History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century Volume II Part 32

At length the doors of the hall being opened, Luther entered, and many persons not belonging to the Diet made their way in along with him.

Never had man appeared before an a.s.sembly so august. The emperor Charles V, whose dominions embraced the old and the new world; his brother, the Archduke Ferdinand; six electors of the empire, whose descendants are now almost all wearing the crown of kings; twenty-four dukes, the greater part of them reigning over territories of greater or less extent, and among whom are some bearing a name which will afterwards become formidable to the Reformation (the Duke of Alva, and his two sons); eight margraves; thirty archbishops, bishops, or prelates; seven amba.s.sadors, among them those of the kings of France and England; the deputies of ten free towns; a great number of princes, counts, and sovereign barons; the nuncios of the pope; in all, two hundred and four personages. Such was the court before which Martin Luther appeared.

This appearance was in itself a signal victory gained over the papacy.

The pope had condemned the man; yet here he stood before a tribunal which thus far placed itself above the pope. The pope had put him under his ban, debarring him from all human society, and yet here he was convened in honourable terms, and admitted before the most august a.s.sembly in the world. The pope had ordered that his mouth should be for ever mute, and he was going to open it before an audience of thousands, a.s.sembled from the remotest quarters of Christendom. An immense revolution had thus been accomplished by the instrumentality of Luther. Rome was descending from her throne, descending at the bidding of a monk.

Some of the princes seeing the humble son of the miner of Mansfeld disconcerted in presence of the a.s.sembly of kings, kindly approached him; and one of them said, "_Fear not them who can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul._" Another added, "_When you will be brought before kings it is not you that speak but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you._"[511] Thus, the Reformer was consoled in the very words of his Master, by the instrumentality of the rulers of the world.

[511] Einige aus denen Reichs-Gliedern sprachen Ihm einen Muth, mit Christi Worten ein ... (Matthew, x, 20, 28. Seckend. p. 348.)

During this time, the guards were making way for Luther, who advanced till he came in front of the throne of Charles V. The sight of the august a.s.sembly seemed for a moment to dazzle and overawe him. All eyes were fixed upon him. The agitation gradually calmed down into perfect silence. "Don't speak before you are asked," said the marshal of the empire to him and withdrew.

[Sidenote: THE CHANCELLOR'S ADDRESS AND LUTHER'S REPLY.]

After a moment of solemn stillness, John of Eck, the chancellor of the Archbishop of Treves, a friend of Aleander, and who must not be confounded with the theologian of the same name, rose up and said, in a distinct and audible voice, first in Latin and then in German, "Martin Luther, his sacred and invincible imperial Majesty has cited you before his throne, by the advice and counsel of the States of the holy Roman empire, in order to call upon you to answer these two questions: First, Do you admit that these books were composed by you?"--At the same time the imperial orator pointed to about twenty books lying on the table in the middle of the hall in front of Luther--"I did not exactly know how they had procured them," says Luther, in relating the circ.u.mstance. It was Aleander who had taken the trouble. "Secondly," continued the chancellor, "do you mean to retract these books and their contents, or do you persist in the things which you have advanced in them?"

Luther, without hesitation, was going to reply in the affirmative to the former question, when his counsel, Jerome Schurff, hastily interfering, called out, "Read the t.i.tles of the books."[512] The chancellor going up to the table read the t.i.tles. The list contained several devotional works not relating to controversy.

[512] "Legantur t.i.tuli librorum." (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 588.)

After the enumeration, Luther said, first in Latin, and then in German.

"Most gracious Emperor! Gracious Princes and Lords!

"His imperial Majesty asks me two questions.

"As to the first, I acknowledge that the books which have been named are mine: I cannot deny them.

"As to the second, considering that is a question which concerns faith and the salvation of souls, a question in which the Word of G.o.d is interested, in other words, the greatest and most precious treasure either in heaven or on the earth,[513] I should act imprudently were I to answer without reflection. I might say less than the occasion requires, or more than the truth demands, and thus incur the guilt which our Saviour denounced when he said, '_Whoso shall deny me before men, him will I deny before my Father who is in Heaven_.' Wherefore, I pray your imperial Majesty, with all submission, to give me time that I may answer without offence to the Word of G.o.d."

[513] Weil dies eine Frage vom Glauben und der Seelen Seligkeit ist, und Gottes Wort belanget ... (Ibid.)

[Sidenote: ALARMING REPORT.]

This reply, far from countenancing the idea that there was any hesitation in Luther, was worthy of the Reformer and the a.s.sembly. It became him to show calmness and circ.u.mspection in so grave a matter, and to refrain on this solemn moment from every thing that might seem to indicate pa.s.sion or levity. Moreover, by taking a suitable time, he would thereby the better prove the immovable firmness of his resolution. History shows us many men who, by a word uttered too hastily, brought great calamities on themselves, and on the world.

