Basic HTML Version
216
Early Writings
anxiously sought an opportunity to point them to the Lamb of God,
who alone taketh away the sin of the world.
Raising his voice against the errors and sins of the papal church,
he earnestly endeavored to break the chain of darkness which was
confining thousands and causing them to trust in works for salvation.
He longed to be enabled to open to their minds the true riches of
the grace of God and the excellence of salvation obtained through
Jesus Christ. In the power of the Holy Spirit he cried out against the
existing sins of the leaders of the church; and as he met the storm
of opposition from the priests, his courage failed not; for he firmly
relied upon the strong arm of God, and confidently trusted in Him
for victory. As he pushed the battle closer and closer, the rage of
[224]
the priests was kindled still hotter against him. They did not wish to
be reformed. They chose to be left in ease, in wanton pleasure, in
wickedness; and they desired the church also to be kept in darkness.
I saw that Luther was ardent and zealous, fearless and bold, in
reproving sin and advocating the truth. He cared not for wicked
men or devils; he knew that he had One with him mightier than they
all. Luther possessed zeal, courage, and boldness, and at times was
in danger of going to extremes. But God raised up Melanchthon,
who was just the opposite in character, to aid Luther in carrying on
the work of reformation. Melanchthon was timid, fearful, cautious,
and possessed great patience. He was greatly beloved of God. His
knowledge of the Scriptures was great, and his judgment and wisdom
excellent. His love for the cause of God was equal to Luther’s. The
hearts of these men the Lord knit together; they were inseparable
friends. Luther was a great help to Melanchthon when in danger of
being fearful and slow, and Melanchthon in turn was a great help to
Luther when in danger of moving too fast. Melanchthon’s farseeing
caution often averted trouble which would have come upon the cause
had the work been left alone to Luther; and ofttimes the work would
not have been pushed forward had it been left to Melanchthon alone.
I was shown the wisdom of God in choosing these two men to carry
on the work of reformation.
I was then carried back to the days of the apostles and saw
that God chose as companions an ardent, zealous Peter and a mild,
patient John. Sometimes Peter was impetuous, and often when this
was the case the beloved disciple would check him. This, however,