The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1861-07-03
OSKAL00sA, KANSAS.
GREAT EVENTS.

dence in guiding the affairs of the world
is usually hidden from men. SO that
while they are carrying out the pur-
poses of the Most High, they are in
entire ignorance of the ends they are
accomplishing for the veal Of mankind;
for all things designed by the great
Ruler Of events. ultimately tend to bless
and benefit the human race. however
''dark aud mysterious" TO the short
sighted wisdom of men they may ap-
pear while being enacted.
When, in the "fullness of time," the
period for the great Reformation which
commenced in the latter part of the
first quarter of the sixteenth century
had arrived, and the days of the 'Ini-
quity that worketh denominations were
to be numbered, God opened the way
for the dispersion of the thick darkness
which overspread the world as dense
cloud bys means almost unknown to
men. In her arrogance. the Romish
Hierarchy went forth to do "whatso-
ever she pleased" and her indulgences
were sold IS common marketing in the
streets or as huckster would dispose
of his merchandise in his stall or at his
stand. They were advertised for sale.
snd rich were compelled to buy them
or suffer the fires of purgatory or hell,
or both. Thus were men induced TO
s;o. because they could purchase abso-
luton from the hands of the priest.
And the indulgence vendors became so
presumptuous as to grant pardons IN
odvance of all the sins man should
commit in the next six months or twelve
months, no matter how great their
terpitude. whether murder, theft, rob-
berry. perjury or what else dark and
damnable william might plan for re-
venge or linceatiousness! Armed with
free and fall pardon from the priest,
which he had been taught to regard as
Of the utmost value, and entirely valid
in the court of heaven, the man had no
restraint in carrying out the evil incli-
nations Of his heart.
An obscure monk, the son Of poor
parents. saw the enormity of this crime
on the part of Pope and priests, and
denounced it in strong terms. Bat
LUTHER had no intention of fighting
the Pope. On the contrary he at first
defended him. and charged the indul-
gence pedlars with the courrupt prac-
tce condemned. But without his own
knowledge of the fact, God was leading
this unknown monk to the light, that
he might become the instrument of the
great work which He had to accom-
plish through the instrumentality Of
sea- Step by step Luther as led on.
untii At last his eyes were fully opened.
He stood up before the princes, priests
and potentstes at Worms, hero such
Is the world had not produced for CEN
turies.
But it seemed a small thing at first
that he should denounce Tetzel and his
mdulgences. and he a small instrument
70 accomplish; the mighty work Of God.
But be measured arms with the Pope,
and came off victor-yet not he. but
God who used him. The darkness of
the thousand years Of superstition and
misrule in Church and State was scat
tered and the sun of Truth once more
seaned upon the world.
So when this New World was to be
Peopled with the men who were to give
character to its institutions and become
the pioneers to a new Canaan for hu-
manity. Heaven made use Of the wick
edness Of man TO accomplish his pur-
poses. II was apparently small thing
for the naughty Elizabeth Of England,
Who wished to be kind of Pope Of
Proiestantism. to Danish John Robin
son and his small congregation Of poor
but sincere worshipers, after hanging
two pastors in the most brutal manner.
But God vas leading this little band to
noble destiny 1t was a. happy day
for America when at Deli. Haven, the
small party went on board the Speed
veil 70 sail for their new home, while
Robinson. who had exhorted and coun.
ssled with them all night, kneit on the
sand Of the beech and with uplifted
haods and streaming eyes. committed
them to the merciful care of the Ruler
Of winds and waves and prayed for
their prosperity. while the breezes
which filed the sails of the vessel, toy
ed with his silver.white locks, which
bsng in long waves upon bis shoulders.
Afterwards the Mayhower landed
these Pilgrims upor the bleak shores of