of reformation. When the seven thunders uttered their voices, John "was
about to write," (ch. x. 4.) He was about to proclaim a final victory!
He was too sanguine. "The time was not yet." Just so in the case of his
legitimate successors in the work of the Lord. Confident in the power
and faithfulness of Michael their Prince, confident in the righteousness
of their cause, fondly hoping that at this time their Master is about to
restore again the kingdom to Israel, they prematurely exclaim,--"Now is
come salvation."--In reaping the first fruits of victory, they
anticipate the harvest of final and absolute conquest, (ch. xiv. 8.)
Indeed, the salvation of God and the power of his Christ, were
experienced by great multitudes during the time of this contest. The
saints experienced times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.
Then followed a work of grace, both on the continent of Europe and in
the British Isles; Christians entering into solemn covenant bonds with
God and with one another, whereby the kingdom of God was rendered more
visible among mankind than in the "dark ages." The weapons, with which
the saints overcame the dragon, were not carnal, but mighty. These, we
are told, were "the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony."
They believed and they taught in opposition to the popular doctrine of
good works and penances, that the righteousness which the law of God
requires of a sinner, is provided by a Surety; that the blood of Christ
alone cleanses believers from the guilt of sin, and thus justifies them
in the sight of God. No man ever used stronger language than Luther in
denouncing the supposed efficacy of works, or in asserting the
sovereignty of free grace, in the justification of a sinner. Indeed it
was the deep impression which the doctrine of justification made upon
the hearts of men, and the firm hold which faith took of it, that
enabled and constrained them to forsake the Romish church and to seek
and erect a separate fellowship. This was with them "the word of
Christ's patience." Other doctrines of grace were, of course, connected