Conference with the Archbishop of Trêves--Wehe's advice to
Luther--Luther's Replies--Private Conversation--Visit of
Cochlœus--Supper at the Archbishop's--Attempt on the
Hôtel of Rhodes--A Council proposed--Last interview between
Luther and the Archbishop--Visit to a sick friend--Luther
ordered to quit Worms.
[Sidenote: CONFERENCE WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF TREVES.]
That day the chaplain and the imperial herald, Sturm, were both at
Luther's before six o'clock in the morning. Aleander had caused
Cochlœus to be called at four. The nuncio had not been slow in
discovering in the man who had been presented to him by Capito, a
devoted servant of Rome, on whom he could calculate as on himself. Not
being able to be present at this interview, Aleander wished to have a
substitute at it. "Be present at the Archbishop's of Trêves," said he
to the Dean of Frankfort. "Do not enter into discussion with Luther,
but content yourself with paying the closest attention to every thing
that is said, so as to be able to bring me back a faithful
report."[553] The Reformer on arriving with some friends at the house
of the archbishop, found him surrounded by the margrave, Joachim of
Brandenburg and Augsburg, several nobles, deputies from free towns,
lawyers, and theologians, among whom were Cochlœus and Jerome Wehe,
chancellor of Baden. The latter, an able lawyer, wished a reformation
in manners and discipline. He went even further. "The Word of God,"
said he, "which has so long been hid under the bushel, must reappear
in all its lustre."[554] This conciliatory individual was entrusted
with the conference. Turning kindly towards Luther, he said to him,
"We did not make you come in order to dispute with you, but in order
to give you brotherly advice. You know how carefully the Scripture
requireth us to guard against the flying arrow, and the devil that
walketh at noon-day. This enemy of the human race has instigated you
to publish things contrary to religion. Think of your own safety, and
that of the empire. Take care that those whom Jesus Christ has
ransomed by his own death, from death eternal, be not seduced by you
and perish for ever.... Do not set yourself up against holy councils.
If we do not maintain the decrees of our fathers, there will be
nothing but confusion in the Church. The distinguished princes now
listening to me take a particular interest in your safety. But if you
persist, the emperor will banish you from the empire,[555] and no
place in the world will be able to offer you an asylum.... Reflect on
the fate which awaits you."
[553] Aleander, mane hora quarta vocaverit ad se Cochlœum, jubens
ut ... audiret solum ... (Cochlœus, p. 36.)
[554] Dass das Wort Gottes, Welches so lange unter dem Scheffel
verborgen gesteckt, heller scheine ... (Seckend. 364.)
[555] Und aus dem Reich verstossen. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, 582. Sleidan,
i, p. 97.)
"Most Serene Princes!" replied Luther, "I give you thanks for your
solicitude, for I am only a poor man, and am too humble to be exhorted
by such high lords."[556] Then he continued, "I have not blamed all
the councils, but only that of Constance; because, in condemning this
doctrine of John Huss, viz.--_that the Christian Church is the
assembly of those who are predestinated to salvation_[557]--it
condemned this article of our creed, _I believe in the holy Catholic
Church_; and the Word of God itself. My lessons, it is said, give
offence," added he. "I answer that the gospel of Christ cannot be
preached without offence. How then should this fear or apprehension of
danger detach me from the Lord, and from this divine Word, which is
the only truth? No, rather give my body, my blood, and my life!!..."
[556] Agnosco enim me homuncionem, longe viliorem esse, quam ut a
tantis principibus ... (L. Op. (L.) p. 167.)
[557] Ecclesia Christi est universitas prædestinatorum. (Ibid.)
[Sidenote: CONFERENCE WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF TREVES.]
The princes and doctors having deliberated, Luther was recalled, and
Wehe mildly resumed, "It is necessary to honour princes, even when
they are mistaken, and to make great sacrifices to charity." Then he
said, in a more urgent tone, "Cast yourself upon the judgment of the
emperor, and have no fear."
_Luther._--"I consent, with all my heart, that the emperor, the
princes, and even the humblest Christian, shall examine and judge my
books; but on one condition, and it is, that they take the Word of God
for their standard. Men have nothing else to do but to obey. My
conscience is dependent upon it, and I am captive under its
authority."[558]
[558] Sie wollten sein Gewissen das mit Gottes Wort und heiliger
Schrifft gebunden und gefangen wäre nicht dringen. (Math. p. 27.)
_The Elector of Brandenburg._--"I understand you perfectly, doctor.
You will not acknowledge any judge but the Holy Scripture?"
_Luther._--"Yes, my lord, exactly. That is my last word."[559]
[559] Ja darauf stehe Ich. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 604.)
