The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 153

The European Union in Prophecy
to accept the decree, assuring them that the emperor would be exceedingly pleased
with them." But these faithful men acknowledged an authority above that of earthly
rulers, and they answered calmly: "We will obey the emperor in everything that may
contribute to maintain peace and the honour of God."-- Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5.
In the presence of the Diet the king at last announced to the elector and his
friends that the edict "was about to be drawn up in the form of an imperial decree,"
and that "their only remaining course was to submit to the majority." Having thus
spoken, he withdrew from the assembly, giving the Reformers no opportunity for
deliberation or reply. "To no purpose they sent a deputation entreating the king to
return." To their remonstrances he answered only: "It is a settled affair; submission
is all that remains."-- Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5.
The imperial party were convinced that the Christian princes would adhere to
the Holy Scriptures as superior to human doctrines and requirements; and they knew
that wherever this principle was accepted, the papacy would eventually be
overthrown. But, like thousands since their time, looking only "at the things which
are seen," they flattered themselves that the cause of the emperor and the pope was
strong, and that of the Reformers weak. Had the Reformers depended upon human
aid alone, they would have been as powerless as the papists supposed. But though
weak in numbers, and at variance with Rome, they had their strength. They appealed
"from the report of the Diet to the word of God, and from the emperor Charles to Jesus
Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords."-- Ibid., b. 13, ch. 6.
As Ferdinand had refused to regard their conscientious convictions, the princes
decided not to heed his absence, but to bring their Protest before the national council
without delay. A solemn declaration was therefore drawn up and presented to the
Diet:
"We protest by these presents, before God, our only Creator, Preserver,
Redeemer, and Saviour, and who will one day be our Judge, as well as before all men
and all creatures, that we, for us and for our people, neither consent nor adhere in
any manner whatsoever to the proposed decree, in anything that is contrary to God,
to His holy word, to our right conscience, to the salvation of our souls."
"What! we ratify this edict! We assert that when Almighty God calls a man to
His knowledge, this man nevertheless cannot receive the knowledge of God!" "There
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