Luther had sent out his theses, and they had created a stir on every side. The Canon of Augsburg had written him, " Beware of tempting God;" Krauz thought the appropriate sentiment for Luther should be, " God have pity on me;" his friends feared for him; the Bishop of Brandenburg appealed to him; the Elector also. Luther is at first daunted, but recovers himself and says,-

" Who knows not that one rarely sets before the public a new idea without exhibiting the appearance of pride, or without being accused of seeking to raise up disputes. . . . Wherefor were Christ and all the martyrs put to death? Because they have appeared proud despisers of the wisdom of their times, and have advanced new things without having beforehand humbly consulted the organs of ancient notions. . . . Let not the wise men of this day, therefore, expect from me so strong an exhibition of modesty (or rather of hypocrisy) as will encourage me to ask their advice before publishing any matter my duty calls upon me to establish. That which I do shall not be done through the prudence of men, but by the counsel of God. If the work be from God, who shall stay its progress? if it proceeds not from Him, who shall advance its purpose? . . . Not my will, not theirs, not ours, be done; but Thy will, O holy Father, who art in the heavens."

D'Aubigne' adds,-

" What courage is here displayed! how much enthusiasm! how much confidence in God! and especially what truths do not these words contain for the use of all times!"