BAPTIST MAGAZINE. JANUARY, 1828. THE LIFE OF LUTHER, OR A BRIEF (Extracted from a German Tract published MARTIN LUTHER was the son of a poor labourer, Hans Luther, and of Margaret, his wife, who lived, at the period just preceding his birth, at a village named Moere, not far distant from the town of Eisleben. To the latter place the mother had proceeded, for the purpose of making some purchases, when the subject of this memoir was born, on the 10th of November, 1483. The infant was baptized the following day, in the church called St. Peter's, and he received the name of Martin, from the circumstance of this being what is termed St. Martin's day. and thus it was in the case of Luther. Little Martin was sent to school at a very early age. His pious father carried him in his arms to Mansfeld, for he had determined to lose no time in training him up to that which is good. Martin was so delighted with his studies, that his father soon thought it advisable to have him placed in the high school at Magdeburg, and subsequently at Eisnach, where he was to prepare for more serious studies. Here he suffered many privations; his poor father being unable to make any very suitable provision for his son. Martin, therefore, joined a few other poor scholars in singing hymns in the streets, and his share of the few pence with which they were rewarded, proved some relief to him. It was at this period that the finger of God Who could have thought at that became strikingly visible in the life time, that the offspring of so poor of Luther. At Eisnach, the attena man was to become instrumental tion of an excellent woman, Mrs. in enlightening half the world! The Conrad Cotta, was peculiarly exdecrees of the Almighty are in- cited in favour of young Luther, scrutable. His works, in the be- from the spirit of piety which ginning, often appear insignificant, seemed to animate him during the but they end in glory. He gene- performance of the devotional exrally performs great things by ercise above alluded to. humble instruments. The man pious lady felt induced to take the through whom the Lord intends to young Christian into her own faaccomplish some grand design, mily, and being thus comfortably must be exercised in humility; This provided for, he had an ample opportunity of pursuing his studies; and this he did with so much diligence, that he was admitted, at the age of eighteen, into the university of Erfurth. Here, again, his progress was such, as to procure for him, after the expiration B of two years, the title of "Magis- this, and Luther was subsequently ter;" which confers the authority filled with regret at having provokof teaching in public. His invari-ed the displeasure of his father. able rule was to prepare and Yet he was forced to remain in the strengthen himself for his pious cloister, and this was for good labours by prayer to the Lord, a purposes-no doubt from an espractice he would often and ur-pecial providence of God. gently recommend to others. About this period, Frederick, As the instrument, in the hands Prince of Saxony, conceived the of the Lord, through whom those plan of establishing a new univereternal truths, then almost entirely sity at Wittenberg. Dr. Stanpitz, out of practical remembrance, the Prince's chaplain, was commiswere to be re-published to the sioned to appoint the requisite work, he was in the first instance teachers to that establishment. led to a knowledge of them for Knowing Luther, as a young man himself. There was at Erfurth a both of learning and piety, Dr. large library, which Luther fre- Stanpitz called for him to Wittenquented with a view to the en-berg. In the year 1508 he became largement of his own knowledge. a master at the new university. Here he one day found a Latin Here his labours, from the very Bible, and how great was his joy! commencement, were matter of He never had seen one before. astonishment to his colleagues. Opening it at the history of Samuel, Dr. Mellerstadt having heard him he read that portion through at on one occasion, said, "In this once; and as often as he could, man dwells a fine spirit; he rests returned to read his Bible, and firmly on the Bible and the word thus he acquired wisdom and di- of Jesus Christ, which no man can vine instruction. overthrow." Yet, in order to his proclaiming the truth to the world, it appeared best that he should have an official calling; and this was brought about by the Lord in a wonderful manner. Luther had consented, agreeably to his father's wishes, to embrace the profession of the law. Taking a walk one evening, with a friend named Alexius, they were overtaken by a severe thunder-storm. A flash of lightning struck so near to Luther, that he fell to the ground and remained senseless for some time, whilst his friend was actually struck dead at his side by the same flash. In his great fright, Luther vowed that he would become an ecclesiastic, and enter a cloister. He imagined thereby to please the Lord, and accordingly he went forthwith into the cloister of Augustine at Erfurth, in 1507. His father was much displeased at Whenever it pleases God to accomplish some divine appointment, all things must combine to work in its