Basic HTML Version
88
From Here to Forever
contrast between truth and error would be more clearly seen as they
should take the field in open warfare.
Now the Lord moved upon a member of the diet to give a true
delineation of the effects of papal tyranny. Duke George of Sax-
ony stood up in that princely assembly and specified with terrible
exactness the deceptions and abominations of popery:
“Abuses ... cry out against Rome. All shame has been put aside,
and their only object is ... money, money, money, ... so that the
preachers who should teach the truth, utter nothing but falsehoods,
and are not only tolerated, but rewarded, because the greater their
lies, the greater their gain. It is from this foul spring that such tainted
waters flow. Debauchery stretches out the hand to avarice. ... Alas,
it is the scandal caused by the clergy that hurls so many poor souls
into eternal condemnation. A general reform must be effected.
The fact that the speaker was a determined enemy of the Reformer
gave greater influence to his words.
Angels of God shed beams of light into the darkness of error
and opened hearts to truth. The power of the God of truth controlled
even the adversaries of the Reformation and prepared the way for
the great work about to be accomplished. The voice of One greater
than Luther had been heard in that assembly.
A committee was appointed to prepare an enumeration of papal
oppressions that weighed heavily on the German people. This list
[95]
was presented to the emperor, with a request that he take measures
for the correction of these abuses. Said the petitioners, “It is our
duty to prevent the ruin and dishonor of our people. For this reason
we most humbly but most urgently entreat you to order a general
reformation, and to undertake its accomplishment.
Luther Summoned to Appear
The council now demanded the Reformer’s appearance. The
emperor at last consented, and Luther was summoned. With the
summons was issued a safe-conduct. These were borne to Witten-
berg by a herald commissioned to conduct him to Worms.
5
Ibid., bk. 7, ch. 4.
6
Ibid., bk. 7, ch. 4.