e 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 of 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
time inspired both friends and foes with awe and wonder. The Spirit of God
had been present in that council impressing the hearts of the chiefs of
the empire. Several of the princes boldly acknowledged the justice of
Luther's cause. Many were convinced of the truth; but with some the
impressions received were not lasting. There was another class who did not
at the time express their convictions, but who, having searched the
Scriptures for themselves, at a future time became fearless supporters of
the Reformation.

The elector Frederick had looked forward anxiously to Luther's appearance
before the Diet, and with deep emotion he listened to his speech. With joy
and pride he witnessed the doctor's courage, firmness, and
self-possession, and determined to stand more firmly in his defense. He
contrasted the parties in contest, and saw that the wisdom of popes,
kings, and prelates had been brought to naught by the power of truth. The
papacy had sustained a defeat which would be felt among all nations and in
all ages.

As the legate perceived the effect produced by Luther's speech, he feared,
as never before, for the security of the Romish power, and resolved to
employ every means at his command to effect the Reformer's overthrow. With
all the eloquence and diplomatic