The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 120

The European Union in Prophecy
reasoning, unless I am persuaded by means of the passages I have quoted, and unless
they thus render my conscience bound by the word of God, I cannot and I will not
retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand,
I can do no other; may God help me. Amen." -- Ibid., b. 7, ch. 8.
Thus stood this righteous man upon the sure foundation of the word of God. The
light of heaven illuminated his countenance. His greatness and purity of character,
his peace and joy of heart, were manifest to all as he testified against the power of
error and witnessed to the superiority of that faith that overcomes the world. The
whole assembly were for a time speechless with amazement. At his first answer
Luther had spoken in a low tone, with a respectful, almost submissive bearing. The
Romanists had interpreted this as evidence that his courage was beginning to fail.
They regarded the request for delay as merely the prelude to his recantation. Charles
himself, noting, half contemptuously, the monk's worn frame, his plain attire, and the
simplicity of his address, had declared: "This monk will never make a heretic of me."
The courage and firmness which he now displayed, as well as the power and clearness
of his reasoning, filled all parties with surprise.
The emperor, moved to admiration, exclaimed: "This monk speaks with an
intrepid heart and unshaken courage." Many of the German princes looked with pride
and joy upon this representative of their nation. The partisans of Rome had been
worsted; their cause appeared in a most unfavorable light. They sought to maintain
their power, not be appealing to the Scriptures, but by a resort to threats, Rome's
unfailing argument. Said the spokesman of the Diet: "If you do not retract, the
emperor and the states of the empire will consult what course to adopt against an
incorrigible heretic." Luther's friend, who had with great joy listened to his noble
defense, trembled at these words; but the doctor himself said calmly: "May God be my
helper, for I can retract nothing."-- Ibid., b. 7, ch. 8. He was directed to withdraw from
the Diet while the princes consulted together. It was felt that a great crisis had come.
Luther's persistent refusal to submit might affect the history of the church for ages.
It was decided to give him one more opportunity to retract. For the last time he was
brought into the assembly. Again the question was put, whether he would renounce
his doctrines. "I have no other reply to make," he said, "than that which I have already
made." It was evident that he could not be induced, either by promises or threats, to
yield to the mandate of Rome.
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