Then the princes and doctors withdrew, but the worthy Archbishop of
Trêves could not resolve to abandon his undertaking. "Come," said he
to Luther, as he passed into his private room, and, at the same time,
ordered John Eck and Cochlœus, on the one side, and Schurff and
Amsdorff, on the other, to follow them. "Why appeal incessantly to the
Holy Scriptures?" said Eck keenly; "out of it all heresies have
sprung." But Luther, says his friend Mathesius, remained immovable,
like a rock resting on the true rock, the Word of the Lord. "The
pope," replied he, "is no judge in things pertaining to the Word of
God. Every Christian must see and understand for himself how he ought
to live and die."[560] The parties separated. The partisans of the
papacy felt Luther's superiority, and attributed it to there being
nobody present who could answer him. "If the emperor," says
Cochlœus, "had acted wisely in calling Luther to Worms, he would
also have called theologians who might have refuted his errors."
[560] Ein Christenmensch muss zusehen und richten... (L. Ep. i, p.
604.)
The Archbishop of Trêves repaired to the Diet, and announced the ill
success of his mediation. The surprise of the young emperor equalled
his indignation. "It is time," said he, "to put an end to this
affair." The archbishop asked two days more, and the whole Diet
seconded him. Charles V yielded. Aleander, transported with rage,
uttered the bitterest invectives.[561]
[561] De iis Aleander acerrime conquestus est. (Pallavicini, i, p.
120.)
[Sidenote: VISIT OF COCHLŒUS.]
While these things were passing at the Diet, Cochlœus was burning
with eagerness to gain a victory denied to prelates and kings. Though
he had, from time to time, thrown in a few words at the archbishop's,
the order which he had received from Aleander had laid him under
restraint. He resolved to compensate himself, and had no sooner given
an account of his mission to the papal nuncio, than he presented
himself at Luther's lodging. He accosted him as a friend, and
expressed the grief which he felt at the emperor's resolution. After
dinner, the conversation grew animated.[562] Cochlœus pressed
Luther to retract. He declined by a nod. Several nobles, who were at
table, had difficulty in restraining themselves. They were indignant
that the partisans of Rome should wish not to convince the Reformer by
Scripture, but constrain him by force. Cochlœus, impatient under
these reproaches, says to Luther, "Very well, I offer to dispute
publicly with you, if you renounce the safe-conduct."[563] All that
Luther demanded was a public debate. What ought he to do? To renounce
the safe-conduct was to be his own destroyer; to refuse the challenge
of Cochlœus was to appear doubtful of his cause. The guests
regarded the offer as a perfidious scheme of Aleander, whom the Dean
of Frankfort had just left. Vollrat of Watzdorff, one of the number,
freed Luther from the embarrassment of this puzzling alternative. This
baron, who was of a boiling temperament, indignant at a snare which
aimed at nothing less than to give up Luther into the hands of the
executioner,[564] started up, seized the terrified priest, and pushed
him to the door. There would even have been bloodshed had not the
other guests risen up from the table, and interposed their mediation
between the furious baron and the trembling Cochlœus,[565] who
withdrew in confusion from the hotel of the Knights of Rhodes.
[562] Peracto prandio. (Cochlœus.)
[563] Und wollte mit mir disputiren, ich sollte allein das Geleit
aufsagen. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 589.)
[564] Atque ita traderet eum carnificinæ. (Cochlœus, p. 36.)
[565] Dass Ihm das Blut über den Kopff gelauten wäre wo man nicht
gewehret hätte. (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p. 589.)
The expression had no doubt escaped the dean in the heat of
discussion, and was not a premeditated scheme between him and Aleander
to make Luther fall into a perfidious snare. Cochlœus denies that
it was, and we have pleasure in giving credit to his testimony, though
it is true he had come to Luther's from a conference with the nuncio.
[Sidenote: INCIDENT AT SUPPER WITH THE ARCHBISHOP.]
In the evening, the Archbishop of Trêves entertained those who had
been present at the morning conference. He thought it might be a means
of calming down their minds, and bringing them nearer each other.
Luther, who was so intrepid and immovable before arbiters or judges,
had, in private society, a good humour and gayety which seemed to
promise anything that might be asked of him. The archbishop's
chancellor, who had shown so much sternness in his official capacity,
joined in the attempt, and, towards the end of the repast, drank
Luther's health. He was preparing to return the honour, the wine was
poured out, and he was, according to his custom, making the sign of
the cross on his glass, when suddenly the glass burst in his hands,
and the wine was spilt upon the table. The guests were in
consternation. "There must be poison in it,"[566] said some of
Luther's friends, quite loud. But the doctor, without being moved,
replied, with a smile, "Dear friends, either this wine was not
destined for me, or it would have been hurtful to me." Then he calmly
added, "The glass burst, no doubt, because in washing it had been too
soon plunged in cold water." These simple words, in the circumstances
in which they were uttered, have some degree of grandeur, and bespeak
unalterable peace. We cannot suppose that the Roman Catholics could
have wished to poison Luther, especially at the house of the
Archbishop of Trêves. This répast neither estranged nor approximated
the parties. The Reformer's resolution came from a higher source, and
could not be influenced either by the hatred or the favour of men.
