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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
rights. Luther, being still under the ban imposed by the edict of
Worms, was not permitted to be present at Spires; but his place was
supplied by his co-laborers and the princes whom God had raised
up to defend his cause in this emergency. The noble Frederick of
Saxony, Luther’s former protector, had been removed by death; but
Duke John his brother, who succeeded to the throne, had joyfully
welcomed the Reformation, and while a friend of peace, he displayed
great energy and courage in all matters relating to the interests of
the faith.
The priests demanded that the States which had accepted the
Reformation submit implicitly to Romish jurisdiction. The Reform-
ers, on the other hand, claimed the liberty which had previously been
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granted. They could not consent that Rome should again bring under
her control those nations that had with so great joy received the word
of God. The Diet finally decreed, that where the Reformation had
not become established, the edict of Worms should be rigorously
enforced; and that in the evangelical States, where there would be
danger of revolt, no new reform should be introduced, there should
be no preaching upon disputed points, the celebration of the mass
should not be opposed, and no Roman Catholic should be permitted
to embrace Lutheranism.
If this decree became a law, the Reformation could neither be
extended where as yet it had not reached, nor be established on a
firm foundation where it already existed. Liberty of speech would
be prohibited. No conversions would be allowed. And to these
restrictions and prohibitions the friends of the Reformation were
required at once to submit. The hopes of the world seemed about to
be extinguished. The re-establishment of the papal hierarchy would
inevitably cause a revival of the ancient abuses; and an occasion
would readily be found for completing the destruction of a work that
had already been shaken by fanaticism and dissension.
As the evangelical party met for consultation, one looked to
another in blank dismay. From one to another passed the inquiry,
“What is to be done?” Mighty issues for the world were at stake. Had
these men been controlled by ambition or selfishness, they might
have accepted the decree. They themselves were apparently left
free to maintain their faith. Ought they not to be satisfied with this?
Should they throw themselves into the conflict to wrestle for liberty
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