Agony of Soul Now Pressed Upon Luther
The papist princes declared that the rebellion was the fruit of Luther's doctrines. This charge could not but cause the Reformer great distress—that the cause of truth should be disgraced by being ranked with the basest fanaticism. On the other hand, the leaders in the revolt hated Luther. He had not only denied their claims to divine inspiration, but had pronounced them rebels against the civil authority. In retaliation they denounced him as a base pretender.HF 121.1
The Romanists expected to witness the downfall of the Reformation. And they blamed Luther even for the errors which he had most earnestly endeavored to correct. The fanatical party, falsely claiming to have been treated with injustice, gained sympathy and came to be regarded as martyrs. Thus the ones in opposition to the Reformation were pitied and lauded. This was the work of the same spirit of rebellion first manifested in heaven.HF 121.2
Satan is constantly seeking to deceive men and lead them to call sin righteousness, and righteousness sin. Counterfeit holiness, spurious sanctification, still exhibits the same spirit as in the days of Luther, diverting minds from Scripture and leading men to follow feelings and impressions rather than the law of God.HF 121.3
Fearlessly did Luther defend the gospel from attack. With the Word of God he warred against the usurped authority of the pope, while he stood firm as a rock against the fanaticism that sought to ally itself with the Reformation.HF 121.4
Each of these opposing elements set aside the Holy Scriptures, exalting human wisdom as the source of truth. Rationalism idolizes reason and makes this the criterion for religion. Romanism, claiming an inspiration descended in unbroken line from the apostles, gives opportunity for extravagance and corruption to be concealed under the “apostolic” commission. The inspiration claimed by Münzer proceeded from the vagaries of the imagination. True Christianity receives the Word of God as the test of all inspiration.HF 121.5
Upon his return from Wartburg, Luther completed his translation of the New Testament, and the gospel soon afterward was given to the people of Germany in their own language. This translation was received with great joy by all who loved the truth.HF 122.1
The priests were alarmed at the thought that common people would now be able to discuss with them God's Word and that their own ignorance would thus be exposed. Rome summoned all her authority to prevent the circulation of the Scriptures. But the more she prohibited the Bible, the greater was the anxiety of the people to know what it really taught. All who could read carried it about with them and could not be satisfied until they had committed large portions to memory. Luther immediately began the translation of the Old Testament.HF 122.2
Luther's writings were welcomed alike in city and in hamlet. “What Luther and his friends composed, others circulated. Monks, convinced of the unlawfulness of monastic obligations, but too ignorant to proclaim the word of God, ... sold the books of Luther and his friends. Germany soon swarmed with these bold colporteurs.”HF 122.3