The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 200

former protector, had been removed by death; but Duke John, his brother
and successor, had joyfully welcomed the Reformation, and while a
friend of peace, he displayed great energy and courage in all matters
relating to the interests of the faith.
The priests demanded that the states which had accepted the
Reformation submit implicitly to Romish jurisdiction. The Reformers,
on the other hand, claimed the liberty which had previously been
granted. They could not consent that Rome should again bring under
her control those states that had with so great joy received the word of
God.
As a compromise it was finally proposed that where the Reformation
had not become established, the Edict of Worms should be rigorously
enforced; and that “in those where the people had deviated from it, and
where they could not conform to it without danger of revolt, they should
at least effect no new reform, they should touch upon no controverted
point, they should not oppose the celebration of the mass, they should
permit no Roman Catholic to embrace Lutheranism.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch.
5. This measure passed the Diet, to the great satisfaction of the popish
priests and prelates.
If this edict were enforced, “the Reformation could neither be
extended ... where as yet it was unknown, nor be established on solid
foundations ... where it already existed.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5. Liberty of
speech would be prohibited. No conversions would be allowed. And to
these restrictions and prohibitions the friends of the Reformation were
required at once to submit. The hopes of the world seemed about to be
extinguished. “The re-establishment of the Romish hierarchy ... would
infallibly bring back the ancient abuses;” and an occasion would readily
be found for “completing the destruction of a work already so violently
shaken” by fanaticism and dissension.—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5.
As the evangelical party met for consultation, one looked to another
in blank dismay. From one to another passed the inquiry: “What is to be
done?” Mighty issues for the world were at stake. “Shall the chiefs of
the Reformation

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