His time
In the 15th century Switzerland goes through a stormy period of development: wars at home and abroad. Corruption and bribary are rife. The situation in the church is disastrous, forshadowing the reformation. In Sachseln , Nicholas of Flüe’s parish, there is neither priest nor church service from 1415 – 1446. Nor are there any schools in the country. Nicholas of Flüe is a self educated man, he learnt from life. At decisive moments of his life occur dreams and visions revealing to him the inner way and helping him to interpret prophetically the needs of his time. After the death of the hermit friends, neighbours and acquaintances record in the church book of Sachseln (1488) how they have experienced Nicholas of Flüe. In addition other literary sources contain hundreds of contemporary reports. (Standard work: Durrer / Amschwand, see note on literature.)