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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Life of Luther, by Gustav Just
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Life of Luther
+       with several introductory and concluding chapters from
+       general church history
+
+Author: Gustav Just
+
+Release Date: January 10, 2012 [EBook #38544]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF LUTHER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chuck Greif, Iris Schimandle, Peter Vachuska
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Dr. Martin Luther.]
+
+
+
+
+LIFE OF LUTHER,
+
+WITH
+
+SEVERAL INTRODUCTORY AND CONCLUDING CHAPTERS FROM
+GENERAL CHURCH HISTORY.
+
+BY
+
+GUSTAV JUST.
+
+(Translated from the German by S. and H.)
+
+[Illustration]
+
+St. Louis, Mo.
+
+CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE.
+
+
+
+
+Copyright, 1903,
+
+by
+
+CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE,
+
+St. Louis, Mo.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+    CHAPTER    I. The Christians of the First Century                 1
+
+      "       II. The Persecutions                                    8
+
+      "      III. Constantine and the Spreading of Christianity in
+                  Germany                                            14
+
+      "       IV. Popery and Monkery                                 17
+
+      "        V. The Forerunners of the Reformation                 21
+
+      "       VI. Luther's Childhood                                 26
+
+      "      VII. Luther's Student Days                              28
+
+      "     VIII. Luther in the Cloister                             34
+
+      "       IX. Luther as Teacher                                  38
+
+      "        X. Luther the Reformer                                43
+
+      "       XI. Luther the Mighty Warrior                          49
+
+      "      XII. Luther the Staunch Confessor                       56
+
+      "     XIII. The Fanatics and the Peasants' War                 64
+
+      "      XIV. The Colloquy at Marburg                            69
+
+      "       XV. The Augsburg Confession                            70
+
+      "      XVI. Bible, Catechism, and Hymnbook                     76
+
+      "     XVII. Luther's Family Life                               82
+
+      "    XVIII. Luther's Last Days and Death                       91
+
+      "      XIX. Afflictions of the Lutheran Church in Germany
+                  after the Reformation                              95
+
+      "       XX. The Lutheran Church in America                     99
+
+
+
+
+MOTTO:
+
+Remember them which have the rule over you, who have
+spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow
+considering the end of their conversation.
+
+Hebrews 13, 7.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Christians of the First Century.
+
+
+1. THE APOSTLES OF THE LORD. When our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bid
+farewell to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, and ascended into
+heaven, He commanded them to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued
+with power from on high. In this power they were to go forth into all
+the world and bear witness of that which they had seen and heard. He
+said unto them: "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is
+come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and
+in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the
+earth," Acts 1, 8.
+
+The disciples faithfully executed this command of the Lord; for after
+the day of Pentecost upon which they had received the Holy Ghost, they
+went forth and proclaimed the Gospel of Christ crucified in Jerusalem,
+in Judaea, in the surrounding countries, and in the whole world. They
+baptized Jews and heathen, and everywhere founded Christian
+congregations. But at once the word of the Lord was fulfilled: "If they
+have persecuted me, they will also persecute you," John 15, 20. For the
+spreading of Christianity aroused bitter enmity among Jews and Gentiles
+against the disciples of the Lord. _James_, the brother of John, was the
+first of the apostles to suffer martyrdom at Jerusalem. We are told:
+"When the officer, who was to bring him into court, saw how steadfastly
+James adhered to his faith in Christ, he was so affected, that he
+confessed himself likewise a Christian. Thus both of them were
+condemned. While they were being led away he begged James to forgive
+him, whereupon the apostle replied, 'Peace be with thee,' and kissed
+him." Hereupon both were beheaded at the command of Herod Agrippa.
+
+[Illustration: The Apostle Peter.]
+
+When Herod saw that this pleased the Jews, he had _Peter_ also
+apprehended and cast into prison, from which the apostle was
+miraculously delivered by an angel. Fearlessly he continued to preach
+Christ and founded many congregations in Asia Minor. The legend says
+that he was crucified under Emperor Nero at Rome.
+
+[Illustration: The Evangelist Matthew.]
+
+_James_, the Lord's brother, was bishop of the congregation at
+Jerusalem. Because of his pious life, he was at first highly esteemed
+among the Jews. But finally he also became an object of their hatred.
+The legend reports that the high priest led him to the pinnacle of the
+temple and there commanded him to deny Christ. When, however, he boldly
+confessed his Savior, he was hurled to the ground below. Then the
+enraged mob pressed about him in order to stone him to death, when he
+cried out upon his knees, "I implore Thee, God Father, for them; for
+they know not what they do." Then a tanner stepped up and killed him
+with a club.
+
+[Illustration: The Evangelist John.]
+
+_Philip_ is said to have perished in Phrygia, _Bartholomew_ in Asia
+Minor, _Thomas_ in India proper, and _Andrew_ in Scythia.
+
+_John_, at first, labored in Jerusalem, and later became pastor of the
+congregation at Ephesus. For a time he was banished to the Isle of
+Patmos, afterward, however, he was permitted to return to Ephesus. When,
+because of his advanced age, he could no longer preach nor walk, he
+would have himself carried into the assembly and would always address it
+in these words, "Little children, love one another." He died a natural
+death, nearly one hundred years of age.
+
+[Illustration: The Apostle Paul.]
+
+Chief of all the apostles was the apostle of the Gentiles, _Paul_.
+Although he did not belong to the twelve disciples of the Lord, he was,
+nevertheless, directly called and made a chosen vessel of the Lord.
+Before his conversion his name was Saul, and he belonged to the strict
+sect of the Pharisees. Being an enemy of the Lord's disciples, he was
+gratified to see Stephen expire when stoned to death by the Jews. Soon
+thereafter he himself became a zealous persecutor of the Christians in
+Jerusalem, and wished to continue his cruel work also in Damascus. But
+on the way thither he was converted by the Lord and called to be an
+apostle. Thenceforth he preached the Gospel of the Savior of sinners,
+especially among the Gentiles, and soon many Christian congregations
+arose also among them. But he also shared the fate of the other
+apostles; he likewise suffered death for the doctrine of Christ. About
+61 A. D. he was taken a prisoner to Rome. There he abode two years.
+Chained to a soldier he preached the Gospel in that city and wrote many
+letters to the congregations which had been founded by him among the
+Gentiles. For a short time he regained his liberty, but was imprisoned a
+second time. In 67 or 68 A. D. he suffered martyrdom, being beheaded
+under Nero.
+
+2. THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS. "And they continued steadfastly in
+the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in
+prayers," Acts 2, 42. This, in a few words, is the picture which the
+"Acts of the Apostles" paints of the first Christian congregation at
+Jerusalem. The first Christians were diligent and attentive hearers of
+God's Word. Thereby they grew in knowledge and in the faith of the
+exalted Savior, and in His power they defied all temptations and
+persecutions. Through the Word they remained in communion with their
+Head, Jesus Christ, and practiced intimate fellowship with each other.
+This showed itself in breaking of bread, Holy Communion, and in their
+united praying, praising, and giving of thanks.
+
+How intense their love was for their Savior and their brethren, we may
+see from the following words in the Acts: "And the multitude of them
+that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of
+them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they
+had all things common. Neither was there any among them that lacked, for
+as many as were possessed of lands and houses sold them and brought the
+prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles'
+feet; and distribution was made unto every man according as he had
+need," Acts 4, 34. 35. They were ready to sacrifice life itself for
+their Savior and for each other. After their Lord's example they
+practiced charity towards their enemies, and prayed for them. They
+obtained favor with God and man, and the Lord added daily to the church
+such as should be saved. For many Jews forsook their national faith and
+joined the Christian congregation. True, some hypocrites and false
+Christians were found among them, as the example of Ananias and Sapphira
+plainly shows. As with the congregation at Jerusalem, so with all other
+Christian congregations of the first century the word of the apostles
+was the only rule and guide of faith and life.
+
+The apostles were the first teachers of the congregations. Together with
+the apostles the presbyters and elders, sometimes also called bishops,
+presided over the congregations. It was their duty to conduct divine
+services and watch over faith and life of the congregations. They were
+assisted by the deacons and almoners to whom was entrusted the care for
+the poor and the sick. Sunday was chosen by the Christians as their day
+of public worship because on this day the Lord Jesus arose from the
+dead. At first the congregation assembled at the homes of its members.
+It was only later that churches were built for this purpose. At these
+services, spiritual hymns and psalms were sung, portions of the Holy
+Scriptures were read and explained, and prayers offered. Holy Communion
+was celebrated every Sunday, and was received by the entire
+congregation.
+
+Strict discipline was practiced in the Christian congregation. If anyone
+walked disorderly, he was admonished; if, in spite of this, he continued
+impenitent, he was excluded from the Christian congregation as a heathen
+and publican, and not received again until he repented.
+
+3. THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. At last the word of Jesus was
+fulfilled: "For the day shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall
+cast a trench about thee and compass thee round, and keep thee in on
+every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children
+within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another:
+because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." The terrible
+judgment drew near! The cruel Emperor Nero at that time ruled in Rome.
+Under him the Jews rebelled and drove the Romans from their country.
+Nero sent his general Vespasian to chastise the rebels. Victoriously he
+pressed forward. Soon thereafter Nero died, and Vespasian was recalled
+and himself elected emperor. His son Titus was to complete the
+chastisement of the Jews. In the spring of 70 A. D. he marched against
+Jerusalem with an enormous army and laid siege to the city. His demand
+that the Jews surrender, in order to save their city and magnificent
+temple, was rejected with scorn by the proud leaders. Titus at once cast
+a trench about the city, and bombarded it by means of catapults.
+
+[Illustration: The Destruction of Jerusalem.]
+
+The condition of the city was frightful. It happened to be the time of
+the passover, and because of this festival more than two millions of
+people had assembled in Jerusalem. They were not at one among
+themselves; some were in favor of surrendering to the Romans, others
+were determined to resist to the last. The latter gained the ascendency,
+and filled with ferocity and desperation they fought against the Romans.
+No one dared even to speak of surrender, because the leaders had
+forbidden it under penalty of death. Soon frightful famine and much
+other misery arose. Everything was eaten, even the most disgusting
+things, as, for instance, the excrements of animals; yes, a woman of
+noble birth killed and devoured her own child. Epidemics broke out and
+carried off thousands. Because the corpses could not be buried, they
+were thrown over the walls and filled the trenches. Yet, in spite of
+this, the Jews would not surrender. Then Titus took the city by storm,
+and the Romans killed and slaughtered whatever came in their way. The
+temple was defended by the Jews with great stubbornness. Titus had
+commanded to preserve this building, but a soldier threw a firebrand
+into it, and soon the magnificent edifice was enveloped in flames. The
+city of Jerusalem was laid even with the ground, according to the word
+of the Lord: "Not one stone shall remain upon another," Luke 19, 14.
+
+The siege had lasted four months, and in this time one million of Jews
+had perished. The prisoners were led away, some being compelled to fight
+with wild beasts in the arena, others being sold into slavery.--But what
+had become of the Christians? As the swallows forsake the house whose
+walls the masons are tearing down, so the congregation of the Lord had
+left Jerusalem before the siege, and had found a refuge in the mountain
+village of Pella, on the Dead Sea, on the other side of the river
+Jordan.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+The Persecutions.
+
+
+1. THE PERSECUTIONS UNDER NERO, DECIUS, AND DIOCLETIAN. About the year
+100 A. D. the apostles of the Lord had all fallen asleep. The preaching
+of the Gospel, however, had not ceased, but was carried on vigorously
+everywhere, and now persecutions against the Christians arose also among
+the heathen. They began already under _Nero_. In 64 A. D. this cruel
+tyrant set fire to Rome, the great capital of the then known world, and
+amused himself with the spectacle. The conflagration raged for six days,
+and reduced the greater part of the city to ashes. In order to shield
+himself against the wrath of the people, who accused him of kindling the
+fire, he charged the hated Christians with the crime. These were now
+forced to endure the most excruciating torments and tortures. Many were
+sewed into the skins of wild beasts, and then thrown to dogs who tore
+them to pieces. Others were covered with wax and pitch, placed in the
+imperial gardens and set afire, that as torches they might illuminate
+the darkness of the night.
+
+One of the most severe persecutions occurred under Emperor _Decius_. For
+nearly half a century the Christians had lived in peace, but this peace
+had made many of them secure and lukewarm. Origen, a noted teacher of
+the time, complains: "Some attend church only on the high festivals, and
+then, generally, only to pass away time. Some leave the church as soon
+as the sermon is ended, without speaking to the teachers or asking them
+questions; others do not listen to a single word, but stand in some
+corner of the church and chatter with each other." From this sinful
+security they were aroused by the persecution bursting over them like a
+sudden storm. The emperor issued a decree that the Christians were to be
+forced by threats and tortures to sacrifice to the heathen deities.
+Whoever refused to do this was to suffer death. This terrible decree
+caused the greatest consternation among the Christians. Many, especially
+of the rich, readily ran to the altars and offered the required
+sacrifices. Yes, so great was their fear of man that they denied ever
+having been Christians at all. Others, in spite of tortures, remained
+steadfast at first, but finally also denied their faith. However, there
+were also such as remained firm in the faith and praised God who
+considered them worthy to suffer death for Christ's sake.
+
+The last and most frightful of all persecutions began under Emperor
+_Diocletian_. The churches of the Christians were torn down, the
+collections of Holy Scriptures were burned, and innumerable Christians
+were tortured to death. They were left to starve in dungeons; they were
+forced with bare feet to walk upon hot, burning coals, or sharp nails;
+they were fastened to wooden machines by means of which their limbs were
+torn from their bodies. The torturers tore their flesh with iron nails,
+or covered them with honey, and laid them bound into the sun that they
+might be stung to death by the flies. But many Christians suffered these
+tortures with great firmness and could not be forced to forsake Christ.
+The executioners, finally, became weary, their swords grew dull,
+and--the church of the Lord remained unconquerable.
+
+[Illustration: Christians Suffering Death in the Circus.]
+
+2. IGNATIUS. Ignatius was a disciple of the apostles and presided over a
+flourishing congregation at Antioch. Emperor Trajan demanded of him to
+deny his Savior and sacrifice to the gods. But he declared that the gods
+of the heathen were vanities. He said, "There is but one God, who has
+made heaven and earth, and one Christ, whose kingdom is my inheritance."
+Because of this confession he was taken to Rome and suffered martyrdom.
+He listened to his death sentence with composure, even with joy; he
+desired to depart and to be with Christ. He wrote concerning his
+journey: "From Syria to Rome I fought with wild beasts who became the
+more enraged the more benefits were bestowed upon them. However, let
+them throw me into the fire, let them nail me to the cross, let them
+tear my limbs from my body--what is all that, if I may enjoy Jesus!" How
+joyfully he met death can be seen from the words he addressed to the
+Romans: "I am seeking Him who died for us; He is my gain that has been
+preserved for me. Let me follow the sufferings of my God; my love is
+crucified; I long for the bread of God, for the flesh of Jesus Christ."
+To the Christians who attempted to have him set at liberty he wrote:
+"Do not trouble yourselves on my account; it is better for me to die for
+Christ's sake than to rule over the kingdoms of this world. I am God's
+wheat, and am to be ground by the wild beasts in order to become pure
+bread. What of it if the beasts become my grave--thus I trouble no one
+in my death." Upon his arrival in Rome he was delivered to the Governor.
+A few days thereafter he was thrown to the wild beasts, who fell upon
+him and tore him to pieces, while the assembled heathen witnessed the
+frightful spectacle with fiendish delight. His remaining bones were
+gathered by his faithful servants and laid to rest in Antioch.
+
+3. POLYCARP. He was a disciple of St. John, and, later on, became bishop
+of Smyrna, in Asia Minor. Under Marcus Aurelius he suffered martyrdom at
+the stake. Polycarp, listening to the entreaties of his congregation,
+who would gladly have saved him from his persecutors, fled to a country
+seat. His abode was soon betrayed, and he was delivered to his captors
+who found him engaged in prayer with several friends. Noticing that the
+house was surrounded, he said, "The Lord's will be done!" Thereupon he
+invited his enemies in, received them in the most hospitable manner, and
+asked them to grant him one hour for prayer. With so much earnestness he
+prayed to his Savior that even the heathen were touched by his devotion.
+He was led back to the city on an ass. There he was at first kindly
+urged to sacrifice to the gods, but he replied, "I will not follow your
+advice." At sight of the aged man (he was ninety years old) the Governor
+was touched and said to him, "Consider your great age. Swear by the
+emperor, deny Christ, and I will release you!" Polycarp exclaimed: "For
+eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no ill; how can I
+now denounce my King and my Savior?" The Governor said, "I will throw
+you to the wild beasts, or I will force you by fire, if you do not
+change your mind!" Polycarp replied, "You threaten me with the fire
+that burns for a short time and is soon extinguished, because you do not
+know the fire of the coming judgment which is in store for the wicked.
+Why do you hesitate?" When hereupon the herald in the arena announced,
+"Polycarp confesses himself to be a Christian," the entire multitude
+cried, "To the lions with Polycarp!" But he was condemned to die at the
+stake, and at once the enraged people on all sides gathered fagots for
+the burning. Polycarp now took off his own clothes, loosed his own
+girdle, and even tried to take off his own shoes. His prayer, not to
+nail him to the stake, was granted. Firm and immovable he stood against
+the erected pole and praised God with a loud voice. The pile was
+kindled. But it is reported that the fire would not touch this faithful
+witness of the Lord. The flames surrounded him, as sails caught by the
+wind, and his body shone like gold and silver that is being refined in
+the oven. As his body was not consumed the executioner thrust his sword
+into his breast, and the corpse fell into the fire. The members of his
+sorrowing congregation piously gathered his remains and interred them.
