The Great Controversy

Luther Before the Diet 89

path; but as he departed from Worms, his work. All persons were forbidden to
his heart was filled with joy and praise. harbor him, to give him food or drink,
“The devil himself,” said he, “guarded or by word or act, in public or private,
the pope’s citadel; but Christ has made to aid or abet him. He was to be seized
a wide breach in it, and Satan was wherever he might be, and delivered to
constrained to confess that the Lord the authorities.Hisadherentsalsowereto
is mightier than he.”—D’Aubigne, b. be imprisoned and their property confis-
7, ch. 11. cated. His writings were to be destroyed,
After his departure, still desirous and, finally, all who should dare to act
that his firmness should not be mis- contrary to this decree were included in
taken for rebellion, Luther wrote to the its condemnation. The elector of Saxony
emperor. “God, who is the searcher of and the princes most friendly to Luther
hearts, is my witness,” he said, “that I had left Worms soon after his departure,
am ready most earnestly to obey your and the emperor’s decree received the
majesty, in honor or in dishonor, in life sanction of the Diet. Now the Papal
or in death, and with no exception save leaders were jubilant. They considered
the word of God, by which man lives. the fate of the Reformation sealed.
In all the affairs of this present life, my
fidelity shall be unshaken, for here to God had provided a way of escape
lose or to gain is of no consequence to for His servant in this hour of peril.
salvation. But when eternal interests A vigilant eye had followed Luther’s
are concerned, God wills not that man movements, and a true and noble
should submit unto man. For such heart had resolved upon his rescue. It
submission in spiritual matters is a real was plain that Rome would be satisfied
worship, and ought to be rendered solely with nothing short of his death; only by
to thOenCrethateor.”jo—urIbniedy., b. 7, ch. 11. concealment could he be preserved from
from Worms, the jaws of the lion. God gave wisdom to
Luther’s reception was even more flat- Frederick of Saxony to devise a plan for
tering than during his progress thither. the Reformer’s preservation. With the
Princely ecclesiastics welcomed the cooperation of true friends the elector’s
excommunicated monk, and civil rulers purpose was carried out, and Luther was
honored the man whom the emperor effectually hidden from friends and foes.
had denounced. He was urged to preach, Upon his homeward journey he was
and, notwithstanding the imperial pro- seized, separated from his attendants,
hibition, he again entered the pulpit. “I and hurriedly conveyed through the
never pledged myself to chain up the forest to the castle of Wartburg, an iso-
word of God,” he said, “nor will I.” — lated mountain fortress. Both his seizure
Martyn, vol. 1, p. 420. and his concealment were so involved
He had not been long absent from in mystery that even Frederick himself
Worms, when the papists prevailed upon for a long time knew not whither he had
the emperor to issue an edict against him. been conducted. This ignorance was not
In this decree Luther was denounced without design; so long as the elector
as “Satan himself under the form of a knew nothing of Luther’s whereabouts,
man and dressed in a monk’s frock.”— he could reveal nothing. He satisfied
D’Aubigne, b. 7, ch. 11. It was com- himself that the Reformer was safe, and
manded that as soon as his safe-conduct with this knowledge he was content.
should expire, measures be taken to stop
Spring, summer, and autumn
passed, and winter came, and Luther

90 The Great Controversy

still remained a prisoner. Aleander and mountain retreat, Luther was removed
his partisans exulted as the light of the from earthly supports and shut out from
gospel seemed about to be extinguished. human praise. He was thus saved from
But instead of this, the Reformer was the pride and self-confidence that are
filling his lamp from the storehouse of so often caused by success. By suffering
truth; and its light was to shine forth and humiliation he was prepared again
with brighter radiance. to walk safely upon the dizzy heights to
which he had been so suddenly exalted.
In the friendly security of the Wart-
burg, Luther for a time rejoiced in his As men rejoice in the freedom
release from the heat and turmoil of which the truth brings them, they are
battle. But he could not long find satis- inclined to extol those whom God has
faction in quiet and repose. Accustomed employed to break the chains of error
to a life of activity and stern conflict, he and superstition. Satan seeks to divert
could ill endure to remain inactive. In men’s thoughts and affections from God,
those solitary days the condition of the and to fix them upon human agencies;
church rose up before him, and he cried he leads them to honor the mere instru-
in despair. “Alas! there is no one in this
latter day of His anger, to stand like a wall Satan seeks to divert men’s
before the Lord, and save Israel!”—Ibid., thoughts and affections from
b. 9, ch. 2. Again, his thoughts returned God, and to fix them upon human
to himself, and he feared being charged agencies; he leads them to honor
with cowardice in withdrawing from the the mere instrument and to ignore
contest. Then he reproached himself for the Hand that directs all the events
his indolence and self-indulgence. Yet at of providence.
the same time he was daily accomplish- ment and to ignore the Hand that directs
ing more than it seemed possible for one all the events of providence. Too often
man to do. His pen was never idle. While religious leaders who are thus praised
his enemies flattered themselves that and reverenced lose sight of their de-
he was silenced, they were astonished pendence upon God and are led to trust
and confused by tangible proof that he in themselves. As a result they seek to
was still active. A host of tracts, issuing control the minds and consciences of
from his pen, circulated throughout the people, who are disposed to look to
Germany. He also performed a most them for guidance instead of looking to
important service for his countrymen by the word of God. The work of reform
translating the New Testament into the is often retarded because of this spirit
German tongue. From his rocky Patmos indulged by its supporters. From this
he continued for nearly a whole year to danger, God would guard the cause of
proclaim the gospel and rebuke the sins the Reformation. He desired that work
and errors of the times. to receive, not the impress of man, but
that of God. The eyes of men had been
But it was not merely to preserve turned to Luther as the expounder of
Luther from the wrath of his enemies, the truth; he was removed that all eyes
nor even to afford him a season of quiet might be directed to the eternal Author
for these important labors, that God of truth.
had withdrawn His servant from the
stage of public life. There were results
more precious than these to be secured.
In the solitude and obscurity of his

