The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 141

The European Union in Prophecy
Luther at the Wartburg, hearing of what had occurred, said with deep concern:
"I always expected that Satan would send us this plague."-- Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. He
perceived the true character of those pretended prophets and saw the danger that
threatened the cause of truth. The opposition of the pope and the emperor had not
caused him so great perplexity and distress as he now experienced. From the
professed friends of the Reformation had risen its worst enemies. The very truths
which had brought him so great joy and consolation were being employed to stir up
strife and create confusion in the church.
In the work of reform, Luther had been urged forward by the Spirit of God, and
had been carried beyond himself. He had not purposed to take such positions as he
did, or to make so radical changes. He had been but the instrument in the hand of
Infinite Power. Yet he often trembled for the result of his work. He had once said: "If
I knew that my doctrine injured one man, one single man, however lowly and obscure,-
-which it cannot, for it is the gospel itself,-- I would rather die ten times than not
retract it."-- Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7.
And now Wittenberg itself, the very center of the Reformation, was fast falling
under the power of fanaticism and lawlessness. This terrible condition had not
resulted from the teachings of Luther; but throughout Germany his enemies were
charging it upon him. In bitterness of soul he sometimes asked: "Can such, then, be
the end of this great work of the Reformation?"-- Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. Again, as he wrestled
with God in prayer, peace flowed into his heart. "The work is not mine, but Thine
own," he said; "Thou wilt not suffer it to be corrupted by superstition or fanaticism."
But the thought of remaining longer from the conflict in such a crisis, became
insupportable. He determined to return to Wittenberg.
Without delay he set out on his perilous journey. He was under the ban of the
empire. Enemies were at liberty to take his life; friends were forbidden to aid or
shelter him. The imperial government was adopting the most stringent measures
against his adherents. But he saw that the work of the gospel was imperiled, and in
the name of the Lord he went out fearlessly to battle for the truth.
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