The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 155

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. Every avenue was
crowded with spectators eager to look upon the monk who had dared
resist the authority of the pope.
As he was about to enter the presence of his judges, an old general,
the hero of many battles, said to him kindly: “Poor monk, poor monk,
thou art now going to make a nobler stand than I or any other captains
have ever made in the bloodiest of our battles. But if thy cause is just,
and thou art sure of it, go forward in God’s name, and fear

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