CHAPTER 9

The Swiss Reformer

I n the choice of instrumentalities with a sense of the greatness, the power,
for the reforming of the church, the and the majesty of God. The history
same divine plan is seen as in that for of the brave deeds achieved upon his
the planting of the church. The heavenly native mountains kindled his youth-
Teacher passed by the great men of the ful aspirations. And at the side of his
earth, the titled and wealthy, who were pious grandmother he listened to the
accustomed to receive praise and hom- few precious Bible stories which she
age as leaders of the people. They were had gleaned from amid the legends and
so proud and self-confident in their traditions of the church. With eager
boasted superiority that they could not interest he heard of the grand deeds of
be molded to sympathize with their fel- patriarchs and prophets, of the shep-
low men and to become colaborers with herds who watched their flocks on the
the humble Man of Nazareth. To the hills of Palestine where angels talked
unlearned, toiling fishermen of Galilee with them, of the Babe of Bethlehem
was the call addressed: “Follow Me, and and the Man of Calvary.
I will make you fishers of men.” Mat-
thew 4:19. These disciples were humble Like John Luther, Zwingli’s father
and teachable. The less they had been desired an education for his son, and the
influenced by the false teaching of their boy was early sent from his native valley.
time, the more successfully could Christ His mind rapidly developed, and it soon
instruct and train them for His service. became a question where to find teach-
So in the days of the Great Reformation. ers competent to instruct him. At the age
The leading Reformers were men from of thirteen he went to Bern, which then
humble life—men who were most free possessed the most distinguished school
of any of their time from pride of rank in Switzerland. Here, however, a danger
and from the influence of bigotry and arose which threatened to blight the
priestcraft. It is God’s plan to employ promise of his life. Determined efforts
humble instruments to accomplish were put forth by the friars to allure him
great results. Then the glory will not be into a monastery. The Dominican and
given to men, but to Him who works Franciscan monks were in rivalry for
through them to will and to do of His popular favor. This they endeavored to
own good pleasure. secure by the showy adornments of their
churches, the pomp of their ceremonials,
A few weeks after the birth of and the attractions of famous relics and
Luther in a miner’s cabin in Saxony, miracle-working images.
Ulric Zwingli was born in a herdsman’s
cottage among the Alps. Zwingli’s sur- The Dominicans of Bern saw that
roundings in childhood, and his early if they could win this talented young
training, were such as to prepare him for scholar, they would secure both gain and
his future mission. Reared amid scenes honor. His extreme youth, his natural
of natural grandeur, beauty, and awful ability as a speaker and writer, and his
sublimity, his mind was early impressed genius for music and poetry, would be
more effective than all their pomp and

92 The Great Controversy

display, in attracting the people to their Zwingli was soon called from Basel
services and increasing the revenues of to enter upon his lifework. His first
their order. By deceit and flattery they field of labor was in an Alpine parish,
endeavored to induce Zwingli to enter not far distant from his native valley.
their convent. Luther, while a student at Having received ordination as a priest,
school, had buried himself in a convent he “devoted himself with his whole soul
cell, and he would have been lost to the to the search after divine truth; for he
world had not God’s providence released was well aware,” says a fellow Reformer,
him. Zwingli was not permitted to en- “how much he must know to whom the
counter the same peril. Providentially flock of Christ is entrusted.”—Wylie,
his father received information of the b. 8, ch. 5. The more he searched the
designs of the friars. He had no inten- Scriptures, the clearer appeared the
tion of allowing his son to follow the contrast between their truths and the
idle and worthless life of the monks. heresies of Rome. He submitted himself
He saw that his future usefulness was at to the Bible as the word of God, the only
stake, and directed him to return home sufficient, infallible rule. He saw that it
without delay. must be its own interpreter. He dared
not attempt to explain Scripture to sus-
“The word of God … cannot fail; it is tain a preconceived theory or doctrine,
bright, it teaches itself, it discloses but held it his duty to learn what is its
itself, it illumines the soul with direct and obvious teaching. He sought
all salvation and grace, comforts to avail himself of every help to obtain
it in God, humbles it, so that it a full and correct understanding of its
loses and even forfeits itself, and meaning, and he invoked the aid of the
embraces God.” Holy Spirit, which would, he declared,
reveal it to all who sought it in sincerity
The command was obeyed; but the and with prayer.
youth could not be long content in his
native valley, and he soon resumed his “The Scriptures,” said Zwingli,
studies, repairing, after a time, to Basel. “come from God, not from man, and
It was here that Zwingli first heard the even that God who enlightens will give
gospel of God’s free grace. Wittembach, thee to understand that the speech
a teacher of the ancient languages, had, comes from God. The word of God …
while studying Greek and Hebrew, been cannot fail; it is bright, it teaches itself,
led to the Holy Scriptures, and thus rays it discloses itself, it illumines the soul
of divine light were shed into the minds with all salvation and grace, comforts it
of the students under his instruction. in God, humbles it, so that it loses and
He declared that there was a truth more even forfeits itself, and embraces God.”
ancient, and of infinitely greater worth, The truth of these words Zwingli himself
than the theories taught by schoolmen had proved. Speaking of his experience
and philosophers. This ancient truth at this time, he afterward wrote: “When
was that the death of Christ is the sin- … I began to give myself wholly up to
ner’s only ransom. To Zwingli these the Holy Scriptures, philosophy and
words were as the first ray of light that theology (scholastic) would always keep
precedes the dawn. suggesting quarrels to me. At last I came
to this, that I thought, ‘Thou must let all
that lie, and learn the meaning of God
purely out of His own simple word.’ Then

The Swiss Reformer 93

I began to ask God for His light, and the from France and Germany. Zwingli,
Scriptures began to be much easier to greatly afflicted at the sight, seized
me.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. the opportunity to proclaim liberty
through the gospel to these bondslaves
The doctrine preached by Zwingli of superstition.
was not received from Luther. It was the
doctrine of Christ. “If Luther preaches “Do not imagine,” he said, “that
Christ,” said the Swiss Reformer, “he God is in this temple more than in any
does what I am doing. Those whom he other part of creation. Whatever be
has brought to Christ are more numer- the country in which you dwell, God
ous than those whom I have led. But this is around you, and hears you. … Can
matters not. I will bear no other name unprofitable works, long pilgrimages,
than that of Christ, whose soldier I am, offerings, images, the invocation of the
and who alone is my Chief. Never has Virgin or of the saints, secure for you
one single word been written by me to the grace of God? … What avails the
Luther, nor by Luther to me. And why?… multitude of words with which we em-
That it might be shown how much the body our prayers? What efficacy has a
Spirit of God is in unison with itself, glossy cowl, a smooth-shorn head, a long
since both of us, without any collusion, and flowing robe, or gold-embroidered
teach the doctrine of Christ with such slippers? … God looks at the heart, and
uniformity.” —D’Aubigne, b. 8, ch. 9. our hearts are far from Him.” “Christ,”
he said, “who was once offered upon the
In 1516 Zwingli was invited to cross, is the sacrifice and victim, that had
become a preacher in the convent at made satisfaction for the sins of believers
Einsiedeln. Here he was to have a closer to all eternity.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 5.
view of the corruptions of Rome and
was to exert an influence as a Reformer To many listeners these teachings
that would be felt far beyond his native were unwelcome. It was a bitter dis-
Alps. Among the chief attractions of appointment to them to be told that
Einsiedeln was an image of the Virgin their toilsome journey had been made
which was said to have the power of in vain. The pardon freely offered to
working miracles. Above the gateway them through Christ they could not
of the convent was the inscription, comprehend. They were satisfied with
“Here a plenary remission of sins may the old way to heaven which Rome had
be obtained.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 5. Pilgrims marked out for them. They shrank from
at all seasons resorted to the shrine of the perplexity of searching for anything
the Virgin; but at the great yearly festi- better. It was easier to trust their salva-
val of its consecration multitudes came tion to the priests and the pope than to
from all parts of Switzerland, and even seek for purity of heart.

“Do not imagine that God is in this temple more than in any other part of
creation. Whatever be the country in which you dwell, God is around you,
and hears you. … Can unprofitable works, long pilgrimages, offerings, images,
the invocation of the Virgin or of the saints, secure for you the grace of God?
… God looks at the heart, and our hearts are far from Him. … Christ, who
was once offered upon the cross, is the sacrifice and victim, that had made
satisfaction for the sins of believers to all eternity.”

