The Text of the Bible by David S. New

Author:David S. New
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Published: 2013-05-01T00:00:00+00:00

16

Room with a View

It was important that Luther not be recognized by visitors to the castle. Until the hair on his head filled in his monk’s tonsure and his beard was of sufficient length to hide his identity he was strictly confined. He was instructed in the forms and manners of knighthood, for his disguise would be that of a knight. He was dressed, and addressed, appropriately.

Through the window of his small chamber Luther’s eyes feasted on a breathtaking view. High above the ground, he looked out over miles of rolling hills—the magnificent Thuringian Forest. This idyllic environment offered respite from the often meaningless busyness of human concourse, an opportunity to relax, to breathe deeply of fresh country air, to savor the open skies, the warm sunshine, the cool woodlands.

Many would find hiding out in a castle in the hills under disguise adventurous and romantic. But not Luther. He was restless. Spending days beside a gently meandering stream, listening to the rustling of the trees and watching the wildlife, was not for him. He was invited to join a hunting party, but failed to get into the spirit of it. Spying a rabbit, he hid it in the sleeve of his cloak, hoping to preserve its life. But the dogs sniffed it out and bit through the cloth killing it.

The garrulous and extroverted Luther took no pleasure in this lonely life. He wanted to get on with the serious business of religious reform. There was much to be done. The days weighed heavily upon him. His ambitious spirit chafed. His mind was elsewhere. He saw only three persons: the warden of the castle, who watched over Luther as if he were a prisoner, and the noble’s sons who twice a day brought food and drink. The contrast between his present solitude and inactivity and his exciting public life only weeks previously was almost too much to bear. He had never been particularly in favor of this whole scheme. He began to regret following his friends’ advice. He berated himself for not having been more aggressive before the assembly. Better had he continued preaching, even if it meant a martyr’s death.

Alone, Luther was once again haunted by former doubts and fears. The Prince of Darkness prodded him with questions: Was he alone right, and centuries of pious Christians in error? How could he be sure he was right? Might he be leading others into eternal damnation? Unfamiliar sounds in the empty castle began to sound like the rustling of demons’ wings. By himself, in a room in a vast castle out in the middle of nowhere, Luther felt a perfect target for all the forces Satan could muster.

Time passed, and Luther gradually settled into the slower pace of existence. His friend Spalatin acted as intermediary between Luther and the outside world. He supervised Luther’s correspondence and manuscripts, at times suppressing those considered imprudent. He kept Luther informed of, and involved with, the initial events of the Reformation.

Luther made time move faster by immersing himself in hard work.

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