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The Great Controversy
ings, demanded that the Reformer answer two questions—whether
he acknowledged them as his, and whether he proposed to retract the
opinions which he had therein advanced. The titles of the books having
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been read, Luther replied that as to the first question, he acknowledged
the books to be his. “As to the second,” he said, “seeing that it is a
question which concerns faith and the salvation of souls, and in which
the word of God, the greatest and most precious treasure either in
heaven or earth, is involved, I should act imprudently were I to reply
without reflection. I might affirm less than the circumstance demands,
or more than truth requires, and so sin against this saying of Christ:
‘Whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My
Father which is in heaven.’ [
Matthew 10:33
.] For this reason I entreat
your imperial majesty, with all humility, to allow me time, that I may
answer without offending against the word of God.”—D’Aubigne, b.
7, ch. 8.
In making this request, Luther moved wisely. His course convinced
the assembly that he did not act from passion or impulse. Such calm-
ness and self-command, unexpected in one who had shown himself
bold and uncompromising, added to his power, and enabled him after-
ward to answer with a prudence, decision, wisdom, and dignity that
surprised and disappointed his adversaries, and rebuked their insolence
and pride.
The next day he was to appear to render his final answer. For
a time his heart sank within him as he contemplated the forces that
were combined against the truth. His faith faltered; fearfulness and
trembling came upon him, and horror overwhelmed him. Dangers
multiplied before him; his enemies seemed about to triumph, and the
powers of darkness to prevail. Clouds gathered about him and seemed
to separate him from God. He longed for the assurance that the Lord
of hosts would be with him. In anguish of spirit he threw himself with
his face upon the earth and poured out those broken, heart-rending
cries, which none but God can fully understand.
“O almighty and everlasting God,” he pleaded, “how terrible is this
world! Behold, it openeth its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so
little trust in Thee.... If it is only in the strength of this world that I must
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put my trust, all is over.... My last hour is come, my condemnation has
been pronounced.... O God, do Thou help me against all the wisdom of
the world. Do this, ... Thou alone; ... for this is not my work, but Thine.