In Germany to the Leipsic Disputation - James Aitken Wylie

ceased, the thunders rolled past, and Luther, rising
from the ground and pursuing his journey with
solemn steps, soon entered the gates of Erfurt.
The vow must be fulfilled. To serve God was to
wear a monk's hood – so did the age understand it,
and so too did Luther. To one so fitted to enjoy the
delights of friendship, so able to win the honors of
life – nay, with these honors all but already grasped
– a terrible wrench it must be to tear himself from
the world and enter a monastery – a living grave.
But his vow was irrevocable. The greater the
sacrifice, the more the merit. He must pacify his
conscience; and as yet he knew not of the more
excellent way. Once more he will see his friends,
and then – He prepares a frugal supper; he calls
together his acquaintances; he regales them with
music; he converses with apparent gaiety. And now
the feast is at an end, and the party has broken up.
Luther walks straight to the Augustinian Convent,
on the 17th of August, 1505. He knocks at the gate;
the door is opened, and he enters.
To Luther, groaning under sin, and seeking
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