The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 189

consolation were being employed to stir up strife and create confusion
in the church.
In the work of reform, Luther had been urged forward by the Spirit
of God, and had been carried beyond himself. He had not purposed to
take such positions as he did, or to make so radical changes. He had been
but the instrument in the hand of Infinite Power. Yet he often trembled
for the result of his work. He had once said: “If I knew that my doctrine
injured one man, one single man, however lowly and obscure,—which it
cannot, for it is the gospel itself,—I would rather die ten times than not
retract it.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7.
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?”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. 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’s support, and far from desiring
your protection,

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