The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 152

The European Union in Prophecy
Could they consent to localize religious liberty? to have it proclaimed that the
Reformation had made its last convert? had subjugated its last acre? and that
wherever Rome bore sway at this hour, there her dominion was to be perpetuated?
Could the Reformers have pleaded that they were innocent of the blood of those
hundreds and thousands who, in pursuance of this arrangement, would have to yield
up their lives in popish lands? This would have been to betray, at that supreme hour,
the cause of the gospel and the liberties of Christendom."--Wylie, b. 9, ch. 15. Rather
would they "sacrifice everything, even their states, their crowns, and their lives."--
D'Aubigne, b. 13, ch. 5.
"Let us reject this decree," said the princes. "In matters of conscience the
majority has no power." The deputies declared: "It is to the decree of 1526 that we are
indebted for the peace that the empire enjoys: its abolition would fill Germany with
troubles and divisions. The Diet is incompetent to do more than preserve religious
liberty until the council meets."-- Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5. To protect liberty of conscience is
the duty of the state, and this is the limit of its authority in matters of religion. Every
secular government that attempts to regulate or enforce religious observances by civil
authority is sacrificing the very principle for which the evangelical Christian so nobly
struggled.
The papists determined to put down what they termed "daring obstinacy." They
began by endeavouring to cause divisions among the supporters of the Reformation
and to intimidate all who had not openly declared in its favor. The representatives of
the free cities were at last summoned before the Diet and required to declare whether
they would accede to the terms of the proposition. They pleaded for delay, but in vain.
When brought to the test, nearly one half their number sided with the Reformers.
Those who thus refused to sacrifice liberty of conscience and the right of individual
judgment well knew that their position marked them for future criticism,
condemnation, and persecution. Said one of the delegates: "We must either deny the
word of God, or --be burnt."-- Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5.
King Ferdinand, the emperor's representative at the Diet, saw that the decree
would cause serious divisions unless the princes could be induced to