Progress of Reform in Germany
155
In a letter to the elector, after stating his purpose to leave the Wart-
burg, Luther said: “Be it known to your highness that I am repairing
to Wittenberg under a protection more powerful than that of an elector.
I have no thought of soliciting the aid of your highness; and am so far
from desiring your protection that it is rather my purpose to protect
your highness. If I knew that your highness could or would take up
my defense, I would not come to Wittenberg. No secular sword can
advance this cause; God must do all, without the aid or co-operation
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of man. He who has most faith is the most availing defense.”
In a second letter, written on the way to Wittenberg, Luther added:
“Behold me ready to bear your highness’ disapprobation, and the anger
of the whole world. Are not the Wittenbergers my own sheep? Has
not God committed them to my care? and ought I not, if need be,
to lay down my life for them? Besides, I dread lest we should see,
throughout Germany, a revolt by which God shall punish our nation.”
With great caution and humility, yet with decision and firmness, he
entered upon his work. “By the Word,” said he, “we must refute and
expel what has gained a place and influence by violence. I would not
resort to force against the superstitious and unbelieving.” “Let there be
no compulsion. I have been laboring for liberty of conscience. Liberty
is of the very essence of faith.”
It was soon noised through Wittenberg that Luther had returned,
and that he was to preach. The people flocked from all directions,
and the church was filled to overflowing. Ascending the pulpit he
with great wisdom and gentleness instructed, exhorted, and reproved.
Touching the course of some who had resorted to violent measures in
abolishing the mass, he said:—
“The mass is a bad thing. God is opposed to it. It ought to be
abolished, and I would that everywhere the supper of the gospel were
established in its stead. But let none be torn from it by force. We
must leave results to God. It is not we that must work, but his Word.
‘And why so?’ you will ask. Because the hearts of men are not in my
hand as clay in the hand of the potter. We have a right to speak, but
none whatever to compel. Let us preach; the rest belongs to God. If I
resort to force, what shall I gain? Grimace, fair appearances, cramped
uniformity, and hypocrisy. But there will be no hearty sincerity, no
faith, no love. Where these are wanting, all is wanting, and I would not
give a straw for such a victory. God does more by the simple power of
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