I have just finished "D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation." How
many noble characters are here brought to light! how many fervent
Christians--how many lofty souls--how many holy hearts! The firm and
undaunted Luther, the gentle Melancthon, the brave and courageous
Zwingle, the mild Ecolampadi--us, the zealous and fiery Farel--and a
host of others equally noble in the Master's cause. And yet they all
had their faults; not one of them was perfect. Though we may sometimes
feel to deplore their failings, yet surely it is a comfort to the poor
Christian, beset with temptations and wandering daily from the
straight and narrow path, to look back upon the lives of the best of
earth's sons--the noblest and the holiest,--and behold that even they
sometimes went astray. It buoys up his soul with new hope and courage.
It bids it cast aside every thought of justification save by faith in
Jesus Christ. It increases that faith, and directs the weary pilgrim
to the feet of Him who alone is holy and perfect.--June 30,1852.