+
+4. PERPETUA. In the beginning of the third century the Christians were
+fiercely persecuted in Northern Africa. Among the prisoners at Carthage
+there was a young woman of noble birth, Perpetua. She was the mother of
+a nursing child. Her heathen father took the greatest pains to persuade
+his daughter to forsake Christ. In pleading accents he begged her, "My
+daughter, have pity upon my gray hairs. Oh, pity your father, if I have
+ever been worthy of this name! Take pity on your child which cannot
+survive you. Can nothing move you, my daughter? If you perish we will be
+disgraced before all men!" In saying this her father kissed her hands
+and fell down at her feet. But Perpetua did not deny the Lord; she
+remained firm and resisted all temptations in the strength of Him whom
+we are to love more than father or mother. On the day before her
+execution she celebrated the customary love feast with her fellow
+prisoners, and to the gazing heathen she declared, "Look straight into
+our faces, that you may know us on the day of judgment!" Filled with
+consternation and shame, many of the heathen walked away and were
+converted.--The day of her deliverance approached; the fights with the
+wild beasts began. Perpetua, together with her maid Felicitas, was
+thrown to a wild cow, which at once tossed them to the ground. To her
+brother who stood near she cried, "Abide in the faith, love one another,
+and do not let my sufferings frighten you!" Finally, she received the
+death blow at the hands of a gladiator. Thus she entered into glory, and
+received the crown of life at His hands to whom she proved faithful unto
+death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Constantine and the Spreading of Christianity in Germany.
+
+
+1. CONSTANTINE. After many anxious years a time of refreshing peace
+finally came for the Christians. For by God's wonderful providence a man
+kindly disposed toward the Christians ascended the Roman throne. This
+was Emperor Constantine. His father had already been a friend of the
+Christians, and his mother had even accepted the faith. After his
+father's death, Constantine was proclaimed Emperor by the army. This was
+in the summer of 306. When, in 312, he marched against Maxentius, who
+had disputed his power in Italy, he called upon the God of the
+Christians for help against his opponent. The opposing forces met in the
+vicinity of Rome. While the sun was setting, it is reported that
+Constantine saw in the heavens a cross bearing the bright inscription:
+_In hoc signo vinces_, _i. e._, "You will conquer in this sign!" He at
+once had the eagles removed from the standards, and had them replaced by
+the sign of the cross. Hereupon his army marched from victory to victory
+till the power of his enemy was completely broken. And from this time
+Constantine became a zealous protector of the Christian church. He
+published a law permitting every Roman citizen to become a Christian. He
+even went so far as to make the Christian religion the religion of the
+state. He favored the Christians by appointing them to high public
+offices. Sad to say, this increased the number of those who accepted
+Christianity for the sake of worldly gain. The church now, indeed, had
+rest from without. But Satan tried to ruin it by false doctrine. A
+bishop, named Arius, arose and taught: "Christ is not true God, but only
+a creature." Constantine then called a church council to assemble at
+Nice, in Asia Minor, in 325 A. D. Three hundred and eighteen bishops
+assembled there with him. In the discussions which followed Athanasius,
+a deacon, and afterwards bishop, of Alexandria, took a most prominent
+part. With irresistible eloquence he effected the overthrow of the false
+doctrine of Arius and the victorious establishment of saving truth.
+Constantine died on Pentecost Day, 337, having been baptized a short
+time before. In compliance with his last wish he was buried in the
+Church of the Apostles, at Constantinople.
+
+2. THE SPREADING OF CHRISTIANITY IN GERMANY. Now the time had come when
+the light of saving truth was to shine over Germany and dispel the night
+of heathenish darkness. For some time already the Gospel had been
+carried to Germany by Christian merchants and Roman prisoners, and thus
+it came to pass that at isolated places Christian congregations were
+founded; but the real spreading of Christianity began in the sixth
+century through missionaries from Ireland and England.--Among the first
+to visit Germany was the Irish monk _Fridolin_. Together with his
+companions he arrived in the Black Forest among the Alemanni. With
+visible success he preached the Gospel to these children of the forest.
+He died in 550, and was succeeded by _Columban_, who, together with
+twelve disciples, brought the message of salvation in Christ to the
+inhabitants of the present Alsatia. But meeting with much opposition he
+fled to Switzerland, and then to Italy, where he died in 615, a true
+Christian to the last.--His pupil _Gallus_ had remained in Switzerland
+and there had founded the farfamed cloister St. Gallus. Here he labored
+with signal blessing for the spreading of Christianity among the Swiss
+and Suabian tribes, until, in 640, the Lord called him to his reward.
+
+Besides these messengers of the faith others also preached the Gospel in
+Germany, _Emeran_ in Bavaria, _Kilian_ in Wuertemberg. The latter
+suffered martyrdom with his followers in 685. Twenty years after
+Kilian's death the English Presbyter _Willibrod_, with eleven
+assistants, went to the Frisians. At first the heathen king Radbod
+offered stubborn resistance, but in time he had Willibrod to baptize his
+own son. And after the king's death the mission work met with great
+success. Because of the multitude of fish Willibrod could scarcely haul
+in the net. After fifty years of faithful labor he died as bishop of
+Utrecht, in the year 739. These and other missionaries were the real
+apostles of Germany, and independent of Rome. Through their labors
+congregations were founded and flourished everywhere.
+
+Before long, however, a man came to Germany who subjugated the German
+church to the Pope. This was Winifred, also called _Boniface_. He
+carried on his work mainly in Thuringia, Hessia, Bavaria, and Frisia. In
+755, together with his companions, he was slain by the heathen Frisians.
+The most stubborn resistance to Christianity was offered by the Saxons.
+Only after thirty years of continuous warfare were they finally
+conquered by Charles the Great, and the Gospel gained a foothold amongst
+them.--Thus the Gospel of Christ sped from people to people, and in the
+year 1000 great numbers everywhere in Germany confessed Christ Jesus and
+Him crucified.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Popery and Monkery.
+
+
+1. THE ORIGIN OF POPERY. When, in the course of time, the Christian
+church continued to expand, it became necessary for the larger
+congregations to engage more than one pastor. An immediate consequence
+was that one of them attained to higher eminence and was called the
+bishop by preference. Great deference was especially paid to the bishops
+of Rome, of Jerusalem, of Alexandria, of Antioch, and of Constantinople.
+The smaller congregations frequently sought their advice and requested
+their decision in difficult matters. But the power and the authority of
+the Roman bishops soon outstripped that of the rest. In consequence of
+this they assumed a haughty demeanor, exalted themselves above the other
+bishops, and, finally, arrogated to themselves the position of supreme
+judges in the Church of God, and grew very indignant if any one dared to
+dispute their authority. They now claimed that Peter had founded the
+congregation at Rome and had presided over it for some time as its
+bishop; that he had been the chief of the apostles, the authorized
+viceregent of Christ upon earth, and that his successors, the bishops of
+Rome, had inherited these powers from him. Although these arrogant
+claims were by no means generally admitted, yet the Roman bishop
+succeeded in enforcing his demands. He was pleased to have himself
+called "_Papa_," or "Pope." The Western bishops finally submitted and
+acknowledged him to be the supreme head of the church. In the East,
+however, the bishop of Constantinople was accorded the highest rank.
+Both bishops now fought for the supremacy in the church, and as neither
+would submit to the other a schism resulted. There arose the Roman
+Catholic and the Greek Catholic church, and this division remains to the
+present day.
+
+When, in 752, Pipin, the king of the Franks, presented to the Pope a
+large territory in Central Italy, the Pope became a temporal prince.
+From now on the Popes continually sought to increase their temporal
+power and speak the decisive word in the councils of the mighty of this
+earth. The man who raised popery to the highest pinnacle of its power
+was Pope Gregory VII, formerly a monk called Hildebrand, the son of an
+artisan. In 1073 he ascended the papal throne. He forbade the priests to
+marry, and demanded that all bishops, who at that time were also
+temporal princes, should receive their office and their possessions,
+even their temporal power, not from their worldly overlords, but from
+his hands. He asserted: "As the moon receives its light from the sun, so
+emperors and princes receive their power from the Pope. The Pope is the
+viceregent of Christ upon earth, where the mighty of this world owe him
+obedience; he alone has the right and the power to appoint them to
+office, or to depose them." Gregory died 1085. His successors accepted
+his principles. Thus Innocent III demeaned himself as the absolute
+spiritual lord and master over all Christian princes and kings, and
+forced them to submit to his power. Then the word of Holy Scriptures,
+concerning the Roman Popes, came to pass, 2 Thess. 2, 4: "Who opposeth
+and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped;
+so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he
+is God."
+
+2. THE FALSE DOCTRINES OF POPERY. Sad, indeed, grew the condition of the
+church under the Popes. Many bishops and priests busied themselves more
+with worldly affairs than with the Word of God and the welfare of the
+church. The people were shamefully neglected. Generally speaking, they
+had no schools, no books, and, especially, no Bibles. There was scarcely
+any Christian knowledge, for the Word of the Lord was hidden in those
+days. In consequence of this the saddest ignorance prevailed everywhere
+among the common people. Such being the conditions, it was a small
+matter for Satan to sow his tares among the wheat. With increasing
+frequency false doctrines appeared in the church and displaced the Word
+of God. For some time already mass had been celebrated instead of Holy
+Communion. For the superstition had arisen, that Christ was sacrificed
+anew by the priest when mass was celebrated on the altar. This false
+doctrine was supported by the other superstition that through his
+consecration the priest changed the bread and the wine into the real
+body and blood of Christ. Because they feared that the blood of Christ
+might be spilled they denied the cup to the laity, and thus mutilated
+the Lord's Supper.
+
+Early in its history popery invented the doctrine that the departed
+souls went to purgatory, where, by intense suffering, they might be
+cleansed from the dross of sin. However, it was held that the Pope and
+the church had the power to shorten these pangs of purgatory by reading
+countless masses. Whoever paid enough money was told that he need not
+remain long in purgatory. This proved to be a profitable business for
+the Pope. For many rich already in their lifetime set aside large sums
+of money to pay for these masses.
+
+Indulgence was another false doctrine. The Popes taught: The church
+possesses an inexhaustible treasure in the merits of Christ and of the
+saints. On this the Pope can draw at will for the benefit of the living
+and of the dead, and with it forgive the sin of those who offer him
+therefor sufficient money, or other equivalents. In the stead of
+Christ's suffering and merit, which becomes ours alone through faith,
+they substituted mere human works. Christ, our true Advocate, was thrust
+aside, and the saints were called upon for their protection and
+intercessions. The Virgin Mary, especially, became the refuge in time of
+need, and this gave rise to the shameful "mariolatry." Nor did idolatry
+stop here. Even pictures, statues, and real or supposed relics of the
+saints were set up for worship and adoration. Thus was fulfilled the
+word of Scriptures, 2 Thess. 2, 10. 11: "Because they received not the
+love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God
+shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie."
+
+3. LIFE IN THE MONASTERIES. Already in the time of the great
+persecutions many Christians had fled into the forests, caves, and among
+the cliffs in order to spend their lives in pious meditation and
+devotion. When, in the time after Constantine, the church grew more and
+more worldly, the number of those increased who thought that they could
+serve God better in quiet seclusion than amid the noise of a corrupt
+world. These were the so-called hermits. As a rule, they led a life of
+privations and self-inflicted tortures. In time, numbers of them united
+and adopted certain rules and laws by which their communities were
+governed. They also lived in their own buildings, called cloisters.
+These were generally built in inhospitable regions. Whoever joined the
+order had to forsake all his worldly possessions, and vow to lead a life
+of celibacy and of absolute obedience to his superiors. These are the
+so-called monastic vows.
+
+This monastical life was regarded very highly by the people, and all
+kinds of legacies added gradually to the lands and riches of the
+cloisters. Their number increased rapidly; and in the twelfth century
+there were thousands of them. The monks were the most zealous and the
+most faithful tools of Antichrist, and everywhere endeavored to spread
+the Pope's heresies. They incited the people to rebellion against their
+lawful government and spied out and persecuted those who would no longer
+submit to the Pope. But it was above all the halo of false holiness
+which it possessed in the eyes of the people that made monkery such a
+curse to the church. Men, women, and children ran into the cloister in
+order to be sure of eternal life; for the delusive notion prevailed that
+man could justify himself before God and be saved by his own works. And,
+at that, they regarded the works commanded by God of little account,
+esteeming their self-chosen, monkish practices of the highest
+importance. Life in the monastery is, therefore, condemned by the words
+of Christ: "In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
+commandments of men."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Forerunners of the Reformation.
+
+
+1. PETER WALDEN. Peter Walden, who was a rich and pious merchant of the
+twelfth century, lived in Lyons, an important city in Southern France.
+One day he was sitting at meal with his friends and conversing on the
+evils of the time and the corruption of the church. Suddenly one of his
+companions fell dead before their eyes. This occurrence made a deep
+impression on Walden, and he sought now, more than ever before, the one
+thing that is needful. Through diligent reading and study of Holy
+Scriptures he came to a knowledge of the truth, and his heart was filled
+with heavenly comfort and joy. The deeper he entered into the true
+meaning of the Holy Scriptures the more he recognized the errors and the
+decay of the Roman Catholic church. He saw that Christendom had departed
+from the true way of salvation. He, therefore, felt constrained to bring
+the sweet Gospel of Christ to lost souls. In 1170 he sold all his
+possessions and traveled through the country, teaching and preaching. He
+had the four Gospels translated into French and spread them among the
+people. The scattered seed sprung up and bore rich fruit; for very soon
+thousands wanted to hear of no other doctrine than the pure doctrine of
+God's Word.
+
+Walden and his adherents, called Waldensians, taught: "In all questions
+pertaining to our salvation we dare trust no man or book, but must
+believe the Holy Scriptures only. There is but one mediator; the saints
+must not be worshiped; purgatory is a fable invented by men. There are
+but two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper." Their life conformed
+so well to their doctrine that King Lewis of France exclaimed: "Truly,
+these heretics are better than I and all my people!" The following is
+another beautiful testimony for the Waldensians: "They lead a purer life
+than other Christians. They do not swear, except necessity demands it,
+and beware of taking God's name in vain. They keep their promises
+faithfully; they are truthful in their words and live peacefully
+together in brotherly love."
+
+But the more their doctrine and life testified of their faith, the more
+the hatred against them increased. Peter Walden was forbidden to preach
+or explain the Scriptures, and when, in spite of this, he continued to
+sow the seed of the Word of God, he was excommunicated by the Pope. He
+fled from one place to another, and everywhere proclaimed the Gospel
+with signal blessing. His followers were most cruelly persecuted by the
+Roman church, which used every means to destroy them. About a million of
+them were slain in continuous wars of persecution. Seven thousand were
+slaughtered in a church at one time. A judge in Spain had 10,000 of them
+burned alive and imprisoned 97,000 who perished enduring the most
+frightful tortures. But in spite of fire and sword they could not be
+extirpated, and exist unto this day. Removed from the markets of the
+world, and distant from the great highways, the descendants of the
+Waldensians live in the unapproachable mountain glens of Savoy and
+Piedmont.
+
+2. JOHN WYCLIF. John Wyclif was Doctor and Professor of Theology at the
+University of Oxford. He directed his attacks chiefly against monkery,
+and unsparingly denounced the idling, the begging, and the perversion of
+religion by the monks. They therefore entered complaint against him with
+the Archbishop, and Wyclif was deposed from his chair at the university.
+From now on he testified even more decidedly against the errors and
+abuses of popery. He maintained: "The Roman church is not superior to
+the other churches; Peter had no preeminence over the other apostles,
+and the Pope, as far as his power to forgive sins is concerned, is but
+the equal of every other pastor." He spoke very emphatically against
+indulgence, against the adoration of relics, and reproved the popular
+errors by which the poor souls were deceived. Wyclif was now denounced
+as a heretic at the court of the Pope, but his eloquent and masterful
+defense at the trial procured his release. He translated the Bible into
+English and taught pious men to preach the Gospel to the people. He died
+in 1384 at Lutterworth, where he had been pastor. His numerous writings
+were spread by his followers throughout all Europe, and especially
+Bohemia, where they bore rich fruit. But the hatred against Wyclif did
+not cease with his death. In compliance with an order of the Council of
+Constance, where his doctrines were condemned, his bones were exhumed,
+burned, and the ashes thrown into the river.
+
+[Illustration: John Huss.]
+
+3. JOHN HUSS. Huss was born in 1369 at Hussinecz, in Bohemia. Through
+reading the Holy Scriptures and the writings of Wyclif he came to a
+knowledge of the truth and boldly lifted his voice against the errors
+and abuses prevalent in the church. He preached against indulgences,
+purgatory, and the ungodly life of the priests. Thereby he became an
+object of hatred to the Pope. He was soon excommunicated by the Pope,
+and when he continued to preach in Prague, where he was pastor, and was
+supported by that city, it was also placed under the ban. The churches
+were closed, the bells were silent, the dead were denied Christian
+burial, Baptisms and marriages could only be performed in the
+graveyards.
+
+Huss was cited to appear at the council to be held at Constance.
+Although Emperor Sigismund promised him safe-conduct, nevertheless Huss
+undertook the journey to Constance foreboding no good. And indeed, in
+spite of the safe-conduct, he was taken and thrown into a foul prison
+immediately upon his arrival. When Sigismund expressed his disapproval
+the monks told him that faith need not be kept with a heretic. Huss
+defended himself before the council with great steadfastness, and as he
+would not recant he was condemned to die at the stake. He was deposed
+from the priesthood and made an object of ridicule and scorn. On his
+head was placed a paper cap painted with numerous devils who were
+tormenting a poor sinner. He was led out to execution, and on the way
+frequently called upon the Savior for mercy. He was then chained to an
+upright pole, and hay and straw, saturated with pitch, were piled about
+him. Once more he was tempted to recant and thus to save his life. But
+Huss remained faithful. Now the flames surrounded him. The smoke curled
+above him. "Christ, Thou Lamb of God, have mercy upon me!" the faithful
+witness sang twice with a loud and clear voice. But when he began the
+third verse, he was overcome by smoke and flames and gave up the ghost.
+It is reported that while at the stake he prophesied: "To-day you are
+roasting a goose, but after a hundred years a swan will come, which ye
+will not roast."
+
+4. JEROME SAVONAROLA. In Italy a man arose who was to startle the proud
+Pope and his priests out of their security. This was Jerome Savonarola.
+The misery and the corruption in the church had driven him into the
+cloister. Through the Word of God he learned the truth, and then
+publicly denounced the depravity of his time. He was an eloquent and
+passionate preacher. He cried out: "Before long the sword of the Lord
+will come over Italy and over all the earth, and then the church will be
+renewed!" The Pope of that time lived in the grossest vices. Rome was
+the hotbed of all sins and crimes. Savonarola complained: "The poison is
+heaped up at Rome to such an extent that it infects France, and Germany,
+and all the world. Things have come to such a pass that we must warn
+everyone against Rome. Rome has perverted the whole of Scriptures!"
