Martin Luther
Pressure Ensues from the Catholic Church

taupitz, vicar general and leader of the Augustine monks in Germany, felt moved at the thought of the dangers which threatened the friar Martin. On the 15th September he wrote Luther from his convent of Salzburg, urging him to flee and seek an asylum beside himself. “It seems to me,” said he, “that the whole world is enraged, and in coalition against the truth. In the same way crucified Jesus was hated. I see not that you have anything to expect but persecution. Shortly, no man will be able without the permission of the pope, to sound the Scriptures, and search for Jesus Christ in them, though this Christ himself enjoins. You have only a few friends; and would to God that the fear of your adversaries did not prevent those few from declaring in your favor. The wisest course is to quit Wittemberg for a time and come to me. Thus, we will live and die together.”
Obviously Staupitz, among others, did not have the courage of Luther. Luther responded by saying, “They have already torn my honour and my reputation to shreds. The only thing left me is my poor body, and let them take it; they will only shorten my life some few hours. My soul they cannot take from me. He who would publish the word of Christ in the world must expect death every hour; for our bridegroom is a bridegroom of blood.”
The Roman Pontiff demanded Luther be sent to Rome that he might be tried as a heretic and retract. The Elector Fredrick would not allow his friend Luther to be dragged off to Rome. Therefore, he set forth a diet to commence in Augsburg. Instead of a poor monk humbly begging pardon, the Roman officials had found a free man, a decided Christian, an enlightened teacher, who insisted that unjust accusations should be supported by proof, and who defended his doctrine triumphantly.
Rome could not convict him; therefore, it was left to be decided in Germany by impartial judges. The Elector replied to the legate:—“Since Doctor Martin appeared before you at Augsburg, you ought to be satisfied. We did not expect that without having convicted him you would have thought of constraining him to retract. None of the learned in our dominions have told us that the doctrine of Martin is impious, antichristian, and heretical.” The prince then refused to send Luther to Rome, or banish him from his states. It was at this time Martin Luther saw the corruption of the court of Rome and said, “the Antichrist of which the Apostle Paul speaks is now reigning in the court of Rome.”
Obviously Staupitz, among others, did not have the courage of Luther. Luther responded by saying, “They have already torn my honour and my reputation to shreds. The only thing left me is my poor body, and let them take it; they will only shorten my life some few hours. My soul they cannot take from me. He who would publish the word of Christ in the world must expect death every hour; for our bridegroom is a bridegroom of blood.”
The Roman Pontiff demanded Luther be sent to Rome that he might be tried as a heretic and retract. The Elector Fredrick would not allow his friend Luther to be dragged off to Rome. Therefore, he set forth a diet to commence in Augsburg. Instead of a poor monk humbly begging pardon, the Roman officials had found a free man, a decided Christian, an enlightened teacher, who insisted that unjust accusations should be supported by proof, and who defended his doctrine triumphantly.
Rome could not convict him; therefore, it was left to be decided in Germany by impartial judges. The Elector replied to the legate:—“Since Doctor Martin appeared before you at Augsburg, you ought to be satisfied. We did not expect that without having convicted him you would have thought of constraining him to retract. None of the learned in our dominions have told us that the doctrine of Martin is impious, antichristian, and heretical.” The prince then refused to send Luther to Rome, or banish him from his states. It was at this time Martin Luther saw the corruption of the court of Rome and said, “the Antichrist of which the Apostle Paul speaks is now reigning in the court of Rome.”