Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

princes. All that Rome could say in her own vindication had been said. Error
had presented her strongest arguments. Henceforth the contrast between truth
and error would be more clearly seen, as they should take the field in open
warfare. The apparent victory was but the signal of defeat. Never from that
day would Rome stand as secure as she had stood.
The majority of the assembly were ready to sacrifice Luther to the
demands of the pope; but many of them saw and deplored the existing
depravity in the church, and desired a suppression of the abuses suffered by
the German people in consequence of the extravagances and lies of popery.
The legate had presented the papal rule in the light most favorable for Rome.
Now the Lord moved upon a member of the diet to give a true delineation of
the effects of papal tyranny. With noble firmness Duke George of Saxony
stood up in that dignified assembly, and specified with terrible exactness the
wrongs, the deceptions, and abominations of Rome, and their dire result. He
exposed the utter corruption of her ecclesiastical system and its workings.
His speech closed with these words:
"These are but a few of the abuses which cry out against Rome for
redress. All shame is laid aside, and one object alone incessantly pursued:
money! evermore money! so that the very men whose duty it is to
disseminate the truth, are engaged in nothing but the propagation of
falsehood; and yet they are not merely tolerated but rewarded; because the
more they lie, the larger are their gains. This is the foul source from which so
many corrupted streams flow out on every side. Profligacy and avarice go
hand in hand. The officials summon women to their house on various
pretenses, and endeavor either by threats or presents, to seduce them; and if
the attempt fails, they ruin their reputation. Oh! it is the scandal occasioned
by the clergy that plunges so many poor souls into everlasting perdition. A
thorough reform must be effected. To accomplish that reform, a General
Council must be assembled. Wherefore, most excellent princes and lords, I
respectfully beseech you to give this matter your immediate attention."
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