[566] "Es müsse Gift darinnen gewesen seyn."--Luther does not mention
the circumstance, but Razeburg, a friend of Luther, and physician to
the Elector John Frederick, relates it in a manuscript history which
is extant in the library of Gotha, and says he had it from an
eye-witness.
On Thursday morning (25th April) Chancellor Wehe and doctor Peutinger
of Augsburg, imperial counsellor, who had shown great affection for
Luther ever since his interview with de Vio, repaired to the hotel of
the Knights of Rhodes. The Elector of Saxony sent Frederick De Thun,
and another of his counsellors, to be present at the conference. "Put
yourself in our hands," earnestly said Wehe and Peutinger, who would
willingly have sacrificed every thing to prevent the division which
was about to rend the Church. "This affair will be terminated in a
Christian manner; we give you our word for it." "In two words," said
Luther to them, "here is my answer: I renounce the safe-conduct.[567]
I place in the hands of the emperor my person and my life; but the
Word of God ... never!" Frederick de Thun affected rose and said to
the deputies, "Is it not enough? Is not the sacrifice great enough?"
Then declaring that he would hear nothing more, he took his leave.
Wehe and Peutinger, hoping to have better success with the doctor,
came and sat down on each side of him. "Throw yourself upon the Diet,"
said they to him. "No," replied Luther, "for _cursed be the man that
trusteth in man_." (Jeremiah, xvii, 5.) Wehe and Peutinger redoubled
their counsels and attacks, pressing more closely on the Reformer.
Luther worn out, rose up and put an end to the interview, saying, "I
will not allow any man to set himself above the word of God."[568]
"Reflect once more," said they to him on retiring, "we will return
after mid-day."
[567] Er wollte ehe das Geleit aufsagen.... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, 589.)
[568] Er wollte kurtsrum Menschen über Gottes Wort nicht erkensen
(Ibid., p. 583.)
[Sidenote: NEW PROPOSAL.]
They, in fact, did return; but convinced that Luther would not yield,
they brought a new proposal. Luther had refused to be judged first by
the pope, then by the emperor, then by the Diet. There remained one
judge to whom he himself had once appealed--a general council. No
doubt such a proposal would have been scouted by Rome; but it was the
last plank for escape. The delegates offered Luther a Council; and he
had it in his power to accept it unfettered by any precise definition.
Years might have elapsed before the difficulties which the calling of
a Council would have encountered on the part of the pope could have
been obviated. To the Reformation and the Reformer a gain of years
would have gained every thing. God and time would then have done the
rest. But Luther preferred the straight course to every other: he
would not save himself at the expense of truth though all that might
have been necessary was to disguise it by keeping silence. "I
consent," replied he, "but (this was equivalent to a refusal of the
Council) on condition that the Council will judge only according to
the Holy Scriptures."[569]
[569] Das daruber aus der heiligen Schrifft gesprochen. (L. Op. (L.)
xvii, p. 584.)
Peutinger and Wehe, thinking that a Council could not judge otherwise,
hastened overjoyed to the archbishop. "Dr. Martin," said they,
"submits his books to a Council." The archbishop was going to carry
the good news to the emperor, when some doubt occurring to him, he
sent for Luther.
Richard of Grieffenklau was alone when the doctor arrived. "Dear
doctor," said the archbishop, with much cordiality and kindness,[570]
"my doctors assure me that you consent without reservation to submit
your cause to a Council." "My Lord," replied Luther, "I can bear every
thing, but cannot abandon the Holy Scriptures." The archbishop then
perceived that Wehe and Peutinger had not explained themselves
properly. Never could Rome consent to a Council bound to decide
according to Scripture. "It was just," says Pallavicini, "to insist
that a weak eye should read very small writing, and at the same time
deny the use of spectacles."[571] The good archbishop sighed. "It was
well," said he, "I made you come. What would have become of me had I
immediately gone to the emperor with the news?"
[570] Ganz gut und mehr denn gnædig. (L. Ep. i, p. 604.)
[571] Simulque conspiciliorum omnium usum negare. (Ibid., p. 110.)
The immovable firmness, the stern rectitude of Luther, are, no doubt,
astonishing, but they will be comprehended and respected by all who
know the claims of God. Seldom has a nobler homage been paid to the
immutable word of Heaven, and that at the risk of life and liberty by
the man who paid it.
