The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 154

As the Reformer proceeded on his journey, he was everywhere
regarded with great interest. An eager multitude thronged about him,
and friendly voices warned him of the purpose 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, the flames of which reached to
heaven, I would walk through it in the name of the Lord; I would 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 endeavored 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 councilors 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

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