THEIR AUTHORS AND ORIGIN. 17
vernacular German. In all, his activity was sustained, as at other times in his life, by much communion with God. His New Testament was not completed till he had returned to Wittenberg, and availed himself of the assistance of his friend Melancthon. It was printed in 1522, and in Luther s forcible and idiomatic language was soon pouring forth by thousands from the presses of Wittenberg, for the newly-discovered power of the printing- press had come just in time to circulate Luther s stirring works throughout Germany and the world. Thus one strong hand sowed widely the fruitful seeds of the Reformation. He did not complete the whole Bible till 1530.
In 1524 Luther threw oif his monastic dress, and in 1525 he married Catherine de Bora, a nun who had left her convent. In 1529 the reformed princes assembled at Spires, and separated from Home by the "Protest" against the decree that was aimed at the Lutherans ; and in 1530 the Lutherans presented their confession of faith at a diet at Augsburg.
Luther spent the remainder of his life in comparative quietude at Wittenberg, happy in his home, extensively useful by his writings, lectures, and letters, and cheered by seeing the Refor mation extending into all parts of Europe. His internal suffer ings were great during his later years, but his last illness con tinued only a few hours ; and he was able to carry on his various labours almost till the day of his death. The calm Christian courage of his dying hour was in harmony with the confidence of his life. Along with other favourite passages, he thrice repeated the words, " Into Thy hands I commend my spirit, Thou hast re deemed me, God of truth," and so fell asleep in Jesus. He died on the 18th February, 1546.
Besides the works already mentioned, Luther wrote many con troversial works, one of the best known of which, is his reply to Henry VIII. s "Defence of the Sacraments." His "Table Talk," and his " Commentary on the Galatians," are also promi nent amongst his works. Besides these, he wrote commentaries on several books of the Bible, and his translation was accom-
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