p. 138 | LUTHER'S LOVE FOR THE BIBLE by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · March 3, 1885

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 9

LUTHER'S LOVE FOR THE BIBLE.

By A. S. Hutchins

When Luther was about twenty-four years of age, he discovered a Latin copy of the Bible lying in the library of the monastery. He eagerly laid hold of this neglected book, and persevered in studying it with so much diligence that he was able, in a short time, to refer with ease and promptitude to any particular passage.—Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, p. 760.

In this work we find many points of interest respecting this great reformer. We are now reading Volume IV. of “Great Controversy,” in which we find a feast of valuable instruction respecting the life, devotion, and arduous labors of this man of God. Upon the Scriptures he based his faith. Here he stood firm as the mountains. When before the Diet of Worms, in answer to the question, “Will you or will you not retract?” his answer was: “Since your most serene majesty and princes require a simple answer, I will give it thus: Unless I shall be convinced by proofs from the Scriptures or by evident reasons (for I believe neither in popes nor counsels, since they have frequently erred and contradicted themselves), I cannot choose but adhere to the word of God, which has possession of my conscience. Nor can I possibly, nor will I ever, make any recantation, since it is neither safe nor honest to act contrary to conscience. Here I take my stand. I cannot do otherwise. God be my help! Amen.”

Volume IV., from which we quote, is a work of great value. Dear brethren and sisters, let us read it, and use our influence to have others read it also. God speaks to us for our profit and salvation. A. S. HUTCHINS.