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The Great Controversy
visitors who presented themselves.”—Martyn 1:404. The people gazed
upon him as if he were more than human. Even those who had no faith
in his doctrines could not but admire that lofty integrity which led him
to brave death rather than violate his conscience.
Earnest efforts were made to obtain Luther’s consent to a com-
promise with Rome. Nobles and princes represented to him that if he
persisted in setting up his own judgment against that of the church and
the councils he would soon be banished from the empire and would
have no defense. To this appeal Luther answered: “The gospel of
Christ cannot be preached without offense.... Why then should the fear
or apprehension of danger separate me from the Lord, and from that
divine word which alone is truth? No; I would rather give up my body,
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my blood, and my life.”—D’Aubigne, b. 7, ch. 10.
Again he was urged to submit to the judgment of the emperor,
and then he would have nothing to fear. “I consent,” said he in reply,
“with all my heart, that the emperor, the princes, and even the meanest
Christian, should examine and judge my works; but on one condition,
that they take the word of God for their standard. Men have nothing
to do but to obey it. Do not offer violence to my conscience, which is
bound and chained up with the Holy Scriptures.”—Ibid., b. 7, ch. 10.
To another appeal he said: “I consent to renounce my safe-conduct.
I place my person and my life in the emperor’s hands, but the word
of God—never!”—Ibid., b. 7, ch. 10. He stated his willingness to
submit to the decision of a general council, but only on condition that
the council be required to decide according to the Scriptures. “In what
concerns the word of God and the faith,” he added, “every Christian is
as good a judge as the pope, though supported by a million councils,
can be for him.”—Martyn 1:410. Both friends and foes were at last
convinced that further effort for reconciliation would be useless.
Had the Reformer yielded a single point, Satan and his hosts would
have gained the victory. But his unwavering firmness was the means
of emancipating the church, and beginning a new and better era. The
influence of this one man, who dared to think and act for himself in
religious matters, was to affect the church and the world, not only in
his own time, but in all future generations. His firmness and fidelity
would strengthen all, to the close of time, who should pass through a
similar experience. The power and majesty of God stood forth above
the counsel of men, above the mighty power of Satan.