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Reformation
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did not reform him. But after he had denied his Lord, repented, and
been converted, all he needed to check his ardor and zeal was a mild
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caution from John. The cause of Christ would often have suffered
had it been left to John alone. Peter’s zeal was needed. His boldness
and energy often delivered them from difficulty and silenced their
enemies. John was winning. He gained many to the cause of Christ
by his patient forbearance and deep devotedness.
God raised up men to cry against the existing sins of the papal
church and carry forward the Reformation. Satan sought to destroy
these living witnesses; but the Lord made a hedge about them. Some,
for the glory of His name, were permitted to seal with their blood
the testimony they had borne; but there were other powerful men,
like Luther and Melanchthon, who could best glorify God by living
and exposing the sins of priests, popes, and kings. These trembled
before the voice of Luther, and his fellow laborers. Through those
chosen men, rays of light began to scatter the darkness, and very
many joyfully received the light and walked in it. And when one
witness was slain, two or more were raised up to take his place.
But Satan was not satisfied. He could only have power over the
body. He could not make believers yield their faith and hope. And
even in death they triumphed with a bright hope of immortality at
the resurrection of the just. They had more than mortal energy. They
dared not sleep for a moment, but kept the Christian armor girded
about them, prepared for a conflict, not merely with spiritual foes,
but with Satan in the form of men whose constant cry was, “Give
up your faith, or die.” These few Christians were strong in God, and
more precious in His sight than half a world who bear the name
of Christ, and yet are cowards in His cause. While the church was
persecuted, its members were united and loving; they were strong
in God. Sinners were not permitted to unite with the church. Those
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only who are willing to forsake all for Christ could be His disciples.
These loved to be poor, humble, and Christlike.