Page 52 - 07 Luther's Separation from Rome

whether the pope is antichrist himself, or his

apostle, so greatly is Christ misrepresented

and crucified in them.”—Ibid., b. 5, ch. 1. Yet

at this time Luther was still a supporter of the

Roman Church, and had no thought that he

would ever separate from her communion.

The Reformer's writings and his doctrine

were extending to every nation in

Christendom. The work spread to

Switzerland and Holland. Copies of his

writings found their way to France and Spain.

In England his teachings were received as the

word of life. To Belgium and Italy also the

truth had extended. Thousands were

awakening from their deathlike stupor to the

joy and hope of a life of faith.

Rome became more and more exasperated by

the attacks of Luther, and it was declared by

some of his fanatical opponents, even by