. The great controversy between Christ and Satan during the Christian dispensation . k was tobe put upon the arrogant power which denied the right ofappeal from its decisions. But the sin-loving and superstitious multitudes were terri-fied as the sophistries that had soothed their fears were sweptaway. Crafty ecclesiastics, interrupted in their work of sanc-tioning crime, and seeing theirgains endangered, were enraged,and rallied to uphold their pretensions. The reformer hadbitter accusers to meet. Some charged him with actinghastily and from impulse. Others accused him of presump-tion, declar
. The great controversy between Christ and Satan during the Christian dispensation . k was tobe put upon the arrogant power which denied the right ofappeal from its decisions. But the sin-loving and superstitious multitudes were terri-fied as the sophistries that had soothed their fears were sweptaway. Crafty ecclesiastics, interrupted in their work of sanc-tioning crime, and seeing theirgains endangered, were enraged,and rallied to uphold their pretensions. The reformer hadbitter accusers to meet. Some charged him with actinghastily and from impulse. Others accused him of presump-tion, declaring that he was not directed of God, but was act-ing from pride and forwardness. Who does not know, heresponded, that one can seldom advance a new idea with-out having some appearance of pride, and without beingaccused of exciting quarrels? Why were Christ and all themartyrs put to death?—Because they appeared proud despis-ers of the wisdom of the times in which they lived, andbecause they brought forward new truths without havingfirst consulted the oracles of the old LUTHERS SEPARATION FROM ROME. 131 Again he declared: What I am doing will not be effectedby the prudence of man, but by the counsel of God. If thework be of God, who shall stop it? If it be not, who shallforward it? Not my will, not theirs, not ours, but thy will,holy Father who art in Heaven! Though Luther had been moved by the Spirit of God tobegin his work, he was not to carry it forward without severeconflicts. The reproaches of his enemies, their misrepresen-tation of his purposes, and their unjust and malicious reflec-tions upon his character and motives, came in upon himlike an overwhelming flood; and they were not withouteffect. He had felt confident that the leaders of the people,both in the church and in the schools, would gladly unitewith him in efforts for reform. Words of encouragementfrom those in high position had inspired him with joy andhope. Already in anticipation he had seen a brig
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