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for a moment think of yielding their religion. They prized the love
and favor of God far higher than earthly ease, or worldly riches. They
received consolation from God, and with pleasing anticipations looked
forward to the recompense of reward.
I was again shown Martin Luther. God raised him up to do a
special work. How precious was the knowledge of truth revealed in the
word of God to Luther. His mind was starving for something sure upon
which to build his hope that God would be his Father, and Heaven his
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home. The new and precious light which dawned upon him from the
word of God, was of priceless value. He thought 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. He counted not his life dear unto
him. Proclamations went forth to kill Luther anywhere he might be
found. He seemed left to the mercies of a superstitious people who
were obedient to the head of the Romish church.
Luther knew that he was not safe anywhere, yet he trembled not.
The light he saw and feasted upon, was life, 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.
Here was one lone man who had stirred the rage of priests and
people. He was summoned to Augsburg to answer for his faith. He
obeyed the summons. Firm and undaunted he stood before those
who had caused the world to tremble—a meek lamb surrounded by
angry lions—yet for the truth’s sake, and for Christ’s sake, he stood up
undaunted, and with holy eloquence, which the truth can alone inspire,
he gave the reasons of his faith. They tried various means to silence
the bold advocate for truth. They flattered and held out inducements;
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
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