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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
be convinced by proofs from Scripture or by evident reason (for I
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believe neither in popes nor in councils, since they have frequently
erred and contradicted themselves), I cannot choose but adhere to
the word of God, which has possession of my conscience. Nor can
I possibly nor will I ever make any recantation, since it is neither
safe nor honest to act contrary to conscience. Here I take my stand;
I cannot do otherwise. God be my help! Amen.”
Thus stood this righteous man, upon the sure foundation of the
word of God. The light of Heaven illuminated his countenance.
His greatness and purity of character, his peace and joy of heart,
were manifest to all as he testified against the power of error, and
witnessed to the superiority of that faith that overcomes the world.
The whole assembly were for a time speechless with amazement.
The emperor himself and many of the princes were struck with
admiration. The partisans of Rome had been worsted; their cause
appeared in a most unfavorable light. They sought to maintain their
power, not by appealing to the Scriptures, but by a resort to threats,
Rome’s unfailing argument. Said the spokesman of the Diet, “If you
do not retract, the emperor and the States of the empire will proceed
to consider how to deal with an obstinate heretic.”
Luther’s friends, who had with great joy listened to his noble
defense, trembled at these words; but the doctor himself said calmly,
“May God be my helper! for I can retract nothing.”
Firm as a rock he stood, while the fiercest billows of worldly
power beat harmlessly against him. The simple energy of his words,
his fearless bearing, his calm, speaking eye, and the unalterable
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determination expressed in every word and act, made a deep impres-
sion upon the assembly. It was evident that he could not be induced,
either by promises or threats, to yield to the mandate of Rome.
The papist leaders were chagrined that their power, which had
caused kings and nobles to tremble, should be thus despised by a
humble monk; they longed to make him feel their wrath by torturing
his life away. But Luther, understanding his danger, had spoken to
all with Christian dignity and calmness. His words had been free
from pride, passion, and misrepresentation. He lost sight of himself,
and of the great men surrounding him, and felt only that he was
in the presence of One infinitely superior to popes, prelates, kings,
and emperors. Christ had spoken through Luther’s testimony with a