The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 165

custom, even to walk in the ways of truth and righteousness. Because
his fathers did, he would uphold the papacy, with all its cruelty and
corruption. Thus he took his position, refusing to accept any light in
advance of what his fathers had received, or to perform any duty that
they had not performed.
There are many at the present day thus clinging to the customs and
traditions of their fathers. When the Lord sends them additional light,
they refuse to accept it, because, not having been granted to their fathers,
it was not received by them. We are not placed where our fathers were;
consequently our duties and responsibilities are not the same as theirs.
We shall not be approved of God in looking to the example of our
fathers to determine our duty instead of searching the word of truth for
ourselves. Our responsibility is greater than was that of our ancestors.
We are accountable for the light which they received, and which was
handed down as an inheritance for us, and we are accountable also for
the additional light which is now shining upon us from the word of God.
Said Christ of the unbelieving Jews: “If I had not come and spoken
unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their
sin.” John 15:22. The same divine power had spoken through Luther
to the emperor and princes of Germany. And as the light shone forth
from God’s word, His Spirit pleaded for the last time with many in that
assembly. As Pilate, centuries before, permitted pride and popularity
to close his heart against the world’s Redeemer; as the trembling Felix
bade the messenger of truth, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a
convenient season, I will call for thee;” as the proud Agrippa confessed,
“Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 24:25; 26:28), yet
turned away from the Heaven-sent message—so had Charles V, yielding
to the dictates of worldly pride and policy, decided to reject the light of
truth.
Rumors of the designs against Luther were widely circulated,
causing great excitement throughout the city. The

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