+
+By the Pope he was anathematized, and by the temporal court condemned to
+die at the stake. With two of his companions he was to be hanged on the
+gallows, and then their corpses were to be burned. Savonarola
+entertained the sure hope that judgment would come upon Rome, and the
+Lord would renew the corrupt church. He said: "Rome will not be able to
+quench this fire, and if it is quenched God will light another; aye, it
+is kindled already in many places, but they do not know it. Before long
+the desolation and idolatry of the Roman Pope will be reproved, and a
+teacher will be born whom no one can resist." On Ascension Day, May 23,
+1498, with cheerful resignation, he met death at the hand of the
+hangman.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Luther's Childhood.
+
+
+1. LUTHER IN THE HOUSE OF HIS PARENTS. When Savonarola breathed his last
+in the Market Place at Florence, God had already chosen His servant who
+was to destroy the tyranny of the Pope. The swan, prophesied by Huss,
+appeared. For on November 10, 1483, a son had been born to poor peasants
+in Eisleben, at the foot of the Hartz Mountains. Already on the
+following day he was baptized, and received the name Martin, in honor of
+the saint to whom this day was sacred. His parents were Hans and
+Margaret Luther. They came from the village Moehra, having emigrated to
+Eisleben. When Martin was six months old they moved to the neighboring
+town Mansfeld, where his father hoped to support his family by working
+in the mines. Luther said of his ancestors: "I am the son of a peasant;
+my father, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather were all industrious
+peasants. Later on my father moved to Mansfeld, where he worked in the
+mines." Again he said: "My parents, at first, were very poor. My father
+was a poor miner, and my mother often carried the wood upon her back in
+order to raise us children. They endured many hardships for our sake."
+
+The child was a great joy to its parents, and they loved it dearly. The
+father would often step to the cradle and pray loud and fervently that
+God would grant grace to his son that, mindful of his name, he might
+become a true Luther and live a pure and sincere life. From earliest
+childhood both parents trained their boy to fear God and love all that
+is good. Parental discipline, however, was most severe, and tended to
+make Luther a very timid child. In later years he said: "My father once
+chastised me so severely that I fled from him and avoided him until he
+won me to himself again." And of his mother he said: "For the sake of an
+insignificant nut my mother once whipped me till the blood came. But
+their intentions were the best." Luther at all times gratefully
+acknowledged this.
+
+2. LUTHER AT SCHOOL. Little Martin was not yet five years of age when,
+followed by the prayers of his parents, he was brought to the school at
+Mansfeld. This school was situated upon a hillside, in the upper part of
+the city, and quite a distance from the boy's home. In inclement
+weather, when the road was bad, he was often carried there by his father
+or by Nicolas Oemler. Here he zealously learned the Ten Commandments,
+the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer; he was also instructed in reading,
+writing, and the principles of Latin grammar. The school even surpassed
+his home in the severity of its discipline. The schoolmaster was one of
+those incapable men that treated his children as hangmen and bailiffs
+treat their prisoners. In one forenoon Luther received fifteen
+whippings. Such tyrannical treatment filled him and his fellow pupils
+with fear and timidity.
+
+The religious instruction which he received also served to intimidate
+and terrify him. He scarcely learned more than popish superstition and
+idolatry. True, at Christmas time the church sang: "A Child so fair is
+born for us to-day," but instead of the glad tidings: "Unto you is born
+this day in the city of David a Savior," hell-fire was preached in the
+school. Luther says: "From youth I was trained to turn pale at the very
+mention of Christ's name, for I was instructed to regard Him as a severe
+and angry judge. We were all taught that we had to atone for our own
+sins, and because we could not do this we were directed to the saints in
+heaven and advised to invoke dear Mother Mary to pacify the wrath of
+Christ and obtain mercy for us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Luther's Student Days.
+
+
+1. LUTHER IN MAGDEBURG. When Luther was fourteen years of age he bade
+farewell to his parents and home and, with his friend Hans Reinecke,
+went to Magdeburg; for his father wished to give him a thorough
+education. Having received no spending money from home, they were forced
+to live upon the alms gathered on the way from charitable hands. In
+Magdeburg Luther attended the high school, a noted school of that day.
+But here, as everywhere, the false doctrines of popery prevailed, and
+the sweet comfort of the Gospel was not preached. The poor pupils were
+directed to perform such works and penances as the Roman church
+considered meritorious. Luther relates the following incident as
+illustrating the monastic sanctity of those days: "With these my eyes I
+saw a Prince of Anhalt in a friar's cowl begging for bread in the
+streets, and bending under the sack like an ass. He looked like a
+specter, nothing but skin and bones. Whoever saw him smacked with
+devotion and had to be ashamed with his secular calling."--In bodily
+things also little Martin had to endure much hardship. It is true, lodge
+and shelter were supplied by the city, and the instruction, given by the
+monks, was free of charge, but the pupils themselves had to provide
+their support. Because of his father's poverty Luther received but
+little assistance from home and was compelled to sing for his daily
+bread at the doors of the citizens. He relates the following story of
+his experiences at that time: "During the Christmas holidays we made
+excursions into the neighboring villages and sang at the doors the
+Christmas carols in four parts in order to obtain our living. At one
+time a peasant came out of his house and called to us in a rough tone of
+voice, 'Boys, where are you?' This so terrified us that we scattered in
+all directions. We were so frightened that we did not notice the sausage
+in his hand, and it required no little coaxing to recall us."
+
+While at Magdeburg Luther was taken sick with a violent and distressing
+fever. Although he suffered great thirst he was forbidden to drink
+water. But on a certain Friday, when all had gone to church, his thirst
+became so unendurable that he crept upon his hands and knees into the
+kitchen, seized a vessel filled with fresh water, and drank it with
+great relish. Then he dragged himself back to his bed, went soundly to
+sleep, and when he awoke the fever was gone.--Lack of support forced him
+to leave Magdeburg at the end of the year.
+
+2. LUTHER IN EISENACH. After a short stay under the parental roof Luther
+complied with the wish of his parents and attended the high school at
+Eisenach. His mother had many relatives there, and hoped that they would
+do something for poor Martin. But these hopes were disappointed, and,
+therefore, at Eisenach also he lived in great poverty. Again he had to
+gain his daily bread by singing and saying prayers before the houses.
+The gifts so received were called particles, that is, crumbs. In
+after-years Luther said: "I have also been such a beggar of 'particles,'
+taking my bread at the doors, especially in Eisenach, my beloved city."
+At times, however, his poverty so depressed him that he determined to
+return to his parents and help his father in the mines. But at last God
+graciously provided for him. For some time already his earnest singing
+and praying had won for him the heart of a pious matron, Frau Cotta. One
+day, therefore, when, together with other scholars, he was again singing
+at her door she took him into her house and gave him a place at her
+table. Thus by God's wonderful providence he was relieved of this care
+for his daily bread and could now joyfully devote himself entirely to
+his studies. Luther never forgot his benefactress, Mrs. Cotta, and in
+later years, when her son studied at Wittenberg, he received him into
+his house.
+
+[Illustration: Frau Cotta Taking Luther into Her Home.]
+
+Luther delighted in attending the Latin school at Eisenach. He was
+especially fond of the principal of the school, John Trebonius, who
+treated his scholars with the greatest love and consideration. Upon
+entering the schoolroom he would remove his academical cap, and did not
+replace it till he had taken his seat at the desk. To the other teachers
+he said, "Among these young pupils sit some of whom God may make our
+future mayors, chancellors, learned doctors, and rulers. Although you do
+not know them now, it is proper that you should honor them." Luther
+outranked all his fellow pupils, and when, at one time, the celebrated
+Professor Trutvetter of Erfurt visited Eisenach Luther, being the most
+fluent Latin orator of the school, was called upon to deliver the
+address of welcome. After the reception Trutvetter said to Trebonius,
+"Sir, you have a good school here. It is in excellent condition. Keep an
+eye on that Luther. There is something in that boy. By all means,
+prepare him for the university and send him to us at Erfurt." Thereupon
+he patted Luther on the back and said, "My son, the Lord has bestowed
+special gifts upon thee; use them faithfully in His service. When thou
+art ready and wishest to come to us at Erfurt remember that thou hast a
+good friend there, Doctor Jodocus Trutvetter. Appeal to him, he will
+give thee a friendly reception."
+
+3. LUTHER IN ERFURT. At the expiration of four years Luther finished his
+studies at Eisenach and, in 1501, seventeen years of age, he
+matriculated at the celebrated university at Erfurt, where he found a
+fatherly friend in Trutvetter. God had now so blessed his father's
+persevering diligence and economy that Luther had to suffer no want at
+Erfurt. In later years Luther said in praise of his father: "He
+supported me at the University of Erfurt with great love and fidelity,
+and by his arduous labor he helped me to attain my present position."
+His father wished Martin to become a jurist, wherefore Luther zealously
+devoted himself to the study of jurisprudence. Although he was naturally
+of a wide-awake and cheerful disposition he, nevertheless, began his
+studies every morning with fervent prayers and attendance at mass. His
+motto was: Diligent prayer is the half of study. Here at Erfurt, in the
+library, he found the book of all books, the Bible, which he had never
+seen before. He was surprised to see that it contained more than the
+Epistles and Gospels which were usually read at church. While turning
+the leaves of the Old Testament he happened upon the story of Samuel and
+Hannah. He read it hurriedly with great interest and joy, and wished
+that God might some day give him such a book and make of him such a
+pious Samuel. This wish was abundantly fulfilled--it is true, after
+enduring manifold tribulations and trials.
+
+While at the university Luther was seized with a severe illness and he
+thought he was about to die. An old priest came to see him and comforted
+him with these words: "My dear bachelor, be of good cheer. You will not
+die of this illness. God will yet make a great man of you, who will
+comfort many people. For whom God loveth and whom He would make a
+blessing to his fellow men, upon him He early lays the cross; for in the
+school of affliction patient people learn much." Luther, however, soon
+forgot this comfort. Not long after this, while on a journey to his home
+with a companion, and not far from Erfurt, he accidentally ran his
+rapier, which after the custom of the students hung at his side, into
+his leg, severing the main artery. His friend hurried back to call a
+physician. In the mean time Luther endeavored to stanch the flow of
+blood lying on his back, compressing the wound. But the limb swelled
+frightfully, and Luther, beset with mortal fear, cried out, "Mary, help
+me!" In the following night the wound began to bleed afresh, and again
+he called upon Mary only. Later in life he said: "At that time, I would
+have died trusting in Mary." Not long after, death suddenly robbed him
+of a good friend, and this also tended to increase his melancholy. In
+such periods of depression he would often exclaim, "Oh, when wilt thou
+become really pious and atone for thy sins, and obtain the grace of
+God?" With increasing power he then heard a voice within him saying:
+Over there rise the peaceful walls of the Augustinian cloister; they are
+beckoning you and saying, Come to us! Here, separated from the noise of
+the world, your trembling soul will find rest and peace. What was he to
+do?--For the sake of recreation Luther, in 1505, paid a visit to his
+parents. Upon his return, in the vicinity of Erfurt, a terrible storm
+suddenly broke upon him. The lightning, followed by a fearful crash of
+thunder, struck close beside him, and, overcome and stunned, he fell to
+the ground, crying out, "Help, dear St. Ann, I will immediately become a
+monk!" For it was only in this manner that he hoped to appease God and
+to find peace and rest for his soul.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Luther in the Cloister.
+
+
+1. ENTRANCE INTO THE CLOISTER. Luther erroneously felt himself bound in
+conscience to keep his vow, and therefore, on July 15, 1505, once more
+invited his intimate friends to meet him, in order to bid them farewell.
+They passed the time with song and instrumental music. As Luther seemed
+to be happy and in the best of spirits no one dreamed of what was
+passing in his soul. But before his friends parted from him he informed
+them of his intention. At first they thought he was joking, and laughed
+at him. But when Luther once more solemnly declared, "To-day you see me,
+and never again," they urgently besought him to give up his resolution.
+All their endeavors, however, were in vain, Luther remained firm. On the
+evening of the 17th of July, therefore, they weepingly escorted him to
+the gate of the Augustinian cloister within whose dark walls Luther now
+sought rest and peace for his soul. When his father was subsequently
+asked to give his consent he became very indignant that his son had
+entered the cloister. On a later occasion, when Hans Luther paid his son
+a visit at Erfurt and those about him praised his present monastic
+state, the father said: "God grant that it may not be a deception and
+Satanic illusion. Why, have you not heard that parents should be obeyed,
+and that nothing should be undertaken without their knowledge and
+advice?" After some time, however, he was somewhat pacified by his
+friends and said, "Let it pass; God grant that good may come of it."
+
+[Illustration: Luther Entering the Cloister.]
+
+2. DISAPPOINTMENTS IN THE CLOISTER. Luther was scrupulously exact in the
+performance of every work and penance prescribed by the cloister. He
+acted as doorkeeper, set the clock, swept the church, yes, he was even
+compelled to remove the human filth. The greatest hardship for him,
+however, was to travel the streets of the city with a bag, begging for
+alms. The monks told him, "It is begging, not studying, that enriches
+the cloister." And yet Luther found time for diligent study of the
+Bible. He learned to know the page and exact place of every verse of
+the Scriptures, and he even committed to memory many passages from the
+prophets, although he did not understand them at that time. The prior of
+the cloister, Dr. John Staupitz, came to love him, released him from
+menial labors, and encouraged him to continue in the diligent study of
+Holy Scriptures. Others thought different and said to Luther, "Why,
+Brother Martin, what is the Bible! You ought to read the old fathers,
+they have extracted the substance of truth from the Bible. The Bible
+causes all disturbances."
+
+Thus Luther soon learned that the piety of most monks was nothing but
+pretense. In later years he wrote: "The monks are a lazy, idle people.
+The greatest vanity is found in the cloisters. They are servants of
+their bellies, and filthy swine." But if others sought carnal lust in
+the cloister Luther led a most rigid and holy life. In the simplicity of
+his heart he sincerely worshiped the Pope. He regarded Huss as a
+terrible heretic, and he considered the very thought of him a great sin.
+And yet he could not resist the temptation to read this heretic's
+sermons. He confessed: "I really found so much in them that I was filled
+with consternation at the thought that such a man had been burned at the
+stake who could quote the Scriptures with so much faith and power. But
+because his name was held in such horrible execration I closed the book
+and went away with a wounded heart."
+
+In 1507 Luther was ordained to the priesthood, which made him very
+happy, for he supposed that now, as a priest, he could please God with
+greater and more glorious works. So thoroughly was Luther enslaved in
+the bondage of popery. Who could break these fetters? By his own works
+Luther endeavored to gain the grace of God. Day and night he tortured
+and tormented himself with fasting and prayers, with singing and
+studying, hard bedding, freezing, and vigils, with groanings and
+weepings. He wanted to take heaven by storm. He could afterward
+truthfully say: "It is true, I was a pious monk, and if ever a monk
+could have gained heaven by his monkery I would have gained it. If it
+had lasted any longer I would have tortured myself to death with vigils,
+prayers, reading, and other works." The peace of his soul, however,
+which he had not found in the world he found just as little in the
+cloister with all his works. Later on he describes his condition at that
+time in the following words: "Hangman and devil were in our hearts, and
+nothing but fear, trembling, horror, and disquiet tortured us day and
+night."
+
+3. LUTHER FINDS COMFORT. Staupitz one day found Luther in great distress
+of spirit and said to him, "Ah, you do not know how salutary and
+necessary such trials are for you; without them nothing good would
+become of you. For God does not send them to you in vain. You will see
+that He will use you for great things." At another time Luther
+complained, "O my sin, my sin, my sin!" when Staupitz told him, "Christ
+is the forgiveness for REAL sins. He is a _real_ Savior and you are a
+_real_ sinner. God has sent His own Son and delivered Him up for us."
+When, because of great anxiety for his sins, he became sick, an old
+friar comforted him with these words, "I believe in the forgiveness of
+sin," and explained these words to mean: "It is not enough that you
+believe God forgives sins in general, for the devils also believe that.
+You must believe that your sins, your sins, your sins are forgiven. For
+man is justified by grace through faith." So, even at that time, a ray
+of light fell into Luther's soul benighted with the darkness of popery,
+and from this time on his favorite passage remained Romans 3, 28:
+"Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the
+deeds of the Law."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Luther as Teacher.
+
+
+1. LUTHER CALLED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WITTENBERG. After three years
+spent in this cloister Luther was called upon the stage where his battle
+with popery was to be fought. In 1502 Elector Frederick of Saxony had
+founded the University of Wittenberg. He charged Staupitz with the
+selection of learned and able men for this school. One of those
+recommended for his learning and piety was the well-known Augustinian
+monk Luther, who now became professor at Wittenberg. As Staupitz urged
+him to remove at once to Wittenberg, Luther did not even find time to
+bid farewell to his friends at Erfurt. Moving caused him little trouble,
+for a begging friar has few possessions. And thus, on an autumn day of
+the year 1508, we see the pale and emaciated form of the 25 year old
+monk traveling the road from Erfurt and entering Wittenberg by the
+wooden bridge. He hurried through the long street to the Augustinian
+cloister, where he found shelter and lodging.
+
+[Illustration: Elector Frederick the Wise.]
+
+2. LUTHER AS PROFESSOR AND PREACHER. In obedience to his superiors
+Luther at first lectured on philosophy although he would have preferred
+to teach theology. And this wish of his heart was soon granted. Already
+in 1509 he received permission to expound the Scriptures to the
+students. With joyful devotion he gave himself up to the study of the
+Bible and diligently searched for the ground of salvation. And, indeed,
+he very soon created such a sensation that Dr. Mellrichstadt exclaimed,
+"That monk will confound all the doctors, and introduce a new doctrine,
+and reform the whole Roman church, for he devotes himself to the
+writings of the prophets and apostles, and stands upon the Word of Jesus
+Christ." Thus God had led Luther to the Scriptures, and he made them his
+guiding star. He felt that they alone could give him what he sought:
+truth and peace. Staupitz also tried to persuade him to preach, but
+Luther at first lacked courage. Finally, however, he consented and
+preached the Word of Christ in the little chapel of the cloister. Its
+appearance was very similar to the pictures which the artists paint of
+the stable at Bethlehem in which Christ was born. In such a poor, little
+church that man began to preach who was to thrill countless souls and
+point the way to true peace. Very soon citizens and students gathered in
+such numbers to hear him that the church could not hold them. He was
+then called to the large parish church of Wittenberg, whose doors were
+now thrown open to him. Here he had abundant opportunity to preach the
+Word of Life in his powerful sermons to many thousands of hearers.
