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From Here to Forever
The Courage of a Martyr
As the Reformer proceeded, an eager multitude thronged about
him, and friendly voices warned him of the Romanists. “They will
burn you,” said some, “and reduce your body to ashes, as they did
with John Huss.” Luther answered, “Though they should kindle a
fire all the way from Worms to Wittenberg, ... I would walk through
it in the name of the Lord; I would appear before them, ... confessing
the Lord Jesus Christ.
His approach to Worms created great commotion. Friends trem-
bled for his safety; enemies feared for their cause. At the instigation
of the papists he was urged to repair to the castle of a friendly knight,
where, it was declared, all difficulties could be amicably adjusted.
Friends described the dangers that threatened him. Luther, still un-
shaken, declared: “Even should there be as many devils in Worms
as tiles on the housetops, still I would enter it.
Upon his arrival at Worms, a vast crowd flocked to the gates
to welcome him. The excitement was intense. “God will be my
defense,” said Luther as he alighted from his carriage. His arrival
filled the papists with consternation. The emperor summoned his
councilors. What course should be pursued? A rigid papist declared:
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“We have long consulted on this matter. Let your imperial majesty
get rid of this man at once. Did not Sigismund cause John Huss to be
burnt? We are not bound either to give or to observe the safe-conduct
of a heretic.” “No,” said the emperor, “we must keep our promise.
It was decided that the Reformer should be heard.
All the city were eager to see this remarkable man. Luther,
wearied from the journey, needed quiet and repose. But he had
enjoyed only a few hours’ rest when noblemen, knights, priests,
and citizens gathered eagerly about him. Among these were nobles
who had boldly demanded of the emperor a reform of ecclesiastical
abuses. Enemies as well as friends came to look upon the dauntless
monk. His bearing was firm and courageous. His pale, thin face
wore a kindly and even joyous expression. The deep earnestness
of his words gave power that even his enemies could not wholly
10
Ibid., bk. 7, ch. 7.
11
Ibid., bk. 7, ch. 7.
12
Ibid., bk. 7, ch. 8.