rk of the Reformation, succeeded only in
bringing it to the verge of ruin. The Romanists now regained their
confidence, and exclaimed exultingly, "One last struggle, and all will be
ours."(267)

Luther at the Wartburg, hearing of what had occurred, said with deep
concern, "I always expected that Satan would send us this plague."(268) He
perceived the true character of those pretended prophets, and saw the
danger that threatened the cause of truth. The opposition of the pope and
the emperor had not caused him so great perplexity and distress as he now
experienced. From the professed friends of the Reformation had risen its
worst enemies. The very truths which had brought him so great joy and
consolation were being employed to stir up strife and create confusion in
the church.

In the work of reform, Luther had been urged forward by the Spirit of God,
and had been carried beyond himself. He had not purposed to take such
positions as he did, or to make so radical changes. He had been but the
instrument in the hand of Infinite Power. Yet he often trembled for the
result of his work. He had once said, "If I knew that my doctrine injured
one man, one single man, however lowly and obscure,--which it cannot, for
it is the gospel itself,--I would rather die ten times than not retract
it."(269)

And now Wittenberg itself, the very center of the Reformation, was fast
falling under the power of fanaticism and lawlessness. This terrible
condition had not resulted from the teachings of Luther; but throughout
Germany his enemies were charging it upon him. In bitterness of soul he
sometimes asked, "Can such then be the end of this great work of the
Reformation?"(270) Again, as he wrestled with God in prayer, peace flowed
into his heart. "The work is not mine, but Thine own," he said; "Thou wilt
not suffer it to be corrupted by superstition or fanaticism." But the
thought of remaining longer from the conflict in such a crisis, became
insupportable. He determined to return to Wittenberg.

Without delay he set out on his perilous journey. He was under the ban of
the empire. Enemies were at liberty to take his life; friends were
forbidden to aid or shelter him. The imperial government was adopting the
most stringent measures against his adherents. But he saw that the work of
the gospel was imperiled, and in the name of the Lord he went out
fearlessly to battle for the truth.

In a letter to the elector, after stating his purpose to le