A vigilant eye had followed Luther's movements, and a true and noble heart had resolved to rescue him. God gave Frederick of Saxony a plan to save the Reformer's life. On his trip homeward Luther was separated from his attendants and was quickly taken through the forest to the castle of Wartburg, an isolated mountain fortress. His hiding place was such a closely guarded secret that even Frederick himself did not know where he had been taken. This ignorance was planned; as long as the elector knew nothing, he could reveal nothing. Satisfied that the Reformer was safe, he was content. LF 73.2
Spring, summer, and autumn passed, and winter came, and Luther still remained a prisoner. Aleander and his followers boasted of their success. The light of the gospel seemed about to be extinguished. But the Reformer's light was to shine out even more brightly. LF 73.3