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 colaborers . 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
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