+
+3. LUTHER IN ROME. By the study of the Bible and diligent preparation
+for his sermons Luther steadily grew in the knowledge of divine truth,
+and yet he was firmly held in the bondage of popery. He still considered
+the Pope the viceregent of Christ upon earth. When he was therefore
+directed to visit Rome in the interest of his order it filled his heart
+with greatest joy. For he hoped by this visit to the holy (?) city to
+find rest and comfort for his conscience. He had to make the journey on
+foot, and he took the pilgrim staff in hand, and together with a
+companion started out for Rome. They had no need of money, for shelter
+and lodging they found in the cloisters by the way. But Luther did not
+enjoy the journey, for the words kept ringing in his ears: "The just
+shall live by his faith." After a long journey through beautiful
+landscapes the way finally wound about a hillock, and before the eyes of
+the German monks lay the Roman plain where, on the banks of the Tiber,
+appeared the resplendent houses, churches, and fortresses of the city of
+Rome. How his heart must have leaped when, in the radiant glow of the
+evening sun, the city lay before him! He prostrated himself upon the
+ground, lifted his hands, and exclaimed, "Hail, holy Rome! Thrice holy
+because of the martyrs' blood that was shed in thee!"--In Rome Luther
+devoutly sought to satisfy the cravings of his heart. With what
+sincerity he went about this we see from his own words: "In Rome I was
+also such a crazy saint. I ran through all churches and caverns, and
+believed every stinking lie that had been fabricated there. I even
+regretted at the time that my father and mother were still living, for I
+would have been so glad to have redeemed them from purgatory with my
+masses and other precious works and prayers." How revolting it must have
+been for him to see the priests read mass with such levity and get
+through hurry-skurry (_rips-raps_), as if they were giving a puppet
+show! Luther relates: "Before I reached the Gospel the priest beside me
+had finished his mass and called to me, 'Hurry up! Come away! Give the
+child back to its mother!'" So it happened that his faith in Rome began
+to waver more and more, and God again and again led him there where true
+comfort can be found. The following is an example. On the Place of St.
+John's there was a flight of stairs, called Pilate's Staircase, which
+was said to be the same on which our Savior went up and down before the
+palace of Pontius Pilate at Jerusalem. Now, while Luther was crawling up
+these steps, hoping in this way to reconcile God and atone for his sins,
+it seemed to him as if a voice of thunder was crying in his ears, "The
+just shall live by his faith!" Thus this passage more and more became
+the light which revealed to him the true way to heaven. This was his
+opinion of the so-called Holy City: "No one believes what villainy and
+outrageous sins and vices are practiced at Rome. You can convince no one
+that such great abominations occur there, if he has not seen and heard
+and experienced it himself." Thus Luther learned to know popery itself
+in Rome, and was, therefore, the better qualified to testify against it
+later on. He said: "I would not for a thousand florins have missed
+seeing Rome, for then I would always fear that I were wronging the Pope
+and doing him an injustice; but now we speak that which we have seen."
+
+4. LUTHER IS MADE DOCTOR OF DIVINITY. After his return to Wittenberg
+Luther took up his work with renewed diligence. One day, while sitting
+with Staupitz under the great pear tree in the cloister garden, his
+superior took his hand and said, "Brother Martin, I and all the brethren
+have concluded that you ought to become Doctor of Divinity." Luther was
+frightened and excused himself because of his youth, his need of further
+study, and, also, because of his weak and sickly body, and begged him to
+select a man more qualified than he was. But when his paternal friend
+continued to persuade him, he said, "Doctor Staupitz, you will take my
+life; I will not stand it three months." To this prophecy of approaching
+death Staupitz playfully remarked, "In God's name! Our Lord has
+important business on hand; He needs able men also in heaven. Now, if
+you die you must be His councilor up there." Finally, Luther submitted
+to the will of his superior and, on the 18th of October, 1512, Dr.
+Carlstadt with great solemnity bestowed upon him the degree of Doctor of
+Divinity. How important this was Luther himself points out when he says:
+"I, Doctor Martin, have been called and forced to become a doctor
+without my choice, purely from obedience. I had to accept the degree of
+doctor _and to swear and vow allegiance to my beloved Holy Bible, to
+preach it faithfully and purely_." Luther, later on, often comforted
+himself with this vow, when the devil and the world sought to terrify
+him because he had created such a disturbance in Christendom.
+
+Luther now devoted himself entirely to the study of the whole Bible, and
+by the power of the Holy Spirit he soon learned to distinguish between
+the Law and the Gospel. And it was only now that he clearly and fully
+understood the passage: "The just shall live by his faith." With great
+power he now confuted the error that man could merit forgiveness of sins
+by his own good works, and be justified before God by his own piety and
+civil righteousness. On the contrary, he clearly and pointedly showed
+that our sins are forgiven without any merit of our own, for Christ's
+sake only, and that we accept this gift by faith alone. He proved that
+Scriptures alone can teach us to believe right, to live a Christian
+life, and to die a blessed death. Thus the light of the Gospel grew
+brighter and brighter in Wittenberg, and, after the long night and
+darkness, the eyes of many were opened. The beautiful close of a letter
+which Luther wrote in 1516 to an Augustinian monk is a proof of the
+clear knowledge, which he already had at that time, of eternal and
+saving truth. It reads: "My dear brother, learn to know Christ, the
+Crucified; learn to sing to Him; and, despairing of thyself, say, 'Thou,
+Lord Jesus Christ, art my righteousness, but I am Thy sin. Thou hast
+taken upon Thyself what is mine, and hast given me what is Thine.'
+Meditate devoutly upon this love of His, and thou wilt draw from it the
+sweetest comfort. For if we could gain peace of conscience by our own
+works and sufferings, why did He die? Therefore thou wilt find peace in
+no other way but by confidently despairing of thyself and thy works, and
+trusting in Him."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Luther the Reformer.
+
+
+[Illustration: John Tetzel Selling Indulgences.]
+
+1. PAPAL INDULGENCES. At that time the papal chair was occupied by Leo
+X. What this Pope believed we may gather from his words addressed to one
+of his bishops. He exclaimed, "What an immense sum have we made out of
+this fable about Christ!" Luther relates this of him: "He would amuse
+himself by having two clowns dispute before his table on the immortality
+of the soul. The one took the positive, the other the negative side of
+this question. The Pope said to him who defended the proposition,
+'Although you have adduced good reasons and arguments, yet I agree with
+him who is of the opinion that we die like the beasts; for your doctrine
+makes us melancholy and sad, but his gives us peace of mind!'" In order
+to raise the necessary funds for his pleasures and dissipations he
+published a general indulgence, pretending that he needed money to
+complete the building of St. Peter's at Rome. He commissioned Archbishop
+Albert of Mayence to sell these indulgences in Germany. This dignitary
+was also excessively fond of the pomp and pleasures of life. He was to
+receive one-half the receipts of these indulgences. Albert, again,
+engaged monks who were to travel about Germany and sell the papal
+pardons.
+
+Chief among these pardon peddlers was John Tetzel. He was a most
+impudent fellow who, because of his adulterous life, had at one time
+been condemned to be drowned in a sack. For his services he received 80
+florins, together with traveling expenses for himself and his servants,
+and provender for three horses. These papal indulgences were held in
+high esteem by the people, wherefore Tetzel was everywhere given a
+pompous reception. Whenever he entered a town the papal bull was carried
+before him upon a gilded cloth. All the priests, monks, councilmen,
+schoolteachers, scholars, men, and women went out in procession with
+candles, flags, and songs to meet him. The bells were tolled, the organs
+sounded, and Tetzel was accompanied into the church, where a red cross
+was erected bearing the Pope's coat of arms. In short, God Himself could
+not have been given a grander reception. Once in church, Tetzel
+eloquently extolled the miraculous power of the papal indulgences. He
+preached: "Whoever buys a pardon receives not only the forgiveness of
+his sins, but shall also escape all punishment in this life and in
+purgatory." The forgiveness for sacrilege and perjury was sold for 9
+ducats, adultery and witchcraft cost two. In St. Annaberg he promised
+the poor miners, if they would freely buy his indulgence the mountains
+round about the city would become pure silver. The Pope, he claimed, had
+more power than all the apostles and saints, even more than the Virgin
+Mary herself; for all of these were under Christ, while the Pope was
+equal to Christ. The red cross with the papal arms erected in church was
+declared to be as saving as the cross of Christ. Tetzel claimed to have
+saved more souls with his indulgences than Peter with his sermons. He
+had a little rhyme which ran: "As soon as the money rings in my chest,
+From purgatory the soul finds rest." Furthermore, he proclaimed that the
+grace offered by indulgences is the same grace by which man is
+reconciled with God. According to his teaching contrition, sorrow, or
+repentance for sin were unnecessary if his indulgences were bought.
+
+2. CONSEQUENCES OF THIS PARDON-MONGERY. After Tetzel had carried on his
+godless traffic at many places he also came to Jueterbock, in the
+vicinity of Wittenberg. Thither the people hurried from the whole
+neighborhood, and even from Wittenberg they came in crowds to buy
+indulgences. Luther relates: "At that time I was preacher here in the
+cloister, a young doctor, full of fire and handy at the Scriptures. Now,
+when great multitudes ran from Wittenberg to buy indulgences at
+Jueterbock and Zerbst, I began to preach very moderately that something
+better could be done than buying indulgences; that he who repents
+receives forgiveness of sins, gained by Christ's own sacrifice and
+blood, and offered from pure grace, without money, and sold for
+nothing." And when some of Luther's parishioners stubbornly declared
+that they would not desist from usury, adultery, and other sins, nor
+promise sincere repentance and improvement, he refused to absolve them.
+When they appealed to the indulgences which they had bought from Tetzel,
+Luther answered them: "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,"
+Luke 13, 3. He now addressed an imploring petition to Albert of Mayence
+and other bishops, to put a stop to Tetzel's blasphemous doings, but met
+with no success. Tetzel himself threatened to accuse Luther of heresy,
+and built a pile of fagots on which, he said, all those should be burned
+who spoke against his indulgences.
+
+[Illustration: Luther Nailing His Ninety-five Theses to the Castle
+Church of Wittenberg.]
+
+3. THE NINETY-FIVE THESES. It was on the 31st of October, 1517, when the
+bells ringing from the steeple of the Castle Church at Wittenberg were
+calling the multitude into the house of God. The crowds were gathering
+in the long street, awaiting the beginning of the service which usually
+preceded the festival of church dedication which occurred on All Saints'
+Day. Suddenly a man hurriedly pressed through the waiting multitude;
+lean and lank was his body, and pale his countenance, but his eyes
+beamed with life and fire. He stepped up to the door of the Castle
+Church, drew a paper from his dark monk's cowl, and with vigorous blows
+of the hammer nailed it to the church door. At first his action was
+noticed only by those standing near by. When, however, one of the
+bystanders read the superscription which, translated into English,
+reads: "Disputation concerning the power of indulgences. Out of love for
+the truth and with a sincere desire to bring it to light, the following
+propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, the Reverend Father Martin
+Luther presiding. Those who cannot discuss the subject with us orally
+may do so in writing. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!"--then
+the cry was heard: "Up there! Read to us the tidings of the wonderful
+document."
+
+     SEVERAL OF THE THESES.
+
+     1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ in saying: "Repent ye," etc.,
+     intended that the whole life of His believers should be repentance.
+
+     32. Those who believe that through letters of pardon they may be
+     sure of their salvation will go to hell, together with their
+     teachers.
+
+     36. Every Christian who truly repents of his sin has complete
+     remission of all pain and guilt, and it is his without any letters
+     of pardon.
+
+     37. Every true Christian, living or dead, partakes of all the
+     benefits of Christ and of the Church. God gives him this without
+     letters of pardon.
+
+     62. The true treasure of the Church is the holy Gospel of the glory
+     and grace of God.
+
+4. THE EFFECTS OF THE THESES. The action of the Augustinian monk created
+everywhere the greatest excitement among the people. Luther's theses
+spread with a rapidity truly marvelous for that time. In fourteen days
+they had passed through all Germany, and in four weeks through all
+Christendom. Verily, it seemed as if the angels themselves had been the
+messengers. The theses were translated into other languages, and after
+four years a pilgrim bought them in Jerusalem. Like distant rolling
+thunder the mighty sentences echoed out into the lands and announced to
+Rome the storm that was brewing in Germany against popery. Luther had no
+idea that God had destined them to accomplish such great things. For
+innumerable souls they were as the sun rising after a long and anxious
+night. They rejoiced as we rejoice at the light of day; for they saw
+that in the light of this doctrine they could attain to that peace with
+God and with their conscience which they had sought in vain with painful
+toiling in the commandments of the Roman church. In the name of these
+souls old Doctor Fleck exclaimed, "Aha! He'll do it! He is come for whom
+we have waited so long!" Another confessed, "The time has come when the
+darkness in churches and schools will be dispelled." And another
+exulted, "Praise God, now they have found a man who will give them so
+much toil and trouble that they will let this poor man depart in peace."
+But, of course, there were also timid souls who were filled with anxious
+concern for Luther. The renowned Dr. Kranz, for instance, in Hamburg,
+cried out, "Go to your cell, dear brother, and pray, 'Lord, have mercy
+upon me!'" and an old Low-German clergyman said, "My dear Brother
+Martin, if you can storm and annihilate purgatory and popish
+huckstering, then you are indeed a great man!" But Luther, full of
+joyous courage and faith, replied to all such timid souls, "Dear
+fathers, if the work is not begun in God's name, it will soon come to
+naught; but if it is begun in His name let Him take care of it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Luther the Mighty Warrior.
+
+
+[Illustration: Luther Before Cajetan.]
+
+1. LUTHER BEFORE CAJETAN IN AUGSBURG. Pope Leo X at first treated the
+affair with contempt, thinking that the quarrel would soon die out. He
+once said, "Brother Martin has a fine head, and the whole dispute is
+nothing else than an envious quarrel of the monks." At another time he
+said, "A drunken German has written these theses; when he sobers up he
+will think differently of the matter." But when he noticed that his
+authority was endangered, because many pious souls became attached to
+the true doctrine, he summoned Luther to appear within sixty days in
+Rome, and give an account of his heresy. If Luther had obeyed, he would
+hardly have escaped death or the dungeon, for everyone knew that Rome
+was like the lion's cave into which many prints of feet entered, but
+from which none returned. But under the merciful guidance of God Elector
+Frederick the Wise so arranged matters that Luther's case was tried in
+Germany. For this purpose the Pope sent Cardinal Cajetan to Augsburg,
+and in spite of all warnings Luther also boldly repaired to that city.
+In Weimar a monk said to him. "O my dear Doctor, I fear that you will
+not be able to maintain your case before them, and they will burn you at
+the stake." Luther answered, "They may do it with nettles; but fire is
+too hot!" When Luther finally arrived in Augsburg, weary and worn, he
+would have called upon the cardinal immediately, but to this his friends
+were opposed; they endeavored to obtain for him, first of all,
+safe-conduct from the emperor. But three days passed before he received
+it. In the meantime the servants of the cardinal came and said, "The
+cardinal offers you every favor. What do you fear? He is a very kind
+father." But another whispered in his ear, "Don't believe it, he never
+keeps his promise." The third day an emissary, by the name of Urban,
+came to Luther and asked him why he did not come to the cardinal who was
+waiting for him so graciously. Luther told him that he was following the
+advice of upright men who were all of the opinion that he should not go
+there without the imperial safe-conduct. Evidently vexed at this reply,
+Urban asked, "Do you think that the elector will go to war on your
+account?" Luther answered, "I do not ask that at all." Urban: "Where do
+you intend to stay then?" Luther: "Beneath the heavens!" Urban: "What
+would you do if you had the Pope and the cardinals in your power?"
+Luther: "I would show them every mark of respect!" When the safe-conduct
+finally arrived Luther at once repaired to the cardinal, who abruptly
+demanded that he recant his errors. But Luther declared, "I cannot
+recant, I cannot depart from the Scriptures." After lengthy negotiations
+Cajetan sprang up in anger and said, "Go, and let me not see you again,
+unless you recant!" To Luther's friends the cardinal said, "I do not
+wish to dispute with that beast any more, for he has deep eyes and
+strange ideas in his head." Luther, however, wrote to Wittenberg: "The
+cardinal is a poor theologian or Christian, and as apt at divinity as an
+ass is at music." On the 31st of October Luther returned safely to
+Wittenberg.
+
+2. LUTHER BEFORE MILTITZ. Rome would now have preferred to excommunicate
+Luther, but for good reasons it did not wish to offend the elector, who
+was determined not to allow his professor to be condemned without proper
+trial and refutation. The Pope therefore sent his chamberlain Karl von
+Miltitz to the elector to present to him a consecrated golden rose. By
+this means the elector was to be made willing to assist Miltitz in his
+undertaking. But when the latter arrived in Germany he noticed at once
+that he would have to deal kindly with Luther if he wished to retain the
+good will of the people. At the meeting which occurred 1519 in
+Altenburg, Miltitz, therefore, treated Luther with the greatest
+consideration: "Dear Martin, I thought you were an old doctor who sat
+behind the stove full of crotchety notions. But I see that you are a
+young and vigorous man. Besides, you have a large following, for on my
+journey I made inquiries to discover what the people thought of you, and
+I noticed so much that where there is one on the Pope's side there are
+three on yours against the Pope. If I had an army of 25,000 men I would
+not undertake to carry you out of Germany!" With tears he begged Luther
+to help in restoring peace. Luther consented to drop the controversy if
+his opponents would do the same. After supping together they parted on
+the best of terms, Miltitz even embracing and kissing Luther. Later on
+Luther saw through the deceit of the Roman and called his kiss a Judas
+kiss and his tears crocodile tears; for it was only his fear of Luther's
+following that prevented him from executing his original plan of
+carrying Luther to Rome in chains.
