Page 26 - 08 Luther Before the Diet

thin face, marked with the traces of toil and

illness, wore a kindly and even joyous

expression. The solemnity and deep

earnestness of his words gave him a power

that even his enemies could not wholly

withstand. Both friends and foes were filled

with wonder. Some were convinced that a

divine influence attended him; others

declared, as had the Pharisees concerning

Christ: “He hath a devil.”

On the following day Luther was summoned

to attend the Diet. An imperial officer was

appointed to conduct him to the hall of

audience; yet it was with difficulty that he

reached the place. Every avenue was

crowded with spectators eager to look upon

the monk who had dared resist the authority

of the pope.