Martin Luther - Ellen White Defend

life by a few hours. But as to my soul, they shall not have that. He who resolves to bear the
word of Christ to the world, must expect death at every hour."
Signs of the Times: July 12, 1883 Luther Before the Pope's
Legate.
- By Mrs. E. G. White.
Upon arriving at Augsburg, Luther immediately informed the pope's legate that he was
in the city. The legate heard the news with joy. He felt assured that the troublesome heretic
who was setting the whole world astir was now in his power, and determined that he should
not leave Augsburg as he had entered.
The legate's attendant, an Italian courtier of insinuating manners, flattered himself that
it would be an easy matter to bring the Reformer to a proper position. He therefore called
upon him with professions of great friendship, and gravely gave him instruction in etiquette,
thinking thus to inspire him with awe for the great man before whom he was to appear. He
urged Luther to accompany him immediately to the presence of the legate; but Luther calmly
stated that he must first obtain his safe-conduct.
Irritated at his ill success, the wily Italian exclaimed, "When all men forsake you, where
will you take refuge?" "Under Heaven," answered the Reformer, looking reverently upward.
Luther soon received his safe-conduct, and prepared to appear before the legate. On
receiving information of the fact, this dignitary was somewhat perplexed to decide what course
to pursue with a man of so determined character, and he consulted his friends in regard to the
matter. One was decided in the opinion that he should be made to retract; another, that he be
arrested and imprisoned. A third boldly advised that he be put out of the way, while a fourth
recommended that an attempt be made to win him over by gentleness. It was decided to
adopt the last advice as the safest.
At his first interview with the Reformer, the legate was reserved, but civil. He expected
Luther to yield every point without argument or question, and waited in silence for him to begin
his recantation.
Luther stated that he appeared before the legate in response to the summons of the
pope, and at the desire of the Elector of Saxony, and declared himself a humble and obedient
son of the holy Christian church. Then he proceeded to the point at issue: "I acknowledge that
it was I who published the propositions and theses that are the subject of inquiry. I am ready
to listen with all submission to the charges brought against me, and if I am in error, to be
instructed in the truth."
The legate commended Luther's humility, and at once made known what was
expected of him: "First, you must return to your duty. You must acknowledge your faults, and
retract your errors, your propositions, and sermons. Secondly, you must promise to abstain
from propagating your opinions. And thirdly, you must engage to be more discreet, and avoid
everything that may grieve or disturb the church."
Luther asked to see the credentials of the cardinal, showing his authority to settle the
matter. He was refused, and was told that he had only to renounce his errors, and the cardinal
would make all right with the church.
Luther then asked to be informed wherein he had erred. With an air of condescension,
the cardinal made answer: "Two propositions are put forward by you that you must, before all,
retract. First, the treasure of indulgences does not consist of the merits and sufferings of our
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