+
+3. LUTHER AND DR. ECK IN LEIPZIG. Dr. Eck, a violent opponent of Luther,
+became involved in a dispute with Dr. Carlstadt on several questions of
+Christian doctrine into which Luther was also drawn. In 1519 these three
+men gathered at Leipzig for a public disputation. At first Eck disputed
+with Carlstadt on "Free Will," and then with Luther on the supremacy of
+the Pope. Luther proved that the church indeed needed a supreme head,
+but that Christ is this head, and not the Pope, and that the power which
+the Pope arrogates to himself conflicts with the Scriptures and the
+history of the first three centuries. As Eck could not maintain his
+position he accused Luther of Hussite heresy. When Luther replied, "My
+dear Doctor, not all of Huss' teachings are heretical," Eck flew into a
+passion, and Duke George cried out, "The plague take it!" Then they
+debated the question of purgatory, of indulgences, of penances, and the
+allied doctrines. On the 16th of June they closed the debate, and Luther
+returned joyfully to Wittenberg. Eck, who had flattered himself that he
+would triumph over Luther, had to leave in disgrace.
+
+[Illustration: Luther Burning the Pope's Bull.]
+
+4. THE BULL OF EXCOMMUNICATION. Soon hereafter Eck journeyed to Rome and
+persuaded the Pope to threaten Luther with excommunication. And indeed!
+in 1520 the papal bull appeared which began: "Arise, O Lord, judge Thy
+cause, for a boar has broken into Thy vineyard, a wild beast is
+destroying it." Luther's doctrine was condemned, and his books were to
+be burned that his memory might perish among Christians. He himself was
+commanded to recant within sixty days, on pain of excommunication as a
+heretic. As a dried limb is cut from the trunk of the tree they
+threatened to cut Luther from the body of Christ. Triumphantly Dr. Eck
+carried the bull about in Germany. In Erfurt the students tore it to
+pieces and threw it into the water, saying, "It is a _bulla_ (bubble),
+so let it swim upon the water." Luther wrote a pamphlet: "Against the
+Bull of the Antichrist," and had it distributed broadcast among the
+people. In it he said: "If the Pope does not retract and condemn this
+bull, and punish Dr. Eck besides, then no one is to doubt that the Pope
+is God's enemy, Christ's persecutor, Christendom's destroyer, and the
+true Antichrist." He wrote to a friend: "I am much more courageous now,
+since I know that the Pope has become manifest as the Antichrist and
+the chair of Satan."
+
+And now when Luther even learned that in accordance with this bull his
+writings had been burned in Louvaine, Cologne, and also in Mayence, his
+purpose was fixed. On the 10th of December he had the following
+announcement published on the blackboard in Wittenberg: "Let him who is
+filled with zeal for evangelical truth appear at nine o'clock before the
+Church of the Holy Cross without the walls of the city. There the
+ungodly books of the papal statutes will be burned, because the enemies
+of the Gospel have dared to burn the evangelical books of Dr. Martin
+Luther." When the students read this notice they gathered in crowds in
+the streets and marched out through the Elster Gate, followed by many
+citizens. At nine o'clock Luther appeared in company with many
+professors and scholars, who were carrying books and pamphlets. A pile
+of fagots was erected. Luther with his own hand laid upon it the papal
+books, and one of the masters set fire to the pile. When the flames
+leaped up Luther's firm hand threw in the papal bull, and he cried,
+"Since thou hast offended the Holy One of God, may everlasting fire
+consume thee!" On the next day he said to his audience: "If with your
+whole heart you do not renounce the kingdom of the Pope you cannot be
+saved." In a pamphlet he pointed out the reasons which induced him to
+take this step, and at the same time he called attention to the impious
+statutes contained in the popish jurisprudence. Some of these read: "The
+Pope and his associates are not bound to obey God's commandments. Even
+if the Pope were so wicked as to lead innumerable men to hell, yet no
+one would have the right to reprove him."--On the third of January,
+1521, another bull appeared in which the Pope excommunicated Luther and
+his adherents, whom he called "Lutherans," and issued the interdict
+against, every place where they resided.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Luther the Staunch Confessor.
+
+
+1. LUTHER CITED TO APPEAR AT THE DIET AT WORMS. In 1521 Charles V held
+his first diet at Worms. Among other matters Luther's case was also to
+be discussed. The elector therefore asked Luther whether he were willing
+to appear at the diet. Luther answered: "If I am called, I shall, as far
+as I am concerned, go there sick if I cannot go there well, for I dare
+not doubt that God calls me when my emperor calls. You may expect
+everything of me save flight or recantation: I will not flee, much less
+will I recant. May the Lord Jesus help me!" On the 26th of March the
+imperial herald, Caspar Sturm, who was to act as Luther's safe-conduct,
+arrived in Wittenberg and delivered to him the emperor's citation
+according to which Luther was to appear at the diet within twenty-one
+days. Friends reminded Luther of the danger awaiting him, fearing that
+he would be burned like Huss. But Luther replied: "And if my enemies
+kindle a fire between Wittenberg and Worms reaching up to heaven, yet
+will I appear in the name of the Lord, step into the very mouth and
+between the great teeth of the devil, confess Christ, and let Him have
+full sway." Upon the journey Luther became dangerously ill; his enemies
+also tried to keep him away from Worms. But filled with faith and
+courage, he declared: "Christ liveth! Therefore we will enter Worms in
+spite of the gates of hell, and in defiance of the Prince of the power
+of the air" (Eph. 2, 2). And when even his friend Spalatin begged him
+not to go to Worms Luther answered: "If there were as many devils in
+Worms as there are tiles upon the roofs, yet I would enter it."
+
+[Illustration: Luther's Entrance into Worms.]
+
+2. LUTHER'S ENTRANCE INTO WORMS. On the 16th of April, 1521, the
+watchman upon the cathedral spire at Worms gave the trumpet signal,
+announcing the approach of a cavalcade. At its head rode the herald
+wearing the imperial eagle on his breast. Luther, dressed in his monk's
+cowl, followed in an open wagon surrounded by a great number of stately
+horsemen, some of whom had joined him on the way, while others had gone
+from Worms to meet him. A surging mass of people gathered and pressed
+about the wagon. In boundless joy men and women, old and young cheered
+him, and blessed the day on which they had been permitted to see the man
+who had dared to break the fetters of the Pope, and to deliver poor
+Christianity from his bondage. On stepping from his wagon at his lodging
+place Luther said, "God will be with me!" On the same day Luther
+received many of the counts and lords that waited upon him late into the
+night. The Landgrave of Hessia also came to see him. Upon leaving this
+nobleman shook his hand and said, "If you are in the right, Doctor, may
+God help you!" The partisans of the Pope pressed the emperor to do away
+with Luther and have him executed like Huss. But Charles said, "A man
+must keep his promise." Luther spent the night in prayer to strengthen
+himself for the ordeal of appearing before the emperor and the assembled
+diet.
+
+3. LUTHER BEFORE THE DIET. Early the next morning the marshal of the
+empire came to Luther and delivered to him the imperial order to appear
+before the diet at four o'clock that afternoon. The decisive hour was
+drawing nigh in which this faithful witness of Jesus Christ was to stand
+before the great and mighty of this earth, to profess a good profession
+before many witnesses. At the time specified Luther was escorted into
+the council chamber. Immense crowds had gathered in the streets. Many of
+them had even climbed on the roofs, in order to see the monk, who,
+therefore, was forced to take his way through hidden paths, gardens, and
+sheds, in order to reach the assembly. When entering the hallway the
+celebrated old General George von Frundsberg patted him on the shoulder
+and said, "Monk, monk! you are now upon a road the like of which I and
+many another captain have never gone in our most desperate encounters;
+but if you are sincere and sure of your cause go on in the name of God
+and be of good cheer. God will not forsake you." Then the door was
+opened, and Luther stood before the mighty of this earth. Perhaps never
+before had there been such a numerous and august assembly. The council
+chamber was crowded, and about 5000 people had gathered in the
+vestibules, upon the stairways, and at the windows.
+
+[Illustration: Luther Before the Emperor and the Diet.]
+
+The first question put to Luther was, whether he acknowledged the books
+lying upon the bench to be his own, and whether he would retract their
+contents, or abide by their teachings. Luther could not be prepared to
+answer this question, for the imperial citation had only mentioned a
+desire to be informed as to his doctrine and books. After Luther had
+examined the title of all of the books he answered the first question in
+the affirmative. As to the second question, however, whether he would
+recant, he declared that he could not answer this at once, since it was
+a matter that concerned faith, salvation, and the Word of God, the
+greatest treasure in heaven and on earth, on which he must be careful
+not to speak unadvisedly. He therefore asked the emperor to grant him
+time for reflection. This request was granted, and the herald conducted
+him back to his lodgings. On Thursday, April 18, he was called again. He
+had to wait nearly two hours, wedged in the throng, before he was
+admitted. When he finally entered the lights were already lit and the
+council chamber brilliantly illuminated. He was now asked whether he
+would defend his books, or recant. Luther replied at length, declaring
+humbly but with great confidence and firmness that by what he had
+written and taught in singleness of heart he had sought only the glory
+of God and the welfare and salvation of Christians. He cited the word of
+Christ: "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil," John 18, 23,
+and prayed that they convince and convict him from the writings of the
+prophets and apostles. If this were done he would at once be ready and
+willing to retract every error, and be the first to cast his own books
+into the fire. Hereupon the imperial spokesman addressed him in harsh
+tones and told him that they wished a simple and clear answer, whether
+or no he would recant. Distinctly and plainly Luther then replied:
+"Since your Imperial Majesty desires a clear, simple, and precise answer
+I will give you one which has neither horns nor teeth: Unless I am
+convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures, or by patent, clear,
+and cogent reasons and arguments (for I believe neither the Pope nor the
+councils alone, since it is evident that they have often erred and
+contradicted themselves), and because the passages adduced and quoted by
+me have convinced and bound my conscience in God's Word, therefore I
+cannot and will not recant, since it is neither safe nor advisable to do
+anything against conscience. Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise! God
+help me! Amen."
+
+About eight o'clock in the evening the session was closed, and two men
+led Luther away. While he was still in the throng Duke Eric of Brunswick
+sent him a silver flagon of Eimbeck beer, with the request that he would
+refresh himself. Luther drank it and said, "As Duke Eric has now
+remembered me, so may our Lord Jesus Christ remember him in his last
+hour." At the same time Luther was of good courage. When he arrived at
+his inn, where many friends were awaiting him, he cried with lifted
+hands and beaming face, "I am through! I am through!" He also said, "If
+I had a thousand heads I would rather lose everyone of them than
+recant." By the courageous and steadfast confession of Luther many were
+won for his cause. The emperor, however, exclaimed, "He will not make a
+heretic of me!" But when the partisans of the Pope tried to persuade the
+emperor to break his promise of safe-conduct he said with great
+solemnity, "A man must keep his word, and if faith is not found in all
+the world it ought to be found with the German emperor." The elector
+said to Spalatin, "O how well Martin conducted himself! What a beautiful
+address he delivered both in German and Latin before the emperor and all
+the estates. To me he appeared almost too bold!" According to an order
+of the diet several more attempts were made within the following days to
+induce Luther to recant. Luther, however, remained steadfast, and again
+and again requested, "Convince me from the Scriptures," and appealed to
+the words of Gamaliel: "If this counsel or this work be of men it will
+come to naught; but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it."
+
+4. LUTHER'S HOMEWARD JOURNEY. Together with several friends Luther, on
+the 26th of April, left Worms after the emperor had again granted him
+safe-conduct for twenty-one days. The imperial herald, Caspar Sturm,
+accompanied him to Friedberg. At this place Luther dismissed him with a
+letter to the emperor in which he returned thanks for the safe-conduct.
+Although the emperor had forbidden it, nevertheless Luther preached to
+large audiences at Hersfeld and Eisenach. He also visited his relatives
+in Moehra and preached there under a linden tree, near the church. On
+the 4th of May he continued his journey, his relatives accompanying him
+to the castle Altenstein. There they separated. After a little while the
+wagon turned into a narrow pass. Suddenly armed horsemen dashed out of
+the forest, fell upon the wagon, and amid curses and threats commanded
+the driver to halt, and tore Luther from his seat. Without molesting the
+others they threw a mantle upon Luther, placed him upon a horse, and led
+him in zigzag through the forest. It was nearly midnight when the
+drawbridge of the Wartburg fell and the castle received the weary
+horsemen within its protecting walls.
+
+[Illustration: Luther Made Prisoner.]
+
+5. LUTHER UNDER THE BAN. A presentiment had told Elector Frederick the
+Wise what would come, and therefore he had sheltered the steadfast
+confessor from the brewing storm. On the 26th of May already an imperial
+order appeared which is known as the Edict of Worms. By it the ban of
+the empire was proclaimed against Luther and all who would protect him.
+It declared: "Whereas Luther, whom we had invited to appear before us at
+Worms, has stubbornly retained his well-known heretical opinions,
+therefore, with the unanimous consent of the electors, princes, and
+estates of the empire, we have determined upon the execution of the bull
+as a remedy against this poisonous pest, and we now command everyone
+under pain of the imperial ban from the 14th day of this month of May
+not to shelter, house, nor give food or drink to aforesaid Luther, nor
+succor him by deed or word, secretly or publicly, with help, adherence,
+or assistance, but take him prisoner wherever you may find him, and send
+him to us securely bound. Also, to overpower his adherents, abettors,
+and followers, and to appropriate to yourselves and keep their
+possessions. Luther's poisonous books and writings are to be burned and
+in every way annihilated."
+
+6. OPINIONS ON LUTHER'S DISAPPEARANCE. Luther's sudden disappearance
+caused great excitement everywhere in Germany. His friends mourned him
+as dead, murdered by his enemies. His opponents rejoiced and spread the
+lie that the devil had carried him off. A Roman Catholic wrote to the
+Archbishop of Mayence: "We now have our wish, we are rid of Luther; but
+the people are so aroused that I fear we will hardly be able to save our
+lives unless we hunt him with lighted torches and bring him back." The
+celebrated painter Albrecht Duerer of Nuremberg, who from the beginning
+had rejoiced at Luther's words as the lark rejoices at the golden dawn
+of day, wrote in his diary: "Whether he still lives, or whether they
+have murdered him, I do not know; he has suffered this for the sake of
+Christian truth, and because he reproved antichristian popery. O God, if
+Luther is dead, who henceforth will purely preach to us the holy
+Gospel?"
+
+7. LUTHER AT THE WARTBURG. While poor Christendom mourned and wailed
+Luther sat upon the Wartburg securely sheltered against the curses of
+the Pope and the ban of the emperor. For ten months he dwelled there,
+known as Knight George. In order not to be recognized he had to lay
+aside his monk's cowl, let his beard grow, and don the full dress of a
+knight. At first he was not even permitted to study, that his books
+might not betray him. He had to follow the knights and squires out into
+the forest, over hill and dale, upon the chase, and to gather
+strawberries. But wherever he went and wherever he stood he thought of
+his beloved Wittenberg and the condition of the church. Once at a hunt,
+when a poor little driven rabbit ran into his sleeve and the hounds came
+and bit it to death, he said, "Just so Pope and Satan rage, that they
+may kill the saved souls and frustrate my endeavors." In his quiet
+retreat he studied Holy Scriptures, wrote sermons upon the Gospels, and
+translated the New Testament into German.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+The Fanatics and the Peasants' War.
+
+
+1. DISTURBANCES AT WITTENBERG. The sound of the glorious Gospel had gone
+out through all the lands. Satan indeed had tried to suppress it in
+every way, by help of Pope, emperor, and learned men, but it had spread
+only the more. Then the devil chose another means to suppress the truth
+by creating schisms and offenses in Luther's own congregation. During
+Luther's absence the Augustinian monks at Wittenberg had abolished the
+papal mass and again introduced the right manner of celebrating Holy
+Communion. But Dr. Karlstadt was not satisfied, and, besides, the
+Reformation progressed too slowly for him. He therefore instigated the
+students to break into the church where the priests were reading mass
+and drive them and the people out in the most brutal and violent
+manner. During the Christmas holidays they threw the images out of the
+church and burned them. Then they demolished the altars and crucifixes,
+abolished the candles, liturgy, and ceremonies, and even rejected the
+use of chalice and paten. Without preparation or announcement they went
+to Holy Communion, and took the wafers with their own hand. All this
+they did from sheer presumption, without previously instructing the
+people nor caring whether the weak were offended. Moreover, certain
+fanatics from Zwickau came to Wittenberg who boasted that an audible
+voice of God had called them to preach, and that they held intimate
+conversation with God, and knew the future. They especially raved
+against infant baptism, and declared it to be of no avail. They demanded
+that everyone baptized in his infancy must be baptized again. For this
+reason these fanatics were also called Anabaptists.
+
+2. LUTHER'S RETURN TO WITTENBERG. Luther at first tried to allay these
+disturbances by writings, but in vain. Things grew worse. His
+congregation earnestly entreated him in a letter to come to Wittenberg
+and check further desolation. He decided to leave immediately and
+announced this fact to his friends in a letter. Certain of victory, he
+wrote: "I do not doubt that without a thrust of sword or drop of blood
+we will easily quench these two smoking fire brands." Thus Luther left
+the castle which was to shelter him against the ban of the Pope and the
+interdict of the emperor, and, contrary to the advice of the elector,
+appeared again in the arena. In a letter he excused himself to the
+elector and said: "If we would have the Word of God, it must needs be
+that not only Hannas and Caiphas rage, but that Judas also appear among
+the apostles, and Satan among the sons of God. As to myself, I know that
+if matters stood at Leipzig as they do at Wittenberg I would ride into
+it even though for nine days it rained nothing but Duke George's, and
+each one were nine times more furious than this one. I go to Wittenberg
+protected by One higher than the elector. Yes, I would protect your
+Electoral Grace more than you can protect me. The sword cannot counsel
+nor help this cause; God alone must help here, without all human care or
+aid. Therefore, whoever believes most can here afford most protection."
+
+3. LUTHER'S SERMONS AGAINST THE FANATICS. On the 6th of March, 1522,
+Luther arrived in Wittenberg. For eight days in succession he preached
+against the prevailing nuisances, opposed the fanaticism of Karlstadt
+powerfully with the Word of God, and restored the peace of the church.
+He told his hearers that they had wanted the fruit of faith, which is
+love and which patiently bears the weakness of its neighbor, instructs
+him in meekness, but does not snarl at and insult him. External
+improvements are very well, but they must be introduced in due order,
+without tumult or offenses, and not too hastily. Again he says: "We must
+first gain the hearts of the people, which is done by the Word of God,
+by preaching the Gospel, and by convincing the people of their errors.
