The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 166

Reformer had made many friends, who, knowing the treacherous cruelty
of Rome toward all who dared expose her corruptions, resolved that
he should not be sacrificed. Hundreds of nobles pledged themselves to
protect him. Not a few openly denounced the royal message of evincing
a weak submission to the controlling power of Rome. On the gates of
houses and in public places, placards were posted, some condemning
and others sustaining Luther. On one of these were written merely the
significant words of the wise man: “Woe to thee, O land, when thy king
is a child.” Ecclesiastes 10:16. The popular enthusiasm in Luther’s favor
throughout all Germany convinced both the emperor and the Diet that
any injustice shown him would endanger the peace of the empire and
even the stability of the throne.
Frederick of Saxony maintained a studied reserve, carefully
concealing his real feelings toward the Reformer, while at the same time
he guarded him with tireless vigilance, watching all his movements and
all those of his enemies. But there were many who made no attempt to
conceal their sympathy with Luther. He was visited by princes, counts,
barons, and other persons of distinction, both lay and ecclesiastical.
“The doctor’s little room,” wrote Spalatin, “could not contain all the
visitors who presented themselves.”—Martyn, vol. 1, p. 404. The
people gazed upon him as if he were more than human. Even those who
had no faith in his doctrines could not but admire that lofty integrity
which led him to brave death rather than violate his conscience.
Earnest efforts were made to obtain Luther’s consent to a
compromise with Rome. Nobles and princes represented to him that
if he persisted in setting up his own judgment against that of the church
and the councils he would soon be banished from the empire and would
have no defense. To this appeal Luther answered: “The gospel of Christ
cannot be preached without offense.... Why then should the fear or
apprehension of danger separate me from the Lord, and from that divine
word which alone is truth? No; I

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