94 The Great Controversy

But another class received with glad- arising from the sick, from masses, and
ness the tidings of redemption through in general from every ecclesiastical ordi-
Christ. The observances enjoined by nance.” “As for the administration of the
Rome had failed to bring peace of soul, sacraments, the preaching, and the care
and in faith they accepted the Saviour’s of the flock,” added his instructors, “these
blood as their propitiation. These are also the duties of the chaplain. But for
returned to their homes to reveal to these you may employ a substitute, and
others the precious light which they particularly in preaching. You should
had received. The truth was thus carried administer the sacraments to none but
from hamlet to hamlet, from town to persons of note, and only when called
town, and the number of pilgrims to the upon; you are forbidden to do so without
Virgin’s shrine greatly lessened. There distinction of persons.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6.
was a falling off in the offerings, and
consequently in the salary of Zwingli, Zwingli listened in silence to this
which was drawn from them. But this charge, and in reply, after expressing
caused him only joy as he saw that the his gratitude for the honor of a call to
power of fanaticism and superstition this important station, he proceeded to
was being broken. explain the course which he proposed
to adopt. “The life of Christ,” he said,
The authorities of the church were “has been too long hidden from the
not blind to the work which Zwingli was people. I shall preach upon the whole of
accomplishing; but for the present they the Gospel of St. Matthew, … drawing
forbore to interfere. Hoping yet to secure solely from the fountains of Scripture,
him to their cause, they endeavored to sounding its depths, comparing one
win him by flatteries; and meanwhile passage with another, and seeking for
the truth was gaining a hold upon the understanding by constant and earnest
hearts of the people. prayer. It is to God’s glory, to the praise
of His only Son, to the real salvation of
Zwingli’s labors at Einsiedeln had souls, and to their edification in the true
prepared him for a wider field, and faith, that I shall consecrate my minis-
this he was soon to enter. After three try.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. Though some of
years here he was called to the office the ecclesiastics disapproved his plan,
of preacher in the cathedral at Zurich. and endeavored to dissuade him from it,
This was then the most important town Zwingli remained steadfast. He declared
of the Swiss confederacy, and the influ- that he was about to introduce no new
ence exerted here would be widely felt. method, but the old method employed
The ecclesiastics by whose invitation he by the church in earlier and purer times.
came to Zurich were, however, desirous
of preventing any innovations, and they Already an interest had been
accordingly proceeded to instruct him awakened in the truths he taught; and
as to his duties. the people flocked in great numbers
to listen to his preaching. Many who
“You will make every exertion,” they had long since ceased to attend service
said, “to collect the revenues of the chap- were among his hearers. He began his
ter, without overlooking the least. You ministry by opening the Gospels and
will exhort the faithful, both from the reading and explaining to his hearers the
pulpit and in the confessional, to pay all inspired narrative of the life, teachings,
tithes and dues, and to show by their of- and death of Christ. Here, as at Einsie-
ferings their affection to the church. You deln, he presented the word of God as the
will be diligent in increasing the income

The Swiss Reformer 95

only infallible authority and the death At the time when God is preparing
of Christ as the only complete sacrifice. to break the shackles of ignorance and
“It is to Christ,” he said, “that I desire to superstition, then it is that Satan works
lead you—to Christ, the true source of with greatest power to enshroud men
salvation.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. Around in darkness and to bind their fetters still
the preacher crowded the people of all more firmly. As men were rising up in
classes, from statesmen and scholars to different lands to present to the people
the artisan and the peasant. With deep forgiveness and justification through
interest they listened to his words. He the blood of Christ, Rome proceeded
not only proclaimed the offer of a free with renewed energy to open her mar-
salvation, but fearlessly rebuked the evils ket throughout Christendom, offering
and corruptions of the times. Many re- pardon for money.
turned from the cathedral praising God.
“This man,” they said, “is a preacher of Every sin had its price, and men
the truth. He will be our Moses, to lead were granted free license for crime if
us forth from this Egyptian darkness.”— the treasury of the church was kept
Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. well filled. Thus the two movements
advanced,—one offering forgiveness
But though at first his labors were of sin for money, the other forgiveness
received with great enthusiasm, after a through Christ,—Rome licensing sin
time opposition arose. The monks set and making it her source of revenue;
themselves to hinder his work and con- the Reformers condemning sin and
demn his teachings. Many assailed him pointing to Christ as the propitiation
with gibes and sneers; others resorted to and deliverer.
insolence and threats. But Zwingli bore
all with patience, saying: “If we desire In Germany the sale of indulgences
to gain over the wicked to Jesus Christ, had been committed to the Dominican
we must shut our eyes against many friars and was conducted by the infa-
things.” —Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. mous Tetzel. In Switzerland the traffic
was put into the hands of the Fran-
About this time a new agency came ciscans, under the control of Samson,
in to advance the work of reform. One an Italian monk. Samson had already
Lucian was sent to Zurich with some done good service to the church, having
of Luther’s writings, by a friend of the secured immense sums from Germany
reformed faith at Basel, who suggested and Switzerland to fill the papal treasury.
that the sale of these books might be Now he traversed Switzerland, attracting
a powerful means of scattering the great crowds, despoiling the poor peas-
light. “Ascertain,” he wrote to Zwingli, ants of their scanty earnings, and exact-
“whether this man possesses sufficient ing rich gifts from the wealthy classes.
prudence and skill; if so, let him carry But the influence of the reform already
from city to city, from town to town, made itself felt in curtailing, though it
from village to village, and even from could not stop, the traffic. Zwingli was
house to house, among the Swiss, the still at Einsiedeln when Samson, soon
works of Luther, and especially his after entering Switzerland, arrived with
exposition of the Lord’s Prayer writ- his wares at a neighboring town. Being
ten for the laity. The more they are apprised of his mission, the Reformer
known, the more purchasers they will immediately set out to oppose him.
find.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. Thus the light The two did not meet, but such was
found entrance. Zwingli’s success in exposing the friar’s

96 The Great Controversy

pretensions that he was obliged to leave for us a never-ending redemption. …
for other quarters. His passion is … an eternal sacrifice,
and everlastingly effectual to heal; it
At Zurich, Zwingli preached zeal- satisfies the divine justice forever in
ously against the pardonmongers; and behalf of all those who rely upon it with
when Samson approached the place, firm and unshaken faith.” Yet he clearly
he was met by a messenger from the taught that men are not, because of the
council with an intimation that he was grace of Christ, free to continue in sin.
expected to pass on. He finally secured “Wherever there is faith in God, there
an entrance by stratagem, but was sent God is; and wherever God abideth, there
away without the sale of a single pardon, a zeal exists urging and impelling men
and he soon after left Switzerland. to good works.”—D’Aubigne, b. 8, ch. 9.

