LUTHER BEFORE THE COUNCIL
The day came when Luther stood before the council. The emperor was on the throne. The most important men in the empire were seated around the emperor. No man had ever appeared before so many important men as Luther did that day. Luther was ready and eager to give an answer for his faith.SRme 1.1545
The fact that Luther was before these important men was a victory for the truth. The pope had put Luther out of the church and placed a curse on him. But here Luther stood before another court of justice. Luther was given protection. He was given a hearing before the leaders of the nation. Rome had commanded that Luther be silent, but he was asked to speak before thousands of men from all parts of the Christian world. Luther was God's witness among the important people of earth. Luther stood calm and peaceful. He was brave and noble. Luther spoke in a quiet, humble voice. He did not act excited or angry. Luther was humble and respectful, but he showed a confidence and joy that surprised the council.SRme 1.1546
Many of the people who listened to Luther refused to accept the knowledge from God. These people had determined to reject the truth and were angry at the power of Luther's words. When Luther stopped speaking, the chairman of the council said angrily, "You have not answered the question asked you. . . . Will you, or will you not, take back and give up your teachings?"SRme 1.1547
Luther answered: "Since your great majesty and your high mightinesses demand from me a clear, simple, and exact answer, I will give you one. My answer is this: I cannot let the pope or the councils decide what I should believe. It is clear as day that they have frequently made mistakes and disagreed with each other. My conscience demands that I obey the Word of God. Therefore I must be convinced by Scripture and by clear reasoning that I am wrong. I must be shown I am wrong by the Scripture texts I have quoted. If not, I cannot and I will not take back my teachings nor give up my faith. It is not safe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other; may God help me. Amen."SRme 1.1548
Luther was a righteous man. He stood on the firm foundation of the Word of God. Heaven's light brightened his face. Luther's greatness and good character were seen by everyone at the council. These people also saw Luther's peace and joy as he spoke out against the power of error. The people saw that faith that is based on God's Word overcomes the world.SRme 1.1549
Martin Luther stood firm as a rock while the fierce waves of worldly power beat harmlessly against him. The people were amazed at the power of Luther's words. They were impressed that Luther was calm and without fear. The leaders made promises and threats to Luther to get him to give up his faith. But these men could plainly see that Luther would not yield to the commands of Rome.SRme 1.1550
Christ spoke with power through Luther's testimony to the council. For a while Luther's friends and enemies were inspired with awe and wonder. The Holy Spirit of God was present in that council. The Holy Spirit impressed the hearts of the leaders of Germany. Several princes said that Luther's cause was just. Many people believed what Luther said, but they soon forgot. Some people present did not express their feelings, but later they studied the Bible for themselves. When these people found that Luther was right, they boldly stood up for the Reformation.SRme 1.1551
Frederick the elector had worried about Luther appearing before the council. With deep feelings he listened to Luther's speech. Frederick rejoiced at Luther's courage, firmness, and self-control. Frederick was proud to be Luther's protector. Frederick saw that the wisdom of popes, kings, and ministers had been brought to nothing by the power of truth. The papacy suffered a defeat that would be felt among all nations and for all years to come.SRme 1.1552
If Luther had yielded in one small point, Satan and his followers would have gained the victory. But the reformer's firmness was the means of setting the church free. This was the beginning of a new and better time. Luther had dared to think and act for himself in religious matters, so now the church and the world would never again be the same. Luther's example would strengthen to the end of time any person who would have to stand up for his faith. The power and majesty of God is above the counsel of men and above the mighty power of Satan.SRme 1.1553
I [Ellen White] saw that Luther was zealous, without fear, and bold in pointing out sin and teaching truth. Luther did not fear wicked men or devils. He knew he had One [God] with him who was mightier than all of them. Luther had zeal, courage, and boldness, but at times he was in danger of being too bold. So God sent Melancthon to help Luther carry on the Reformation.SRme 1.1554
God brought the hearts of Luther and Melancthon together as one. The two men worked together continually. Melancthon was opposite in character from Luther. He was quiet, fearful, careful, and had great patience. God loved Melancthon very much. Melancthon's knowledge of the Scriptures was great. His judgment and wisdom were excellent. Melancthon loved truth the same as Luther loved truth.SRme 1.1555
Luther was a great help when Melancthon was too fearful and slow. Melancthon was a great help when Luther was moving too fast. Melancthon's caution often stopped trouble that would have come on the work if Luther had been alone. But many times the work would not have been pushed forward if the work had been left to Melancthon alone. I [Ellen White] was shown the wisdom of God in choosing these two men to continue the Reformation.SRme 1.1556