ave the
Wartburg, Luther said: "Be it known to your highness that I am going to
Wittenberg under a protection far higher than that of princes and
electors. I think not of soliciting your highness' support, and far from
desiring your protection, I would rather protect you myself. If I knew
that your highness could or would protect me, I would not go to Wittenberg
at all. There is no sword that can further this cause. God alone must do
everything, without the help or concurrence of man. He who has the
greatest faith is he who is most able to protect."(271)

In a second letter, written on the way to Wittenberg, Luther added: "I am
ready to incur the displeasure of your highness and the anger of the whole
world. Are not the Wittenbergers my sheep? Has not God entrusted them to
me? And ought I not, if necessary, to expose myself to death for their
sakes? Besides, I fear to see a terrible outbreak in Germany, by which God
will punish our nation."(272)

With great caution and humility, yet with decision and firmness, he
entered upon his work. "By the Word," said he, "must we overthrow and
destroy what has been set up by violence. I will not make use of force
against the superstitious and unbelieving.... No one must be constrained.
Liberty is the very essence of faith."(273)

It was soon noised through Wittenberg that Luther had returned, and that
he was to preach. The people flocked from all directions, and the church
was filled to overflowing. Ascending the pulpit, he with great wisdom and
gentleness instructed, exhorted, and reproved. Touching the course of some
who had resorted to violent measures in abolishing the mass, he said:

"The mass is a bad thing; God is opposed to it; it ought to be abolished;
and I would that throughout the whole world it were replaced by the supper
of the gospel. But let no one be torn from it by force. We must leave the
matter in God's hands. His word must act, and not we. And why so? you will
ask. Because I do not hold men's hearts in my hand, as the potter holds
the clay. We have a right to speak: we have _not_ the right to act. Let us
preach; the rest belongs unto God. Were I to employ force, what should I
gain? Grimace, formality, apings, human ordinances, and hypocrisy.... But
there would be no sincerity of heart, nor faith, nor charity. Where these
three are wanting, all is wanting, and I would not give a pear-stalk for
such a result.... God does more by His word alone than you and I an