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rather die ten times than see our gospel

cause one drop of blood to be shed. Our part

is to be like lambs of the slaughter. The cross

of Christ must be borne. Let your highness be

without fear. We shall do more by our

prayers than all our enemies by their

boastings. Only let not your hands be stained

with the blood of your brethren. If the

emperor requires us to be given up to his

tribunals, we are ready to appear. You cannot

defend our faith: each one should believe at

his own risk and peril.”—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 1.

From the secret place of prayer came the

power that shook the world in the Great

Reformation. There, with holy calmness, the

servants of the Lord set their feet upon the

rock of His promises. During the struggle at

Augsburg, Luther “did not pass a day without

devoting three hours at least to prayer, and