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 unfavorable light . They sought to maintain their power , not by 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 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
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