Page 27 - 10 Progress of Reform in Germany

some souls would be convicted of the truth

and, receiving the word with gladness, would

in their turn tell the good news to others.

The words of Inspiration were verified: “The

entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth

understanding unto the simple.” Psalm

119:130. The study of the Scriptures was

working a mighty change in the minds and

hearts of the people. The papal rule had

placed upon its subjects an iron yoke which

held them in ignorance and degradation. A

superstitious observance of forms had been

scrupulously maintained; but in all their

service the heart and intellect had had little

part. The preaching of Luther, setting forth

the plain truths of God's word, and then the

word itself, placed in the hands of the

common people, had aroused their dormant

powers, not only purifying and ennobling the