Page 7 - 08 Luther Before the Diet

With a persistence worthy of a better cause,

he urged the matter upon the attention of

princes, prelates, and other members of the

assembly, accusing the Reformer of “sedition,

rebellion, impiety, and blasphemy.” But the

vehemence and passion manifested by the

legate revealed too plainly the spirit by which

he was actuated. “He is moved by hatred and

vengeance,” was the general remark, “much

more than by zeal and piety.”—Ibid., b. 7, ch.

1. The majority of the Diet were more than

ever inclined to regard Luther's cause with

favor.

With redoubled zeal Aleander urged upon the

emperor the duty of executing the papal

edicts. But under the laws of Germany this

could not be done without the concurrence of

the princes; and, overcome at last by the

legate's importunity, Charles bade him