A new emperor, Charles V, came to the throne of Germany. The elector of Saxony, who was largely responsible for putting Charles on the throne, urged him to take no action against Luther before granting him a hearing. This placed the emperor in a perplexing and embarrassing position. The pope's followers would be satisfied with nothing short of Luther's death. The elector had declared “that Dr. Luther should be furnished with a safe-conduct, so that he might appear before a tribunal of learned, pious, and impartial judges.”^{1J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 6, chapter 11.}5TC 87.2

The assembly met at the city of Worms. For the first time the princes of Germany were to meet their young monarch in assembly. Officials of church and state and ambassadors from foreign lands all gathered at Worms. Yet the subject that stirred the deepest interest was the Reformer. Charles had instructed the elector to bring Luther with him, assuring protection and promising free discussion of the disputed questions. Luther wrote the elector: “If the emperor calls me, I cannot doubt that it is the call of God Himself. If they intend to use violence against me, ... I place the matter in the Lord's hands.... If He will not save me, my life is of little importance.... You may expect everything from me ... except to run away or to recant. Flee I cannot, and still less retract.”^{2J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 1.}5TC 87.3

As the news circulated that Luther would appear before the assembly, a general excitement arose. Aleander, the pope's representative, was alarmed and enraged. To take up a case in which the pope had already pronounced sentence of condemnation would show contempt for the pope's authority. Furthermore, the powerful arguments of this man might turn many of the princes from the pope. Aleander urged Charles not to allow Luther to appear at Worms, and he persuaded the emperor to yield.5TC 88.1

Not content with this victory, Aleander worked to have Luther condemned, accusing the Reformer of “sedition, rebellion, impiety, and blasphemy.” But his strong language revealed the spirit driving him. “He is moved by hatred and vengeance,” was the general opinion.^{3J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 1.}5TC 88.2

With fresh zeal Aleander urged the emperor to carry out the pope's rulings. Worn down by this insistence, Charles invited him to present his case to the assembly. Those who favored the Reformer were uneasy about what Aleander would say. The elector of Saxony was not present, but some of his councilors took notes of Aleander's speech.5TC 88.3

Luther Accused of Heresy

With learning and eloquence, Aleander set himself to overthrow Luther as an enemy of the church and the state. “In Luther's errors there is enough,” he declared, to justify the burning of “a hundred thousand heretics.”5TC 88.4

“What are all these Lutherans? A crew of insolent teachers, corrupt priests, immoral monks, ignorant lawyers, and degraded nobles.... How far superior to them is the Catholic party in number, ability, and power! A unanimous decree from this illustrious assembly will enlighten the ignorant, warn the reckless, decide the waverers, and give strength to the weak.”^{4J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 3.}5TC 88.5

People still make the same arguments against all who dare to present the plain teachings of God's Word. “Who are these preachers of new doctrines? They are uneducated, few in numbers, and from the poorer class. Yet they claim to have the truth and to be the chosen people of God. They are ignorant and deceived. How greatly superior in numbers and influence is our church!” These arguments are no more valid now than they were in the days of the Reformer.5TC 89.1

Luther was not there to vanquish the papal champion with the clear and convincing truths of God's Word. Most of the assembly was inclined not only to condemn him and the doctrines he taught, but if possible to uproot the heresy. All that Rome could say in her own defense had been said. From here on, the contrast between truth and error would become clearer as the open warfare developed.5TC 89.2

Now the Lord moved upon a member of the assembly to give a true account of the effects of papal tyranny. Duke George of Saxony stood up in that princely gathering and specified with terrible precision the church's deceptions and abominations:5TC 89.3

“Abuses ... cry out against Rome. All shame has been put aside, and their only interest is ... money, money, money, ... so that the preachers who should teach the truth speak nothing but falsehoods. They are not only tolerated, but rewarded, because the greater their lies, the greater their gain. It is from this foul spring that such tainted waters flow. Indecency stretches out the hand to greed.... Sad to say, it is the scandal caused by the clergy that hurls so many poor souls into eternal condemnation. We must bring about a general reform.”^{5J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 4.} The fact that the speaker was a determined enemy of the Reformer gave greater influence to his words.5TC 89.4

Angels of God sent beams of light into the darkness of error and opened hearts to truth. The power of the God of truth controlled even the enemies of the Reformation and prepared the way for the great work about to take place. The voice of One who was greater than Luther had been heard in that assembly.5TC 89.5