A strong impetus was given to the Such was the interest in Zwingli’s
reform by the appearance of the plague, preaching that the cathedral was filled
or Great Death, which swept over to overflowing with the crowds that
Switzerland in the year 1519. As men came to listen to him. Little by little, as
were thus brought face to face with the they could bear it, he opened the truth
destroyer, many were led to feel how vain to his hearers. He was careful not to
and worthless were the pardons which introduce, at first, points which would
they had so lately purchased; and they startle them and create prejudice. His
longed for a surer foundation for their work was to win their hearts to the
faith. Zwingli at Zurich was smitten teachings of Christ, to soften them by
down; he was brought so low that all His love, and keep before them His
hope of his recovery was relinquished, example; and as they should receive
and the report was widely circulated that the principles of the gospel, their su-
he was dead. In that trying hour his hope perstitious beliefs and practices would
and courage were unshaken. He looked inevitably be overthrown.
in faith to the cross of Calvary, trusting
in the all-sufficient propitiation for sin. Step by step the Reformation ad-
When he came back from the gates of vanced in Zurich. In alarm its enemies
death, it was to preach the gospel with aroused to active opposition. One year
greater fervor than ever before; and his before, the monk of Wittenberg had ut-
words exerted an unwonted power. The tered his No to the pope and the emperor
people welcomed with joy their beloved at Worms, and now everything seemed
pastor, returned to them from the brink to indicate a similar withstanding of the
of the grave. They themselves had come papal claims at Zurich. Repeated attacks
from attending upon the sick and the were made upon Zwingli. In the papal
dying, and they felt, as never before, the cantons, from time to time, disciples of
value of the gospel. the gospel were brought to the stake,
but this was not enough; the teacher of
Zwingli had arrived at a clearer heresy must be silenced. Accordingly the
understanding of its truths, and had bishop of Constance dispatched three
more fully experienced in himself its deputies to the Council of Zurich, ac-
renewing power. The fall of man and cusing Zwingli of teaching the people to
the plan of redemption were the sub- transgress the laws of the church, thus
jects upon which he dwelt. “In Adam,” endangering the peace and good order
he said, “we are all dead, sunk in cor- of society. If the authority of the church
ruption and condemnation.”—Wylie, were to be set aside, he urged, universal
b. 8, ch. 9. “Christ … has purchased

The Swiss Reformer 97

anarchy would result. Zwingli replied fully seen in the suppression of vice and
that he had been for four years teaching the promotion of order and harmony.
the gospel in Zurich, “which was more “Peace has her habitation in our town,”
quiet and peaceful than any other town wrote Zwingli; “no quarrel, no hypocrisy,
in the confederacy.” “Is not, then,” he said, no envy, no strife. Whence can such
“Christianity the best safeguard of the union come but from the Lord, and our
general security?”—Wylie, b. 8, ch. 11. doctrine, which fills us with the fruits
of peace and piety?”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 15.
The deputies had admonished the
councilors to continue in the church, The victories gained by the Ref-
out of which, they declared, there was no ormation stirred the Papal leaders to
salvation. Zwingli responded: “Let not still more determined efforts for its
this accusation move you. The founda- overthrow. Seeing how little had been
tion of the church is the same Rock, the accomplished by persecution in sup-
same Christ, that gave Peter his name pressing Luther’s work in Germany, they
because he confessed Him faithfully. In decided to meet the reform with its own
every nation whosoever believes with all weapons. They would hold a disputation
his heart in the Lord Jesus is accepted of with Zwingli, and having the arrange-
God. Here, truly, is the church, out of ment of matters, they would make sure
which no one can be saved.”—D’Aubigne, of victory by choosing, themselves, not
only the place of the combat, but the
“In every nation whosoever judges that should decide between the
believes with all his heart in the disputants. And if they could once get
Lord Jesus is accepted of God. Here, Zwingli into their power, they would
truly, is the church, out of which no take care that he did not escape them.
one can be saved.” The leader silenced, the movement
London ed., b. 8, ch. 11. As a result of the could speedily be crushed. This purpose,
conference, one of the bishop’s deputies however, was carefully concealed.
accepted the reformed faith.
The disputation was appointed to be
The council declined to take action held at Baden; but Zwingli was not pres-
against Zwingli, and Rome prepared ent. The Council of Zurich, suspecting
for a fresh attack. The Reformer, when the designs of the papists, and warned
apprised of the plots of his enemies, by the burning piles kindled in the papal
exclaimed: “Let them come on; I fear cantons for confessors of the gospel,
them as the beetling cliff fears the waves forbade their pastor to expose himself to
that thunder at its feet.”—Wylie, b. 8, ch. this peril. At Zurich he was ready to meet
11. The efforts of the ecclesiastics only all the partisans that Rome might send;
furthered the cause which they sought but to go to Baden, where the blood of
to overthrow. The truth continued to martyrs for the truth had just been shed,
spread. In Germany its adherents, cast was to go to certain death. Oecolampa-
down by Luther’s disappearance, took dius and Haller were chosen to represent
heart again, as they saw the progress of the Reformers, while the famous Dr.
the gospel in Switzerland. Eck, supported by a host of learned
doctors and prelates, was the champion
As the Reformation became estab- of Rome.
lished in Zurich, its fruits were more
Though Zwingli was not present at
the conference, his influence was felt.
The secretaries were all chosen by the

98 The Great Controversy

papists, and others were forbidden to while the humble Oecolampadius,
take notes, on pain of death. Notwith- meanly clothed, was forced to take his
standing this, Zwingli received daily seat in front of his opponent on a rudely
a faithful account of what was said at carved stool.”—Ibid., b. 11, ch. 13. Eck’s
Baden. A student in attendance at the stentorian voice and unbounded as-
disputation made a record each evening surance never failed him. His zeal was
of the arguments that day presented. stimulated by the hope of gold as well as
These papers two other students under- fame; for the defender of the faith was to
took to deliver, with the daily letters of be rewarded by a handsome fee. When
Oecolampadius, to Zwingli at Zurich. better arguments failed, he had resort
The Reformer answered, giving counsel to insults, and even to oaths.
and suggestions. His letters were writ-
ten by night, and the students returned Oecolampadius, modest and self-
with them to Baden in the morning. distrustful, had shrunk from the com-
To elude the vigilance of the guard bat, and he entered upon it with the
stationed at the city gates, these mes- solemn avowal: “I acknowledge no other
sengers brought baskets of poultry on standard of judgment than the word of
their heads, and they were permitted God.”—Ibid., b. 11, ch. 13. Though gentle
to pass without hindrance. and courteous in demeanor, he proved
himself able and unflinching. While the
Thus Zwingli maintained the battle Papal  leaders, according to their wont,
with his wily antagonists. He “has la- appealed for authority to the customs of
bored more,” said Myconius, “by his the church, the Reformer adhered stead-
meditations, his sleepless nights, and the fastly to the Holy Scriptures. “Custom,”
advice which he transmitted to Baden, he said, “has no force in our Switzerland,
than he would have done by discussing unless it be according to the constitution;
in person in the midst of his enemies.”— now, in matters of faith, the Bible is our
D’Aubigne, b. 11, ch. 13. constitution.” —Ibid., b. 11, ch. 13.

