nicate all, of whatever
dignity in church or state, except the emperor, who should neglect to
seize Luther and his adherents, and deliver them up to the vengeance of
Rome.

Here is displayed the true spirit of popery. Not a trace of Christian
principle, or even of common justice, is to be seen in the whole document.
Luther was at a great distance from Rome; he had had no opportunity to
explain or defend his position; yet before his case had been investigated,
he was summarily pronounced a heretic, and in the same day, exhorted,
accused, judged, and condemned; and all this by the self-styled holy
father, the only supreme, infallible authority in church or state!

At this time, when Luther so much needed the sympathy and counsel of a
true friend, God's providence sent Melanchthon to Wittenberg. Young in
years, modest and diffident in his manners, Melanchthon's sound judgment,
extensive knowledge, and winning eloquence, combined with the purity and
uprightness of his character, won universal admiration and esteem. The
brilliancy of his talents was not more marked than his gentleness of
disposition. He soon became an earnest disciple of the gospel, and
Luther's most trusted friend and valued supporter; his gentleness,
caution, and exactness serving as a complement to Luther's courage and
energy. Their union in the work added strength to the Reformation, and was
a source of great encouragement to Luther.

Augsburg had been fixed upon as the place of trial, and the Reformer set
out on foot to perform the journey thither. Serious fears were entertained
in his behalf. Threats had been made openly that he would be seized and
murdered on the way, and his friends begged him not to venture. They even
entreated him to leave Wittenberg for a time, and find safety with those
who would gladly protect him. But he would not leave the position where
God had placed him. He must continue faithfully to maintain the truth,
notwithstanding the storms that were beating upon him. His language was:
"I am like Jeremiah, a man of strife and contention; but the more their
threats increase, the more my joy is multiplied.... They have already
destroyed my honor and my reputation. One single thing remains; it is my
wretched body: let them take it; they will thus shorten my life by a few
hours. But as for my soul, they cannot take that. He who desires to
proclaim the word of Christ to the world, must expect death at every
moment."(181)

The tidings