"Oh, how precious to Luther was this new and glorious light which had dawned upon his dark understanding and driven away his superstition! He prized it higher than the richest earthly treasure. The Word of God was new. Everything was changed.
The book he had dreaded because he could not see beauty in it, was now life, eternal life, to him.
It was his *joy, his *consolation, his *blessed teacher.
Raising his voice against the errors and sins of the papal church, he earnestly endeavored to break the chain of darkness which was confining thousands and causing them to trust in works for salvation.
God raised up men to cry against the existing sins of the papal church and carry forward the Reformation. Satan sought to destroy these living witnesses; but the Lord made a hedge about them.
Some, for the glory of His name, were permitted to seal with their blood the testimony they had borne; but there were other powerful men, like Luther and Melanchthon, who could best glorify God by living and exposing the sins of priests, popes, and kings."
Early Writings p.222 E.G.W.
And they that understand among
the people shall instruct many:
yet they shall fall by the sword,
and by flame, by captivity,
and by spoil, many days.
Daniel 11:33