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From Here to Forever
Reformation in Denmark
In the countries of the North the gospel found a peaceful entrance.
Students at Wittenberg returning home carried the reformed faith
to Scandinavia. Luther’s writings also spread the light. The hardy
people of the North turned from the corruption and superstitions of
Rome to welcome the life-giving truths of the Bible.
Tausen, “the Reformer of Denmark,” as a boy early gave ev-
idence of vigorous intellect and entered a cloister. Examination
showed him to possess talent that promised good service to the
church. The young student was granted permission to choose a uni-
versity of Germany or the Netherlands for himself, with one proviso:
he must not go to Wittenberg to be endangered by heresy. So said
the friars.
Tausen went to Cologne, one of the strongholds of Romanism.
Here he soon became disgusted. About the same time he read
Luther’s writings with delight and greatly desired to enjoy the per-
sonal instruction of the Reformer. But to do so he must risk forfeiting
his superior’s support. His decision was soon made and erelong he
was a student at Wittenberg.
On returning to Denmark, he did not reveal his secret, but en-
deavored to lead his companions to a purer faith. He opened the
Bible and preached Christ to them as the sinner’s only hope of sal-
vation. Great was the wrath of the prior, who had built high hopes
on him as a defender of Rome. He was at once removed from his
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own monastery to another and confined to his cell. Through the bars
of his cell Tausen communicated to his companions a knowledge of
the truth. Had those Danish fathers been skilled in the church’s plan
of dealing with heresy, Tausen’s voice would never again have been
heard; but instead of consigning him to some underground dungeon,
they expelled him from the monastery.
A royal edict, just issued, offered protection to the teachers
of the new doctrine. The churches were opened to him, and the
people thronged to listen. The New Testament in Danish was widely
circulated. Efforts to overthrow the work resulted in extending it,
and erelong Denmark declared its acceptance of the reformed faith.