[303] Emebam providentia (sine dubio) divina. (Foxe, iv. p. 633.) I bought it doubtless, under the guidance of divine providence. He opened it--his eyes caught these words: _This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief_.[304] He laid down the book, and meditated on the astonishing declaration. "What! St. Paul the chief of sinners, and yet St. Paul is sure of being saved!" He read the verse again and again. "O assertion of St. Paul, how sweet art thou to my soul!" he exclaimed.[305] This declaration continually haunted him, and in this manner God instructed him in the secret of his heart.[306] He could not tell what had happened to him;[307] it seemed as if a refreshing wind were blowing over his soul, or as if a rich treasure had been placed in his hands. The Holy Spirit took what was Christ's, and announced it to him. "I also am like Paul," exclaimed he with emotion, "and more than Paul, the greatest of sinners!... But Christ saves sinners. At last I have heard of Jesus."[308] [304] 1 Tim. i, 15. [305] O mihi suavissimam Pauli sententiam! Foxe, iv, p. 633. [306] Hac una sententia, Deo intus in corde meo docente. (Ibid.) By this one sentence, God teaching inwardly in my heart. [307] Quod tunc fieri ignorabam. (Ibid.) Because then I knew not what was being done. [308] Tandem de Jesu audiebam. Ibid. His doubts were ended--he was saved. Then took place in him a wonderful transformation. An unknown joy pervaded him;[309] his conscience until then sore with the wounds of sin was healed;[310] instead of despair he felt an inward peace passing all understanding.[311] "Jesus Christ," exclaimed he, "Yes, Jesus Christ saves!"... Such is the character of the Reformation: it is Jesus Christ who saves and not the church. "I see it all," said Bilney; "my vigils, my fasts, my pilgrimages, my purchase of masses and indulgences, were destroying instead of saving me.[312] All these efforts were, as St. Augustine says, a hasty running out of the right way."[313] [309] Sic exhilaravit pectus meum. Ibid. [310] Peccatorum conscientia saucium ac pene desperabundum. Ibid. [311] Nescio quantam intus tranquillitatem sentire. Ibid. [312] Didici omnes meos conatus, etc. Ibid. [313] Quod ait Augustinus, celerem cursum extra viam. Ibid.