11. Protest Of The Princes. 213
wrote,“ that I have lived until this hour, in which Christ has been publicly exalted by such illustrious confessors, and in so glorious an assembly.” 303 Thus was fulfilled what the Scripture says,“ I will speak of Thy testimonies before kings.” 304 [ 208 ]
In the days of Paul, the gospel for which he was imprisoned was thus brought before the princes and nobles of the imperial city. So on this occasion, that which the emperor had forbidden to be preached from the pulpit, was proclaimed in the palace; what many had regarded as unfit even for servants to listen to, was heard with wonder by the masters and lords of the empire. Kings and great men were the auditory, crowned princes were the preachers, and the sermon was the royal truth of God.“ Since the apostolic age,” says a writer,“ there has never been a greater work or a more magnificent confession.” 305
“ All that the Lutherans have said is true; we cannot deny it,” declared a papist bishop.“ Can you refute by sound reasons the Confession made by the elector and his allies?” asked another, of Doctor Eck.“ With the writings of the apostles and prophets— no!” was the reply;“ but with those of the Fathers and of the councils— yes!”“ I understand,” responded the questioner.“ The Lutherans, according to you, are in Scripture, and we are outside.” 306
Some of the princes of Germany were won to the reformed faith. The emperor himself declared that the Protestant articles were but the truth. The Confession was translated into many languages, and circulated through all Europe, and it has been accepted by millions in succeeding generations as the expression of their faith.
God ' s faithful servants were not toiling alone. While“ principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places” were
303 Ibid. 304 Ps. 119:46. 305 D ' Aubigné, b. 14, ch. 7. 306 Idem, b. 14, ch. 8.