Page 52 - 08 Luther Before the Diet

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 Reformer had made