A committee was appointed to prepare a list of papal oppressions that weighed heavily on the German people. This list was presented to the emperor, with a request that he take measures to correct these abuses. The request said, “It is our duty to prevent the ruin and dishonor of our people. For this reason we most humbly but most urgently ask you to order a general reformation and use your power to accomplish it.”^{6J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 4.}5TC 90.1

Luther Summoned to Appear

The council now demanded that Luther appear before them. The emperor finally consented, and Luther was summoned. With the summons he was granted a safe-conduct. A herald took these to Wittenberg, with instructions to bring Luther to Worms.5TC 90.2

Knowing the prejudice and hatred against him, Luther's friends feared that his safe-conduct would not be honored. He replied: “Christ will give me His Spirit to overcome these ministers of error. I despise them during my life; I will triumph over them by my death. They are busy at Worms to force me to retract, and this will be my retraction: I said before that the pope was Christ's vicar, but now I assert that he is the Lord's adversary and the devil's apostle.”^{7J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 6.}5TC 90.3

Besides the imperial messenger, three friends determined to go with Luther. Melanchthon's heart was knit to Luther's, and he wanted to follow him. But Luther denied his pleas. The Reformer told him: “If I do not return, and my enemies put me to death, continue to teach, and stand firmly in the truth. Labor in my place.... If you survive, my death will be of little importance.”^{8J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 7.}5TC 90.4

Gloomy forebodings filled the minds of the people. They learned that Luther's writings had been condemned at Worms. The herald, afraid for Luther's safety at the council, asked if he still wanted to go forward. He answered, “Although condemned in every city, I shall go on.”^{9J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 7.}5TC 90.5

At Erfurt, Luther passed through the streets he had often walked, visited his convent cell, and thought about the struggles that had brought to his heart the light now flooding Germany. People urged him to preach. He had been forbidden to do so, but the herald gave him permission, and the friar who had once slaved at the worst duties of the convent now entered the pulpit.5TC 90.6

The people listened as if spellbound. Luther broke the bread of life to those starving souls. He lifted up Christ before them as higher than popes, church officials, emperors, and kings. Luther made no reference to his own dangerous position. In Christ he had lost sight of self. He hid behind the Man of Calvary, seeking only to present Jesus as the sinner's Redeemer.5TC 91.1

The Courage of a Martyr

As the Reformer went on his way, an eager crowd surged around him, and friendly voices warned him of the Catholic authorities. “They will burn you,” said some, “and reduce your body to ashes, as they did with John Huss.” Luther answered, “Even if they lit 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.”^{10J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 7.}5TC 91.2

Luther's approach to Worms stirred up great commotion. Friends trembled for his safety, and enemies feared for their cause. The pope's followers arranged for some to urge him to go to the castle of a friendly knight, where, they declared, all difficulties could be resolved with goodwill. Friends described the dangers that threatened him. Luther, still unshaken, declared: “Even if there were as many devils in Worms as tiles on the housetops, still I would enter it.”^{11J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 7.}5TC 91.3

When he arrived 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 stepped from his carriage. His arrival filled Rome's supporters with dismay. The emperor summoned his councilors. What course should they follow? A rigid Catholic declared: “We have consulted on this matter a long time already. Let your imperial majesty get rid of this man at once. Did not Sigismund cause John Huss to be burnt? We are not obligated either to give or to honor the safe-conduct of a heretic.” “No,” said the emperor, “we must keep our promise.”^{12J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.} They decided that the Reformer should be heard.5TC 91.4

Everyone in the city was eager to see this remarkable man. Luther, tired from the journey, needed quiet and rest. But he had enjoyed only a few hours’ relief when noblemen, knights, priests, and citizens gathered eagerly around him. Among these were nobles who had boldly demanded that the emperor reform the church's abuses. Enemies as well as friends came to see the fearless monk. His bearing was firm and courageous. His pale, thin face wore a kindly and even joyous expression. The deep earnestness of his words carried a power that even his enemies could not completely resist. Some were convinced that a divine influence was with him. Others declared, as the Pharisees had about Christ, “He has a demon” (John 10:20).5TC 92.1

