. A church history for the use of schools and colleges . them out with determinedenergy. Even in esthetic lines he was richly endowed. With musicand song he refreshed himself during leisure moments, and was awarm friend of other arts. He especially appreciated whatevercontributed to increase the devotion and solemnity of the churchservice. In his hymns, he has himself given the Church the bestmeans for attuning the heart to reverence and devotion. In themsublimity is clothed in childlike simplicity, fervency and depth offeeling in intuitive clearness, and the whole breathes a spirit ofChristia
. A church history for the use of schools and colleges . them out with determinedenergy. Even in esthetic lines he was richly endowed. With musicand song he refreshed himself during leisure moments, and was awarm friend of other arts. He especially appreciated whatevercontributed to increase the devotion and solemnity of the churchservice. In his hymns, he has himself given the Church the bestmeans for attuning the heart to reverence and devotion. In themsublimity is clothed in childlike simplicity, fervency and depth offeeling in intuitive clearness, and the whole breathes a spirit ofChristian heroism and ardent devotion. The first German hymnalwas published in 1524, and the following year a new edition wasrequired. Even in our English hymnals Luthers hymns are amongthe brightest gems, as for instance A mighty Fortress is ourGod. In disposition Luther was frank and sprightly, often playful,and possessed of a large fund of humor. In society he spread joyand sunshine about him. He was at the same time hasty and THE REFORMATION IN GERMANY 189. 190 THE MODERN ERA impetuous and easily aroused against his opponents. This fault,however, he humbly acknowledged, and often wished that he couldmist as softly as Melanchthon, but of swords you can not makedown, nor peace of war. Inward conflicts and physical afflictionscaused him many dark moments, but by constant faith and prayerhe passed through them all. His capacity for work was remarkable, and it was often taxedto the utmost. He was a diligent lecturer at the university,preached often, was sought as a spiritual adviser by a vast numberof persons, did the main part of the work of organizing and super-intending the new Church, and yet he found time to give counseland advice to princes and others in important matters, and to carryon an extensive correspondence. Moreover he gave to his con-temporaries and to posterity an invaluable treasure in his Bibletranslation and his many other important works, which were prin-cipally of
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