+In this way the Word of God will gain the heart of one man to-day, of
+another to-morrow. For with His Word God takes the heart, and then you
+have gained the man. The evil will die out and cease of itself."
+Karlstadt now remained quiet for a few years, and the prophets from
+Zwickau had to leave Wittenberg. Before going they wrote a letter to
+Luther full of abuse and curses.
+
+4. THE ORIGIN OF THE PEASANTS' WAR. The Anabaptists now zealously spread
+the poison of their fanaticism among the people. Karlstadt also began
+again to proclaim his false doctrines. He maintained, infant baptism is
+wrong, study is superfluous, every Christian is fit to be a pastor, and
+that Christ's body and blood are not essentially present in the Lord's
+Supper. At many places such pernicious preaching caused the people to
+fall away from God's Word. Their chief spokesman was Thomas Muenzer. He
+attacked Luther violently and boasted of himself, "The harvest is
+ripening; I am hired of heaven for a penny a day, and am sharpening my
+sickle for the reaping." He proclaimed a visible kingdom of God and of
+Christ, the New Jerusalem, where all earthly possession should be held
+in common. He also preached rebellion against the government. To check
+such disorder Luther himself traveled about and preached to the people.
+But he was only partially successful. In Orlamuende the rage of the
+people against him was so great that he had to flee at once, while some
+cursed after him, "Depart in the name of a thousand devils, and may you
+break your neck before you get out of the city!"
+
+5. LUTHER'S SERMON AGAINST THE REVOLTING PEASANTS. The storm soon broke
+over Germany. In 1525 the flame of rebellion spread through Franconia,
+along the Rhine, and almost through all the German states. The peasants,
+"a wretched people, everybody's drudge, burdened and overloaded with
+tasks, taxes, tithes, and tributes, but on that account by no means more
+pious, but a wild, treacherous, uncivilized people," had banded together
+in a so-called Christian union and demanded of the government the
+granting of certain petitions. Some of these were: Every congregation is
+to be permitted to choose its own pastor; serfdom is to be abolished.
+Some of them demanded much more: they wanted one government for the
+whole German empire and the abolition of the minor princes. Luther
+declared that many of their demands were just and fair, at the same
+time, however, he told them how terribly they sinned by rebelling. He
+said: "Bad and unjust government excuses neither revolt nor sedition. Do
+not make your Christian name a cloak for your impatient, rebellious, and
+unchristian undertaking. Christians do not fight for themselves with the
+sword and with guns, but with the cross and with suffering, just as
+their Captain Christ did not use the sword, but hung upon the cross."
+And with the same severity Luther also reproved the ungodly tyranny of
+the princes.
+
+6. THE OUTCOME OF THE PEASANTS' WAR. The flood of rebellion could no
+longer be checked. The peasants marched about, robbing, plundering,
+sacking, and murdering wherever they came, destroying more than 200
+castles and many cloisters. Upon their enemies they took the most bloody
+vengeance. In Weinsberg they impaled and cruelly tortured 700 knights.
+Now Muenzer thought the time had come for him also. He sent letters in
+every direction: "Thomas Muenzer, servant of God with the sword of
+Gideon, calls all good Christians to his banners, that with him they may
+strike upon the princes like on an anvil, 'bing-bang!' and not allow
+their swords to cool from blood." Multitudes of the people gathered
+about him. Then Luther lifted his mighty voice for the last time, and
+advised the government to make the ringleaders a last offer of a
+peaceable compromise, and if this proved fruitless, to draw the sword.
+The compromise was offered, but in vain. Thereupon the princes took up
+the sword, and the peasants were routed everywhere. The decisive battle
+was fought at Frankenhausen. Muenzer encouraged his men to fight
+valiantly against the tyrants. He cried, "Behold, God gives us a sign
+that He is on our side. See the rainbow! It announces to us the victory!
+If one of you falls in the front ranks, he will rise again in the rear
+and fight anew. I will catch all bullets in my sleeve." The battle
+began. But when the peasants saw that the slain did not rise, and that
+Thomas Muenzer caught no bullets in his sleeve, they lost courage and
+fled. Five thousand remained on the field, and three hundred were made
+prisoners and beheaded. The braggart Muenzer was found in an attic of a
+house in Frankenhausen where he had hidden, under a bed. He was dragged
+out and taken to Muehlhausen, where he was tortured and finally
+beheaded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+The Colloquy at Marburg.
+
+
+1. ZWINGLI. At the same time that Luther issued his powerful theses
+against popery a man lived in Switzerland whose eyes had also been
+opened to the corruption of the church. This was Ulrich Zwingli, pastor
+at Zurich. He also wished to help the church, but did not abide by the
+pure Word of God. In many things he followed his own reason. Assisted by
+the city council he changed the church service at Zurich after his own
+fashion. The processions were abolished. Pictures, crucifixes, and
+altars were removed from the churches. Communion was celebrated in both
+kinds. The bread was carried about the church upon plates, and the wine
+in wooden chalices. Concerning Holy Communion Zwingli taught that the
+breaking and eating of the bread was a symbolic action. He maintained
+that the words of Christ, "This is my body," meant nothing but, "This
+represents my body." Of Baptism he likewise taught erroneously. Here
+also he followed his reason. He would not admit that the person baptized
+was in any way affected by Baptism; Baptism was to him only an external
+sign of membership among God's people. He taught many strange things
+concerning Christ's work of redemption, and called original sin a mere
+infirmity of human nature.
+
+Of these false doctrines the one concerning Holy Communion spread
+rapidly and found many adherents. Earnestly and fervently Luther waged
+war against this error both in his sermons and in his writings. But the
+Zwinglians stubbornly adhered to their error and pursued their own way.
+
+2. THE COLLOQUY AT MARBURG. In 1529 Landgrave Philip of Hesse succeeded
+in arranging a colloquy between the Lutherans and the Zwinglians. It
+occurred on the first, second, and third of October, at Marburg. Before
+the doctrine of the Lord's Supper was taken up several other articles of
+faith were discussed. In these points the Zwinglians accepted
+instruction and counsel. When, finally, the doctrine of the Lord's
+Supper came to be discussed Luther took a piece of chalk from his pocket
+and wrote these words upon the table, "This is my body." These words
+were his sure, firm ground, and upon it he determined to stand unmoved.
+He demanded of his opponents to give all glory to God, and to believe
+the pure, simple words of the Lord. However, they clung to their opinion
+and cited especially John 6, 63, where Christ says: "The flesh profiteth
+nothing." Clearly and unmistakably Luther proved to them that in this
+passage Christ does not speak of His _own_, but of _our_ flesh. It would
+also be an impious assertion, to say that Christ's flesh profiteth
+nothing. Then they maintained: "A body cannot at the same time be
+present at two places; now the body of Christ sitteth in heaven, at the
+right hand of the Father, consequently it could not be present, upon
+earth in the sacrament." Luther replied: "Christ has assumed the human
+nature, which, therefore, according to the Scriptures, partakes of the
+divine attributes and glory. Wherefore the human nature of Christ is
+omnipresent; hence His body and blood is capable of being present in
+Holy Communion." When Luther saw that his opponents grew more stubborn
+in their opinion he closed the colloquy on his part. With the words,
+"You have a different spirit from ours," he refused the hand of
+fellowship offered him by Zwingli. Already in 1531 Zwingli perished in
+the battle of Kappel. The false doctrines, however, which he had spread
+have remained to this day the doctrines of the Reformed church.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+The Augsburg Confession.
+
+
+1. THE DRAFTING OF THE CONFESSION. In 1530 Charles V assembled a diet at
+Augsburg. Contrary to common expectation his proclamation was very
+friendly, saying that in this assembly all animosity was to be put
+aside and everyone's views were to be heard in all love and kindness.
+Elector John the Steadfast thereupon commissioned his theologians to
+draw up a brief and clear summary of the principal doctrines of
+evangelical truth, that he and his party might be ready to confess their
+faith and their hope in a clear and unmistakable manner. The theologians
+carried out this order and drew up a document upon the basis of 17
+articles composed by Luther at an earlier date. In April of 1530 Elector
+John, together with Luther, Melanchthon, Spalatin, Jonas, and Agricola,
+started off for Augsburg to fight a good fight. As the ban of the empire
+was still in force against Luther, and the city of Augsburg had
+protested against his coming, the elector had him taken to the fortress
+Coburg, on the morning of the 23d of April, that, in case of necessity,
+he might be near at hand. Luther complied, although very unwillingly. In
+order not to expose the elector to any danger the theologians requested
+him also to remain away, and offered to go to Augsburg alone and give an
+account of their teachings. But the elector answered courageously, "God
+forbid that I should be excluded from your company. I will confess my
+Lord Christ with you." Catholic estates, both spiritual and temporal
+lords, among them Dr. Eck and Faber, were traveling the same road. In
+Augsburg Melanchthon again set to work, and in agreement with Luther and
+the other confessors completed the writing out of the confession. He
+then sent a copy of it to Luther at Coburg for inspection. When
+returning it Luther wrote: "I am well pleased with it, and cannot see
+that I could improve or change it; nor would it be proper for me to
+attempt this, for I cannot step so softly and gently. Christ, our Lord,
+grant that it may bring forth rich abundance of precious fruit. That is
+our hope and prayer. Amen." This is the origin of the confession which
+is known as the Augsburg Confession. It is a pure, correct, and
+irrefutable confession of the divine truths of Holy Scripture. Therefore
+it is also the holy banner around which all true Lutherans everywhere
+gather, and to this day the Lutheran church acknowledges only those as
+its members who accept the Unaltered Augsburg Confession in all its
+articles, without any exception.
+
+2. HEROISM OF THE LUTHERAN PRINCES. Slowly the emperor finally
+approached the city of Augsburg where the assembled estates were
+expectantly waiting for him. In great pomp he entered the city on the
+15th of June, followed by his brother Ferdinand and many other princes.
+With amazement he at once noticed how great the contrast had grown in
+the nine years between the Catholics and the Protestants. For when at
+the entrance of the emperor the papal legate blessed the princes and all
+others kneeled down in the customary fashion the princes of Saxony and
+Hesse remained standing. And when, on the same evening, the emperor
+demanded of the evangelical princes that on the following day they
+should take part in the great Corpus Christi procession they declared
+that by their participation they were not minded to encourage such human
+ordinances which were evidently contrary to the Word of God and the
+command of Christ. Upon this occasion Margrave George of Brandenburg
+uttered these heroic words, "Rather than deny my God and His Gospel I
+would kneel here before your Imperial Majesty and have my head cut from
+my body." The emperor graciously replied, "Dear Prince, not head off!
+not head off!"
+
+3. SIGNING THE CONFESSION. So the ever memorable day, the 24th of June,
+approached, on which the little band of Lutheran confessors were to
+confess the Lord Christ before the emperor and the diet. On the evening
+before Elector John invited his brethren in the faith to his lodgings.
+At the upper end of a long table sat the elector. He arose, and the rest
+followed him. In his hand was a roll of manuscript. He seized a pen and
+subscribed his name with a firm hand. In doing so he said, "May Almighty
+God grant us His grace continually that all may redound to His glory and
+praise." In fervent words he admonished those present to stand firm,
+saying, "All counsels that are against God must fail, and the good cause
+will, without doubt, finally triumph." Now the others also signed the
+confession. After the Prince of Anhalt, a right chivalrous lord, had
+signed he cried with flashing eyes, "I have been in many a fray to
+please others, why should I not saddle my horse, if it is necessary, in
+honor of my Lord and Savior, and, sacrificing life and limb, hurry into
+heavenly life to receive the eternal crown of glory?" The meeting closed
+with a fervent prayer for blessing and success on the coming day.
+
+Luther, in the mean time, remained at Coburg, but in spirit he
+participated in the holy cause at Augsburg. Every day he spent three
+hours in prayer for the victory of the beloved Gospel. He was
+continually crying to God to preserve the brethren in true faith and
+sound doctrine. In hours of anxiety and trial he wrote on the walls of
+his room with his own hands the precious words of the 118th Psalm: "I
+shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." He
+addressed many consoling letters to the confessors in which he
+admonished them to constancy. At this time there lived in his own heart
+that trust in God which he had expressed in his heroic song, "A Mighty
+Fortress is Our God."
+
+[Illustration: Reading the Augsburg Confession.]
+
+4. SUBMITTAL AND RECEPTION OF THE CONFESSION. On Saturday, the 25th of
+June, 1530, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the diet assembled in the
+episcopal palace, where the confession was to be read. The German
+emperor presided, and the highest dignitaries of the Roman empire had
+gathered to hear the confession. Then the evangelical confessors arose
+cheerfully, and in their name the two electoral chancellors, Dr. Brueck
+and Dr. Baier, stepped into the center of the room, the first with a
+Latin, the latter with a German copy of the confession. When the emperor
+demanded that the Latin copy should be read, Elector John replied, "Upon
+German ground and soil it is but fair to read and hear the German
+tongue." The emperor permitted it. And now Dr. Baier began to read in a
+loud and audible voice, so that even the assembled multitude without in
+the courtyard could plainly understand every word of the confession.
+Everyone was deeply touched by it. The learned Catholic Bishop of
+Augsburg publicly admitted, "Everything that was read is the pure,
+unadulterated, undeniable truth." Duke William of Bavaria pressed the
+hand of Elector John in a friendly manner and said to Dr. Eck, who was
+standing close by, "I have been told something entirely different of
+Luther's doctrine than I have now heard from their confession. You have
+also assured me that their doctrine could be refuted." Eck replied, "I
+would undertake to refute it with the fathers, but not with the
+Scriptures." Thereupon the duke rejoined, "I understand, then, that the
+Lutherans sit entrenched in the Scriptures, and we are on the outside."
+Luther wrote to one of his friends: "You have confessed Christ and
+offered peace. You have worthily engaged in the holy work of God as
+becometh the saints. Now for once rejoice in the Lord also and be glad,
+ye righteous. Look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption
+draweth nigh." Spalatin said that such a confession had not been made
+since the world exists. Mathesius also aptly testifies, "There has not
+been a greater and higher work and a more glorious testimony since the
+days of the apostles than this at Augsburg before the whole Roman
+empire." Very soon the confession was translated in many different
+languages and spread in every land. Thereby many received true
+information on the Lutheran doctrine, recognized its entire agreement
+with Holy Scriptures and with the doctrine of the Apostolic Church, and
+joyfully accepted it as their own.
+
+At the emperor's command the papal theologians at once drew up a paper
+in which they tried to refute the Augsburg Confession. This document,
+called Confutation, proved to be such a miserable failure that it had
+to be returned for revision. Melanchthon then wrote an excellent defense
+of the confession, the Apology, which, however, the emperor would
+neither receive nor permit to be read. He simply declared the case to be
+closed, and said, "If the evangelical princes will not submit, then I,
+the protector of the Roman church, am not disposed to permit a schism of
+the church in Germany."
+
+Before the close of the diet he issued a severe edict which granted the
+evangelicals six months to consider matters and commanded them, before
+the expiration of this time, to return to the Catholic church. Thereupon
+the faithful confessors declared that, because they had not received a
+thorough refutation from the Word of God, they were determined to abide
+by the faith of the prophets and apostles, and everything else they
+would commend to the gracious will of God. When taking leave of the
+emperor, Elector John, rightly called the "Steadfast," spoke the
+memorable words, "I am sure that the doctrine contained in the
+Confession will stand even against the gates of hell." The emperor
+answered, "Uncle, Uncle, I did not expect to hear such words from your
+Grace. You will lose your electoral crown and your life, and your
+subjects will perish, together with their women and children."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Bible, Catechism, and Hymnbook.
+
+
+1. BIBLE. Among the many priceless treasures for which all Christendom
+owes thanks, under God, to Luther, the translation of the Bible into
+German is one of the grandest and one of the most glorious. In the
+churches of that time Latin Bibles were used exclusively. The people,
+however, were not acquainted with them; for, in the first place, laymen
+could not read them, and, in the second place, they were forbidden to
+read the Bible. In addition to this, the Bibles of that time were far
+too expensive. An ordinary Latin Bible cost 360 florins, and one nicely
+written out by monks even brought 500 dollars. It is true, there were
+German translations of the Bible even before Luther, but they were so
+inexact, and composed in such poor German, that the people could not use
+them. And yet, if every Christian was to read and learn the Gospel which
+Luther preached and proclaimed; if he was to convince himself from the
+Scriptures of the errors of popery; if he was effectively to arm himself
+against them; and if the Bible was to make him wise unto salvation, then
+he had to have it in his own language. Luther was long since convinced
+of this and had, therefore, already translated the seven Penitential
+Psalms. When, in 1521, the Wartburg sheltered him against his enemies,
+he, for the first, undertook the translation of the New Testament. He
+wrote: "Till Easter I will remain here in seclusion. By that time I will
+translate the Postil and New Testament into the people's language. That
+is demanded by our friends." After completing the work he wrote to
+Spalatin: "In my Patmos I had translated not only the Gospel according
+to John, but the entire New Testament. Now we are at it to polish the
+whole, Philip and I; God willing, it will prove a fine work." On the
+21st of September, 1522, it appeared and sold at 1-1/2 florins. Although
+the book was proscribed in many countries, the entire first edition was
+sold in a few weeks. In the same year several new editions had to be
+issued. Then Luther, with his friends, entered upon the translation of
+the whole Bible. It was a most difficult task. Luther said of it: "It
+frequently happened that we searched and inquired fourteen days, aye,
+three or four weeks for a single word, and yet, at times, did not find
+it." But God permitted him to complete the great work upon which, amid
+countless battles and labors, his heart had been set for many years. In
+1534 the complete Bible appeared.
+
+[Illustration: The Translation of the Bible.]
+
+Great was the joy with which Luther's translation was received at that
+time. Melanchthon exclaimed, "The German Bible is one of the greatest
+miracles which God has worked through Dr. Martin Luther before the end
+of the world." And Mathesius added, "For to an attentive Bible-reader it
+seems indeed as if the Holy Spirit had spoken through the mouth of the
+prophets and the apostles in our German language." Now many thousand
+thirsting souls could drink as often as they wished from that fountain
+closed so long, and which offers pure, sweet, and truly satisfying
+water. And they did it. Cochlaeus, a violent opponent of Luther, writes:
+"Luther's New Testament has been so multiplied by the printers and
+scattered in such numbers that even tailors and shoemakers, aye, even
+women and the simple who had learned to read only the German on ginger
+cakes, read it with intense longing. Many carried it about with them and
+learned it by heart, so that, in a few months, they arrogantly began to
+dispute with priests and monks on the faith and the Gospel. Indeed, even
+poor women were found who engaged with learned doctors in a debate, and
+thus it happened that in such conversations Lutheran laymen could
+extemporaneously quote more Bible passages than the monks and priests."
