8. Luther Before The Diet. 167
toms and traditions of their fathers. When the Lord sends them additional light, they refuse to accept it, because, not having been granted to their fathers, it was not received by them. We are not placed where our fathers were; consequently our duties and responsibilities are not the same as theirs. We shall not be approved of God in looking to the example of our fathers to determine our duty instead of searching the Word of truth for ourselves. Our responsibility is greater than was that of our ancestors. We are accountable for the light which they received, and which was handed down as an inheritance for us, and we are accountable also for the additional light which is now shining upon us from the word of God.
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.” 228 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 bade the messenger of truth,“ Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee;” as the proud Agrippa confessed,“ Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” 229 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, causing great excitement throughout the city. The Reformer [ 165 ] had made many friends, who, knowing the treacherous cruelty of Rome toward all who 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
228 John 15:22. 229 Acts 24:25; 26:28.