Page 12 - 10 Progress of Reform in Germany
P. 12
In a second letter, written on the way to
Wittenberg, Luther added: “I am ready to
incur the displeasure of your highness and
the anger of the whole world. Are not the
Wittenbergers my sheep? Has not God
entrusted them to me? And ought I not, if
necessary, to expose myself to death for their
sakes? Besides, I fear to see a terrible
outbreak in Germany, by which God will
punish our nation.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7.
With great caution and humility, yet with
decision and firmness, he entered upon his
work. “By the word,” said he, “must we
overthrow and destroy what has been set up
by violence. I will not make use of force
against the superstitious and unbelieving....
No one must be constrained. Liberty is the
very essence of faith.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 8.