+
+2. CATECHISM. Another treasure which God gave to Christianity through
+Luther is the Small Catechism. In order to inform himself on the
+condition of the churches and schools Luther had early urged the elector
+to order a general visitation of the churches. This visitation was held
+with loving heart, but with open eyes, from 1527 to 1529. In the
+vicinity of Wittenberg Luther and Melanchthon traveled from city to
+city, from village to village, and inspected churches and schools. They
+listened to the preachers and examined the church members. They found
+things in a sad condition. The people and the pastors lived in deep
+spiritual ignorance, for under the rule of the Pope they had received no
+proper instruction in religion. In a village near Torgau the old pastor
+could scarcely recite the Lord's Prayer and the Creed; in another place
+the peasants did not know a single prayer and even refused to learn the
+Lord's Prayer. Luther wrote: "Alas, what manifold misery I beheld! The
+common people, especially in the villages, know nothing at all of
+Christian doctrine; and many pastors are quite unfit and incompetent to
+teach. Yet, all are called Christians, have been baptized, and enjoy the
+use of the sacraments--although they know neither the Lord's Prayer nor
+the Creed nor the Ten Commandments, and live like the poor brutes and
+irrational swine." The following example illustrates how patiently
+Luther instructed such people. When, at one time, he was examining the
+poor peasants on the Christian Creed one of them, who had recited the
+First Article, being asked the meaning of "Almighty," answered, "I don't
+know!" Luther then said, "You are right, my dear man, I and all the
+doctors do not know what God's power and omnipotence is; but only
+believe that God is your dear and faithful father who will, can, and
+knows how to help you and your wife and children in every need."
+
+Such misery induced Luther, in 1529, to write the Small Catechism for
+the instruction of poor Christendom. He himself says: "The deplorable
+destitution which I recently observed during a visitation of the
+churches has impelled and constrained me to prepare this Catechism or
+'Christian Doctrine' in such a small and simple form." A learned doctor
+writes of this excellent little book: "The Small Catechism is the true
+Layman-Bible, which comprises the whole contents of Christian doctrine
+which every Christian must know for his salvation." Of all books in the
+world perhaps no other can be found that teaches the whole counsel of
+God for our salvation in such brief form and in such clear and pointed
+language. A truly popular book, it has cultivated the right
+understanding of the Gospel among the common people and unto this day
+proved of inestimable blessing. Very early Luther already could boast of
+the fruits of his work. In the following year he wrote to the elector:
+"How gracious is the merciful God in granting such power and fruit to
+His Word in your country. You have in your country the very best and
+most able pastors and preachers, such as you can find in no other
+country of the world, who live so faithfully, piously, and peaceably.
+Tender youth, boys and girls, are growing up so well instructed in the
+Catechism and the Scriptures, that it makes me feel good to see how
+young lads and little girls can now pray, believe, and speak better of
+God and of Christ than formerly all institutes, cloisters, and schools."
+
+3. HYMNS. Another precious gift for which all Christians should thank
+Luther is the collection of his incomparable hymns and songs, so
+childlike and devout, so simple and yet so powerful. When introducing
+the Lutheran order of worship Luther took great pains that not only the
+pastors and choristers, but also the congregations might sing their
+hymns to God in heaven in their own mother's tongue. However, there were
+very few German hymns at that time fit to be used in divine worship.
+Luther, therefore, also undertook this work, and, in 1524, the first
+hymnbook appeared. It contained eight hymns set to music, four of which
+Luther had composed. The first evangelical church-hymn which Luther
+wrote was that glorious song, "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice."
+In it, from his own experience, he describes human misery, and then
+glorifies God's work of salvation. Then followed, "O God of Heaven, Look
+Down and See," and, "Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee." Both of these
+hymns are cries for help out of the depths of human misery in which the
+congregation and every penitent Christian raises his voice to God on
+high and is heard. Later on appeared hymns for the festive seasons:
+"From Heaven Above to Earth I Come;" "All Praise to Jesus' Hallowed
+Name;" "In Death's Strong Grasp the Savior Lay;" "Now Do We Pray God the
+Holy Ghost." Then, among many more: "Though in the Midst of Life We
+Be;" "In Peace and Joy I Now Depart." Above all others towers his hymn
+of battle and triumph, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God."
+
+Especially powerful was the effect produced by Luther's hymns in those
+days. The people never wearied of singing them, and in very many places
+the Gospel was introduced by the triumphant power of the Lutheran hymns
+intonated by pious church members. The opponents complained, "The people
+sing themselves into this heretical church; Luther's hymns have misled
+more souls than all his writings and sermons." In Brunswick a priest
+complained to the duke that Lutheran hymns were sung even in the court's
+chapel. The duke, though also very bitter against Luther, asked, "What
+kind of hymns are they? How do they read?" The priest answered, "Your
+Grace, one of them is, 'May God Bestow on Us His Grace,'" whereupon the
+duke rejoined, "Why, is the devil to bestow his grace upon us? Who is to
+be gracious to us if not God?" Concerning the effect of Luther's hymns a
+friend writes: "I do not doubt that by the one little hymn of Luther,
+'Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice,' many hundred Christians have
+received faith who never before heard the name of Luther; but the noble,
+dear words of this man so won their hearts that they had to accept the
+truth."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Luther's Family Life.
+
+
+[Illustration: Luther's Marriage with Katharine of Bora.]
+
+1. LUTHER ENTERS HOLY MATRIMONY. According to the Pope's doctrine all
+so-called religious, like the monks, nuns, and priests, dare not marry.
+Luther, on the contrary, proved from the Word of God that this doctrine
+is false, that matrimony is God's institution and honorable in all men.
+'Tis true, of himself he declared: "I have no disposition to marry,
+because I may daily expect death as a heretic." But many of his friends
+urgently requested him for the sake of strengthening many weak hearts
+also to enter holy matrimony and thus confirm his doctrine by his
+action. His father also dearly wished to see his son marry a pious
+wife. By God's help Luther was soon firmly resolved by his own action to
+testify before the world his own and the doctrine of Holy Scriptures
+that matrimony is pleasing to God. He was of good courage and exclaimed,
+"To spite the devil and to please my old father I will marry my Kate
+before I die." And later on he said, "By my own example I wished to
+confirm what I had taught, and because many were so timid although the
+Gospel shone so brightly God willed it and accomplished it."
+
+On the 13th of June, 1525, Luther invited his friends Bugenhagen, Justus
+Jonas, Apel, and the painter Lucas Cranach, together with the latter's
+wife, to supper, and in their presence he entered holy matrimony with
+Katharine of Bora. Justus Jonas informed Spalatin of this joyous
+occurrence in these words: "Luther has married Katharine of Bora;
+yesterday I was present at the marriage; my soul was so deeply moved at
+the spectacle that I could not retain my tears. Since it is now done and
+God has willed it I sincerely wish this excellent and true man and dear
+father in the Lord all happiness. God is wonderful in His works and in
+His counsels."
+
+2. TRAINING OF THE CHILDREN. Luther's marriage with Katharine of Bora
+was blessed with six children, who were raised severely but piously.
+Luther enjoyed their company and delighted to watch them at play. When
+little Martin once played with a doll and in prattling said it was his
+bride Luther remarked, "So sincere and without wickedness and hypocrisy
+we would have been in paradise. Therefore children are the loveliest
+starlings and dearest little chatterboxes--they do and speak everything
+naturally and in the simplicity of their hearts." When he saw the boys,
+as children will do, quarrel and then again make peace, he said, "Dear
+Lord, how pleasing to Thee is such life and play of the children." When
+at one time they all with beaming eyes and glad expectation stood about
+the table on which the mother had placed peaches and other fruit, he
+enjoyed the picture and said, "Whoever wishes to see the picture of one
+rejoicing in hope, has here a true portrait. O that we could look
+forward to judgment day with such joyous hope." When Luther, at another
+time, visited Melanchthon, he found him in his study surrounded by his
+family. He was well pleased with this and said, "Dear Brother Philip, I
+praise you for finding things with you as they are with me at home, wife
+and children in your company. I have also given my little Johnnie a ride
+upon my knees to-day and carried my little Magdalene about upon her
+pillow and pressed her to my heart." When Luther returned home from a
+journey he never missed bringing something along for his children. At
+the same time he was very strict. At one time he would not allow his son
+John to come into his presence for three days, until he begged pardon
+for an offense. And when his mother interceded for him Luther said, "I
+would rather have a dead than a spoiled son." At another time he said,
+"I do not wish my son John treated with too much leniency: he must be
+punished and held to strict account." He was diligent in teaching his
+older children the Catechism and prayed with them the Ten Commandments,
+the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer.
+
+How lovely he could speak with his children is shown by the following
+letter, which he wrote when he was at Coburg to his little son John, who
+was then four years of age: "Grace and peace in Christ. My dear little
+son:--I am very glad to know that you learn your lessons well, and love
+to say your prayers. Keep on doing so, my little boy, and when I come
+home I will bring you something pretty from the fair. I know a beautiful
+garden, where there are a great many children in fine little coats, and
+they go under the trees and gather beautiful apples and pears, cherries
+and plums; they sing and run about, and are as happy as they can be.
+Sometimes they ride about on nice little ponies, with golden bridles and
+silver saddles. I asked the man whose garden it is, 'What little
+children are these?' And he told me, 'They are little children who love
+to pray and learn, and are good.' Then I said, 'My dear sir, I have a
+little boy at home; his name is Johnny Luther; would you let him come
+into the garden too, to eat some of these nice apples and pears, and
+ride on these fine little ponies, and play with these children?' The man
+said, 'If he loves to say his prayers, and learn his lesson, and is a
+good boy, he may come. And Philip and Jocelin may come too; and when
+they are all together, they can play upon the fife and drum and lute and
+all kinds of instruments, and skip about and shoot with little
+crossbows.' He then showed me a beautiful mossy place in the middle of
+the garden, for them to skip about in, with a great many golden fifes,
+and drums, and silver crossbows. The children had not yet had their
+dinner, and I could not wait to see them play, but I said to the man,
+'My dear sir, I will go away and write all about it to my little son,
+John, and tell him to be fond of saying his prayers, and learn well, and
+be good, so that he may come into the garden; but he has an aunt, Lena,
+whom he must bring along with him.' The man said, 'Very well, go write
+to him.' Now, my dear little son, learn to love your lessons, and to say
+your prayers, and tell Philip and Jocelin to do so too, that you may all
+come to the garden. May God bless you. Give Aunt Lena my love, and kiss
+her for me. A. D. 1530. Your dear father, Martin Luther."
+
+[Illustration: Luther at the Coffin of His Daughter Magdalene.]
+
+3. THE DEATH OF MAGDALENE. How dearly Luther loved his children we can
+see from his pious and touching conduct during the sickness and death of
+his little daughter Magdalene. In the beginning of September, 1542,
+being then in her fourteenth year, she became ill. When she was now sick
+unto death she longed very much for her brother John whom she loved
+most dearly. He was then at school at Torgau. Luther at once sent a
+wagon there and wrote to Rector Krodel that he should send John home for
+a few days. John found his sister still alive. The disease tortured the
+poor child for fourteen more days, and her father suffered very much
+with her. When the hope of recovery vanished more and more, Luther
+prayed, "Lord, I love, her very much and would like to keep her, but,
+dear Lord, since it is Thy will to take her away, I am glad to know that
+she will be with Thee." And when she lay a-dying he said to her,
+"Magdalene, my dear little daughter, you would like to remain with this
+your dear father, wouldn't you, but also gladly go to that Father?" The
+child answered, "Yes, dear father, as God wills!"
+
+She died in his arms on the evening of the 20th of September, at nine
+o'clock. The mother was also in the same room, but at a distance from
+the bed because of her great sorrow. As she wept bitterly and was very
+sad Luther said to her, "Dear Kate, consider where she is going! She
+fares well indeed!" When they laid her in her coffin he said, "You dear
+little Lena, how happy you are! You will rise again and shine as the
+stars, yea, as the sun." To the bystanders he said, "In the spirit,
+indeed, I rejoice, but according to the flesh I am very sad. Such
+parting is very painful. It is very strange--to know that she is in
+peace and well off, and yet to be so sad!" The people who had come to
+the funeral to express their sympathy he addressed thus, "You ought to
+rejoice! I have sent a saint to heaven, yes, a living saint. O that we
+had such a death! Such a death I would accept this moment!" After the
+funeral Luther said, "My daughter is now taken care of both as to body
+and as to soul. We Christians have nothing to complain of, we know that
+it must be thus. We have the greatest assurance of eternal life; for God
+cannot lie who has promised it to us through and for the sake of His
+Son." Upon her grave he placed the following epitaph:
+
+    "I, Luther's daughter Magdalene, with the saints here sleep,
+     And covered calmly rest on this my couch of earth;
+     Daughter of death I was, born of the seed of sin,
+     But by Thy precious blood redeemed, O Christ! I live."
+
+4. HOME LIFE AND CHARITY. Elector John gave Luther the former cloister
+building as a residence. It was a large house with a beautiful garden,
+close to the walls of the city. The narrow cloister cells were changed
+into large rooms. Here Kate, now, went to housekeeping. She was a
+faithful and saving housekeeper. Luther's income was very small; he
+received a salary of 200 florins. Withal he was very charitable toward
+the poor, and hospitable toward his visitors. Hardly a week passed that
+he entertained no guests. From all countries they came to Wittenberg,
+doctors and students, to see the man face to face who had accomplished
+such great things. Besides this, he was daily visited by friends and
+students. It was, therefore, no easy matter to manage the household with
+the meager salary. But his friends took care that under God's blessing
+he suffered no want, and Luther confessed: "I have a strange
+housekeeping indeed! I use up more than I receive. Although my salary is
+but 200 florins, yet every year I must spend 500 for housekeeping and in
+the kitchen, not to speak of the children, other luxuries, and alms. I
+am entirely too awkward. The support of my needy relatives and the daily
+calls of strangers make me poor. Yet I am richer than all popish
+theologians, because I am content with little and have a true wife."
+
+The following are a few examples of Luther's charity: A student once
+came to him and complained with tears of his need. As Luther had no
+money he took a silver cup that was gilded within and said, "There, take
+that cup and go home in God's name." His wife looked at him and asked,
+"Are you going to give everything away?" Luther pressed the cup together
+in his strong hand and said to the student, "Quick, take it to the
+goldsmith, I do not need it." At another time a poor man asked him for
+assistance. Luther had no money, but took his children's savings and
+gave them to him. When his wife reproached him he said, "God is rich, He
+will give us more." A man exiled because of his faith asked him for
+alms. Luther had but one dollar (called "Joachim"), which he had
+carefully saved. Without thinking long he opened his purse and called,
+"Joachim, come out! The Savior is here!"
+
+Friends, students, doctors, and all kinds of admirers often sat at
+Luther's table. The meal was generally simple, but seasoned with serious
+and cheerful conversation. After table he was fond of having a little
+music with his friends and children. In praise of music he said: "Music
+is great comfort to a sad person. It cheers and refreshes the heart and
+fills it with contentment. It is half a schoolmaster and makes the
+people softer, meeker, more modest, and more reasonable. I have always
+loved music. Whoever knows this art has a good nature and is fit for
+everything. Music should by all means be taught in the schools. A
+schoolmaster must be able to sing, or I will not look at him." At
+another time he said: "Music is a gift and blessing of God. Next to
+theology I give to music the first place and highest honor."
+
+5. LUTHER'S OPINION ON HIS WIFE AND HOLY MATRIMONY. Luther writes of his
+married life: "God willed it, and, praise God, I have done well, for I
+have a pious and true wife in which a man may confide; she spoils
+nothing." In these words he lauds his Kate: "She has not only faithfully
+nursed and cared for me as a pious wife, but she has also waited upon me
+as a servant. The Lord repay her on that day. I consider her more
+precious than the kingdom of France, for she has been to me a good wife,
+given and presented to me of God, as I was given to her. I love my Kate,
+yes, I love her more than myself, that is certainly true. I would rather
+die myself than have her and the children die." In praise of marriage he
+says: "According to God's Word there is no sweeter and dearer treasure
+upon earth than holy matrimony, which He Himself has instituted, and
+which He also preserves and has adorned and blessed above all other
+estates."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+Luther's Last Days and Death.
+
+
+1. LUTHER'S PRESENTIMENT OF DEATH. Eight days after his last birthday,
+which he celebrated on the 10th of November in the company of his
+friends, he finished his exposition of Genesis and closed his lecture to
+the students with these impressive words: "I am weak! I cannot continue;
+pray God to grant me a blessed death." And he wrote to a friend: "I am
+sick of this world, and the world is sick of me; it will not be
+difficult for us to part, as a guest quits his inn. Therefore I pray for
+a peaceful end, I am ready to depart." At the close of his last sermon
+in Eisleben the thoughts of his heart are expressed in this wish: "May
+God give us grace that we gratefully accept His beloved Word, increase
+and grow in the knowledge and faith of His Son, and remain steadfast in
+the confession of His holy Word unto our end! Amen."
+
+2. LUTHER'S JOURNEY TO EISLEBEN. In the beginning of 1546 the counts of
+Mansfeld requested Luther to come to Eisleben and settle a dispute which
+had arisen between themselves and their subjects. Luther consented to
+go, and, together with his three sons, on the 23d of January, he set out
+on his last pilgrimage on this earth. In Halle he visited his friend Dr.
+Jonas. While there he preached on the conversion of Paul and praised the
+writings of this apostle as the holy of holies. On the 28th of January,
+when crossing the swollen Saale in a small boat, his life was in great
+danger. Luther said to Jonas, "Dear Jonas, how it would please the devil
+if I, Dr. Martin, with you and our guides, would fall into the water and
+drown!" Not far from Eisleben he became so weak that fears were
+entertained for his life. But he soon regained his strength. In Eisleben
+Luther preached several times, and took great pains to settle the
+dispute between the counts and their subjects. When matters were
+settled Luther began to think of returning home; but God had decided
+otherwise.
