In Germany from the Leipsic Disputation to the Diet at Worms - James Aitken Wylie

of sarcasm, or a bitter satire; and yet it was written
in no vein of this sort. The spirit it breathes is that
of intense moral earnestness, which permitted the
writer to think but of one thing, even the saving of
those about to sink in a great destruction. Not thus
did Luther write when he wished to pierce an
opponent with the shafts of his wit, or to
overwhelm him with the bolts of his indignation.
The words he addressed to Leo were not those of
insolence or of hatred, though some have taken
them for such, but of affection too deep to remain
silent, and too honest and fearless to flatter. Luther
could distinguish between Leo and the ministers of
his government.
We need give only a few extracts from this
extraordinary letter: –
"To the most Holy Father in God, Leo X., Pope
at Rome, be all health in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.
"From amid the fearful war which I have been
waging for three years with disorderly men, I
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