Selections from the Table Talk of Martin LutherLuther, Martin
ReligionChristian
Selections from the Table Talk of Martin Luther
Luther, Martin
Table-talk
In the year 1518, the 9th of July, when I, said Luther, was cited and
summoned, I came and appeared: Frederick Prince Elector of Saxony having
appointed me a great and strong convoy and safe-conduct. I was warned in
any case not to have conversation with the Italians, nor to repose any
trust or confidence in them. I was three whole days in Augsburg without
the Emperor’s safe-conduct. In the mean time, an Italian came unto me,
and carried me to the Cardinal Cajetan; and by the way he earnestly
persuaded me to revoke and recant; I should, said he, need to speak but
only one word before the Cardinal, namely, _Revoco_, and then the
Cardinal would recommend me to the Pope’s favour so that with honour I
might return safely again to my master, the Prince Elector. After three
days the Bishop of Trier came, who, in the Emperor’s name, showed and
declared to the Cardinal my safe-conduct. Then I went unto him in all
humility, fell down first upon my knees; secondly, all along upon the
ground; thirdly, when I had remained awhile so lying, then the Cardinal
three times bade me arise; whereupon I stood up. This pleased him well,
hoping I would consider, and better bethink myself.
The next day, when I came before him again, and would revoke nothing at
all, then he said unto me, “What? thinkest thou that the Pope careth for
Germany? or dost thou think that the Princes will raise arms and armies
to maintain and defend thee? Oh, no; where wilt thou remain in safety?”
I said, Under Heaven. After this the Pope humbled himself, and wrote to
our church, yea, he wrote even to the Prince Elector’s chaplain, and to
one of his counsellors, Spalatine and Pfeffinger, that they would
surrender me into his hands, and procure that his pleasure and command
might be put in execution. And the Pope wrote also to the Prince Elector
himself after the following manner:
“Although, as touching my person, thou art to me unknown, yet I have seen
thy father, Prince Ernestus, at Rome, who was altogether an obedient son
to the Church; he visited and frequented our religion with great
devotion, and held the same in highest honour. I wish and would that thy
illustrious serenity would also tread in his footsteps,” etc.
But the Prince Elector well marked the Pope’s unaccustomed humility, and
his evil conscience; he was also acquainted with the power and operation
of the Holy Scriptures. Therefore he remained where he was, and returned
thanks to the Pope for his affection towards him.
My books, said Luther, in a short time went, yea, flew throughout Europe;
therefore the Prince Elector was confirmed and strengthened, insomuch
that he utterly refused to execute the Pope’s commands, but subjected
himself under the acknowledgment of the Scriptures.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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