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From Here to Forever
Security at Wartburg
In the friendly security of the Wartburg, Luther rejoiced in release
from the heat and turmoil of battle. But, accustomed to a life of
activity and stern conflict, he could ill endure to remain inactive.
In those solitary days the condition of the church rose up before
him. He feared being charged with cowardice in withdrawing from
the contest. Then he reproached himself for his indolence and self-
indulgence.
Yet at the same time he was daily accomplishing more than it
seemed possible for one man to do. His pen was never idle. His
enemies were astonished and confused by tangible proof that he
was still active. A host of tracts from his pen circulated throughout
Germany. He also translated the New Testament into the German
tongue. From his rocky Patmos he continued for nearly a whole year
to proclaim the gospel and rebuke the errors of the times.
God had withdrawn His servant from the stage of public life.
In the solitude and obscurity of his mountain retreat, Luther was
removed from earthly supports and shut out from human praise. He
was thus saved from the pride and self-confidence so often caused
by success.
As men rejoice in the freedom which the truth brings them, Satan
seeks to divert their thoughts and affections from God and to fix
them upon human agencies, to honor the instrument and to ignore
the Hand that directs the events of providence. Too often religious
leaders thus praised are led to trust in themselves. The people are
disposed to look to them for guidance instead of to the Word of God.
From this danger God would guard the Reformation. The eyes of
men had been turned to Luther as the expounder of the truth; he
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was removed that all eyes might be directed to the eternal Author of
truth.
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