Page 34 - 08 Luther Before the Diet
P. 34
Not for his own safety, but for the triumph of
the gospel did he wrestle with God. Like
Israel's, in that night struggle beside the
lonely stream, was the anguish and conflict of
his soul. Like Israel, he prevailed with God. In
his utter helplessness his faith fastened upon
Christ, the mighty Deliverer. He was
strengthened with the assurance that he
would not appear alone before the council.
Peace returned to his soul, and he rejoiced
that he was permitted to uplift the word of
God before the rulers of the nations.
With his mind stayed upon God, Luther
prepared for the struggle before him. He
thought upon the plan of his answer,
examined passages in his own writings, and
drew from the Holy Scriptures suitable
proofs to sustain his positions. Then, laying
his left hand on the Sacred Volume, which
