154
The Great Controversy 1888
doned their studies, and withdrew from the university. The men who
thought themselves competent to revive and control the work of the
Reformation, succeeded only in bringing it to the verge of ruin. The
Romanists now regained their confidence, and exclaimed exultingly,
“One more effort, and all will be ours.”
Luther at the Wartburg, hearing of what had occurred, said with
deep concern, “I always expected that Satan would send us this plague.”
He perceived the true character of those pretended prophets, and saw
the danger that threatened the cause of truth. The opposition of the
pope and the emperor had not caused him so great perplexity and
distress as he now experienced. From the professed friends of the
Reformation had risen its worst enemies. The very truths which had
brought him so great joy and consolation were being employed to stir
up strife and create confusion in the church.
In the work of reform, Luther had been urged forward by the Spirit
of God, and had been carried beyond himself. He had not purposed
[188]
to take such positions as he did, or to make so radical changes. He
had been but the instrument in the hand of infinite power. Yet he
often trembled for the result of his work. He had once said, “If I
knew that my doctrine had injured one human being, however poor
and unknown,—which it could not, for it is the very gospel,—I would
rather face death ten times over than not retract it.”
And now Wittenberg itself, the very center of the Reformation, was
fast falling under the power of fanaticism and lawlessness. This terrible
condition had not resulted from the teachings of Luther; but throughout
Germany his enemies were charging it upon him. In bitterness of soul
he sometimes asked, “Can such be the end of this great work of the
Reformation?” Again, as he wrestled with God in prayer, peace flowed
into his heart. “The work is not mine, but thine own,” he said; “thou
wilt not suffer it to be corrupted by superstition or fanaticism.” But the
thought of remaining longer from the conflict in such a crisis, became
insupportable. He determined to return to Wittenberg.
Without delay he set out on his perilous journey. He was under
the ban of the empire. Enemies were at liberty to take his life; friends
were forbidden to aid or shelter him. The imperial government was
adopting the most stringent measures against his adherents. But he
saw that the work of the gospel was imperiled, and in the name of the
Lord he went out fearlessly to battle for the truth.