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The Great Controversy 1888
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
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bade the messenger of truth, “Go thy way for this time; when I have
a convenient season, I will call for thee;” [
Acts 24:25
.] as the proud
Agrippa confessed, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,”
[
Acts 26:28
.] yet turned away from the Heaven-sent message,—so
had Charles V., yielding to the dictates of worldly pride and policy,
decided to reject the light of truth.
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. Not a few
openly denounced the royal message as evincing a weak submission to
the controlling power of Rome. On the gates of houses and in public
places, placards were posted, some condemning and others sustaining
Luther. On one of these were written merely the significant words of
the wise man, “Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child.” [
Eccle-
siastes 10:16
.] The popular enthusiasm in Luther’s favor throughout all
Germany convinced both the emperor and the Diet that any injustice
shown him would endanger the peace of the empire, and even the
stability of the throne.
Frederick of Saxony maintained a studied reserve, carefully con-
cealing his real feelings toward the reformer, while at the same time he
guarded him with tireless vigilance, watching all his movements and
all those of his enemies. But there were many who made no attempt to
conceal their sympathy with Luther. He was visited by princes, counts,
barons, and other persons of distinction, both lay and ecclesiastical.
“The doctor’s little room,” wrote Spalatin, “could not contain all who
presented themselves.” 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.
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