On the following day an imperial officer was sent to bring Luther to the assembly hall. Every street was crowded with spectators eager to see the monk who had dared to resist the pope. An old general, the hero of many battles, said to him kindly: “Poor monk, you are now going to make a nobler stand than I or any other captains have ever made in the bloodiest of our battles. But if your cause is just, ... go forward in God's name, and fear nothing. God will not forsake you.”^{13J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 92.2

Luther Stands Before the Council

The emperor sat on his throne, surrounded by the most important people in the empire. Martin Luther was now to answer for his faith. “This appearance was itself a clear victory over the papacy. The pope had condemned the man, and he was now standing before a tribunal which, by this very act, set itself above the pope. The pope had placed him under a ban and cut him off from all human society, and yet he was summoned in respectful language and was received before the most distinguished assembly in the world.... Rome was already descending from her throne, and it was the voice of a monk that caused this humiliation.”^{14J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 92.3

The lowly born Reformer seemed awed and embarrassed. Several princes approached him, and one whispered: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Another said: “When you are brought before governors and kings for My sake, it will be given you, by the Spirit of your Father, what you shall say.” (See Matthew 10:28, 18-20.)5TC 92.4

A deep silence fell on the crowded assembly. Then an imperial officer arose and, pointing to Luther's writings, demanded that the Reformer answer two questions—whether he acknowledged them as his, and whether he intended to retract the opinions they advanced. After the titles of the books were read, Luther answered the first question, acknowledging that the books were his. “As to the second,” he said, “I would act rashly if I replied without reflection. I might affirm less than the occasion demands, or more than truth requires. For this reason I ask your imperial majesty, with all humility, to allow me time, that I may answer without offending against the word of God.”^{15J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 93.1

Luther's reply convinced the assembly that he did not act from passion or impulse. Such calmness and self-command, unexpected in someone so bold and uncompromising, enabled him to answer later with wisdom and dignity that surprised his opponents and rebuked their haughty arrogance.5TC 93.2

The next day Luther was to give his final answer. For a time his heart sank. His enemies seemed about to triumph. Clouds gathered around him and seemed to separate him from God. In anguish of spirit he poured out those broken, heart-rending cries, which no one but God can fully understand.5TC 93.3

“O almighty and everlasting God,” he pleaded, “if it is only in the strength of this world that I must put my trust, everything is over.... My last hour has come, my condemnation has been pronounced.... O God, do help me against all the wisdom of the world.... The cause is Yours, ... and it is a righteous and eternal cause. O Lord, help me! Faithful and unchangeable God, in no man do I place my trust.... You have chosen me for this work.... Stand at my side, for the sake of Your well-beloved Jesus Christ, who is my defense, my shield, and my strong tower.”^{16J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 93.4

Yet it was not the fear of personal suffering, torture, or death that overwhelmed him with terror. He felt his inadequacy. Through his weakness the cause of truth might suffer loss. He wrestled with God, not for his own safety, but for the triumph of the gospel. In his complete helplessness he fastened his faith on Christ, the mighty Deliverer. He would not appear before the council alone. Peace returned to his heart, and he rejoiced that he was permitted to lift up the Word of God before the rulers of the nations.5TC 93.5

Luther thought about his answer, examined passages in his writings, and drew from Scripture suitable proofs to uphold his positions. Then, laying his left hand on the Sacred Volume, he lifted his right hand to heaven and vowed “to remain faithful to the gospel and freely to confess his faith, even if he would seal his testimony with his blood.”^{17J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 94.1

Luther Before the Assembly Again

When Luther was again ushered into the assembly, he was calm and peaceful, yet brave and noble, as God's witness among the great ones of earth. The imperial officer now demanded his decision. Did he desire to retract? Luther made his answer in a humble tone, without violence or passion. His demeanor was modest and respectful, yet he showed a confidence and joy that surprised the assembly.5TC 94.2

“Most serene emperor, illustrious princes, gracious lords,” said Luther, “I appear before you this day to comply with the order given me yesterday. If, through ignorance, I might violate the customs and forms of courts, I ask you to pardon me, for I was not brought up in the palaces of kings, but in the seclusion of a convent.”^{18J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 94.3

