212 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
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Reformers were solicitous that their cause should not be confounded with political questions; they felt that the Reformation should exercise no other influence than that which proceeds from the word of God. As the Christian princes advanced to sign the Confession, Melanchthon interposed, saying,“ It is for the theologians and ministers to propose these things; let us reserve for other matters the authority of the mighty ones of the earth.”“ God forbid,” replied John of Saxony,“ that you should exclude me. I am resolved to do what is right, without troubling myself about my crown. I desire to confess the Lord. My electoral hat and my ermine are not so precious to me as the cross of Jesus Christ.” Having thus spoken, he wrote down his name. Said another of the princes as he took the pen,“ If the honor of my Lord Jesus Christ requires it, I am ready... to leave my goods and life behind.”“ I would rather renounce my subjects and my states, rather quit the country of my fathers staff in hand,” he continued,“ than receive any other doctrine than that which is contained in this Confession.” 301 Such was the faith and daring of those men of God.
The appointed time came to appear before the emperor. Charles V., seated upon his throne, surrounded by the electors and the princes, gave audience to the Protestant Reformers. The confession of their faith was read. In that august assembly the truths of the gospel were clearly set forth, and the errors of the papal church were pointed out. Well has that day been pronounced“ the greatest day of the Reformation, and one of the most glorious in the history of Christianity and of mankind.” 302
But a few years had passed since the monk of Wittenberg stood alone at Worms before the national council. Now in his stead were the noblest and most powerful princes of the empire. Luther had been forbidden to appear at Augsburg, but he had been present by his words and prayers.“ I am overjoyed,” he
301 D ' Aubigné, b. 14, ch. 6. 302 Idem, b. 14, ch. 7.