Page 13 - 08 Luther Before the Diet

out for them. They shrank from the

perplexity of searching for anything better. It

was easier to trust their salvation to the

priests and the pope than to seek for purity of

heart.

But another class received with gladness the

tidings of redemption through Christ. The

observances enjoined by Rome had failed to

bring peace of soul, and in faith they accepted

the Saviour's blood as their propitiation.

These returned to their homes to reveal to

others the precious light which they had

received. The truth was thus carried from

hamlet to hamlet, from town to town, and the

number of pilgrims to the Virgin's shrine

greatly lessened. There was a falling off in the

offerings, and consequently in the salary of

Zwingli, which was drawn from them. But

this caused him only joy as he saw that the