Luther curbs his naturally impetuous character; restrains a tongue always ready to give utterance; is silent when all the feelings of his heart are longing to embody themselves in words. This self restraint, this calmness, so extraordinary in such a man, increased his power a hundred-fold, and put him into a position to answer afterwards with a wisdom, power, and dignity which will disappoint the expectation of his enemies, and confound their pride and malice.

Nevertheless, as he had spoken in a respectful and somewhat subdued tone, several thought he was hesitating and even afraid. A ray of hope gleamed into the souls of the partizans of Rome. Charles, impatient to know the man whose words shook the empire, had never taken his eye off him. Now turning towards one of his courtiers, he said with disdain, "a.s.suredly that is not the man who would ever make me turn heretic."[514] Then rising up, the young emperor withdrew with his ministers to the council chamber: the electors with the princes were closeted in another, and the deputies of the free towns in a third.

The Diet when it again met, agreed to grant Luther's request. It was a great mistake in men under the influence of pa.s.sion. "Martin Luther,"

said the chancellor of Treves, "his imperial Majesty, in accordance with the goodness which is natural to him, is pleased to grant you another day, but on condition that you give your reply verbally and not in writing."

[514] "Hic certe nunquam efficeret ut haereticus evaderem."

(Pallavicini. i, p. 115.)

Then the imperial herald advanced and reconducted Luther to his hotel.

Menaces and cheers succeeded each other as he pa.s.sed along. The most unfavourable reports were circulated among Luther's friends. "The Diet is dissatisfied," said they, "the envoys of the pope triumph, the Reformer will be sacrificed." Men's pa.s.sions grew hot. Several gentlemen hastened to Luther's lodgings. "Doctor," asked they in deep emotion, "how does the matter stand? It is confidently said that they mean to burn you."[515] "That won't be," continued they, "or they shall pay for it with their lives."--"And that would have been the result," said Luther, twenty years later at Eisleben, when quoting these expressions.

[515] Wie geht's? man sagt sie wollen euch verbrennen ... (L. Op. L.

xvii, p. 588.)

On the other hand, Luther's enemies were quite elated. "He has asked time," said they; "he will retract. When at a distance he spoke arrogantly, but now his courage fails him.... He is vanquished."

[Sidenote: VIOLENCE OF THE SPANIARDS.]

Luther, perhaps, was the only tranquil person in Worms. A few moments after his return from the Diet, he wrote to the imperial counsellor Cuspia.n.u.s. "I write you from the midst of tumult, (meaning, probably, the noise of the crowd outside his hotel;) I have, within this hour, appeared before the emperor and his brother.[516] I have acknowledged the authorship, and declared that to-morrow I will give my answer concerning retractation. By the help of Jesus Christ, not one iota of all my works will I retract."[517]

[516] "Hac hora coram Caesare et fratre Romano const.i.ti." (L. Ep. i, p.

587.)

[517] "Verum ego ne apicem quidem revocabo." (Ibid.)

The excitement of the people and of the foreign troops increased every hour. While parties were proceeding calmly to the business of the Diet, others were coming to blows in the streets. The Spanish soldiers, proud and merciless, gave offence by their insolence to the burghers of the town. One of these satellites of Charles, finding in a bookseller's shop the papal bull, with a commentary on it by Hutten, took and tore it to pieces, and then trampled the fragments under his feet. Others, having discovered several copies of Luther's 'Captivity of Babylon,' carried them off and tore them. The people, indignant, rushed upon the soldiers, and obliged them to take flight. On another occasion, a Spanish horseman, with drawn sword, was seen in one of the princ.i.p.al streets of Worms in pursuit of a German who was fleeing before him, while the people durst not interfere.[518]

[518] Kappens Ref. Urkunden ii, p. 448.

Some politicians thought they had discovered a method of saving Luther. "Recant your errors in doctrine," said they to him; "but persist in all you have said against the pope and his court, and you are safe." Aleander shuddered at this advice. But Luther, immovable in his purpose, declared that he set little value on a political reform, if not founded on faith.

The 18th of April having arrived, Glapio, the Chancellor Eck, and Aleander, met at an early hour, by order of Charles V, to fix the course of procedure in regard to Luther.

[Sidenote: LUTHER'S WRESTLING AND PRAYER.]

