the monarch of his plighted faith, Charles V. declared, "I
should not like to blush like Sigismund."(226)

Yet Charles had deliberately rejected the truths presented by Luther. "I
am firmly resolved to imitate the example of my ancestors,"(227) wrote the
monarch. He had decided that he would not step out of the path of custom,
even to walk in the ways of truth and righteousness. Because his fathers
did, he would uphold the papacy, with all its cruelty and corruption. Thus
he took his position, refusing to accept any light in advance of what his
fathers had received, or to perform any duty that they had not performed.

There are many at the present day thus clinging to the customs and
traditions of their fathers. When the Lord sends them additional light,
they refuse to accept it, because, not having been granted to their
fathers, it was not received by them. We are not placed where our fathers
were; consequently 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 truth for
ourselves. Our responsibility is greater than was that 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."(228) 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;" as the proud Agrippa confessed, "Almost thou persuadest me
to be a Christian,"(229) 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 many friends, who,
knowing the treacherous cruelty of Rome toward all who dared expose her