Luther’s Defense Before the Diet of Worms

With Luther's ideas in circulation throughout the empire and also rapidly taking root in the hearts of men -- the mass of humans that, formed western Christendom -- the edifice of the pope, with all that pertained thereto, was tottering on its foundation and seemed already doomed to extinction. The people's attachment to the Romish superstitions was fast diminishing; and at the same time Luther's reputation increased day by day. The people in great numbers turned to him as the defender of truth...