Luther had been for a moment overawed on the evening before when he had to appear before so august an a.s.sembly. His heart had been agitated at the sight of so many princes before whom great kingdoms humbly bent the knee. The thought that he was going to refuse obedience to men whom G.o.d had invested with sovereign power gave him deep concern; and he felt the necessity of seeking strength from a higher source. "He who, attacked by the enemy, holds the shield of faith," said he one day, "is like Perseus holding the head of the Gorgon, on which whoever looked, that moment died. So ought we to hold up the Son of G.o.d against the snares of the devil."[519] On this morning of the 18th April, he had moments of trouble, when the face of G.o.d was hid from him. His faith becomes faint; his enemies seem to multiply before him; his imagination is overpowered.... His soul is like a ship tossed by a violent tempest, now plunged to the depths of the sea, and again mounting up towards heaven. At this hour of bitter sorrow, when he drinks the cup of Christ, and feels as it were in a garden of Gethsemane, he turns his face to the ground, and sends forth broken cries, cries which we cannot comprehend, unless we figure to ourselves the depth of the agony from which they ascended up to G.o.d.[520] "G.o.d Almighty! G.o.d Eternal! how terrible is the world! how it opens its mouth to swallow me up! and how defective my confidence in thee! How weak the flesh, how powerful Satan! If I must put my hope in that which the world calls powerful, I am undone!... The knell is struck,[521] and judgment is p.r.o.nounced!... O G.o.d! O G.o.d! O thou, my G.o.d! a.s.sist me against all the wisdom of the world! Do it: Thou must do it.... Thou alone ... for it is not my work, but Thine. I have nothing to do here; I have nothing to do contending thus with the mighty of the world! I, too, would like to spend tranquil and happy days. But the cause is Thine: and it is just and everlasting! O Lord!

be my help! Faithful G.o.d, immutable G.o.d! I trust not in any man. That were vain. All that is of man vacillates! All that comes of man gives way. O G.o.d, O G.o.d, dost thou not hear?... My G.o.d! art thou dead?...

No, thou canst not die! Thou only hidest Thyself. Thou hast chosen me for this work. I know it! Act, then, O G.o.d!... Stand by my side, for the sake of thy well beloved Son Jesus Christ, who is my defence, my buckler, and my fortress."

[519] "Also sollen wir den Sohn Gottes als Gorgonia Haupt..." (L. Op.

(W.) xxii, p. 1659.)

[520] L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 589.

[521] "Die Glocke ist schon gegossen." (Ibid.) The affair is decided.

After a moment of silence and wrestling, he continues thus: "Lord, where standest thou?... O, my G.o.d, where art thou?... Come! come! I am ready!... I am ready to give up my life for thy truth ... patient as a lamb. For the cause is just, and it is thine!... I will not break off from thee either now or through eternity!... And though the world should be filled with devils, though my body, which however is the work of thy hands, should bite the dust, be racked on the wheel, cut in pieces ... ground to powder ... my soul is thine.[522] Yes, thy Word is my pledge. My soul belongs to thee, and will be eternally near thee.... Amen.... O G.o.d, help me.... Amen."

[522] "Die Seele est dien." (Ibid.)

[Sidenote: RETURN TO THE DIET.]

This prayer explains Luther and the Reformation. History here lifts the veil of the sanctuary, and shows us the secret place whence strength and courage were imparted to this humble man, who was the instrument of G.o.d in emanc.i.p.ating the soul and the thoughts of men, and beginning a new era. Luther and the Reformation are here seen in actual operation. We perceive their most secret springs. We discover where their power lay. This meditation by one who is sacrificing himself to the cause of truth, is found among the collection of pieces relating to Luther's appearance at Worms, under number XVI, among safe-conducts, and other doc.u.ments of a similar description. Some of his friends doubtless extended it, and so have preserved it to us. In my opinion, it is one of the finest doc.u.ments on record.

Luther, after he had thus prayed, found that peace of mind without which no man can do anything great. He read the Word of G.o.d; he glanced over his writings, and endeavoured to put his reply into proper shape. The thought that he was going to bear testimony to Jesus Christ and his Word, in presence of the emperor and the empire, filled his heart with joy. The moment of appearance was drawing near; he went up with emotion to the sacred volume, which was lying open on his table, put his left hand upon it, and lifting his right toward heaven, swore to remain faithful to the gospel, and to confess his faith freely, should he even seal his confession with his blood. After doing so, he felt still more at peace.

[Sidenote: LUTHER'S ADDRESS.]

At four o'clock the herald presented himself and conducted him to the place where the Diet sat. The general curiosity had increased, for the reply behoved to be decisive. The Diet being engaged, Luther was obliged to wait in the court in the middle of an immense crowd, who moved to and fro like a troubled sea, and pressed the Reformer with its waves. The doctor spent two long hours amid this gazing mult.i.tude.

"I was not used," says he, "to all these doings and all this noise."[523] It would have been a sad preparation for an ordinary man.

But Luther was with G.o.d. His eye was serene, his features unruffled; the Eternal had placed him upon a rock. Night began to fall, and the lamps were lighted in the hall of the Diet. Their glare pa.s.sed through the ancient windows and shone into the court. Every thing a.s.sumed a solemn aspect. At last the doctor was introduced. Many persons entered with him, for there was an eager desire to hear his answer. All minds were on the stretch waiting impatiently for the decisive moment which now approached. This time Luther was free, calm, self-possessed, and showed not the least appearance of being under constraint. Prayer had produced its fruits. The princes having taken their seats, not without difficulty, for their places were almost invaded, and the monk of Wittemberg again standing in front of Charles V, the chancellor of the Elector of Treves rose up, and said:--

"Martin Luther! you yesterday asked a delay, which is now expired.