al
chamberlain, Miltitz himself, praised Luther's attitude, and whispered
to him that he was entirely right, implored him, drank with him, and
kissed him. Luther, to be sure, thought he knew that the courtier had
a secret mission to make him a captive, if possible, and bring him to
Rome. But the peacemakers successfully hit upon the point in which the
stubborn man heartily agreed with them--that respect for the Church
must be maintained, and its unity must not be destroyed. Luther
promised to keep quiet and to submit the decision of the contested
points to three worthy bishops. While in this position he was urged to
write a letter of apology to the Pope. But even this letter of March
3, 1519, though approved by the mediators and written under
compulsion, is characteristic as showing the advance Luther had made.
Humility, such as our theologians see in it, is hardly present, but a
cautious diplomatic attitude throughout. Luther regrets that what he
has done to defend the honor of the Roman Church should have been
interpreted as lack of respect in him. He promises henceforth to say
nothing more about indulgences--if, that is, his opponents will do
the same; he offers to address a manifesto to the people in which he
will advise them to give proper obedience to the Church and not to be
estranged from her because his adversaries have been insolent and he
himself harsh. But all these submissive words do not conceal the rift
which already separates his mind from the essential basis of the
Church of Rome. It sounds like cold irony when he writes: "What shall
I do, Most Holy Father? I am at a complete loss. I cannot endure the
weight of your anger, and yet I do not know how to escape it. They
demand a recantation from me. If it could accomplish what they propose
by it, I would recant without hesitation, but the opposition of my
adversaries has spread my writings farther than I had ever hoped; they
have taken hold too deeply on the souls of men. In Germany today
talent, learning, freedom of judgment are flourishing. If I should
recant, I should cover the Church, in the judgment of my Germans, with
still greater disgrace. It is they--my adversaries--who have brought
the Church of Rome into disrepute with us in Germany." He finally
closes politely: "If I should be able to do more, I shall without
doubt be very ready. May Christ preserve your Holiness! Martin
Luther."

Much is to be read between the lines of this studied reserve. E