192 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
[ 189 ] is the gospel itself,— I would rather die ten times than not retract it.” 269
And now Wittenberg itself, the very center of the Reformation, was fast falling under the power of fanaticism and lawlessness. This terrible condition had not resulted from the teachings of Luther; but throughout Germany his enemies were charging it upon him. In bitterness of soul he sometimes asked,“ Can such then be the end of this great work of the Reformation?” 270 Again, as he wrestled with God in prayer, peace flowed into his heart.“ The work is not mine, but Thine own,” he said;“ Thou wilt not suffer it to be corrupted by superstition or fanaticism.” But the thought of remaining longer from the conflict in such a crisis, became insupportable. He determined to return to Wittenberg.
Without delay he set out on his perilous journey. He was under the ban of the empire. Enemies were at liberty to take his life; friends were forbidden to aid or shelter him. The imperial government was adopting the most stringent measures against his adherents. But he saw that the work of the gospel was imperiled, and in the name of the Lord he went out fearlessly to battle for the truth.
In a letter to the elector, after stating his purpose to leave the Wartburg, Luther said:“ Be it known to your highness that I am going to Wittenberg under a protection far higher than that of princes and electors. I think not of soliciting your highness ' support, and far from desiring your protection, I would rather protect you myself. If I knew that your highness could or would protect me, I would not go to Wittenberg at all. There is no sword that can further this cause. God alone must do everything, without the help or concurrence of man. He who has the greatest faith is he who is most able to protect.” 271
In a second letter, written on the way to Wittenberg, Luther
269 D ' Aubigné, b. 9, ch. 7. 270 Ibid. 271 D ' Aubigné, b. 9, ch. 8.