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enemies sought to intimidate him, and cause him to renounce his faith,
but he boldly stood in the defense of the truth. He was ready to die for
his faith, if God required; but to yield it—never. God preserved his life.
He bade angels attend him, and bring him through the stormy conflict,
unharmed, and he baffled the rage and purposes of his enemies.
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 he should atone by his blood for the mischief he had
done. 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
leaves in the night, mounted upon a horse, without bridle, without
boots or spurs, and unarmed. With great weariness he performs his
journey, until he is among his friends.
Again the indignation of the papacy is aroused. They are de-
termined to stop the mouth of that fearless advocate of truth. They
summon him to Worms, fully determined to make him answer for his
folly. He was in feeble health, yet he did not excuse himself. He knew
the dangers well that were before him. He knew that his powerful
enemies would take any measure to silence him. They cried for his
blood as eagerly as the Jews clamored for the blood of the Son of God.
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, be not exposed to the insults of the ungodly. He was ready
to die, rather than allow his enemies to triumph. As he entered Worms,
thousands of persons pressed around and followed him. Emperors, and
those in the highest 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 instruct and warn Luther of
what awaited him. Luther had counted the cost, and was ready to seal
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his testimony with his blood, if God so ordained.
He was about to appear to answer for his faith before a most
imposing assembly. Luther 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 the face of God from him. He longed to go forth with a
confident assurance that God was with him. He could not be satisfied