Page 6 - 08 Luther Before the Diet

inquiry into a case in which the pope had

already pronounced sentence of

condemnation would be to cast contempt

upon the authority of the sovereign pontiff.

Furthermore, he was apprehensive that the

eloquent and powerful arguments of this man

might turn away many of the princes from

the cause of the pope. He therefore, in the

most urgent manner, remonstrated with

Charles against Luther's appearance at

Worms. About this time the bull declaring

Luther's excommunication was published;

and this, coupled with the representations of

the legate, induced the emperor to yield. He

wrote to the elector that if Luther would not

retract, he must remain at Wittenberg.

Not content with this victory, Aleander

labored with all the power and cunning at his

command to secure Luther's condemnation.