Then he stated that in some of his published works he had written of faith and good works, and even his enemies said they were beneficial. To retract these would condemn truths that all accepted. The second class consisted of writings exposing the corruptions and abuses of the papacy. To revoke these would strengthen the tyranny of Rome and open a wider door to great sacrilege. In the third class he had attacked individuals who defended existing evils. Concerning these he freely admitted that he had been more violent than was proper. But even these books he could not revoke, for the enemies of truth would then take the opportunity to curse God's people with still greater cruelty.5TC 94.4

He continued, “I will defend myself as Christ did: ‘If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil.’ ... By the mercy of God, I appeal to you, most serene emperor, and you, most illustrious princes, and all men of every degree, to prove from the writings of the prophets and apostles that I have been wrong. As soon as I am convinced of this, I will retract every error and be the first to lay hold of my books and throw them into the fire....5TC 95.1

“Far from being dismayed, I rejoice to see that the gospel is now, as in former times, a cause of trouble and dissension. This is the character, this is the destiny, of the word of God. ‘I came not to send peace on earth, but a sword,’ said Jesus Christ.... Beware lest, by presuming to put a stop to dissensions, you persecute the holy word of God and draw down on yourselves a frightful flood of insurmountable dangers, of present disasters, and eternal desolation.”^{19J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 95.2

Luther had spoken in German; he was now requested to repeat the same words in Latin. He again delivered his speech with the same clearness as before. God's guidance directed in this. Error and superstition had so blinded many of the princes that at first they did not see the force of Luther's reasoning, but the repetition enabled them to understand clearly the points he presented.5TC 95.3

Those who stubbornly closed their eyes to the light were enraged over the power of Luther's words. The spokesman of the assembly said angrily: “You have not answered the question put to you.... You are required to give a clear and precise answer.... Will you, or will you not, retract?”5TC 95.4

The Reformer answered: “Since your most serene majesty and your high mightinesses require from me a clear, simple, and precise answer, I will give you one, and it is this: I cannot submit my faith either to the pope or the councils, because it is clear as the day that they have frequently erred and contradicted each other. Unless therefore I am convinced by the testimony of the Scripture.... I cannot and I will not retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. May God help me. Amen.”^{20J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 95.5

Thus stood this righteous man. His greatness and purity of character, his peace and joy of heart, were clear to all as he witnessed to the superiority of the faith that overcomes the world.5TC 95.6

At his first answer Luther had spoken with a respectful, almost submissive bearing. The pope's followers thought the request for delay was just the first step toward recanting his faith. Charles himself, noting with some contempt the monk's worn body, his plain clothing, and the simplicity of his speech, had declared, “This monk will never make a heretic of me.” The courage and firmness that he now displayed, the power of his reasoning, filled everyone with surprise. The emperor exclaimed in admiration, “This monk speaks with a brave heart and unshaken courage.”5TC 96.1

The supporters of Rome had lost the controversy. They tried to maintain their power, not by appealing to Scripture, but by threats—Rome's unfailing argument. The spokesman of the assembly said, “If you do not retract, the emperor and the states of the empire will consult what course to adopt against an unreformable heretic.”5TC 96.2

Luther said calmly, “May God be my helper, for I can retract nothing.”^{21J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 8.}5TC 96.3

He was told to step out while the princes consulted together. Luther's persistent refusal to submit could affect the history of the church for ages. They decided to give him one more opportunity to retract. Again the question came to him: Would he renounce his doctrines? “I have no other reply to make,” he said, “than the one I have already made.”5TC 96.4

The papal leaders were chagrined that their power did not intimidate a humble monk. Luther had spoken to all with Christian dignity and calmness, and his words were free from passion and misrepresentation. He had lost sight of himself and felt only that he was in the presence of One infinitely superior to popes, kings, and emperors. The Spirit of God had been present, impressing the hearts of the chiefs of the empire.5TC 96.5

Several princes boldly acknowledged that Luther's cause was just. Another group did not express their convictions then, but at a future time they became fearless supporters of the Reformation.5TC 96.6

The elector Frederick had listened to Luther's speech with deep emotion. With joy and pride he witnessed the doctor's courage and calmness, and he determined to stand more firmly in Luther's defense. He saw that the power of truth had defeated the wisdom of popes, kings, and church dignitaries.5TC 96.7

As the pope's representative saw the effect that Luther's speech produced, he resolved to use every means at his command to bring about the Reformer's overthrow. With eloquence and diplomatic skill he presented to the young emperor the danger of sacrificing the friendship and support of Rome for the cause of an insignificant monk.5TC 97.1

