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Luther’s Separation from Rome
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turned the sacred pages; with quickened pulse and throbbing heart he
read for himself the words of life, pausing now and then to exclaim,
“Oh, if God would give me such a book for my own!” Angels of
Heaven were by his side, and rays of light from the throne of God
revealed the treasures of truth to his understanding. He had ever
feared to offend God, but now the deep conviction of his condition
as a sinner took hold upon him as never before.
An earnest desire to be free from sin and to find peace with God,
led him at last to enter a cloister, and devote himself to a monastic
life. Here he was required to perform the lowest drudgery, and
to beg from house to house. He was at an age when respect and
appreciation are most eagerly craved, and these menial offices were
deeply mortifying to his natural feelings; but he patiently endured
this humiliation, believing that it was necessary because of his sins.
Every moment that could be spared from his daily duties, he
employed in study, robbing himself of sleep, and grudging even
the moments spent at his humble meals. Above everything else he
delighted in the study of God’s word. He had found a Bible chained
to the convent wall, and to this he often repaired. As his convictions
of sin deepened, he sought by his own works to obtain pardon and
peace. He led a most rigorous life, endeavoring to crucify the flesh
by fastings, watchings, and scourgings. He shrank from no sacrifice
to become holy and gain Heaven. As the result of this painful
discipline, he lost strength, and suffered from fainting spasms, from
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the effects of which he never fully recovered. But with all his efforts,
his burdened soul found no relief. He was at last driven to the verge
of despair.
When it appeared to Luther that all was lost, God raised up a
friend and helper for him. The pious Staupitz opened the word
of God to Luther’s mind, and bade him look away from himself,
cease the contemplation of infinite punishment for the violation of
God’s law, and look to Jesus, his sin-pardoning Saviour. “Instead
of torturing yourself on account of your sins, cast yourself into the
arms of your Redeemer. Trust in him,—in the righteousness of his
life,—in the atonement of his death. Listen to the Son of God. He
became man to give you the assurance of divine favor. Love him
who has first loved you.” Thus spoke this messenger of mercy. His
words made a deep impression upon Luther’s mind. After many