[Sidenote: LUTHER'S LAST INTERVIEW WITH THE ARCHBISHOP.]
"Well," said the venerable prelate to Luther, "do you yourself then
point out a remedy."
_Luther_, (_after a moment's silence_).--"My Lord, I know no other
than that of Gamaliel: '_If this counsel or this work be of men it
will come to nought, but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it, lest
haply ye be found even to fight against God._' Let the emperor, the
electors, the princes, and the states of the empire, deliver this
answer to the pope."
_Archbishop._--"At least retract some articles."
_Luther._--"Provided it be not those which the Council of Constance
condemned."
_Archbishop._--"Ah, I fear they are the very ones which will be
asked."
_Luther._--"Then sooner sacrifice my body and my life--better allow my
legs and arms to be cut off than abandon the clear and genuine word of
God."[572]
[572] Ehe Stumpf und Stiel fahren lassen .... (L. Op. (L.) xvii, p.
584.)
The archbishop at length understood Luther. "You may withdraw," said
he to him, always with the same gentleness. "Your Lordship," resumed
Luther, "will be so good as to see that his Majesty cause the
safe-conduct necessary for my return to be expedited." "I will see to
it," replied the good archbishop, and they parted.
So ended these negotiations. The whole empire had assailed this man
with the most urgent entreaties and the most fearful menaces,[573] and
this man had never flinched. His refusal to bend under the iron arm of
the pope emancipated the Church, and commenced a new era. The
intervention of Providence was evident, and the whole presents one of
those grand historical scenes in which the majestic form of the
Divinity appears conspicuously displayed.
[573] Totum imperium ad se conversum spectabat. (Pallavicini, i, p.
120.)
Luther withdrew in company with Spalatin who had arrived at the
archbishop's during the course of the visit. John von Minkwitz, one of
the Elector of Saxony's counsellors, had fallen sick at Worms. The two
friends repaired to his lodging, and Luther administered the tenderest
consolation to the sick man. "Adieu," said he to him on leaving,
"to-morrow I shall quit Worms."
Luther was not mistaken. He had not been three hours returned to the
hotel of the Knights of Rhodes when chancellor Eck and the chancellor
of the emperor, with a notary, made their appearance.
[Sidenote: LUTHER'S DEPARTURE FOR WORMS.]
The chancellor said to him, "Martin Luther, his imperial Majesty, the
Electors, Princes, and States of the empire, having exhorted you to
submission again and again, and in various manners, but always in
vain, the emperor, in his quality of advocate and defender of the
Catholic faith, sees himself obliged to take other steps. He therefore
orders you to return to your home in the space of twenty-one days, and
prohibits you from disturbing the public peace by the way, either by
preaching or writing."
Luther was well aware that this message was the first step in his
condemnation. "It has happened as Jehovah pleased," said he meekly.
"Blessed be the name of Jehovah!" Then he added, "Before all things,
very humbly and from the bottom of my heart, I thank his Majesty, the
Electors, Princes, and other States of the empire, for having listened
to me with so much kindness. I have desired, and do desire one thing
only--a reformation of the Church agreeably to Holy Scripture. I am
ready to do every thing and suffer every thing in humble submission to
the will of the emperor. Life and death, honour and disgrace, are all
alike to me: I make only one reservation--the preaching of the gospel;
for, says St. Paul, '_The word of God cannot be bound_.'" The deputies
withdrew.
On the morning of Friday (26th April) the Reformer's friends and
several nobles met at his lodgings.[574] They were gratified at seeing
the Christian constancy which he had opposed to Charles and the
empire, and to recognise in him the features of the ancient portrait:
"Justum ac tenacem propositi virum,
Non civium ardor prava jubentium,
Non vultus instantis tyranni,
Mente quatit solida...."[575]
[574] Salutatis patronis et amicis qui eum frequentissimi
convenerunt.... (L. Op. Lat. ii, p. 168.) Having saluted his patrons
and friends, who called upon him in great numbers.
[575] Horat. Od. lib. iii, 3.
They wished once more, perhaps for ever, to bid adieu to this intrepid
monk. Luther took a frugal meal. Now he must take leave of his
friends, and flee far from them under a sky surcharged with storms. He
wished to pass this solemn moment in the presence of God. He lifted up
his soul and blessed those who were around him.[576] Ten in the
morning having struck, Luther quitted the hotel with the friends who
had accompanied him to Worms. Twenty gentlemen on horseback surrounded
his carriage. A great crowd accompanied him beyond the walls. The
imperial herald, Sturm, rejoined him some time after at Oppenheim, and
the following day they reached Frankfort.
[576] Seine Freunde gesegnet. (Mathesius, p. 27.)
[Sidenote: JOURNEY FROM WORMS. LUTHER TO CRANACH.]