The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 209

In the days of Paul the gospel for which he was imprisoned was thus
brought before the princes and nobles of the imperial city. So on this
occasion, that which the emperor had forbidden to be preached from the
pulpit was proclaimed from the palace; what many had regarded as unfit
even for servants to listen to was heard with wonder by the masters and
lords of the empire. Kings and great men were the auditory, crowned
princes were the preachers, and the sermon was the royal truth of God.
“Since the apostolic age,” says a writer, “there has never been a greater
work or a more magnificent confession.”—D’Aubigne, b. 14, ch. 7.
“All that the Lutherans have said is true; we cannot deny it,” declared
a papist bishop. “Can you refute by sound reasons the Confession
made by the elector and his allies?” asked another of Dr. Eck. “With
the writings of the apostles and prophets—no!” was the reply; “but
with those of the Fathers and of the councils—yes!” “I understand,”
responded the questioner. “The Lutherans, according to you, are in
Scripture, and we are outside.”—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 8.
Some of the princes of Germany were won to the reformed faith.
The emperor himself declared that the Protestant articles were but the
truth. The Confession was translated into many languages and circulated
through all Europe, and it has been accepted by millions in succeeding
generations as the expression of their faith.
God’s faithful servants were not toiling alone. While principalities
and powers and wicked spirits in high places were leagued against them,
the Lord did not forsake His people. Could their eyes have been opened,
they would have seen as marked evidence of divine presence and aid
as was granted to a prophet of old. When Elisha’s servant pointed
his master to the hostile army surrounding them and cutting off all
opportunity for escape, the prophet prayed: “Lord, I pray Thee, open
his eyes, that he may see.” 2 Kings 6:17. And, lo, the mountain was
filled with chariots and horses of fire, the army of heaven stationed to
protect the man of God. Thus did angels guard the workers in the cause
of the Reformation.

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