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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

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advocate <strong>for</strong> truth. At first <strong>the</strong>y flattered him, and held out <strong>the</strong> promise that he shouldbe exalted and honored. But life and honors were valueless to him if purchasedat <strong>the</strong> sacrifice of <strong>the</strong> truth. Brighter and clearer shone <strong>the</strong> word of God upon hisunderstanding, giving him a more vivid sense of <strong>the</strong> errors, corruptions, and hypocrisyof <strong>the</strong> papacy. His enemies <strong>the</strong>n sought to intimidate him and cause him to renouncehis faith, but he boldly stood in defense of <strong>the</strong> truth. He was ready to die <strong>for</strong> his faith,if God required; but to yield it—never. God preserved his life. He bade angels attendhim and baffle <strong>the</strong> rage and purposes of his enemies, and bring him unharmed through<strong>the</strong> stormy conflict.The calm, dignified power of Lu<strong>the</strong>r humbled his enemies, and dealt a mostdreadful blow to <strong>the</strong> papacy. The great and proud men in power meant that his bloodshould atone <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> mischief he had done <strong>the</strong>ir cause. Their plans were laid, but amightier than <strong>the</strong>y had charge of Lu<strong>the</strong>r. His work was not finished. The friends ofLu<strong>the</strong>r hastened his departure from Augsburg. He left <strong>the</strong> city by night, mounted upona horse without bridle, himself unarmed and without boots or spurs. In great wearinesshe pursued his journey until he was among his friends.Again <strong>the</strong> indignation of <strong>the</strong> papacy was aroused, and <strong>the</strong>y resolved to stop <strong>the</strong>mouth of that fearless advocate of truth. They summoned him to Worms, fullydetermined to make him answer <strong>for</strong> his folly. He was in feeble health, yet he didnot excuse himself. He well knew <strong>the</strong> dangers that were be<strong>for</strong>e him. He knew that hispowerful enemies would take any measures to silence him. They were crying <strong>for</strong> hisblood as eagerly as <strong>the</strong> Jews clamored <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> blood of Christ. Yet he trusted in thatGod who preserved <strong>the</strong> three worthies in <strong>the</strong> burning fiery furnace. His anxiety andcare were not <strong>for</strong> himself. He sought not his own ease; but his great anxiety was that<strong>the</strong> truth, to him so precious, should not be exposed to <strong>the</strong> insults of <strong>the</strong> ungodly. Hewas ready to die373

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