corruptions, resolved that he should not be sacrificed. Hundreds of nobles
pledged themselves to protect him. Not a few openly denounced the royal
message as evincing a weak submission to the controlling power of Rome. On
the gates of houses and in public places, placards were posted, some
condemning and others sustaining Luther. On one of these were written
merely the significant words of the wise man, "Woe to thee, O land, when
thy king is a child."(230) The popular enthusiasm in Luther's favor
throughout all Germany convinced both the emperor and the Diet that any
injustice shown him would endanger the peace of the empire, and even the
stability of the throne.

Frederick of Saxony maintained a studied reserve, carefully concealing his
real feelings toward the Reformer, while at the same time he guarded him
with tireless vigilance, watching all his movements and all those of his
enemies. But there were many who made no attempt to conceal their sympathy
with Luther. He was visited by princes, counts, barons, and other persons
of distinction, both lay and ecclesiastical. "The doctor's little room,"
wrote Spalatin, "could not contain all the visitors who presented
themselves."(231) The people gazed upon him as if he were more than human.
Even those who had no faith in his doctrines, could not but admire that
lofty integrity which led him to brave death rather than violate his
conscience.

Earnest efforts were made to obtain Luther's consent to a compromise with
Rome. Nobles and princes represented to him that if he persisted in
setting up his own judgment against that of the church and the councils,
he would soon be banished from the empire, and then would have no defense.
To this appeal Luther answered: "The gospel of Christ cannot be preached
without offense.... Why then should the fear or apprehension of danger
separate me from the Lord, and from that divine word which alone is truth?
No; I would rather give up my body, my blood, and my life."(232)

Again he was urged to submit to the judgment of the emperor, and then he
would have nothing to fear. "I consent," said he in reply, "with all my
heart, that the emperor, the princes, and even the meanest Christian,
should examine and judge my works; but on one condition, that they take
the word of God for their standard. Men have nothing to do but to obey it.
Do not offer violence to my conscience, which is bound and chained up with
the Holy Scriptures."(233)

To anoth