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The Great Controversy 1888
labors, that God had withdrawn his servant from the stage of public
life. There were results more precious than these to be secured. In the
solitude and obscurity of his mountain retreat, Luther was removed
from earthly supports, and shut out from human praise. He was thus
saved from the pride and self-confidence that are so often caused
by success. By suffering and humiliation he was prepared again to
walk safely upon the dizzy heights to which he had been so suddenly
exalted.
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As men rejoice in the freedom which the truth brings them, they
are inclined to extol those whom God has employed to break the chains
of error and superstition. Satan seeks to divert men’s thoughts and
affections from God, and to fix them upon human agencies; he leads
them to honor the mere instrument, and to ignore the Hand that directs
all the events of providence. Too often, religious leaders who are
thus praised and reverenced lose sight of their dependence upon God,
and are led to trust in themselves. As a result, they seek to control
the minds and consciences of the people, who are disposed to look
to them for guidance instead of looking to the Word of God. The
work of reform is often retarded because of this spirit indulged by
its supporters. From this danger, God would guard the cause of the
Reformation. He desired that work to receive, not the impress of man,
but that of God. The eyes of men had been turned to Luther as the
expounder of the truth; he was removed that all eyes might be directed
to the eternal Author of truth.
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