The Papal leaders, flushed with an- The contrast between the two dispu-
ticipated triumph, had come to Baden tants was not without effect. The calm,
attired in their richest robes and glitter- clear reasoning of the Reformer, so gen-
ing with jewels. They fared luxuriously, tly and modestly presented, appealed to
their tables spread with the most costly minds that turned in disgust from Eck’s
delicacies and the choicest wines. The boastful and boisterous assumptions.
burden of their ecclesiastical duties
was lightened by gaiety and reveling. The discussion continued eighteen
In marked contrast appeared the Re- days. At its close the papists with great
formers, who were looked upon by the confidence claimed the victory. Most
people as little better than a company of of the deputies sided with Rome, and
beggars, and whose frugal fare kept them the Diet pronounced the Reformers
but short time at table. Oecolampadius’s vanquished and declared that they, to-
landlord, taking occasion to watch him gether with Zwingli, their leader, were
in his room, found him always engaged cut off from the church. But the fruits of
in study or at prayer, and greatly won- the conference revealed on which side
dering, reported that the heretic was at the advantage lay. The contest resulted
least “very pious.” in a strong impetus to the Protestant
cause, and it was not long afterward that
At the conference, “Eck haughtily the important cities of Bern and Basel
ascended a pulpit splendidly decorated, declared for the Reformation.

CHAPTER 10

Progress of Reform in Germany

L uther’s mysterious disappearance God. The Reformation was constantly
excited consternation throughout gaining in strength. The seed which
all Germany. Inquiries concern- Luther had sown sprang up everywhere.
ing him were heard everywhere. The His absence accomplished a work which
wildest rumors were circulated, and his presence would have failed to do.
many believed that he had been mur- Other laborers felt a new responsibility,
dered. There was great lamentation, now that their great leader was removed.
not only by his avowed friends, but by With new faith and earnestness they
thousands who had not openly taken pressed forward to do all in their power,
their stand with the Reformation. Many that the work so nobly begun might not
bound themselves by a solemn oath to be hindered.
avenge his death.
But Satan was not idle. He now
The Catholic leaders saw with ter- attempted what he has attempted in
ror to what a pitch had risen the feeling every other reformatory movement—
against them. Though at first exultant to deceive and destroy the people by
at the supposed death of Luther, they palming off upon them a counterfeit
soon desired to hide from the wrath of in place of the true work. As there were
the people. His enemies had not been so false christs in the first century of the
troubled by his most daring acts while Christian church, so there arose false
among them as they were at his removal. prophets in the sixteenth century.
Those who in their rage had sought to
destroy the bold Reformer were filled A few men, deeply affected by
with fear now that he had become a help- the excitement in the religious world,
less captive. “The only remaining way of imagined themselves to have received
saving ourselves,” said one, “is to light special revelations from Heaven, and
torches, and hunt for Luther through the claimed to have been divinely commis-
whole world, to restore him to the nation sioned to carry forward to its completion
that is calling for him.”—D’Aubigne, b. 9, the Reformation which, they declared,
ch. 1. The edict of the emperor seemed had been but feebly begun by Luther.
to fall powerless. The papal legates were In truth, they were undoing the very
filled with indignation as they saw that it work which he had accomplished. They
commanded far less attention than did rejected the great principle which was
the fate of Luther. the very foundation of the Reforma-
tion—that the word of God is the all-
The tidings that he was safe, though sufficient rule of faith and practice; and
a prisoner, calmed the fears of the for that unerring guide they substituted
people, while it still further aroused their the changeable, uncertain standard of
enthusiasm in his favor. His writings their own feelings and impressions. By
were read with greater eagerness than this act of setting aside the great detec-
ever before. Increasing numbers joined tor of error and falsehood the way was
the cause of the heroic man who had, at opened for Satan to control minds as
such fearful odds, defended the word of best pleased himself.

100 The Great Controversy

One of these prophets claimed to Luther at the Wartburg, hearing
have been instructed by the angel Ga- of what had occurred, said with deep
briel. A student who united with him concern: “I always expected that Satan
forsook his studies, declaring that he would send us this plague.”—Ibid., b. 9,
had been endowed by God Himself with ch. 7. He perceived the true character
wisdom to expound His word. Others of those pretended prophets and saw
who were naturally inclined to fanati- the danger that threatened the cause of
cism united with them. The proceedings truth. The opposition of the pope and
of these enthusiasts created no little the emperor had not caused him so
excitement. The preaching of Luther great perplexity and distress as he now
had aroused the people everywhere to experienced. From the professed friends
feel the necessity of reform, and now of the Reformation had risen its worst
some really honest persons were misled enemies. The very truths which had
by the pretensions of the new prophets. brought him so great joy and consolation
were being employed to stir up strife and
The leaders of the movement pro- create confusion in the church.
ceeded to Wittenberg and urged their
claims upon Melanchthon and his In the work of reform, Luther had
colaborers. Said they: “We are sent by been urged forward by the Spirit of
God to instruct the people. We have held God, and had been carried beyond
familiar conversations with the Lord; we himself. He had not purposed to take
know what will happen; in a word, we such positions as he did, or to make
are apostles and prophets, and appeal to so radical changes. He had been but
Dr. Luther.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. the instrument in the hand of Infinite
Power. Yet he often trembled for the
The Reformers were astonished and result of his work. He had once said: “If
perplexed. This was such an element as I knew that my doctrine injured one
they had never before encountered, and man, one single man, however lowly
they knew not what course to pursue. and obscure,—which it cannot, for it
Said Melanchthon: “There are indeed is the gospel itself,—I would rather die
extraordinary spirits in these men; but ten times than not retract it.”—Ibid.,
what spirits? … On the one hand, let us b. 9, ch. 7.
beware of quenching the Spirit of God,
and on the other, of being led astray by And now Wittenberg itself, the very
the spirit of Satan.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. center of the Reformation, was fast
falling under the power of fanaticism
The fruit of the new teaching soon and lawlessness. This terrible condition
became apparent. The people were led had not resulted from the teachings of
to neglect the Bible or to cast it wholly Luther; but throughout Germany his
aside. The schools were thrown into con- enemies were charging it upon him. In
fusion. Students, spurning all restraint, bitterness of soul he sometimes asked:
abandoned their studies and withd­ rew “Can such, then, be the end of this great
from the university. The men who work of the Reformation?”—Ibid., b. 9,
thought themselves competent to revive ch. 7. Again, as he wrestled with God
and control the work of the Reformation in prayer, peace flowed into his heart.
succeeded only in bringing it to the verge “The work is not mine, but Thine own,”
of ruin. The Papal leaders now regained he said; “Thou wilt not suffer it to be
their confidence and exclaimed exult- corrupted by superstition or fanaticism.”
ingly: “One last struggle, and all will be But the thought of remaining longer
ours.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7.