favour. Thus it was necessary that Luther should be made acquainted with the great corruption of the church at that time. In the year 1510, the cloister at Wittenberg had some favour to seek at the hands of the Pope. Luther was called upon to proceed to Rome, and this again was a manifestation of God's especial design, for thus Luther became an eyewitness to the wickedness of the clergy there, and to the general wretchedness which prevailed; and at which he felt deeply distressed. He afterwards frequently said, "he would not take one thousand florins not to have seen Rome." On his return, in 1512, he was commanded by his cloister to become "Doctor of the Holy Scrip a truly horrible Such as gave tures." At first he objected, not | various countries, offered to the knowing the mind of God in this people, in the name of the Pope, providence; but he presently yield- and for money, absolution from ed, and the Prince himself defrayed acts of penitence, and forgiveness the requisite expences. The result of sins. One of these priests, was favourable. Luther now pos- named John Tetzel, belonging to sessed authority and courage, and the cloister of the Dominicans at was able to dispute with effect. Pirna, was eminently skilful in On being reproached with the strict- these wicked extortions, which he ness of his teaching, he would accomplished by various sorts of reply, "They have made me Doc-lies and deceptions, pretending he tor of the Holy Scriptures: I have possessed the power of pardoning, sworn by the Bible; and to the by order of the Pope, the grossest Bible I will hold." sins, even such as they (the peoBefore he could apply a remedy ple) might intend to commit in against the corruption then pre-future, if they would but pay large yailing, it was necessary that he sums of money; should first become more fully ac-state of things. quainted with its nature and extent; what he chose to demand, were and accordingly it pleased God so furnished by him with letters, testo order the course of events, that tifying that their sins were pardonLuther was commissioned by Dr. ed. These letters were called Stanpitz, in 1516, to visit all clois-letters of absolution. ters in Meissin and Thuringen. And In the year 1517, Tetzel came what did he discover there! How into the neighbourhood of Juterdid he speak and teach! The Bible bock and Wittenberg, from which was what he universally recom- places several of the inhabitants mended to the clergy, and he in- went to him to purchase letters of sisted on order and regularity. absolution. Luther, upon being informed of this, taught the people in his sermons, that no forgiveness of sin could be purchased for money, but that God was willing to give it gratuitously and freely, for Jesus Christ's sake, to all those who were penitent and willing to amend. Yet several came to him to confess great sins. Dr. Luther explained to them the nature of true repentance, but they replied that they stood in need of none, having procured letters of absolution. Luther, distressed and moved to pity by the deception practised on the people, earnestly told them that their letters could avail them nothing, there being no remission of sins without repentance; whereupon they returned to Tetzel, complaining that they had purchased his letters of absolution in vain. Tetzel became so enraged at this, Thus the principal instrument was become prepared and fitted, by various means, for the accomplishment of the great work; and by him the other estimable individuals mentioned before, who saw more and more clearly the justness of Dr. Luther's doctrines, and felt constrained to become his faithful coadjutors, were both instructed and encouraged to proceed. But how was the work of reformation carried on? Just like all divine operations; gradually, and by means of particular circumstances favourably combining, although accompanied by many hindrances and sacrifices. Among the nearest and most important of these circumstances, was the great abuse existing with respect to the system of absolutions. Priests at that time, travelling throughout that he said Luther ought to have | himself, however, wrote to the to his tongue cut out, and then to be Prince, complaining of the protecburnt alive. And in order to create tion he was extending to Luther, alarm, he actually caused a scaf- and demanded anew that he should fold to be erected at Juterbock. send him to Rome. But the Prince But what did Luther do? Confid- feared God, and complied not with ing firmly in God, whose glory he the Pope's desires. Luther's work, sought to promote, he published a meanwhile, made constant prolarge book, wherein he explained gress: he published many good how a man might obtain forgive-books, particularly sermons, which ness of sin. Nay, he wrote down travelled through the world, and ninety-five especial articles on the imparted light and comfort unto subject, and affixed them, accord- many. ing to the custom of the universi- The new year, 1519, brought ties, to the walls of the palace with it a new trial to Luther. The church at Wittenberg, inviting all Pope sent his Chamberlain, Mr. men of learning to discuss the Von Miltit, to the Prince of