The day after Luther's answer, Charles announced to the assembly his determination to uphold and protect the Catholic religion. He intended to use vigorous measures against Luther and the heresies he taught: “I will sacrifice my kingdoms, my treasures, my friends, my body, my blood, my soul, and my life.... I will ... proceed against him and his followers as obstinate heretics, by excommunication, by official ban, and by every means calculated to destroy them.”^{22J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 9.} Nevertheless, the emperor declared, Luther's safe-conduct must be respected. He must be allowed to reach his home safely.5TC 97.2

Luther's Safe-conduct in Jeopardy

The pope's representatives again demanded that the emperor disregard the Reformer's safe-conduct. “The Rhine should receive his ashes, as it received those of John Huss a century ago.”^{23J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 9.} But princes of Germany, though sworn enemies of Luther, protested such a violation of public faith. They pointed to the disasters that had followed the death of Huss. They did not dare to bring upon Germany a repetition of those terrible evils.5TC 97.3

In answer to the disgraceful proposal, Charles said, “Though honor and faith were banished from all the world, they ought to find a refuge in the hearts of princes.”^{24J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 9.} Luther's papal enemies continued to urge him to deal with the Reformer as Sigismund had dealt with Huss. But remembering the scene when in public assembly Huss had pointed to his chains and reminded the monarch of his pledges of safe-conduct, Charles V declared, “I would not like to blush like Sigismund.”^{25Jacques Lenfant, History of the Council of Constance, volume 1, page 422.}5TC 97.4

Yet Charles deliberately rejected the truths that Luther presented. He would not step out of the path of custom to walk in the ways of truth and righteousness. Because his fathers did, he also would uphold the papacy. In this way he refused to accept light that went beyond what his fathers had received.5TC 98.1

Many today cling to the traditions of their ancestors. When the Lord sends additional light, they refuse to accept it because their fathers had not received it. God will not approve us if we look to our fathers to decide our duty instead of searching the Word of Truth for ourselves. We are accountable for the additional light that now shines on us from the Word of God.5TC 98.2

Through Luther, divine power had spoken to the emperor and princes of Germany. God's Spirit pleaded for the last time with many in that assembly. As Pilate had done centuries before, so Charles V yielded to worldly pride and decided to reject the light of truth.5TC 98.3

The threats against Luther circulated widely, stirring up excitement throughout the city. Knowing the deceitful cruelty of Rome, many friends resolved to prevent the Reformer from being sacrificed. Hundreds of nobles pledged to protect him. Signs were posted on the gates of houses and in public places, some condemning Luther and others defending him. One of them carried the significant words, “Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child” (Ecclesiastes 10:16). Popular enthusiasm in Luther's favor convinced the emperor and the assembly that any injustice to him would endanger the peace of the empire and the stability of the throne.5TC 98.4

Efforts for Compromise With Rome

Frederick of Saxony carefully concealed his real feelings toward the Reformer. At the same time he guarded Luther with constant vigilance, watching his movements and those of his enemies. But many others did not try to hide their sympathy with Luther. “The doctor's little room,” wrote Spalatin, “could not contain all the visitors who presented themselves.”^{26W. Carlos Martyn, The Life and Times of Martin Luther, volume 1, page 404.} Even those who had no faith in his doctrines could not help admiring the integrity that led him to risk death rather than violate his conscience.5TC 98.5

Some tried earnestly to get Luther to agree to a compromise with Rome. Nobles and princes told him that if he set up his own judgment against the church and the councils, he would be banished from the empire and have no defense. They again urged him to submit to the emperor's judgment. Then he would have nothing to fear. In reply he said: “I consent with all my heart that the emperor, the princes, and even the meanest Christian, should examine and judge my works; but on one condition, that they take the word of God for their standard. Humanity has nothing to do but to obey it.”5TC 99.1

To another appeal he said: “I consent to renounce my safe-conduct. I place my person and my life in the emperor's hands, but the word of God—never!”^{27J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 10.} He said he was willing to submit to a general council, but only if the council were required to decide according to the Scriptures. “In what concerns the word of God and the faith, every Christian is as good a judge as the pope, even if a million councils side with the pope.”^{28W. Carlos Martyn, The Life and Times of Martin Luther, volume 1, page 410.} Both friends and enemies were finally convinced that further effort to reconcile the two sides would be useless.5TC 99.2

