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112 A History of Sweden
sermons and hurl abuse and even stones at him. By
means of the printing press his doctrine spread to
every part of the kingdom. That every one might have
a chance to know the truth, he and his associates is-
sued the first Swedish translation of the New Testa-
ment, 1526. This work was condemned by the Catholic
clergy on the plea that it would be misunderstood and
misinterpreted by the ignorant masses. Bishop Brask
is reported to have said:
"It were better
That Paul were burned
Than of each man learned."
Olavus Petri likewise published the first Swedish
hymnbook, a book of sermons, and many other works.
His publications were so numerous that it may well
be said that "he taught the Swedish people to read."
He was also the first real Swedish historian.
The Vester&s Riksdag. Gustavus had to engage in
a decisive contest with the Roman Church to secure
means for saving the state. He had found support in
Martin Luther’s utterances. It was a dangerous path
he had to tread, but he feared not the danger. He was
himself fully in accord with the doctrines of the Refor-
mation. From these he declared he would not swerve
as long as his heart was whole and his blood warm.
To settle the matter he summoned a Riksdag to Vester-
4s in 1527. The king’s report of the condition of the
country was read before the assembled Estates. In it
he set forth how difficult it was to conduct the govern-
ment when its revenues were wholly inadequate. He
asked the Estates to provide the necessary funds. He
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