Page 19 - 08 Luther Before the Diet

Worms. Imperial messengers were

proclaiming the emperor's decree and calling

upon the people to bring the proscribed

works to the magistrates. The herald, fearing

for Luther's safety at the council, and

thinking that already his resolution might be

shaken, asked if he still wished to go forward.

He answered: “Although interdicted in every

city, I shall go on.”—Ibid., b. 7, ch. 7.

At Erfurt, Luther was received with honor.

Surrounded by admiring crowds, he passed

through the streets that he had often

traversed with his beggar's wallet. He visited

his convent cell, and thought upon the

struggles through which the light now

flooding Germany had been shed upon his

soul. He was urged to preach. This he had

been forbidden to do, but the herald granted

him permission, and the friar who had once