If the Reformer had given in on a single point, Satan and his angels would have gained the victory. But his unwavering firmness was the means of freeing the church. The influence of this one man who dared to think and act for himself was to affect the church and the world, not only in his own time, but in all future generations.5TC 99.3

The emperor soon commanded Luther to return home. His condemnation would quickly follow. Threatening clouds hung over his path, but as he left Worms, his heart was full of joy and praise.5TC 99.4

After he left, Luther wanted to make it clear that his firmness was not rebellion. He wrote to the emperor: “I am ready most earnestly to obey your majesty, in honor or in dishonor, in life or in death, and with no exception but the word of God, by which man lives.... When eternal interests are involved, God does not want one person to submit to another. This is because such sub mission in spiritual matters is a real worship, and it ought to be given only to the Creator.”^{29J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 11.}5TC 99.5

On the journey from Worms, princely church leaders welcomed the excommunicated monk, and civil rulers honored the man whom the emperor had denounced. They urged him to preach, and, despite the imperial ban, he again entered the pulpit. “I never pledged myself to chain up the word of God,” he said, “nor will I.”^{30W. Carlos Martyn, The Life and Times of Martin Luther, volume 1, page 420.}5TC 100.1

He had not been away from Worms very long when Catholic leaders got the emperor to issue an edict against him. Luther was denounced as “Satan himself under the form of a man and dressed in a monk's clothing.”^{31J. H. Merle D'Aubigné, History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, book 7, chapter 11.} As soon as his safe-conduct expired, everyone was forbidden to shelter him, give him food or drink, or help him by word or act. He was to be delivered to the authorities, his followers also to be imprisoned and their property taken. His writings were to be destroyed, and finally, anyone who dared to act contrary to this decree was included in its condemnation. The elector of Saxony and the princes most friendly to Luther had left Worms soon after Luther, and the emperor's decree received approval from the assembly that remained. The supporters of Rome were overjoyed. They thought the fate of the Reformation was sealed.5TC 100.2

God Uses Frederick of Saxony

A vigilant eye had followed Luther's movements, and a true and noble heart had resolved to rescue him. God gave Frederick of Saxony a plan to save the Reformer's life. On his trip homeward Luther was separated from his attendants and was quickly taken through the forest to the castle of Wartburg, an isolated mountain fortress. His hiding place was such a closely guarded secret that even Frederick himself did not know where he had been taken. This ignorance was planned; as long as the elector knew nothing, he could reveal nothing. Satisfied that the Reformer was safe, he was content.5TC 100.3

Spring, summer, and autumn passed, and winter came, and Luther still remained a prisoner. Aleander and his followers boasted of their success. The light of the gospel seemed about to be extinguished. But the Reformer's light was to shine out even more brightly.5TC 100.4

Security at Wartburg

In the friendly security of the Wartburg castle, Luther rejoiced to be free from the heat and turmoil of battle. But he was used to a life of activity and hard conflict, and he could hardly stand to remain inactive. In those lonely days the condition of the church rose up before him. He feared being called a coward for withdrawing from the contest. Then he scolded himself for being idle and self-indulgent.5TC 101.1

Yet at the same time, every day he was accomplishing more than it seemed possible for one man to do. His pen was never still. His enemies were astonished and confused by tangible proof that he was still active. A great many tracts from his pen circulated throughout Germany. He also translated the New Testament into the German language. From his rocky Patmos he continued for nearly a whole year to proclaim the gospel and rebuke the errors of the times.5TC 101.2

God had taken His servant away from the stage of public life. In the quiet isolation of his mountain retreat, Luther was removed from earthly supports and shut out from human praise. This saved him from the pride and self-confidence that success so often brings.5TC 101.3

As people rejoice in the freedom that the truth brings them, Satan tries to turn their thoughts and affections from God and to fasten them on human agencies, to honor the instrument and to ignore the Hand that directs the events God chooses. Too often religious leaders who are praised like this begin to trust in themselves. The people tend to look to them for guidance instead of to God's Word. God wanted to guard the Reformation from this danger. Human eyes had looked to Luther as the expounder of the truth. He was removed so that all eyes could be directed to the eternal Author of truth.5TC 101.4

Chapter 7—Luther, a Man for His Time

Chapter 9—Light Kindled in Switzerland