Luther’s Separation From Rome
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though conscious that in some respects they had erred, found in their
discipline more to approve than to condemn.
At school, where he was sent at an early age, Luther was treated
with harshness and even violence. So great was the poverty of his
parents that upon going from home to school in another town he was
for a time obliged to obtain his food by singing from door to door,
and he often suffered from hunger. The gloomy, superstitious ideas
of religion then prevailing filled him with fear. He would lie down at
night with a sorrowful heart, looking forward with trembling to the
dark future and in constant terror at the thought of God as a stern,
unrelenting judge, a cruel tyrant, rather than a kind heavenly Father.
Yet under so many and so great discouragements Luther pressed
resolutely forward toward the high standard of moral and intellectual
excellence which attracted his soul. He thirsted for knowledge, and
the earnest and practical character of his mind led him to desire the
solid and useful rather than the showy and superficial.
When, at the age of eighteen, he entered the University of Erfurt,
his situation was more favorable and his prospects were brighter than
in his earlier years. His parents having by thrift and industry acquired
a competence, they were able to render him all needed assistance.
And the influence of judicious friends had somewhat lessened the
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gloomy effects of his former training. He applied himself to the study
of the best authors, diligently treasuring their most weighty thoughts
and making the wisdom of the wise his own. Even under the harsh
discipline of his former instructors he had early given promise of
distinction, and with favorable influences his mind rapidly developed.
A retentive memory, a lively imagination, strong reasoning powers,
and untiring application soon placed him in the foremost rank among
his associates. Intellectual discipline ripened his understanding and
aroused an activity of mind and a keenness of perception that were
preparing him for the conflicts of his life.
The fear of the Lord dwelt in the heart of Luther, enabling him to
maintain his steadfastness of purpose and leading him to deep humility
before God. He had an abiding sense of his dependence upon divine
aid, and he did not fail to begin each day with prayer, while his heart
was continually breathing a petition for guidance and support. “To
pray well,” he often said, “is the better half of study.”—D’Aubigne, b.
2, ch. 2.