Progress of Reform in Germany 101

from the conflict in such a crisis, became be constrained. Liberty is the very es-
insupportable. He determined to return sence wofasfasiotho.n”—noIbisiedd., b. 9, ch. 8.
to Wittenberg. It through Witten-
berg that Luther had returned and that
Without delay he set out on his per- he was to preach. The people flocked
ilous journey. He was under the ban of from all directions, and the church
the empire. Enemies were at liberty to was filled to overflowing. Ascending
take his life; friends were forbidden to the pulpit, he with great wisdom and
aid or shelter him. The imperial govern- gentleness instructed, exhorted, and
ment was adopting the most stringent reproved. Touching the course of some
measures against his adherents. But he who had resorted to violent measures in
saw that the work of the gospel was im- abolishing the mass, he said:
periled, and in the name of the Lord he “The mass is a bad thing; God is
went out fearlessly to battle for the truth. opposed to it; it ought to be abolished;
and I would that throughout the whole
In a letter to the elector, after stating world it were replaced by the supper of
his purpose to leave the Wartburg, Lu- the gospel. But let no one be torn from
ther said: “Be it known to your highness it by force. We must leave the matter in
that I am going to Wittenberg under a God’s hands. His word must act, and not
protection far higher than that of princes we. And why so? you will ask. Because
and electors. I think not of soliciting I do not hold men’s hearts in my hand,
your highness’s support, and far from as the potter holds the clay. We have a
desiring your protection, I would rather right to speak: we have not the right
protect you myself. If I knew that your to act. Let us preach; the rest belongs
highness could or would protect me, I unto God. Were I to employ force, what
would not go to Wittenberg at all. There should I gain? Grimace, formality, ap-
is no sword that can further this cause. ings, human ordinances, and hypocrisy.
God alone must do everything, without … But there would be no sincerity of
the help or concurrence of man. He who heart, nor faith, nor charity. Where
has the greatest faith is he who is most these three are wanting, all is wanting,
able to protect.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 8. and I would not give a pear stalk for such
a result. … God does more by His word
In a second letter, written on the alone than you and I and all the world
way to Wittenberg, Luther added: “I am by our united strength. God lays hold
ready to incur the displeasure of your upon the heart; and when the heart is
highness and the anger of the whole taken, all is won. …
world. Are not the Wittenbergers my “I will preach, discuss, and write;
sheep? Has not God entrusted them to but I will constrain none, for faith is a
me? And ought I not, if necessary, to voluntary act. See what I have done. I
expose myself to death for their sakes? stood up against the pope, indulgences,
Besides, I fear to see a terrible outbreak and papists, but without violence or
in Germany, by which God will punish tumult. I put forward God’s word; I
our nation.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 7. preached and wrote—this was all I did.
And yet while I was asleep, … the word
With great caution and humility, yet that I had preached overthrew popery,
with decision and firmness, he entered so that neither prince nor emperor has
upon his work. “By the word,” said he, done it so much harm. And yet I did
“must we overthrow and destroy what
has been set up by violence. I will not
make use of force against the supersti-
tious and unbelieving. … No one must

102 The Great Controversy

nothing; the word alone did all. If I had letter, and they all began to cry, ‘The
wished to appeal to force, the whole of Spirit! the Spirit!’ But most assuredly I
Germany would perhaps have been del- will not follow where their spirit leads
uged with blood. But what would have them. May God of His mercy preserve
been the result? Ruin and desolation me from a church in which there are
both to body and soul. I therefore kept none but saints. I desire to dwell with the
quiet, and left the word to run through humble, the feeble, the sick, who know
the wDoaryldafatleorned.”a—y, Ifboird.,abw. 9h,oclhe. 8. and feel their sins, and who groan and
week, cry continually to God from the bottom
Luther continued to preach to eager of their hearts to obtain His consolation
crowds. The word of God broke the spell and support.”—Ibid., b. 10, ch. 10.
of fanatical excitement. The power of Thomas Münzer, the most active of
the gospel brought back the misguided the fanatics, was a man of considerable
people into the way of truth. ability, which, rightly directed, would
Luther had no desire to encounter have enabled him to do good; but he had
the fanatics whose course had been not learned the first principles of true
productive of so great evil. He knew religion. “He was possessed with a desire
them to be men of unsound judgment of reforming the world, and forgot, as
and undisciplined passions, who, while all enthusiasts do, that the reformation
claiming to be specially illuminated should begin wamithbihtiiomussetlof.”o—btIabiind.p, bo.s9i-,
from heaven, would not endure the ch. 8. He was
slightest contradiction or even the tion and influence, and was unwilling to
kindest reproof or counsel. Arrogating be second, even to Luther. He declared
to themselves supreme authority, they that the Reformers, in substituting the
required everyone, without a question, authority of Scripture for that of the
to acknowledge their claims. But, as pope, were only establishing a different
they demanded an interview with him, form of popery. He himself, he claimed,
he consented to meet them; and so suc- had been divinely commissioned to
cessfully did he expose their pretensions introduce the true reform. “He who
that the impostors at once departed from possesses this spirit,” said Münzer,
Wittenberg. “possesses the true faith, although he
The fanaticism was checked for a should never see the Scriptures in his
time; but several years later it broke out life.”—Ibid., b. 10, ch. 10.
with greater violence and more terrible The fanatical teachers gave them-
results. Said Luther, concerning the selves up to be governed by impressions,
leaders in this movement: “To them regarding every thought and impulse
the Holy Scriptures were but a dead as the voice of God; consequently they

“I will preach, discuss, and write; but I will constrain none, for faith is a
voluntary act. See what I have done. I stood up against the pope, indulgences,
and papists, but without violence or tumult. I put forward God’s word; I
preached and wrote—this was all I did. And yet while I was asleep, … the
word that I had preached overthrew popery, so that neither prince nor
emperor has done it so much harm. And yet I did nothing; the word alone
did all.”

Progress of Reform in Germany 103

went to great extremes. Some even The Papal leaders exulted, expecting
burned their Bibles, exclaiming: “The to witness the speedy downfall of the
letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.” Reformation; and they blamed Luther,
Münzer’s teaching appealed to men’s de- even for the errors which he had been
sire for the marvelous, while it gratified most earnestly endeavoring to correct.
their pride by virtually placing human The fanatical party, by falsely claiming
ideas and opinions above the word of to have been treated with great injustice,
God. His doctrines were received by succeeded in gaining the sympathies
thousands. He soon denounced all order of a large class of the people, and, as is
in public worship, and declared that to often the case with those who take the
obey princes was to attempt to serve wrong side, they came to be regarded
both God and Belial. as martyrs. Thus the ones who were
exerting every energy in opposition to
The minds of the people, already the Reformation were pitied and lauded
beginning to throw off the yoke of the as the victims of cruelty and oppression.
papacy, were also becoming impatient This was the work of Satan, prompted by
under the restraints of civil author- the same spirit of rebellion which was
ity. Münzer’s revolutionary teachings, first manifested in heaven.
claiming divine sanction, led them to
break away from all control and give Satan is constantly seeking to de-
the rein to their prejudices and passions. ceive men and lead them to call sin
The most terrible scenes of sedition righteousness, and righteousness sin.
and strife followed, and the fields of How successful has been his work! How
Germany were drenched with blood. often censure and reproach are cast upon
God’s faithful servants because they will
The agony of soul which Luther had stand fearlessly in defense of the truth!
so long before experienced at Erfurt Men who are but agents of Satan are
now pressed upon him with redoubled praised and flattered, and even looked
power as he saw the results of fanati- upon as martyrs, while those who should
cism charged upon the Reformation. be respected and sustained for their
The papist princes declared—and many fidelity to God, are left to stand alone,
were ready to credit the statement—that under suspicion and distrust.
the rebellion was the legitimate fruit of
Luther’s doctrines. Although this charge Counterfeit holiness, spurious sanc-
was without the slightest foundation, it tification, is still doing its work of de-
could not but cause the Reformer great ception. Under various forms it exhibits
distress. That the cause of truth should the same spirit as in the days of Luther,
be thus disgraced by being ranked with diverting minds from the Scriptures
the basest fanaticism, seemed more than and leading men to follow their own
he could endure. On the other hand, feelings and impressions rather than to
the leaders in the revolt hated Luther yield obedience to the law of God. This
because he had not only opposed their is one of Satan’s most successful devices
doctrines and denied their claims to to cast reproach upon purity and truth.
divine inspiration, but had pronounced
them rebels against the civil authority. In Fearlessly did Luther defend the
retaliation they denounced him as a base gospel from the attacks which came
pretender. He seemed to have brought from every quarter. The word of God
upon himself the enmity of both princes proved itself a weapon mighty in every
and people. conflict. With that word he warred
against the usurped authority of the

