Page 33 - 08 Luther Before the Diet

forced to take his seat in front of his

opponent on a rudely carved stool.”—Ibid., b.

11, ch. 13. Eck's stentorian voice and

unbounded assurance never failed him. His

zeal was stimulated by the hope of gold as

well as fame; for the defender of the faith was

to be rewarded by a handsome fee. When

better arguments failed, he had resort to

insults, and even to oaths.

Oecolampadius, modest and self-distrustful,

had shrunk from the combat, and he entered

upon it with the solemn avowal: “I

acknowledge no other standard of judgment

than the word of God.”—Ibid., b. 11, ch. 13.

Though gentle and courteous in demeanor,

he proved himself able and unflinching.

While the Romanists, according to their wont,

appealed for authority to the customs of the

church, the Reformer adhered steadfastly to