch. 1. The
majority of the Diet were more than ever inclined to regard Luther's cause with favor.
With redoubled zeal Aleander urged upon the emperor the duty of executing the
papal edicts. But under the laws of Germany this could not be done without the
concurrence of the princes; and, overcome at last by the legate's importunity, Charles
bade him present his case to the Diet. "It was a proud day for the nuncio. The assembly
was a great one: the cause was even greater. Aleander was to plead for Rome, . . . the
mother and mistress of all churches." He was to vindicate the princedom of Peter
before the assembled principalities of Christendom. "He had the gift of eloquence, and
he rose to the greatness of the occasion. Providence ordered it that Rome should
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