104 The Great Controversy

pope, and the rationalistic philosophy of greater was the anxiety of the people to
the schoolmen, while he stood firm as a know what it really taught. All who could
rock against the fanaticism that sought read were eager to study the word of God
to ally itself with the Reformation. for themselves. They carried it about with
them, and read and reread, and could not
Each of these opposing elements be satisfied until they had committed
was in its own way setting aside the large portions to memory. Seeing the
Holy Scriptures and exalting human favor with which the New Testament was
wisdom as the source of religious truth received, Luther immediately began the
and knowledge. Rationalism idolizes translation of the Old, and published it
reason and makes this the criterion for in parts as fast as completed.
religion. Roman Catholicism, claiming
for her sovereign pontiff an inspiration Luther’s writings were welcomed
descend­ed in unbroken line from the alike in city and in hamlet. “What Lu-
apostles, and unchangeable through all ther and his friends composed, others
time, gives ample opportunity for every circulated. Monks, convinced of the
species of extravagance and corruption unlawfulness of monastic obligations,
to be concealed under the sanctity of the desirous of exchanging a long life of
apostolic commission. The inspiration slothfulness for one of active exertion,
claimed by Münzer and his associates but too ignorant to proclaim the word
proceeded from no higher source than of God, traveled through the provinces,
the vagaries of the imagination, and its visiting hamlets and cottages, where they
influence was subversive of all author- sold the books of Luther and his friends.
ity, human or divine. True Christianity Germany soon swarmed with these bold
receives the word of God as the great colporteurs.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 11.
treasure house of inspired truth and the
test of all inspiration. These writings were studied with
deep interest by rich and poor, the
Upon his return from the Wartburg, learned and the ignorant. At night the
Luther completed his translation of the teachers of the village schools read them
New Testament, and the gospel was soon aloud to little groups gathered at the
after given to the people of Germany in fireside. With every effort some souls
their own language. This translation was would be convicted of the truth and,
received with great joy by all who loved receiving the word with gladness, would
the truth; but it was scornfully rejected in their turn tell the good news to others.
by those who chose human traditions
and the commandments of men. The words of Inspiration were
verified: “The entrance of Thy words
The priests were alarmed at the giveth light; it giveth understanding
thought that the common people would unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130. The
now be able to discuss with them the study of the Scriptures was working
precepts of God’s word, and that their a mighty change in the minds and
own ignorance would thus be exposed. hearts of the people. The papal rule
The weapons of their carnal reasoning had placed upon its subjects an iron
were powerless against the sword of the yoke which held them in ignorance and
Spirit. Rome summoned all her author- degradation. A superstitious obser-
ity to prevent the circulation of the vance of forms had been scrupulously
Scriptures; but decrees, anathemas, and maintained; but in all their service the
tortures were alike in vain. The more she heart and intellect had had little part.
condemned and prohibited the Bible, the The preaching of Luther, setting forth

Progress of Reform in Germany 105

the plain truths of God’s word, and then knowledge that for a long period none
the word itself, placed in the hands of could compete with them. … Accord-
the common people, had aroused their ingly, when these youthful defenders of
dormant powers, not only purifying the Reformation met the Catholic doc-
and ennobling the spiritual nature, tors in any assembly, they attacked them
but imparting new strength and vigor with such ease and confidence that these
to the intellect. ignorant men hesitated, became embar-
rassed, and fell into a contempt merited
Persons of all ranks were to be seen in the eyes of all.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 11.
with the Bible in their hands, defending
the doctrines of the Reformation. The As the Roman Catholic clergy saw
papists who had left the study of the their congregations diminishing, they
Scriptures to the priests and monks now invoked the aid of the magistrates, and
called upon them to come forward and by every means in their power endeav-
refute the new teachings. But, ignorant ored to bring back their hearers. But the
alike of the Scriptures and of the power people had found in the new teachings
of God, priests and friars were totally that which supplied the wants of their
defeated by those whom they had de- souls, and they turned away from those
nounced as unlearned and heretical. who had so long fed them with the
“Unhappily,” said a Catholic writer, “Lu- worthless husks of superstitious rites
ther had persuaded his followers to put and human traditions.
no faith in any other oracle than the Holy
Scriptures.”—D’Aubigne, b. 9, ch. 11. When persecution was kindled
Crowds would gather to hear the truth against the teachers of the truth, they
advocated by men of little education, gave heed to the words of Christ: “When
and even discussed by them with learned they persecute you in this city, flee ye
and eloquent theologians. The shameful into another.” Matthew 10:23. The light
ignorance of these great men was made penetrated everywhere. The fugitives
apparent as their arguments were met would find somewhere a hospitable
by the simple teachings of God’s word. door opened to them, and there abiding,
Laborers, soldiers, women, and even they would preach Christ, sometimes in
children, were better acquainted with the church, or, if denied that privilege,
the Bible teachings than were the priests in private houses or in the open air.
and learned doctors. Wherever they could obtain a hearing
was a consecrated temple. The truth,
The contrast between the disciples proclaimed with such energy and as-
of the gospel and the upholders of pop- surance, spread with irresistible power.
ish superstition was no less manifest in
the ranks of scholars than among the In vain both ecclesiastical and civil
common people. “Opposed to the old authorities were invoked to crush the
champions of the hierarchy, who had heresy. In vain they resorted to im-
neglected the study of languages and the prisonment, torture, fire, and sword.
cultivation of literature, … were gener- Thousands of believers sealed their
ous-minded youth, devoted to study, faith with their blood, and yet the work
investigating Scripture, and familiar- went on. Persecution served only to
izing themselves with the masterpieces extend the truth, and the fanaticism
of antiquity. Possessing an active mind, which Satan endeavored to unite with
an elevated soul, and intrepid heart, it resulted in making more clear the
these young men soon acquired such contrast between the work of Satan and
the work of God.

