Angels From Pentecost to the Last Days
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blood.... But Luther did not fall a prey to their fury. God had a work
for him to do, and angels of heaven were sent to protect him.—
The
Spirit of Prophecy 4:108, 109
.
Here was one lone man who had stirred the rage of priests and
people. He was summoned to Augsburg to answer for his faith. He
obeyed the summons. Firm and undaunted he stood before those
who had caused the world to tremble—a meek lamb surrounded by
angry lions—yet for the truth’s sake, and for Christ’s sake, he stood up
undaunted, and with holy eloquence, which the truth can alone inspire,
he gave the reasons of his faith. They tried various means to silence
the bold advocate for truth. They flattered and held out inducements;
he should be exalted and honored; but life and honors were valueless
to him, if purchased at the sacrifice of the truth.
Brighter and clearer shone the Word of God upon his understand-
ing, giving him a more vivid sense of the errors, corruptions, and
hypocrisy of the papacy. His enemies sought to intimidate him, and
cause him to renounce his faith, but he boldly stood in defense of the
truth. He was ready to die for his faith, if God required; but to yield
it—never. God preserved his life. He bade angels attend him, and
bring him through the stormy conflict, unharmed, and he baffled the
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rage and purposes of his enemies.—
Spiritual Gifts 4b:118, 119
.
Had the eyes of the assembly [at Worms] been opened, they would
have beheld angels of God in the midst of them, shedding beams of
light athwart the darkness of error, and opening minds and hearts to
the reception of truth.—
The Spirit of Prophecy 4:124
.
Melancthon
[The reformer, Simon] Grynaeus had been on intimate terms with a
leading papist doctor; but, having been shocked at one of his sermons,
he went to him, and entreated that he would no longer war against
the truth. The papist concealed his anger, but immediately repaired
to the king, and obtained from him authority to arrest the protester.
When Melancthon returned to his house, he was informed that after his
departure officers in pursuit of Grynaeus had searched it from top to
bottom. He ever believed that the Lord had saved his friend by sending
a holy angel to give him warning.—
The Spirit of Prophecy 4:164, 165
.