Luther was now eighteen, a young man earnestly thirsting for knowledge. His father wished him to study law, and hoped great things for his talented son. He sent him to the University of Erfurt. This was in 1501. Here he attentively studied the philosophy of the Middle Ages, and read Cicero, Virgil, and other classic authors. The whole university admired his genius; but even at this time he did not learn merely to cultivate the intellect and win worldly fame. A deeper importance began to attach itself to his studies, and those serious thoughts and that heart directed heavenward, which God gives to those whom He purposes to make His most zealous ministers, were his. He felt his dependence upon God, and earnestly asked His blessing upon all that he engaged in. “To pray well,” he said, “is the better half of study.”
All his spare time he spent in the library of the university — and a new impulse and direction were about to be given his desires. One day, when he had been at Erfurt about two years, he was taking down book after book, looking at the authors’ names. One in particular attracted his attention. Holding it in his hands, he read the title — paused — read again. A Bible! a rare book, unknown in those days. He opened its pages, and the story of Hannah and young Samuel was before him. His soul was full of joy as he read it, and he returned home with the thought: “Oh, if God would give me such a book for my own!” Day after day found him in the library reading the newly discovered treasure.
At this time he twice narrowly escaped death. His severe study brought on a dangerous illness, and his friends thought that he would die. He feared so himself. To a kind old priest who visited him, he said, “Soon I shall be called away from this world.” But the old man replied, “My dear bachelor, take courage; you will not die of this illness. Our God will yet make of you a man who, in turn, shall console many.”
Shortly after, he was going home to spend a short time with his parents, and, according to the custom of the age, wore a sword. The blade accidentally fell out, and cut one of his principal arteries. The blood gushed forth. His companion fled for assistance, and Luther, left alone, lay down on his back, trying in vain to stop the bleeding by pressing his finger upon the wound. Thinking death was near he cried, “O Mary, help me!” He then trusted in Mary; later on, his only trust was in Jesus.
Yet another event occurred to direct his thoughts to the subject of death. A dear friend, named Alexis, was assassinated. He was very much grieved, and said, “What would become of me if I were thus called away without warning?”
While his father was urging him to study law, his heart told him that religion was the one thing needful, and his thoughts turned toward a monastic life. He felt that if he were shut out from the world he would become holy, and that the sins which troubled him so much would depart.
It is 1505, and Luther has been made Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. We see that he is becoming a learned man.
He has again paid his parents a visit, and is returning to Erfurt. When a short distance from that city a violent thunder-storm comes on. The lightning flashes, the thunder roars, the bolt seems to fall at his feet. He is greatly terrified, and falls upon his knees. Death, the judgment, eternity, are all present before him. He makes a solemn vow that if God will spare him, he will forsake the world and devote himself to religion. The storm passes away, and he rises from his knees. The sun shines, but darkness remains upon his heart. He feels that he must become holy; but how? As yet he knows nothing of the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood. To become a monk is his idea of finding holiness.
He enters Erfurt again, and one evening he invites his college friends to a cheerful but frugal supper. All are happy; but while the merry talk goes on, Luther tells them of his resolve. They are sad, and beg him not to go; but to no avail. That night, taking with him only a few books, he leaves for the convent of St. Augustine. Asking admittance, he is received, and the talented young doctor is separated from the world. Only twenty-two, and shut away from his parents and all that he loves best on earth!
Dying souls, fast bound in sin,
Trembling and repining;
With no ray of light Divine
On your pathway shining;
Why in darkness wander on,
Filled with consternation?
Jesus lives — in Him alone
Can you find salvation.