which he relied on the Holy Scriptures
imparted great authority to his teaching. In him also every action of
his life corresponded with his words. It is known that these discourses
do not proceed merely from his lips--they have their source in his
heart, and are practised in all his works. Many influential men, won
over by the holiness of his life, and by the beauty of his genius, not
only have not opposed him, but have embraced the doctrine to which he
gave testimony by his works. The more men love Christian virtues, the
more men incline to Dr Martin. But I need say no more to refute the
calumnies which have been uttered against him. See what instances he
has given, too, of his dauntless character. When the plague broke out
here he refused to fly, but remained employed in translating the New
Testament. See how boldly he nailed his theses against indulgences to
the church doors; how bravely he burnt the Pope's bull. Although the
Elector would not allow Tetzel to enter his dominions, he got to a place
within four miles of Wittemburg, and many people purchased indulgences.
While Dr Martin was seated in the confessional, many of these poor
dupes came to him and acknowledged themselves guilty of excesses.
`Adultery, licentiousness, usury, ill-gotten gains'--still they would
not promise to abandon their crimes, but trusting to their letters of
indulgence obtained from Tetzel, showed them, and maintained their
virtue. Dr Martin replied, `Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish.' This circumstance still further opened his eyes to the abuses
and evil system of the Church to which he belonged, but not even yet had
the idea of separating from her occurred to his mind, not indeed until
the Pope anathematised Dr Martin for speaking the truth did he
acknowledge that he was indeed Antichrist, and that no true Christians
could hold communion with him."

Eric soon became as warm an admirer of Dr Martin Luther, as was his
friend, Albert von Otten. The Reformation movement was now proceeding,
seemingly with far more rapid strides than before. The Bible was being
disseminated; the convents thrown open--or, at all events, their inmates
were leaving them--superstitions were being abolished; a pure form of
worship was being established in numerous places; and, what was of the
greatest importance, young men of high talent and courage were being
educated in the principles of the Reformation to spread the pure light
of the G