The Voice in Speech and Song

Luther

Deep Fervor—Luther was ordained a priest, and was called from the cloister to a professorship in the University of Wittenberg. Here he applied himself to the study of the Scriptures in the original tongues. He began to lecture upon the Bible; and the book of Psalms, the Gospels, and the Epistles were opened to the understanding of crowds of delighted listeners. He was mighty in the Scriptures and the grace of God rested upon him. His eloquence captivated his hearers, the clearness and power with which he presented the truth convinced their understanding, and his deep fervor touched their hearts.—The Story of Redemption, 341. VSS 381.1

Fearless Bearing—The simple energy of his words, his fearless bearing, his calm, speaking eye, and the unalterable determination expressed in every word and act made a deep impression upon the assembly. It was evident that he could not be induced, either by promises or threats, to yield to the mandate of Rome. VSS 381.2

Christ had spoken through Luther's testimony with a power and grandeur that for the time inspired both friends and foes with awe and wonder.—The Story of Redemption, 348. VSS 381.3

God's Chosen Instrument—Luther was God's chosen instrument to tear off the garb of hypocrisy from the papal church and expose her corruption. He raised his voice zealously, and in the power of the Holy Spirit cried out against and rebuked the existing sins of the leaders of the people.—Testimonies for the Church 1:372. VSS 381.4

Calm, Dignified Power—The calm, dignified power of Luther humbled his enemies, and dealt a most dreadful blow to the papacy.—Testimonies for the Church 1:373. VSS 382.1

Words With Majesty—Luther's prayer was heard. His courage and faith returned as he met his enemies. Meek as a lamb he stood, surrounded by the great men of the earth, who, like angry wolves, fastened their eyes upon him, hoping to awe him with their power and greatness. But he had taken hold of the strength of God and feared not. His words were spoken with such majesty and power that his enemies could do nothing against him.... VSS 382.2

The calm bearing of Luther was in striking contrast to the passion and rage exhibited by those so-called great men. They could not frighten him into a recantation of the truth. In noble simplicity and calm firmness he stood like a rock.—Testimonies for the Church 1:374, 375. VSS 382.3

Forcible Exposition—At the next interview, Luther presented a clear, concise, and forcible exposition of his views, fully supported by many quotations from Scripture.—The Great Controversy, 136. VSS 382.4

Solemnity and Earnestness—The solemnity and deep earnestness of his words gave him a power that even his enemies could not wholly withstand.—The Great Controversy, 154. VSS 382.5

Prudence and Dignity—“For this reason I entreat your imperial majesty, with all humility, to allow me time, that I may answer without offending against the Word of God.” VSS 383.1

In making this request, Luther moved wisely. His course convinced the assembly that he did not act from passion or impulse. Such calmness and self-command, unexpected in one who had shown himself bold and uncompromising, added to his power, and enabled him afterward to answer with a prudence, decision, wisdom, and dignity that surprised and disappointed his adversaries, and rebuked their insolence and pride.—The Great Controversy, 156. VSS 383.2

Careful Preparation of His Defense—With his mind stayed upon God, Luther prepared for the struggle before him. He thought upon the plan of his answer, examined passages in his own writings, and drew from the Holy Scriptures suitable proofs to sustain his positions.—The Great Controversy, 157. VSS 383.3

Subdued, Humble Tone—The imperial officer now demanded his decision as to whether he desired to retract his doctrines. Luther made his answer in a subdued and humble tone, without violence or passion. His demeanor was diffident and respectful; yet he manifested a confidence and joy that surprised the assembly.—The Great Controversy, 158. VSS 383.4

Courage and Firmness—The courage and firmness which he now displayed, as well as the power and clearness of his reasoning, filled all parties with surprise.—The Great Controversy, 160, 161. VSS 383.5

In the Presence of God—The papal leaders were chagrined that their power, which had caused kings and nobles to tremble, should be thus despised by a humble monk; they longed to make him feel their wrath by torturing his life away. But Luther, understanding his danger, had spoken to all with Christian dignity and calmness. His words had been free from pride, passion, and misrepresentation. He had lost sight of himself, and of the great men surrounding him, and felt only that he was in the presence of One infinitely superior to popes, prelates, kings, and emperors. Christ had spoken through Luther's testimony with a power and grandeur that for the time inspired both friends and foes with awe and wonder.... VSS 384.1

The elector Frederick had looked forward anxiously to Luther's appearance before the Diet, and with deep emotion he listened to his speech. With joy and pride he witnessed the doctor's courage, firmness, and self-possession, and determined to stand more firmly in his defense.—The Great Controversy, 161, 162. VSS 384.2

Clear Reasoning—The contrast between the two disputants [Oecolampadius and Eck] was not without effect. The calm, clear reasoning of the Reformer, so gently and modestly presented, appealed to minds that turned in disgust from Eck's boastful and boisterous assumptions.—The Great Controversy, 184. VSS 384.3