The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 157

been read, Luther replied that as to the first question, he acknowledged
the books to be his. “As to the second,” he said, “seeing that it is a
question which concerns faith and the salvation of souls, and in which
the word of God, the greatest and most precious treasure either in heaven
or earth, is involved, I should act imprudently were I to reply without
reflection. I might affirm less than the circumstance demands, or more
than truth requires, and so sin against this saying of Christ: ‘Whosoever
shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which
is in heaven.’ [Matthew 10:33.] For this reason I entreat your imperial
majesty, with all humility, to allow me time, that I may answer without
offending against the word of God.”—D’Aubigne, b. 7, ch. 8.
In making this request, Luther moved wisely. His course convinced
the assembly that he did not act from passion or impulse. Such calmness
and self-command, unexpected in one who had shown himself bold and
uncompromising, added to his power, and enabled him afterward to
answer with a prudence, decision, wisdom, and dignity that surprised
and disappointed his adversaries, and rebuked their insolence and pride.
The next day he was to appear to render his final answer. For a
time his heart sank within him as he contemplated the forces that were
combined against the truth. His faith faltered; fearfulness and trembling
came upon him, and horror overwhelmed him. Dangers multiplied
before him; his enemies seemed about to triumph, and the powers of
darkness to prevail. Clouds gathered about him and seemed to separate
him from God. He longed for the assurance that the Lord of hosts would
be with him. In anguish of spirit he threw himself with his face upon the
earth and poured out those broken, heart-rending cries, which none but
God can fully understand.
“O almighty and everlasting God,” he pleaded, “how terrible is this
world! Behold, it openeth its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so
little trust in Thee.... If it is

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