The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 115

The European Union in Prophecy
"No," said the emperor, "we must keep our promise."-- Ibid., b. 7, ch. 8. It was therefore
decided that the Reformer should be heard.
All the city were eager to see this remarkable man, and a throng of visitors soon
filled his lodgings. Luther had scarcely recovered from his recent illness; he was
wearied from the journey, which had occupied two full weeks; he must prepare to meet
the momentous events of the morrow, and he needed quiet and repose. But so great
was the desire to see him that he had enjoyed only a few hours' rest when noblemen,
knights, priests, and citizens gathered eagerly about him. Among these were many of
the nobles who had so boldly demanded of the emperor a reform of ecclesiastical
abuses and who, says Luther, "had all been freed by my gospel."--Martyn, page 393.
Enemies, as well as friends, came to look upon the dauntless monk; but he received
them with unshaken calmness, replying to all with dignity and wisdom. His bearing
was firm and courageous. His pale, thin face, marked with the traces of toil and illness,
wore a kindly and even joyous expression. The solemnity and deep earnestness of his
words gave him a power that even his enemies could not wholly withstand. Both
friends and foes were filled with wonder. Some were convinced that a divine influence
attended him; others declared, as had the Pharisees concerning Christ: "He hath a
devil."
On the following day Luther was summoned to attend the Diet. An imperial
officer was appointed to conduct him to the hall of audience; yet it was with difficulty
that he reached the place. Every avenue was crowded with spectators eager to look
upon the monk who had dared resist the authority of the pope. As he was about to
enter the presence of his judges, an old general, the hero of many battles, said to him
kindly: "Poor monk, poor monk, thou art now going to make a nobler stand than I or
any other captains have ever made in the bloodiest of our battles. But if thy cause is
just, and thou art sure of it, go forward in God's name, and fear nothing. God will not
forsake thee."--D'Aubigne, b. 7, ch. 8.
At length Luther stood before the council. The emperor occupied the throne. He
was surrounded by the most illustrious personages in the empire. Never had any man
appeared in the presence of a more imposing assembly than that before which Martin
Luther was to answer for his faith. "This appearance was of itself a signal victory over
the papacy. The pope had condemned the man, and he was now standing before a
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