When summoned to Augsburg to answer for his faith, he obeyed the summons. That one lone man who had stirred the rage of priests and people was arraigned before those who had caused the world to tremble—a meek lamb surrounded by angry lions; yet for the sake of Christ and the truth he stood up undaunted, and with holy eloquence, which the truth alone can inspire, he gave the reasons of his faith. His enemies tried by various means to silence the bold advocate for truth. At first they flattered him, and held out the promise that he should be exalted and honored. But life and honors were valueless to him if purchased at the sacrifice of the truth. Brighter and clearer shone the word of God upon his understanding, giving him a more vivid sense of the errors, corruptions, and hypocrisy of the papacy. His enemies then sought to intimidate him and cause him to renounce his faith, but he boldly stood in defense of the truth. He was ready to die for his faith, if God required; but to yield it—never. God preserved his life. He bade angels attend him and baffle the rage and purposes of his enemies, and bring him unharmed through the stormy conflict. {1T 372.2}

Da han i Augsburg blev indkaldt for at forsvare sin tro, adlød han indkaldelsen. Den ene mand, der har oprørt præsternes og folkets raseri, blev stillet for retten for dem, som havde fået verden til at skælve - et ydmygt lam omgivet af vrede løver; alligevel stod han ufortrødent op for Kristi og sandhedens skyld og med hellig veltalenhed, som kun sandheden kan indgyde, gav han grundene for sin tro. Hans fjender prøvede på forskellige måder at fortie det tydelige (373) forsvar for sandheden. Først prøvede de at smigre ham og stille det løfte i udsigt, at han skulle blive ophøjet og æret. Men liv og ære var værdiløs for ham, hvis det skulle købes med sandheden som betaling. Med et tydeligere og klarere lys, skinnede Guds ord over hans forståelse og gav ham en mere levende fornemmelse af pavedømmets fejl, fordærv og hykleri. Hans fjender forsøgte da at skræmme ham og få ham til at give afkald på sin tro, men han stod frimodigt frem og forsvarede sandheden. Han var parat til at dø for sin tro, hvis Gud krævede det; men opgive den? - aldrig! Gud beskyttede hans liv. Han bad om at engle måtte ledsage ham og hæmme hans fjenders raseri og hensigter og bringe ham uskadt gennem den stormfulde kamp.