Protestantism in Sweden and Denmark - James Aitken Wylie

exactions of the monks, and the demoralizing
influence of the beliefs and rites of the old
superstition. Teachers of the truth, as contained in
the fountains of inspiration, were forming
congregations in every part of the kingdom.
Schools were springing up; letters and the study of
the sacred sciences -- which had fallen into neglect
during the years of civil war began to revive. The
University of Copenhagen rose from its ruins; new
statutes were framed for it; it was amply endowed;
and learned men from other countries were invited
to fill its chairs;[17] and, as the consequence of
these enlightened measures, it soon became one of
the lights of Christendom. The scars that civil strife
had inflicted on the land were effaced, and the
sorrows of former years forgotten, in the
prosperous and smiling aspect the country now
began to wear. In June, 1539, the last touch was put
to the work of Reformation in Denmark. At the
Diet at Odensee, the king and nobles subscribed a
solemn bond, engaging to persevere in the
Reformed doctrine in which they had been
instructed, and to maintain the constitution of the
Protestant Church which had been enacted two
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