appear before them ; I would enter the jaws of this behemoth , and break his teeth , confessing the Lord Jesus Christ ." -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 7 .
The news of his approach to Worms created great commotion . His friends trembled for his safety ; his enemies feared for the success of their cause . Strenuous efforts were made to dissuade him from entering the city . 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 endeavoured to excite his fears by describing the dangers that threatened him . All their efforts failed . Luther , still unshaken , declared : " Even should there be as many devils in Worms as tiles on the housetops , still I would enter it ." -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 7 . Upon his arrival at Worms , a vast crowd flocked to the gates to welcome him . So great a concourse had not assembled to greet the emperor himself . The excitement was intense , and from the midst of the throng a shrill and plaintive voice chanted a funeral dirge as a warning to Luther of the fate that awaited him . " God will be my defense ," said he , as he alighted from his carriage .
The papists had not believed that Luther would really venture to appear at Worms , and his arrival filled them with consternation . The emperor immediately summoned his councillors to consider what course should be pursued . One of the bishops , a rigid papist , declared : " 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 ." -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 8 . It was therefore decided that the Reformer should be heard .
All the city were eager to see this remarkable man , and a throng of visitors soon filled his lodgings . Luther had scarcely recovered from his recent illness ; he was wearied from the journey , which had occupied two full weeks ; he must prepare to meet the momentous events of the morrow , and he needed quiet and repose . But so great was the desire to see him that he had enjoyed only a few hours ' rest when noblemen , knights , priests , and citizens gathered eagerly about him . Among these were many of the nobles who had so boldly demanded of the emperor a reform of ecclesiastical abuses and who , says Luther , " had all been freed by my gospel ." --Martyn , page 393 . Enemies , as well as friends , came to look upon the dauntless monk ; but he received them with unshaken calmness , replying to all with dignity and wisdom . His bearing was firm and courageous . His pale , thin face , marked with the traces of toil and illness , wore a kindly and even joyous expression . The solemnity and deep earnestness of his words gave him a power that even his enemies could not wholly withstand . Both friends and foes were filled with wonder . Some were convinced that a divine influence attended him ; others declared , as had the Pharisees concerning Christ : " He hath a devil ."
On the following day Luther was summoned to attend the Diet . An imperial officer was appointed to conduct him to the hall of audience ; yet it was with difficulty that he reached the place .
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