Saxony, matter with him, and to examine to try either to gain the Prince in whether or not these propositions his favour, or to turn the mind of were true, or whether they were Luther. To meet this messenger, able to disprove his doctrines. Luther was invited to come This took place on the 31st of Oc- Altenburg, and was there urged, in tober, 1517, which day is in many a very friendly manner, to change places celebrated annually as the his mind. Luther replied, "What anniversary of the Reformation, to I have taught I cannot retract, for which great work this was the first I have taught the truth. I am great step. The consternation oc- willing, however, to desist from casioned hereby was so vast, as attacking Tetzel and his followers, speedily to reach the Pope, who, provided they hold their peace, in great rage, commanded Dr. and do not provoke me." Thus Luther to come to Rome, to be outward quietness appeared to be punished; but God protected him. restored, but the enemies of truth He inclined the heart of the pious did not rest. Through their oppoPrince (of Saxony) not to let him sition, they helped to forward the go. He was, however, obliged, in cause of reform. Dr. Eck, a 1518, to appear at Augsburg, to learned man, caused a disputation defend himself before a cardinal, to be held at Leipsic, but he could by whom Luther was commanded not prevail against Luther and to recant all his opinions, and to Carlstadt; incensed at which, he confess that he had been teaching proceeded to Rome, where he error. Dr. Luther replied, "This raised accusations against Luther, I cannot do prove to me from the so strong as to provoke the Pope, Scriptures that it is so." Being in great fury, to excommunicate threatened by the cardinal with punishment, he answered, "I have given up my will to the will of God, and though I had four hundred heads, I would lose them all sooner than retract my doctrine of faith." Whereupon, he was for this time set free. Some time afterwards, the Pope Luther, and all who believed his doctrines; permitting and commanding that they might be deprived of honour, office, property, and life. He caused the writings of Luther to be publicly burnt at Rome. But what did Luther, on hearing this? Surprising is the step he now ventured upon. He took the Pope's bull and others of his papers, and likewise burned them publicly at Wittenberg; thus proving that he cared not for the pretended visible head of the church. God, no doubt, gave him the courage and the strength he thus displayed. prayer to God, and then was en- and then he was dismissed. Oh, brethren, consider the hardness of the conflict, for his life was in danger; but remember also the glorious victory! Oh, the great power of faith and prayer! The emperor had given his promise to have him safely re-conducted to his home, but now the ambassadors of the Pope urgently entreated the emperor not to keep this promise; to whom the emperor nobly replied, "And though truth and faith should be found no where else in the world, they shall yet be found with the Roman emperor." Do you not again perceive here the finger of God? Still many another hard conflict this brave reformer was destined to sustain. God was with him throughout, and Him he trusted and obeyed; wherefore God did not forsake him. A new emperor, Charles V. had mounted the throne, The whole assembly was deeply and before him the Prince of agitated. They looked at one anSaxony and Dr. Luther were ac- other with astonishment. At length cused by the Pope; the Doctor Luther was once more invited to being forthwith summoned to ap-retract, but he continued stedfast, pear at the Diet, to be held at requesting he might not be urged Worms, in 1521, before the empe- to act contrary to his conscience; ror, princes, cardinals, and bishops, in council assembled. Before these he was to defend himself. He was advised by many not to go, seeing the great danger attending such a step; but the brave Reformer replied, "I am called; I must proceed in Christ, though there should be at Worms as many devils as there are tiles on the roofs of the houses, yet I must go." Some reminded him of the fate of John Huss, who was burnt alive at a Diet held one hundred years before; to whom he courageously replied, "And if they made a fire, reaching from Wittenberg to Worms, yet I must go; I must defend the Gospel of Jesus." How noble a mind was Luther's! He arrived at Worms on the 16th of April, and immediately on the following day was summoned to appear before the imperial assembly. Here lay the books published by him. He was asked whether he were willing to retract their contents. He requested time for consideration, which was granted till the following day. What must he have felt then! He spent the whole night in But our hero for the truth had not yet escaped from all dangers. After his departure, the ambassadors succceded so far as to induce the emperor silently to permit his being proclaimed " a banished man;" that is, his life was placed at the mercy of every man who might meet him. Luther was thus in the most imminent danger, but his God was with him. He disposed the heart of the Prince to send for him secretly, whilst yet |