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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
with all its cruelty and corruption. Thus he took his position, refusing
to accept any light in advance of what his fathers had received, or to
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perform any duty that they had not performed.
He seemed to feel that a change of religious views would be
inconsistent with the dignity of a king. There are many at the present
day thus clinging to the customs and traditions of their fathers.
When the Lord sends them additional light, they refuse to accept it,
because, not having been granted to their fathers, it was not received
by them. We are not placed where our fathers were; consequently
our duties and responsibilities are not the same as theirs. We shall
not be approved of God in looking to the example of our fathers
to determine our duty instead of searching the word of truth for
ourselves. Our responsibility is greater than was that of our ancestors.
We are accountable for the light which they received, and which was
handed down as an inheritance for us, and we are accountable also
for the additional light which is now shining upon us from the word
of God.
Said Christ of the unbelieving Jews, “If I had not come and
spoken unto them, they had not had sin; but now they have no
cloak for their sin.” [
John 15:22
] The same divine power had spoken
through Luther to the emperor and princes of Germany. And as the
light shone forth from God’s word, his Spirit pleaded for the last time
with many in that assembly. As Pilate, centuries before, permitted
pride and popularity to close his heart against the world’s Redeemer;
as the trembling Felix bade the messenger of truth, “Go thy way for
this time; when I have a convenient season I will call for thee;” as
the proud Agrippa confessed, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a
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Christian,” yet turned away from the Heaven-sent message,—so had
Charles Fifth, yielding to the dictates of worldly pride and policy,
decided to reject the light of truth.
Several of the pope’s adherents demanded that Luther’s safe-
conduct should not be respected. “The Rhine,” they said, “should
receive his ashes, as it received those of John Huss a century ago.”
Rumors of the designs against Luther were widely circulated, caus-
ing great excitement throughout the city. The Reformer had made
many friends, who, knowing the treacherous cruelty of Rome toward
all that dared expose her corruptions, resolved that he should not be
sacrificed. Hundreds of nobles pledged themselves to protect him.