Page 37 - 07 Luther's Separation from Rome

This arrangement was finally effected, and

the pope's legate was appointed to hear the

case. In the instructions communicated by

the pontiff to this official, it was stated that

Luther had already been declared a heretic.

The legate was therefore charged “to

prosecute and constrain without any delay.”

If he should remain steadfast, and the legate

should fail to gain possession of his person,

he was empowered “to proscribe him in

every part of Germany; to banish, curse, and

excommunicate all those who are attached to

him.”—Ibid., b. 4, ch. 2. And, further, the pope

directed his legate, in order entirely to root

out the pestilent heresy, to excommunicate

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.