The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 123

judicious friends had somewhat lessened the gloomy effects of his
former training. He applied himself to the study of the best authors,
diligently treasuring their most weighty thoughts and making the
wisdom of the wise his own. Even under the harsh discipline of his
former instructors he had early given promise of distinction, and with
favorable influences his mind rapidly developed. A retentive memory,
a lively imagination, strong reasoning powers, and untiring application
soon placed him in the foremost rank among his associates. Intellectual
discipline ripened his understanding and aroused an activity of mind and
a keenness of perception that were preparing him for the conflicts of his
life.
The fear of the Lord dwelt in the heart of Luther, enabling him to
maintain his steadfastness of purpose and leading him to deep humility
before God. He had an abiding sense of his dependence upon divine
aid, and he did not fail to begin each day with prayer, while his heart
was continually breathing a petition for guidance and support. “To pray
well,” he often said, “is the better half of study.”—D’Aubigne, b. 2, ch.
2.
While one day examining the books in the library of the university,
Luther discovered a Latin Bible. Such a book he had never before seen.
He was ignorant even of its existence. He had heard portions of the
Gospels and Epistles, which were read to the people at public worship,
and he supposed that these were the entire Bible. Now, for the first time,
he looked upon the whole of God’s word. With mingled awe and wonder
he turned the sacred pages; with quickened pulse and throbbing heart he
read for himself the words of life, pausing now and then to exclaim: “O
that God would give me such a book for myself!”—Ibid., b. 2, ch. 2.
Angels of heaven were by his side, and rays of light from the throne of
God revealed the treasures of truth to his understanding. He had ever
feared to offend God, but now the deep conviction of his condition as a
sinner took hold upon him as never before.

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