The calm, dignified power of Luther humbled his enemies, and dealt a most dreadful blow to the papacy. The great and proud men in power meant that his blood should atone for the mischief he had done their cause. Their plans were laid, but a mightier than they had charge of Luther. His work was not finished. The friends of Luther hastened his departure from Augsburg. He left the city by night, mounted upon a horse without bridle, himself unarmed and without boots or spurs. In great weariness he pursued his journey until he was among his friends. {1T 373.1}

Luthers rolige og værdige magt ydmygede hans fjender og gav det frygteligste slag til pavedømmet. De store og stolte myndighedsfolk mente at hans blod skulle bøde for den skade han havde forårsaget sagen. Deres planer blev lagt, men én, som er mægtigere end dem, passede på Luther. Hans arbejde blev ikke færdigt. Luthers venner fremskyndede hans afgang fra Augsburg. Han forlod byen om natten, ridende på en hest uden bidsel, han selv ubevæbnet og uden støvle og sporer. Meget træt fortsatte han sin rejse indtil han var hos sine venner.