America in Prophecy by Ellen White [Original Edition]

our duties and responsibilities are not the same as theirs. We
shall not be approved of God in looking to the example of our
fathers to determine our duty instead of searching the word of
of our ancestors. We are accountable for the light which they
received, and which was handed down as an inheritance for
us, and we are accountable also for the additional light which
is now shining upon us from the word of God.
Said Christ of the unbelieving Jews, “If I had not come
and spoken unto them, they had not had sin; but now they have
no cloak for their sin.” John 15:22. The same divine power
had 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,” (Acts 24:25); as
the proud Agrippa confessed, “Almost thou persuadest me to be
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 many friends, who, knowing the
treacherous cruelty of Rome toward all that dared expose
a few openly denounced the royal message as evincing a weak
of houses and in public places, placards were posted, some
10:16. The popular enthusiasm in Luther’s favor throughout
all Germany convinced both the emperor and the Diet that any
injustice shown him would endanger the peace of the empire,
and even the stability of the throne.