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their religion. They prized the love and favor of God far above earthly
ease or worldly riches. They received consolation from God and with
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pleasing anticipations looked forward to the recompense of reward.
Again, I was shown Martin Luther, whom God raised up to do
a special work. How precious to him was the knowledge of truth
revealed in the word of God! His mind was starving for something
sure upon which to build his hope that God would be his Father, and
heaven his home. The new and precious light which dawned upon him
from the word of God was of priceless value, and he thought that if he
went forth with it, he could convince the world. He stood up against
the ire of a fallen church and strengthened those who with him were
feasting upon the rich truths contained in the word of God. Luther was
God’s chosen instrument to tear off the garb of hypocrisy from the
papal church and expose her corruption. He raised his voice zealously
and in the power of the Holy Spirit cried out against and rebuked the
existing sins of the leaders of the people. Proclamations went forth to
kill him wherever he might be found; he seemed left to the mercies of
a superstitious people who were obedient to the head of the Roman
Church. Yet he counted not his life dear unto himself. Luther knew
that he was not safe anywhere, yet he trembled not. The light which
he saw and feasted upon was life to him, and was of more value than
all the treasures of earth. Earthly treasures he knew would fail; but
the rich truths opened to his understanding, operating upon his heart,
would live, and, if obeyed, would lead him to immortality.
When summoned to Augsburg to answer for his faith, he obeyed
the summons. That one lone man who had stirred the rage of priests
and people was arraigned before those who had caused the world to
tremble—a meek lamb surrounded by angry lions; yet for the sake of
Christ and the truth he stood up undaunted, and with holy eloquence,
which the truth alone can inspire, he gave the reasons of his faith. His
enemies tried by various means to silence the bold advocate for truth.
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At first they flattered him, and held out the promise that he should
be exalted and honored. But life and honors were valueless to him if
purchased at the sacrifice of the truth. Brighter and clearer shone the
word of God upon his understanding, giving him a more vivid sense
of the errors, corruptions, and hypocrisy of the papacy. His enemies
then sought to intimidate him and cause him to renounce his faith,
but he boldly stood in defense of the truth. He was ready to die for