re the council. Peace returned to his soul, and he rejoiced that
he was permitted to uplift the word of God before the rulers of the
nation.

With his mind stayed upon God, Luther prepared for the struggle before
him. He thought upon the plan of his answer, examined passages in his own
writings, and drew from the Holy Scriptures suitable proofs to sustain his
positions. Then, laying his left hand on the Sacred Volume, which was open
before him, he lifted his right hand to heaven, and vowed "to remain
faithful to the gospel, and freely to confess his faith, even should he
seal his testimony with his blood."(218)

When he was again ushered into the presence of the Diet, his countenance
bore no trace of fear or embarrassment. Calm and peaceful, yet grandly
brave and noble, he stood as God's witness among the great ones of the
earth. The imperial officer now demanded his decision as to whether he
desired to retract his doctrines. Luther made his answer in a subdued and
humble tone, without violence or passion. His demeanor was diffident and
respectful; yet he manifested a confidence and joy that surprised the
assembly.

"Most serene emperor, illustrious princes, gracious lords," said Luther,
"I appear before you this day, in conformity with the order given me
yesterday, and by God's mercies I conjure your majesty and your august
highnesses to listen graciously to the defense of a cause which I am
assured is just and true. If, through ignorance, I should transgress the
usages and proprieties of courts, I entreat you to pardon me; for I was
not brought up in the palaces of kings, but in the seclusion of a
convent."(219)

Then, proceeding to the question, he stated that his published works were
not all of the same character. In some he had treated of faith and good
works, and even his enemies declared them not only harmless but
profitable. To retract these would be to condemn truths which all parties
confessed. The second class consisted of writings exposing the corruptions
and abuses of the papacy. To revoke these works would strengthen the
tyranny of Rome, and open a wider door to many and great impieties. In the
third class of his books he had attacked individuals who had defended
existing evils. Concerning these he freely confessed that he had been more
violent than was becoming. He did not claim to be free from fault; but
even these books he could not revoke, for such a course would embolden the
enemies of truth, and