150 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
[ 148 ] present, but by his direction some of his councilors attended, to take notes of the nuncio ' s address.
With all the power of learning and eloquence, Aleander set himself to overthrow the truth. Charge after charge he hurled against Luther as an enemy of the church and the state, the living and the dead, clergy and laity, councils and private Christians.“ In Luther ' s errors there is enough,” he declared, to warrant the burning of“ a hundred thousand heretics.”
In conclusion, he endeavored to cast contempt upon the adherents of the reformed faith:“ What are all these Lutherans? A crew of insolent pedagogues, corrupt priests, dissolute monks, ignorant lawyers, and degraded nobles, with the common people whom they have misled and perverted. How far superior to them is the Catholic party in number, ability, and power! A unanimous decree from this illustrious assembly will enlighten the simple, warn the imprudent, decide the waverers, and give strength to the weak.” 202
With such weapons the advocates of truth in every age have been attacked. The same arguments are still urged against all who dare to present, in opposition to established errors, the plain and direct teachings of God ' s word.“ Who are these preachers of new doctrines?” exclaim those who desire a popular religion.“ They are unlearned, few in numbers, and of the poorer class. Yet they claim to have the truth, and to be the chosen people of God. They are ignorant and deceived. How greatly superior in numbers and influence is our church! How many great and learned men are among us! How much more power is on our side!” These are the arguments that have a telling influence upon the world; but they are no more conclusive now than in the days of the Reformer.
The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world ' s history. Luther
202 D ' Aubigné, b. 7, ch 3.