ot seek to make himself the object of thought or
sympathy. In the contemplation of Christ, he had lost sight of self. He
hid behind the Man of Calvary, seeking only to present Jesus as the
sinner's Redeemer.

As the Reformer proceeded on his journey, he was everywhere regarded with
great interest. An eager multitude thronged about him, and friendly voices
warned him of the purpose of the Romanists. "They will burn you," said
some, "and reduce your body to ashes, as they did with John Huss." Luther
answered, "Though they should kindle a fire all the way from Worms to
Wittenberg, the flames of which reached to heaven, I would walk through it
in the name of the Lord; I would appear before them; I would enter the
jaws of this behemoth, and break his teeth, confessing the Lord Jesus
Christ."(209)

The news of his approach to Worms created great commotion. His friends
trembled for his safety; his enemies feared for the success of their
cause. Strenuous efforts were made to dissuade him from entering the city.
At the instigation of the papists he was urged to repair to the castle of
a friendly knight, where, it was declared, all difficulties could be
amicably adjusted. Friends endeavored to excite his fears by describing
the dangers that threatened him. All their efforts failed; Luther, still
unshaken, declared, "Even should there be as many devils in Worms as tiles
on the housetops, still I would enter it."(210)

Upon his arrival at Worms, a vast crowd flocked to the gates to welcome
him. So great a concourse had not assembled to greet the emperor himself.
The excitement was intense, and from the midst of the throng a shrill and
plaintive voice chanted a funeral dirge, as a warning to Luther of the
fate that awaited him. "God will be my defense," said he, as he alighted
from his carriage.

The papists had not believed that Luther would really venture to appear at
Worms, and his arrival filled them with consternation. The emperor
immediately summoned his councilors to consider what course should be
pursued. One of the bishops, a rigid papist, declared: "We have long
consulted on this matter. Let your imperial majesty get rid of this man at
once. Did not Sigismund cause John Huss to be burnt? We are not bound
either to give or to observe the safe-conduct of a heretic." "No," said
the emperor; "we must keep our promise."(211) It was therefore decided
that the Reformer should be heard.

All the city were eager to see this re