+
+[Illustration: Luther's Death.]
+
+3. LUTHER'S ILLNESS AND DEATH. Already on the 17th of February Luther
+could not attend the meetings because of his increasing weakness. In
+accordance with the advice of his friends and the counts he remained in
+his room and rested. About eight o'clock in the evening he took his
+medicine and lay down on his couch, saying, "If I could sleep for half
+an hour I believe I would improve." He now slept calmly till ten
+o'clock, when he awoke, arose, and went into his bedroom. As he entered
+the room he said, "In the name of God, I am going to bed. Into Thy hands
+I commend my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, Thou faithful God." At one
+o'clock he awoke and said, "O Lord God, I feel so bad! Ah, dear Dr.
+Jonas, I believe I shall die here at Eisleben where I was born and
+baptized." Again he left his bedroom and entered the sitting room,
+saying again, "Into Thy hands I commend my spirit, Thou hast redeemed
+me, Thou faithful God." When he was again resting on his couch his
+friends hurried to his side, with Count Albrecht, the countess, and two
+physicians. When, upon repeated rubbings, he began to perspire freely
+Dr. Jonas thought he was improving, but Luther answered, "No, it is the
+cold sweat of death; I will give up my spirit, for the sickness is
+increasing." Then he prayed thus: "O my heavenly Father, the God and
+Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Thou God of all consolation! I thank
+Thee that Thou hast revealed to me Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, in whom I
+believe, whom I have preached and confessed, whom I have loved and
+extolled, whom the wicked Pope and the ungodly dishonor, persecute, and
+blaspheme. I pray Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, receive my poor soul into Thy
+hands. O heavenly Father, although I must quit this body and be torn
+away from this life, I nevertheless know assuredly that I shall be with
+Thee forever, and that no one can pluck me out of Thy hands." Then
+three times he repeated the passage: "God so loved the world, that He
+gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
+perish, but have everlasting life," John 3, 16, and the words of the
+68th Psalm: "He that is our God, is the God of salvation; and unto God
+the Lord belong the issues of death." When the physician gave him a
+cordial he took it and said, "I pass away; I shall yield up my spirit,"
+after which he rapidly repeated these words three times: "Father, into
+Thy hands I commend my spirit, Thou hast redeemed me, Lord, Thou
+faithful God." Now he lay quiet, when spoken to he did not answer. Dr.
+Jonas called into his ear, "Reverend father, are you firmly determined
+to die upon Christ and the doctrine you have preached?" Loud and
+distinctly Luther answered, "Yes!" Having said this he turned upon his
+side and fell asleep, saved in the faith of his Redeemer, on the 18th of
+February, 1546, between two and three o'clock in the morning.
+
+4. LUTHER'S FUNERAL. The sad tidings of Luther's death spread rapidly
+through town and country. A great multitude of people of all classes
+gathered to view the previous remains of the man who had again brought
+to light the saving Word of God. When the news of Luther's death reached
+Wittenberg and Melanchthon told the students, he exclaimed, "Alas, he
+has been taken from us, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof,
+by whom the church was guided in this last age of the world!" On the
+19th day of February the corpse was laid in a metallic coffin, borne
+into the Castle Church of Eisleben, and placed before the altar. On the
+following day Dr. Coelius preached an excellent sermon, after which the
+corpse was carried in solemn funeral procession to Wittenberg. With
+weeping and wailing a countless multitude surrounded the hearse, and in
+nearly every village the bells were tolled. When, late at night, the
+funeral approached the gates of Halle the clergy, the city council, the
+schools, and the citizens, together with women and children, marched out
+to meet it and escorted the corpse into the church. The service opened
+with Luther's hymn, "Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee," the weeping being
+heard more than the singing. On the 22d of February the funeral train
+reached Wittenberg. Amid the tolling of the bells it moved toward the
+Castle Church, the hearse being followed by Luther's widow, his four
+children, and other relatives. Then came the faculty, the students, and
+the citizens. Dr. Bugenhagen preached a comforting sermon, which was
+frequently interrupted by his own tears and the weeping of his audience.
+At the close Melanchthon delivered a Latin oration, after which the
+corpse was lowered into the vault near the pulpit, where it awaits the
+coming of the resurrection morn.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+Afflictions of the Lutheran Church in Germany after the Reformation.
+
+
+1. THE SMALCALD WAR. Already during the life of Luther clouds of war had
+frequently arisen, threatening to destroy the Lutheran church. But as
+long as Luther lived the storm did not break. His prophecy was
+fulfilled: "I have fervently prayed to God, and still beseech Him daily,
+to check the evil counsels of the papists and permit no war to come upon
+Germany while I live, and I am sure that God has certainly heard my
+prayer, and I know that as long as I live there will be no war in
+Germany. Now when I am dead, rest and sleep do you also pray. I will die
+before this calamity and misery come upon Germany." Scarcely had Luther
+closed his eyes when the emperor and the Pope thought the time had come
+again to strengthen popery and oppress the Lutheran doctrine with the
+sword, aye, completely to destroy it. The emperor accused the Lutheran
+princes of disobedience because they would not submit to the Edict of
+Augsburg, and declared the ban of the empire against them. Soon
+thereafter he made war upon them. The Lutherans also gathered an army
+for their defense. Before the Elector John Frederick was aware of it the
+emperor's army, led by a traitor, fell upon him.
+
+On the 24th of April, 1547, the battle was fought near Muehlberg on the
+Elbe. The army of the Lutheran princes was defeated; 3000 remained
+upon the battlefield, and the elector himself was taken prisoner. Not
+long thereafter he was condemned to die. Only on condition that he
+surrender his electoral crown and domain to the Lutheran Duke Maurice of
+Saxony, who had joined the forces of the emperor, was he to be pardoned.
+The elector gave up his country without remonstrance, but he would not
+forsake his faith. His high courage earned him the title, "The
+Magnanimous." For when the emperor demanded that he sign the resolutions
+of the Council of Trent in which the Lutheran doctrine was condemned, he
+declared with indignation: "I will abide steadfast in the doctrine and
+confession which, together with my father and other princes, I confessed
+at Augsburg, and rather give up country and people, yea, and my head
+also, than forsake the Word of God."
+
+Thus the cause of the Lutheran confessors seemed to be lost. But right
+in the midst of war's tumult and the enemy's triumph sounded the word of
+the Lord: "Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the
+word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us," Is. 8, 10. God helped
+wonderfully. Maurice of Saxony demanded of the emperor the release of
+his father-in-law, Philip of Hesse. When the emperor refused to do this
+Maurice turned against him with his army and put him to flight. In 1555
+the Peace of Augsburg was signed. By it complete liberty of religion and
+worship was guaranteed to the Lutherans for the future.
+
+2. DOCTRINAL CONTROVERSIES. Already in the days of Luther fanatics had
+attempted to darken and displace the true doctrine with diverse errors.
+After his death his prophetic words were fulfilled: "I see it coming, if
+God does not give us faithful pastors and ministers the devil will
+disrupt the church by factious spirits, and will not leave off nor cease
+till he has finished it. If the devil cannot do it through the Pope and
+the emperor he will accomplish it through those who now agree with us in
+doctrine. Therefore pray God to let His Word remain with you, for
+abominable things will happen. I know that after my departing shall
+grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock."
+
+Scarcely had the faithful watchman and guardian been gathered to his
+fathers when everywhere teachers and preachers arose who departed from
+the truth of God's Word and tried to set up their own false teachings.
+Thus some taught: Good works are necessary unto salvation; others,
+again, maintained: Not only are they unnecessary, but they are harmful
+to our salvation. Again, it was taught that man could prepare himself
+for grace, and assist in his conversion. Others even secretly plotted to
+introduce the false doctrines of the Reformed into the Lutheran church.
+Thus the bright light which shone so brilliantly in Luther's days was in
+danger of being obscured by the doctrines of men. But in the midst of
+such confusion God had His faithful confessors. After heated contests
+truth, by God's grace, obtained the victory. In 1577, by the united
+labors of the faithful confessors, the Form of Concord, the last
+confession of the Lutheran church, was completed. In this confession the
+Lutheran church renounces all error and demands of all its members unity
+of doctrine and confession. The reestablished unity of doctrine called
+forth loud rejoicing and thanksgiving to God everywhere in Germany. In
+1580 the Book of Concord of the Lutheran church, containing also the
+Form of Concord, appeared in print for the first time.
+
+3. THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR. This good fortune and peace of the Lutheran
+church did not last long. Satan did not cease to attack her. For his
+purpose he especially used the Jesuits, a new order of monks. These
+allied servants of the Pope used every means to suppress the Lutheran
+church. As advisers of princes, in the confessional, and as teachers at
+the higher schools they fanned the flame of hatred against the
+Lutherans, and their endeavors were not in vain. Through them a war of
+thirty years began to rage in Germany. During the reign of Emperor
+Rudolph II the religious peace guaranteed at Augsburg was broken
+repeatedly, and the Lutherans were sorely oppressed. Finally, when a
+Protestant church in Bohemia was forcibly closed and another was even
+torn down, the storm broke loose. By it the greater part of Germany was
+laid waste, and untold misery was caused. Everywhere the evangelical
+princes were defeated, and their cause seemed to be lost. The Pope and
+his minions rejoiced.
+
+But in the hour of greatest distress help appeared in the person of
+Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden. Everywhere the people welcomed him.
+However, in his march of triumph through Germany he met with a bloody
+death. On the 6th of November, 1632, a battle was fought at Luetzen. In
+the Swedish army the trumpeters played the hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is
+Our God." Then the whole army sang, "May God Bestow on us His Grace."
+Whereupon the king cried, "Now at it! In the name of God! Jesus, Jesus,
+Jesus, help us fight this day in honor of Thy holy name!" The Swedes
+gained a glorious victory, but their king, struck by a bullet, fell
+dying from his horse. Sixteen years longer the deplorable war raged on.
+In 1648 the long-desired peace was finally concluded. In it the
+Religious Peace of Augsburg was again acknowledged and extended to
+include the Reformed church. The Pope protested violently, but in vain.
+
+It is true, conditions after the war were terrible in Germany, also for
+the Lutheran church. But the chastenings of the Lord strengthened the
+faith in His Word, and the church flourished and prospered. Faithful
+pastors strengthened the Christians by their sermons and their writings,
+and everywhere the seed grew and brought fruit. It was just in this time
+that pious poets made their harps resound and sang their glorious hymns
+to the honor and praise of God.
+
+4. RATIONALISM AND UNIONISM. In no way had the devil succeeded in
+smothering the Lutheran church in its own blood or in destroying it by
+false doctrine. Again and again courageous witnesses arose, and in loud
+and clear words testified that man is justified and saved by grace
+alone, for Christ's sake, through faith. At the end of the seventeenth
+century, however, men arose in England who craftily sought to abolish
+the Christian faith. These were the so-called Deists, or Freethinkers.
+Their doctrine, at first, passed from England to France, and then to
+Germany. Human reason was to take the place of the Bible. Luther's
+prophecy was fulfilled: "Until now you have heard the true, faithful
+Word; now beware of your own thoughts and your own wisdom. The devil
+will light the candle of reason and deprive you of faith." Not the
+Scriptures, the revelation of God, but human reason was to decide
+matters of faith and salvation. Whatever did not agree with human reason
+was simply to be rejected as superstition. Whoever confessed his faith
+in the truths of the Bible was called an obscurant. Those were sad
+times.
+
+In addition, the so-called "Union" in Germany, by sacrificing the
+biblical truth, made the attempt to unite the Lutheran and the Reformed
+churches into a mixed church, which was called the Evangelical church.
+In this way the ruin of the church of the pure Gospel was to be
+completed. Faithful Lutherans who would not join in this apostasy were
+violently persecuted, cast into prison, cruelly punished, or compelled
+to emigrate into foreign countries, Australia or America.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+The Lutheran Church in America.
+
+
+1. THE MUSTARD SEED. When the Lutheran church in Germany was in its
+prime it was transplanted also across the waters, into the wilds of
+America. As early as 1638 the first Lutheran Swedes emigrated to
+America and founded the first Lutheran congregation in the valley of the
+Delaware. In 1650 the Dutch had also founded Lutheran churches in the
+State of New York. The most important of these churches was in the city
+of New York. It was cruelly oppressed by the Reformed officials. The
+true Lutheran confessors were frequently fined and imprisoned. As soon
+as England, however, took possession of this Dutch colony the Lutherans
+were granted liberty of conscience and freedom of worship.
+
+On New Year's day, 1709, the first _German_ Lutheran congregation, with
+its pastor, Kocherthal, landed on the coasts of America. They likewise
+settled in the State of New York and founded several colonies on the
+banks of the Hudson. The greatest number of Germans settled in the State
+of Pennsylvania. Since 1742 their most zealous pastor was Henry Melchior
+Muehlenberg. Together with diligent colaborers he founded many
+congregations, which afterwards united to form the Pennsylvania Synod.
+Since 1734 Lutheran Salzburgers were found in the Colony of Georgia.
+Rationalism and fanaticism, however, made powerful inroads also into
+this flourishing Lutheran church of America. The time came when very few
+had any idea of the nature of true Lutheranism.
+
+But the light was once more to shine in this land of the West. In 1839
+seven hundred Lutheran Saxons came to America. They brought their
+pastors, candidates, and teachers with them. After suffering severe
+persecution they had left their old fatherland to live here, in this
+land of liberty, in accordance with their most holy faith. A part of
+them remained in St. Louis and founded a congregation with a Christian
+school. The most of these faithful confessors settled in Perry County,
+in the State of Missouri, where they founded a number of colonies with
+congregations and Christian schools. In the colony of Altenburg a
+seminary was even erected for the education of ministers. Since 1841 the
+congregation at St. Louis was served by Carl Ferdinand William Walther
+as pastor and preacher. This man has proved to be of inestimable
+blessing for the Lutheran church of America. In 1844 he and his
+congregation began to issue the _Lutheraner_ in order to gather the
+scattered Christians around the Word of God. This paper was to be a
+powerful means to acquaint people with the Lutheran doctrine and to
+defend it against all error. The very first number was a trumpet that
+gave a distinct and powerful sound. After reading it, the missionary
+Wyneken joyfully exclaimed, "God be praised, there are more Lutherans in
+America!" In the summer of 1838 he had come to this country a candidate
+of the holy ministry, twenty-eight years of age, in order to bring the
+Gospel to the scattered Germans. In Germany he had read and heard of
+their great spiritual need, and their misery had touched Ids heart.
+After a short stay in Baltimore he traveled inland, toward Ohio and
+Indiana. He came to the little town of Fort Wayne, where he found a
+little congregation. Here Wyneken preached several times, officiated at
+funerals, and baptized. The people learned to love him, and called him
+as their pastor. From here he journeyed to and fro, and, undaunted by
+hardships, visited his scattered brethren of the faith, brought them the
+Word of Life, and gathered them into congregations. In the following
+years other Lutheran pastors, some of them accompanied by their
+congregations, also came to America. In this way the Lutheran colonies
+of the Saginaw Valley were founded.
+
+2. THE TREE. In 1845 a number of likeminded pastors met in conference at
+Cleveland, Ohio, to discuss the founding of an orthodox Lutheran synod.
+In the following year several of these pastors met in St. Louis in order
+to consult with Walther and other Saxon pastors concerning the same
+matter. On this occasion the draft of a synodical constitution was
+carefully considered together with the local congregation. This draft
+was later on submitted to an assembly at Fort Wayne. Finally, in 1847,
+at Chicago, the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and
+other States was founded. Walther was unanimously elected president. The
+members of this synod had recognized that the doctrine restored by
+Luther and contained in the confessions of the Lutheran church is the
+true and pure doctrine of the Word of God. Upon this foundation they
+resolved to stand and in the future carry on together the work of the
+Lord in this country. And to this day, by the grace of God, they have
+remained true to this confession. They accept God's revealed Word as the
+only source of knowledge for doctrine and practice. And the heart of all
+their teaching is the doctrine of justification of a poor sinner before
+God, not through his own works and merit, but alone through faith in the
+Lord Jesus Christ. "God's Word and Luther's doctrine pure shall through
+eternity endure," is the watchword which the synod has not only written
+on its _Lutheraner_, but which its members also dearly cherish in their
+hearts.
+
+For the preparation and education of its pastors and teachers the synod
+has, in the course of years, established a large number of institutions.
+The first of these is the Theological Seminary at St. Louis. In this
+institution Dr. Walther labored with signal blessing as professor, and
+through his lectures and his many writings became the leader of
+teachers, pastors, and congregations. He died in 1887. In Springfield
+the synod has its Supplementary Theological Seminary, in which Prof.
+Craemer labored for many years. The Seminary for Teachers is in Addison.
+Its first director was the sainted Prof. Lindemann. The preparatory
+institutions are in Fort Wayne, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and at several
+other places. About sixty professors teach at these institutions.
+Essentially the work of the synod is carried on in the same way as at
+the time of the fathers. In the same manner as Wyneken missionaries
+travel about visiting their scattered brethren in the faith and
+gathering them into congregations. At the same time with the
+congregation the parochial school is founded and developed for the
+education of the children in the Catechism.
+
+In 1872 the Missouri Synod joined with other orthodox synods, forming
+the Evangelical-Lutheran Synodical Conference. At present this is
+composed of the synods of Missouri, of Wisconsin, of Minnesota, of
+Michigan, and of the English Evangelical-Lutheran Synod of Missouri and
+other States. The synods of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan have
+united to form a general synod and possess several institutions for the
+education of pastors and teachers. Their theological seminary is at
+Milwaukee. The Norwegian Synod, which confesses the same faith, also has
+several educational institutions. The English Synod at present has
+colleges at Winfield, Kans., and Conover, N. C. All these synods are
+indefatigable in the work of mission and in the preservation of the pure
+doctrine.
+
+The mustard seed has become a tree, a tree whose branches cover not only
+the states of the union and a great part of British America, but whose
+twigs extend even to South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia; a tree
+continually growing new shoots beneath which birds of passage from every
+province of Germany and from every country of the world have found their
+home, and raise their hymns in the most diverse melodies to the honor
+and praise, glory and worship of the triune God. Everywhere, nearly all
+over the globe, is sung: "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice," and
+from countless lips Luther's hymn of battle and triumph is heard, "A
+Mighty Fortress is Our God!"
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Life of Luther, by Gustav Just
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