One of these prophets claimed to have been instructed by the angel Gabriel . A student who united with him forsook his studies , declaring that he had been endowed by God Himself with wisdom to expound His word . Others who were naturally inclined to fanaticism united with them . The proceedings of these enthusiasts created no little excitement . The preaching of Luther had aroused the people everywhere to feel the necessity of reform , and now some really honest persons were misled by the pretensions of the new prophets . The leaders of the movement proceeded to Wittenberg and urged their claims upon Melanchthon and his co-labourers . Said they : " We are sent by God to instruct the people . We have held familiar conversations with the Lord ; we know what will happen ; in a word , we are apostles and prophets , and appeal to Dr . Luther ." -- Ibid ., b . 9 , ch . 7 .
The Reformers were astonished and perplexed . This was such an element as they had never before encountered , and they knew not what course to pursue . Said Melanchthon : " There are indeed extraordinary spirits in these men ; but what spirits ? . . . On the one hand , let us beware of quenching the Spirit of God , and on the other , of being led astray by the spirit of Satan ." -- Ibid ., b . 9 , ch . 7 . The fruit of the new teaching soon became apparent . The people were led to neglect the Bible or to cast it wholly aside . The schools were thrown into confusion . Students , spurning all restraint , abandoned their studies and withdrew from the university . The men who thought themselves competent to revive and control the work of the Reformation succeeded only in bringing it to the verge of ruin . The Romanists now regained their confidence and exclaimed exultingly : " One last struggle , and all will be ours ." -- Ibid ., b . 9 , ch . 7 .
Luther at the Wartburg , hearing of what had occurred , said with deep concern : " I always expected that Satan would send us this plague ." -- Ibid ., b . 9 , ch . 7 . He perceived the true character of those pretended prophets and saw the danger that threatened the cause of truth . The opposition of the pope and the emperor had not caused him so great perplexity and distress as he now experienced . From the professed friends of the Reformation had risen its worst enemies . The very truths which had brought him so great joy and consolation were being employed to stir up strife and create confusion in the church .
In the work of reform , Luther had been urged forward by the Spirit of God , and had been carried beyond himself . He had not purposed to take such positions as he did , or to make so radical changes . He had been but the instrument in the hand of Infinite Power . Yet he often trembled for the result of his work . He had once said : " If I knew that my doctrine injured one man , one single man , however lowly and obscure , --which it cannot , for it is the gospel itself , -- I would rather die ten times than not retract it ." -- Ibid ., b . 9 , ch . 7 .
And now Wittenberg itself , the very centre of the Reformation , was fast falling under the power of fanaticism and lawlessness . This terrible condition had not resulted from the teachings of Luther ; but throughout Germany his enemies were charging it upon him . In bitterness of soul he
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