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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
his faith, if God required; but to yield it—never. God preserved his
life. He bade angels attend him and baffle the rage and purposes of his
enemies, and bring him unharmed through the stormy conflict.
The calm, dignified power of Luther humbled his enemies, and
dealt a most dreadful blow to the papacy. The great and proud men in
power meant that his blood should atone for the mischief he had done
their cause. Their plans were laid, but a mightier than they had charge
of Luther. His work was not finished. The friends of Luther hastened
his departure from Augsburg. He left the city by night, mounted upon
a horse without bridle, himself unarmed and without boots or spurs. In
great weariness he pursued his journey until he was among his friends.
Again the indignation of the papacy was aroused, and they resolved
to stop the mouth of that fearless advocate of truth. They summoned
him to Worms, fully determined to make him answer for his folly. He
was in feeble health, yet he did not excuse himself. He well knew
the dangers that were before him. He knew that his powerful enemies
would take any measures to silence him. They were crying for his
blood as eagerly as the Jews clamored for the blood of Christ. Yet he
trusted in that God who preserved the three worthies in the burning
fiery furnace. His anxiety and care were not for himself. He sought
not his own ease; but his great anxiety was that the truth, to him so
precious, should not be exposed to the insults of the ungodly. He
was ready to die rather than allow its enemies to triumph. As he
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entered Worms, thousands of persons pressed around and followed
him. Emperors and others in high authority were attended with no
greater company. The excitement was intense; and one in that throng,
with a shrill and plaintive voice, chanted a funeral dirge to warn Luther
of what awaited him. But the Reformer had counted the cost and was
ready to seal his testimony with his blood if God so ordained.
Luther was about to appear to answer for his faith before a most
imposing assembly, and he looked to God in faith for strength. For
a little time his courage and faith were tested. Perils in every form
were presented before him. He became sad. Clouds gathered around
him and hid from him the face of God. He longed to go forth with a
confident assurance that God was with him. He could not be satisfied
unless he was shut in with God. With broken cries he sent up his
agonizing prayer to Heaven. His spirit at times seemed to faint, as his
enemies, in his imagination, multiplied before him. He trembled at his