secure this object , and he secretly rejoiced that a better influence was making itself felt in the church . He saw also that as a professor in the university Luther was eminently successful . Only a year had passed since the Reformer posted his theses on the castle church , yet there was already a great falling off in the number of pilgrims that visited the church at the festival of All Saints . Rome had been deprived of worshipers and offerings , but their place was filled by another class , who now came to Wittenberg , not pilgrims to adore her relics , but students to fill her halls of learning . The writings of Luther had kindled everywhere a new interest in the Holy Scriptures , and not only from all parts of Germany , but from other lands , students flocked to the university . Young men , coming in sight of Wittenberg for the first time , " raised their hands to heaven , and praised God for having caused the light of truth to shine forth from this city , as from Zion in times of old , and whence it spread even to the most distant countries ." -- Ibid ., b . 4 , ch . 10 .
Luther was as yet but partially converted from the errors of Romanism . But as he compared the Holy Oracles with the papal decrees and constitutions , he was filled with wonder . " I am reading ," he wrote , " the decrees of the pontiffs , and . . . I do not know 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 doctors in Catholic universities , that he who should kill the rebellious monk would be without sin . One day a stranger , with a pistol hidden under his cloak , approached the Reformer and inquired why he went thus alone . " I am in God ' s hands ," answered Luther . " He is my strength and my shield . What can man do unto me ?" -- Ibid ., b . 6 , ch . 2 . Upon hearing these words , the stranger turned pale and fled away as from the presence of the angels of heaven . Rome was bent upon the destruction of Luther ; but God was his defense . His doctrines were heard everywhere-- " in cottages and convents , . . . in the castles of the nobles , in the universities , and in the palaces of kings ;" and noble men were rising on every hand to sustain his efforts . -- Ibid ., b . 6 , ch . 2 .
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