Martin Luther, the Reformer (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ...was handed to Luther by the imperial herald on the 24th March. Will he obey it? The Elector wrote to his brother: "Doctor Martin has been summoned here, but I do not know whether he will come. I cannot augur any good from it." But Luther has been called, and go he will On the 2nd April he took leave of his friends. Turning to Melancthon he said, " My dear brother, if I do not return, and should my enemies put me to death, continue to teach, and stand fast in the truth." Then, commending himself to God, he got into the car provided for him by the town council, and, amidst the prayers and tears of friends and citizens, he set out upon his perilous journey. Preceded by the herald, carrying the imperial eagle, and accompanied by his friends Schurff, Amsdorff, and Suaven, he pressed onward. Gloomy fears filled the hearts of all whom he met. At Naumburg a priest held before him a portrait of Savonarola, who had been burnt a few years previously; and at Weimar his ears were greeted with the cries of the people as they watched the messenger posting up an edict which the Emperor had issued, commanding that his writings should be given up to the magistrates. From Weimar, where he preached, he proceeded to Erfurt. As he was approaching that town he was received by a body of senators and distinguished friends, who escorted him within its walls. Passing onwards, and being now accompanied by Justus Jonas, a most powerful preacher, as well as by his other friends, he reached Eisenach, at which place he was taken seriously ill. A night's rest, however, restored him, and he was able on the following day to continue his journey. As he went along crowds of people flocked around him. They gazed with emotion upon the intrepid monk....