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 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 cloistered 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 to benefit his fellow men.

Nero og Cæsar var anerkendte af verden som store mænd; mon Herren derfor anså dem? Nej! for de var ikke forenet ved en levende tro med kærlighedens store kilde. De var i verden, spiste, drak og sov som mænd af verden; men de lignede Djævelen i deres grusomhed. Hvor som helst disse uhyrer i menneskelig skikkelse gik, fulgte blodsudgydelse og fordærvelse. De blev prist og æret, medens de levede; men verden frydede sig ved deres død. Martin Luthers liv var en stærk modsætning til disse mænds. Han blev ikke født som prins. Han bar heller ikke en kongelig krone. Fra en klostercelle lød hans røst, og derfra gik hans indflydelse. Hans hjerte var ædelt og mildt. Hans gode forstand og hans kraft blev anvendt til menneskeslægtens lykke for tid og evighed.