Page 31 - 08 Luther Before the Diet

In making this request, Luther moved wisely.

His course convinced the assembly that he

did not act from passion or impulse. Such

calmness and self-command, unexpected in

one who had shown himself bold and

uncompromising, added to his power, and

enabled him afterward to answer with a

prudence, decision, wisdom, and dignity that

surprised and disappointed his adversaries,

and rebuked their insolence and pride.

The next day he was to appear to render his

final answer. For a time his heart sank within

him as he contemplated the forces that were

combined against the truth. His faith faltered;

fearfulness and trembling came upon him,

and horror overwhelmed him. Dangers

multiplied before him; his enemies seemed

about to triumph, and the powers of darkness

to prevail. Clouds gathered about him and