In Germany from the Leipsic Disputation to the Diet at Worms - James Aitken Wylie
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<strong>from</strong> it, and <strong>the</strong> reader of his<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>at</strong> such moments<br />
feels as if he were nearing <strong>the</strong> very precincts of <strong>the</strong><br />
Eternal Throne, and walking on mysterious and<br />
holy ground.<br />
Lu<strong>the</strong>r now rises <strong>from</strong> his knees, and in <strong>the</strong><br />
calm reigning in his soul feels th<strong>at</strong> already he has<br />
received an answer <strong>to</strong> his prayer. He sits down <strong>to</strong><br />
arrange his thoughts, <strong>to</strong> draft, in outline, his<br />
defense, and <strong>to</strong> search in Holy Scripture for<br />
passages wherewith <strong>to</strong> fortify it. This task finished,<br />
he laid his left hand upon <strong>the</strong> sacred volume, which<br />
lay open on <strong>the</strong> table before him, and raising his<br />
right hand <strong>to</strong> heaven, he swore <strong>to</strong> remain ever<br />
faithful <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Gospel, and <strong>to</strong> confess it, even<br />
should he have <strong>to</strong> seal his confession with his<br />
blood. After this <strong>the</strong> Reformer experienced a still<br />
deeper peace.<br />
At four of <strong>the</strong> clock, <strong>the</strong> grand marshal and <strong>the</strong><br />
herald presented <strong>the</strong>mselves. Through crowded<br />
streets, for <strong>the</strong> excitement grew gre<strong>at</strong>er with each<br />
passing hour, was <strong>the</strong> Reformer conducted <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong>wn-hall. On arriving in <strong>the</strong> outer court <strong>the</strong>y found<br />
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