The Diet of Worms (1521)

In 1521 Martin Luther was called to appear before the Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms (pronounced dee-it of Vorms). He was asked if he would recant his writings. Luther knew that his life was on the line and he would likely not leave Worms alive. He know that a stand now would mean that he would, like John Huss a century earlier, most likely be burned at the stake if he did not recant.

His strength and courage wavered. He asked for 24 hours to think about how he would answer. J. H. Merle D’Aubigne in his great History of the Reformation gives us part of Luther’s prayer that he prayed that night in his cell.

“O Almighty and Everlasting God! How terrible is this world! Behold, it openeth its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so little trust in Thee!…...How weak is the flesh, and Satan how strong! If it is only in the strength of this world that I must put my trust, all is over”…..My last hour is come, my condemnation has been pronounced…...O God! O God! O God! Do thou help me against all the wisdom of the world! Do this; thou shouldest do this…..thou alone…...for this is not my work, but Thine….I have nothing to do here, nothing to contend for with these great ones of the world! I should desire to see my days flow on peaceful and happy. But the cause is Thine and it is a righteous and eternal cause. O Lord! help me! Faithful and unchangeable God! In no man do I place my trust. It would be vain! All that is of man is uncertain; all that cometh of man fails O God! my God, hearest Thou me not? My God, art Thou dead! No! Thou canst not die! Thou hidest thyself only! Thou hast chosen me for this work. I know it well!…..Act, then, O God!…...stand at my side, for the sake of thy well-beloved Jesus Christ, who is my defence, my shield, and my strong tower.”

After a moment of silent struggle, he continues:
“Lord! where stayest Thou?…..O my God! where art Thou? Come! come! I am ready. I am ready to lay down my life for Thy truth…..patient as a lamb. For it is the cause of justice—it is thine…..I will never separate myself from Thee, neither now nor through eternity!…..And though the world should be filled with devils,—though my body, which is still the work of Thy hands, should be slain, be stretched upon the pavement, be cut in pieces…..reduced to ashes…..my soul is Thine! Yes! Thy Word is my assurance of it. My soul belongs to Thee! It shall abide for ever with Thee…..Amen!…..O God! help me…..Amen!”

The next day Luther was once more brought before the assembly of princes. He was told that he need to give a clear answer. Luther responded:

“Since your most serene majesty and your high mightinesses require from me a clear, simple, and precise answer, I will give you one, and it is this: I cannot submit my faith either to the pope or to the councils, because it is clear as the day that they have frequently erred and contradicted each other. Unless therefore I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture, or by the clearest reasoning,—unless I am persuaded by means of the passages I have quoted,—and unless they thus render my conscience bound by the Word of God, I cannot and I will not retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience.”

And then, looking round on this assembly before which he stood, and which held his life in its hands, he said “Here I stand, I can do no other; may God help me! AMEN!”

Luther did not recant.

Deo vindice,

Kenith