Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

ather than allow its enemies to triumph. As he entered Worms, thousands of personspressed around and followed him. Emperors and others in high authority were attendedwith no greater company. The excitement was intense; and one in that throng, with ashrill and plaintive voice, chanted a funeral dirge to warn Luther of what awaited him.But the Reformer had counted the cost and was ready to seal his testimony with hisblood if God so ordained.Luther was about to appear to answer for his faith before a most imposing assembly,and he looked to God in faith for strength. For a little time his courage and faithwere tested. Perils in every form were presented before him. He became sad. Cloudsgathered around him and hid from him the face of God. He longed to go forth with aconfident assurance that God was with him. He could not be satisfied unless he wasshut in with God. With broken cries he sent up his agonizing prayer to Heaven. Hisspirit at times seemed to faint, as his enemies, in his imagination, multiplied beforehim. He trembled at his danger. I saw that God in His wise providence prepared himin this way that he might not forget in whom to trust, and that he should not rush onpresumptuously into danger. As His own instrument, God was fitting him for the greatwork before him.Luther’s prayer was heard. His courage and faith returned as he met his enemies.Meek as a lamb he stood, surrounded by the great men of the earth, who, likeangry wolves, fastened their eyes upon him, hoping to awe him with their power andgreatness. But he had taken hold of the strength of God and feared not. His wordswere spoken with such majesty and power that his enemies could do nothing againsthim. God was speaking through Luther, and He had brought together emperors andprofessed wise men that He might publicly bring to nought their wisdom, and thatthey all might see the strength and firmness of feeble man when leaning upon God, hiseternal Rock.374