Nero and Caesar were acknowledged by the world as great men, but did God regard them as such? No; they were not connected by living faith to the great Heart of humanity. They were in the world, and ate, and drank, and slept, as men of the world; but they were satanic in their cruelty. Wherever these monsters of humanity went, bloodshed and destruction marked their pathway. They were lauded by the world while they were living; but when they were buried, the world rejoiced. In contrast with the lives of these men is that of Luther. He was not born a prince. He wore no royal crown. From a cloister cell his voice was heard and his influence felt. He had a humane heart, which was exercised for the good of men. He stood bravely for truth and right, and breasted the world’s opposition, that he might benefit his fellow men. {4T 519.2}

Nero og Cæsar blev anerkendt af verden som store mænd, men betragter Gud dem som sådant? Nej; de havde ikke knyttet en levende tro på det store menneskehedens Hjerte. De var i verden og åd og drak og sov, som verdens mænd; men de var sataniske i deres grusomhed. Hvorend disse menneskehedens monstre gik hen, markerede blodsudgydelse og ødelæggelse deres stivej. De blev berømt i verden da de levede; men da de blev begravet, jublede verden. Som kontrast til disse mænds liv er Luthers liv. Han var ikke født som prins. Han bar ingen kongekrone. Fra et kammer i et kloster blev hans røst hørt og hans indflydelse mærket. Han havde et humant hjerte, som blev brugt til menneskers gode. Han stod bravt for sandheden og det rigtige og kæmpede sig igennem verdens modstand, så han kunne være sine medmennesker til gavn.