about to speak before thousands of attentive hearers drawn together from the farthest parts of Christendom . An immense revolution had thus been effected by Luther ' s instrumentality . Rome was already descending from her throne , and it was the voice of a monk that caused this humiliation ." -- Ibid ., b . 7 , ch . 8 .
In the presence of that powerful and titled assembly the lowly born Reformer seemed awed and embarrassed . Several of the princes , observing his emotion , approached him , and one of them whispered : " Fear not them which kill the body , but are not able to kill the soul ." Another said : " When ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake , it shall be given you , by the Spirit of your Father , what ye shall say ." Thus the words of Christ were brought by the world ' s great men to strengthen His servant in the hour of trial . Luther was conducted to a position directly in front of the emperor ' s throne . A deep silence fell upon the crowded assembly .
Then an imperial officer arose and , pointing to a collection of Luther ' s writings , demanded that the Reformer answer two questions--whether he acknowledged them as his , and whether he proposed to retract the opinions which he had therein advanced . The titles of the books having been read , Luther replied that as to the first question , he acknowledged the books to be his . " As to the second ," he said , " seeing that it is a question which concerns faith and the salvation of souls , and in which the word of God , the greatest and most precious treasure either in heaven or earth , is involved , I should act imprudently were I to reply without reflection . I might affirm less than the circumstance demands , or more than truth requires , and so sin against this saying of Christ : ' Whosoever shall deny Me before men , him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven .' [ Matthew 10:33 .] For this reason I entreat your imperial majesty , with all humility , to allow me time , that I may answer without offending against the word of God ." -- D ' Aubigne , b . 7 , ch . 8 .
In making this request , Luther moved wisely . His course convinced the assembly that he did not act from passion or impulse . Such calmness and self-command , unexpected in one who had shown himself bold and uncompromising , added to his power , and enabled him afterward to answer with a prudence , decision , wisdom , and dignity that surprised and disappointed his adversaries , and rebuked their insolence and pride . The next day he was to appear to render his final answer . For a time his heart sank within him as he contemplated the forces that were combined against the truth . His faith faltered ; fearfulness and trembling came upon him , and horror overwhelmed him . Dangers multiplied before him ; his enemies seemed about to triumph , and the powers of darkness to prevail . Clouds gathered about him and seemed to separate him from God . He longed for the assurance that the Lord of hosts would
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