Martin Luther - Ellen White Defend

And now a whole city, and that city Wittenberg itself, is fast sinking into confusion. The
doctrine taught by Luther had not caused this evil; but throughout Germany his enemies were
eagerly charging it upon him. In bitterness of soul he sometimes asked "Is this to be the result
of the great work of the Reformation?" Again, as he wrestled with God in prayer, peace flowed
into his mind. "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 go forth and meet the disturbing
element that threatened so great damage to the cause of truth and righteousness.
Signs of the Times: October 25, 1883 Luther Returns to
Wittenberg.
- By Mrs. E. G. White.
On the third of March, 1522, ten months after his capture and imprisonment, Luther
bade adieu to the Wartburg, and through the gloomy forests pursued his journey toward
Wittenberg.
He was under the ban of the empire. Enemies were at liberty to take his life; friends
were forbidden to aid or even shelter him. The Imperial Government, urged on by the
determined zeal of Duke George of Saxony, were adopting the most stringent measures
against his adherents. So great were the dangers threatening the Reformer's safety, that
notwithstanding the urgent demand for his return to Wittenberg, the elector Frederick wrote
entreating him to remain in his secure retreat. But Luther saw that the work of the gospel was
imperiled, and, regardless of his own safety, he determined to return to the conflict.
Upon arriving at the town of Borne, he wrote to the elector, explaining his course in
leaving the Wartburg. "I have sufficiently shown my deference to your highness," he said, "in
withdrawing from the public gaze for a whole year. Satan knows that it was not from
cowardice that I did so. I would have entered Worms, though there had been as many devils
in the town as there were tiles upon its roofs. Now Duke George, whom your highness
mentioned as if to scare me, is much less to be dreaded than a single devil. If what is passing
at Wittenberg were occurring at Leipsic [the usual residence of Duke George], I would
instantly mount my horse, and repair thither, even though--your highness will, I trust, pardon
the expression--it should rain Duke Georges for nine days together, and every one should be
nine times as fierce as he! What can he be thinking of in attacking me? Does he suppose that
Christ my Lord is a man of straw? May God avert from him the awful judgment that hangs
over him!
"Be it known to your highness that I am repairing to Wittenberg under a protection
more powerful than that of an elector. I have no thought of soliciting the aid of your highness;
and am so far from desiring your protection, that it is rather my purpose to protect your
highness. If I knew that your highness could, or would, take up my defense, I would not come
to Wittenberg. No secular sword can advance this cause; God must do all, without the aid or
co-operation of man. He who has most faith, is the most availing defense; but, as it seems to
me, your highness is as yet very weak in faith.
"But since your highness desires to know what to do, I will humbly answer: Your
electoral highness has already done too much, and should do nothing whatever. God neither
wants nor will he endure, that you or I should take thought or part in the matter. Let your
highness follow this advice.
"In regard to myself, your highness must remember your duty as elector, and allow the
instructions of his imperial majesty to be carried into effect in your towns and districts, offering
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