Luther by a Lutheran, Or, a Full-Length Portrait of Doctor Martin Luther; Being a Comprehensive, Though Condensed and Correct History of the Life and Stupendous Achievements of the Great Reformer (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 Excerpt: ...GRANDEUR. On the next day, at 4 o'clock, the imperial herald came for Luther, but owing to the throng of people, and some other business in which the Diet was engaged, Luther did not get into the emperor's presence until 6 o'clock. The magnificent hall was lighted with torches, which added much to the solemnity of the scene What a solemn hour How instructive --the night that had closed in upon the assembly, was emblematical of the night of sin and ignorance that had enshrouded the papal church; and the glaring light of the torches for the time being imperfectly prefigured the more brilliant light of the gospel, which was about to reilluminate the world Luther had prepared himself for the mighty conflict by prayer and meditation. When Luther stood before the emperor, the chancellor Dr. Eck, arose and said, "His imperial majesty on last evening gave you, Martin Luther, time for reflection; that time is now expired. Inasmuch as you have acknowledged yourself to be the author of the books whose titles were read, but as you requested time before you would answer the questions then proposed, although the Diet was not under any obligation to give you the time you asked, because you knew a long time before what would be required of you. Every one should at all times be able to giye an account of what he believes. And are yon who are so learned a doctor in the scriptures, now silent? Now therefore, answer the inquiries of his majesty, who has manifested so much indulgence to you. Are you prepared to defend all the books which you have acknowledged Luther's Speech. Ccxxiii to be yours, or are you willing to retract any part of them." The reader will perceive that these questions are framed with much accuracy--they cannot be evaded. Luther must now come o...