Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

August 23, 1883
Luther Before the Diet
On the day following his arrival at Worms, Luther was notified to
appear in the afternoon before the emperor and the members of the diet. This
was the day that he had long desired; but to human appearance there was
great danger before him.
On that day came a letter from a courageous knight, whispering in the
Reformer's ear the words of an ancient prophet: "The Lord hear thee in the
day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; send thee help out
of Zion; grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfill all thy counsel."
He added: "O beloved Luther, my venerated father! fear not, and stand
firm. The counsel of the wicked has laid wait for you, and they have opened
their mouths against you, like roaring lions. But the Lord will arise against
them, and put them to flight. Fight, therefore, valiantly the battles of Christ.
As for me, I, too, will combat boldly. Would to God that I were permitted to
see how they frown. But the Lord will purge his vineyard... May Christ
preserve you!"
At the appointed hour a herald appeared to conduct Luther to the
presence of the diet. The streets were so thronged as to be impassable, and it
was only through back ways and gardens that the Reformer and his
attendants reached the town-hall. The roofs and the pavements, above,
beneath, on every side, were covered with spectators. When they arrived at
the hall, the crowd was so great that the soldiers were obliged to clear a
passage. Within the outer inclosure every place was crowded. More than five
thousand spectators, German, Spanish, and Italian, thronged the antechamber
and recesses.
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