Luther had been a monk nearly two years when, on May 2, 1507, he was ordained a priest. He had invited his father to be present at the ceremony, and had asked him to choose the day. John Luther accepted the invitation, and showed his affection and generosity by presenting the young priest with twenty florins.
After the ordination, John dined at the convent with his son and the other Augustine monks. The conversation turned to the subject of Luther’s entering the monastery. The monks praised him greatly for so doing; but the father, turning to his son, said, “Have you not read in Scripture that you should obey your father and mother?” These words sank deeply into Luther’s heart.
New scenes were now about to open before the young priest, and a different, but more congenial position was to be assigned to him.
Staupitz, who had not forgotten the young monk, but corresponded frequently with him, spoke of him to Frederick, the good and wise Elector of Saxony, who invited him to become professor at the University of Wittenberg. This was in 1508.
Upon his arrival at Wittenberg he went to the Augustine convent, where a cell was prepared for him; for though now a professor, he still remained a monk. He zealously entered upon his new duties, and was appointed to teach a great many learned and difficult subjects. But his desire was for the Bible — for time to study it himself, and for opportunity to teach it to others. He continued the study of Greek and Hebrew, so that he might be able to read the Scriptures in their original languages. A few months after this, having obtained the degree of Bachelor of Divinity, he was called upon to lecture on the Bible every day at one o’clock.
Luther was now engaged in a work that he loved. The Word of God became more and more precious to him, and he delighted to impart its truths to his pupils. While studying for one of his lectures a bright light seemed to shine upon Romans 1:77To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7), “The just shall live by faith.” This text had a great influence in molding the character of the reformer.
Staupitz rejoiced in the talents of his friend, and, wishing him to be still more useful, asked him to preach in the Church of the Augustines. “No, no!” he replied, “it is no slight thing to speak before men in the place of God.” Staupitz persevered, and at last Luther yielded.
In the middle of the Square at Wittenberg stood an old wooden chapel, thirty feet long and twenty wide.
Its walls were propped up on all sides, and an old pulpit, made of planks, three feet high, received the preacher. In this humble place the preaching of the Reformation began.
The minds of the people at this time were not enlightened. God’s Word was unknown. Ignorance and superstition prevailed. They worshiped old bones, which they were told had been parts of the bodies of holy men, bits of wood, and other relics. They heard prayers in Latin, and bowed down at the mass. If they did wrong they went to a priest, confessed, and did penance; or procured an indulgence. They believed in a dreadful purgatory, in whose flames the souls of the departed must be tortured until satisfaction had been made for their crimes. The bishops and priests were too often bad men, who gained money by picturing the dreadful sufferings of those in purgatory, telling the people that if they paid money the tortured souls of those they loved would be liberated sooner. Truly darkness covered the land, and gross darkness the people.
Luther preached. He was still a Papist, but he was drawing truth from the Bible. Everything about the new minister was striking. His clear voice, his noble air, his expressive countenance, charmed his hearers; while the deep seriousness of his manner, and the joy that evidently filled his heart, when he spoke of the love of Christ for sinners, gave to his eloquence authority and warmth which deeply impressed his hearers.
His fame spread far and wide, the little chapel could not contain the crowds that flocked to it, and Luther was asked to preach in the parish church. Frederick the Elector once came to Wittenberg to hear him.
In a service which Thy love appoints,
There are no bonds for me:
For my secret heart is taught the truth
That makes Thy people free;
And a life of self-renouncing love,
Is a life of liberty.