CHAPTER 11

Protest of the Princes

O ne of the noblest testimonies council; but no sooner had the dangers
ever uttered for the Reforma- passed which secured this concession,
tion was the Protest offered than the emperor summoned a second
by the Christian princes of Germany at Diet to convene at Spires in 1529 for the
the Diet of Spires in 529. The courage, purpose of crushing heresy. The princes
faith, and firmness of those men of God were to be induced, by peaceable means if
gained for succeeding ages liberty of possible, to side against the Reformation;
thought and of conscience. Their Protest but if these failed, Charles was prepared
gave to the reformed church the name to resort to the sword.
of Protestant; its principles are “the very
essence of Protestantism.”—D’Aubigne, The papists were exultant. They ap-
b. 13, ch. 6. peared at Spires in great numbers, and
openly manifested their hostility toward
A dark and threatening day had the Reformers and all who favored them.
come for the Reformation. Notwith- Said Melanchthon: “We are the execra-
standing the Edict of Worms, declaring tion and the sweepings of the world;
Luther to be an outlaw and forbidding but Christ will look down on His poor
the teaching or belief of his doctrines, people, and will preserve them.”—Ibid.,
religious toleration had thus far pre- b. 13, ch. 5. The evangelical princes in
vailed in the empire. God’s providence attendance at the Diet were forbidden
had held in check the forces that op- even to have the gospel preached in
posed the truth. Charles V was bent on their dwellings. But the people of Spires
crushing the Reformation, but often as thirsted for the word of God, and, not-
he raised his hand to strike he had been withstanding the prohibition, thousands
forced to turn aside the blow. Again flocked to the services held in the chapel
and again the immediate destruction of the elector of Saxony.
of all who dared to oppose themselves
to Rome appeared inevitable; but at the This hastened the crisis. An imperial
critical moment the armies of the Turk message announced to the Diet that as
appeared on the eastern frontier, or the the resolution granting liberty of con-
king of France, or even the pope himself, science had given rise to great disorders,
jealous of the increasing greatness of the emperor required that it be annulled.
the emperor, made war upon him; and This arbitrary act excited the indignation
thus, amid the strife and tumult of na- and alarm of the evangelical Christians.
tions, the Reformation had been left to Said one: “Christ has again fallen into
strengthen and extend. the hands of Caiaphas and Pilate.” The
Papal leaders became more violent. A
At last, however, the papal sovereigns bigoted papist declared: “The Turks are
had stifled their feuds, that they might better than the Lutherans; for the Turks
make common cause against the Re- observe fast days, and the Lutherans
formers. The Diet of Spires in 1526 had violate them. If we must choose between
given each state full liberty in matters of the Holy Scriptures of God and the old
religion until the meeting of a general errors of the church, we should reject the

Protest of the Princes 107

former.” Said Melanchthon: “Every day, … where as yet it was unknown, nor
in full assembly, Faber casts some new be established on solid foundations
stone at us gospelers.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5. … where it already existed.”—Ibid., b.
13, ch. 5. Liberty of speech would be
Religious toleration had been legally prohibited. No conversions would be
established, and the evangelical states allowed. And to these restrictions and
were resolved to oppose the infringe- prohibitions the friends of the Refor-
ment of their rights. Luther, being still mation were required at once to submit.
under the ban imposed by the Edict of The hopes of the world seemed about to
Worms, was not permitted to be present be extinguished. “The re-establishment
at Spires; but his place was supplied by of the Romish hierarchy … would in-
his colaborers and the princes whom fallibly bring back the ancient abuses;”
God had raised up to defend His cause and an occasion would readily be
in this emergency. The noble Frederick found for “completing the destruction
of Saxony, Luther’s former protector, had of a work already so violently shaken”
been removed by death; but Duke John, by fanaticism and dissension.—Ibid.,
his brother and successor, had joyfully b. 13, ch. 5.
welcomed the Reformation, and while a
friend of peace, he displayed great energy As the evangelical party met for con-
and courage in all matters relating to the sultation, one looked to another in blank
interests of the faith. dismay. From one to another passed the
inquiry: “What is to be done?” Mighty
The priests demanded that the states issues for the world were at stake. “Shall
which had accepted the Reformation the chiefs of the Reformation submit,
submit implicitly to Papal jurisdiction. and accept the edict? How easily might
The Reformers, on the other hand, the Reformers at this crisis, which was
claimed the liberty which had previously truly a tremendous one, have argued
been granted. They could not consent themselves into a wrong course! How
that Rome should again bring under her many plausible pretexts and fair reasons
control those states that had with so great might they have found for submission!
joy received the word of God. The Lutheran princes were guaranteed
the free exercise of their religion. The
As a compromise it was finally pro- same boon was extended to all those of
posed that where the Reformation had their subjects who, prior to the passing of
not become established, the Edict of the measure, had embraced the reformed
Worms should be rigorously enforced; views. Ought not this to content them?
and that “in those where the people How many perils would submission
had deviated from it, and where they avoid! On what unknown hazards and
could not conform to it without danger conflicts would opposition launch them!
of revolt, they should at least effect no Who knows what opportunities the fu-
new reform, they should touch upon ture may bring? Let us embrace peace;
no controverted point, they should not let us seize the olive branch Rome holds
oppose the celebration of the mass, they out, and close the wounds of Germany.
should permit no Roman Catholic to With arguments like these might the
embrace Lutheranism.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. Reformers have justified their adoption
5. This measure passed the Diet, to the of a course which would have assuredly
great satisfaction of the popish priests issued in no long time in the overthrow
and prelates. of their cause.

If this edict were enforced, “the
Reformation could neither be extended

108 The Great Controversy

“Happily they looked at the prin- preserve religious liberty until the coun-
ciple on which this arrangement was cil meets.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5. To protect
based, and they acted in faith. What liberty of conscience is the duty of the
was that principle? It was the right of state, and this is the limit of its author-
Rome to coerce conscience and forbid ity in matters of religion. Every secular
free inquiry. But were not themselves government that attempts to regulate or
and their Protestant subjects to enjoy enforce religious observances by civil
religious freedom? Yes, as a favor spe- authority is sacrificing the very principle
cially stipulated for in the arrangement, for which the evangelical Christian so
but not as a right. As to all outside that nobly struggled.
arrangement, the great principle of
authority was to rule; conscience was The papists determined to put down
out of court; Rome was infallible judge, what they termed “daring obstinacy.” They
and must be obeyed. The acceptance of began by endeavoring to cause divisions
the proposed arrangement would have among the supporters of the Reformation
been a virtual admission that religious and to intimidate all who had not openly
liberty ought to be confined to reformed declared in its favor. The representatives
Saxony; and as to all the rest of Chris- of the free cities were at last summoned
tendom, free inquiry and the profession before the Diet and required to declare
of the reformed faith were crimes, and whether they would accede to the terms
must be visited with the dungeon and of the proposition. They pleaded for delay,
the stake. Could they consent to localize but in vain. When brought to the test,
religious liberty? to have it proclaimed nearly one half their number sided with
that the Reformation had made its last the Reformers. Those who thus refused
convert? had subjugated its last acre? to sacrifice liberty of conscience and the
and that wherever Rome bore sway at right of individual judgment well knew
this hour, there her dominion was to that their position marked them for future
be perpetuated? Could the Reformers criticism, condemnation, and persecu-
have pleaded that they were innocent tion. Said one of the delegates: “We must
of the blood of those hundreds and either deny the word of God, or —be
thousands who, in pursuance of this ar- burnt.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5.
rangement, would have to yield up their
lives in popish lands? This would have King Ferdinand, the emperor’s repre-
been to betray, at that supreme hour, sentative at the Diet, saw that the decree
the cause of the gospel and the liberties would cause serious divisions unless
of Christendom.”—Wylie, b. 9, ch. 15. the princes could be induced to accept
Rather would they “sacrifice everything, and sustain it. He therefore tried the
even their states, their crowns, and their art of persuasion, well knowing that to
lives.”—D’Aubigne, b. 13, ch. 5. employ force with such men would only
render them the more determined. He
“Let us reject this decree,” said the “begged the princes to accept the decree,
princes. “In matters of conscience the assuring them that the emperor would
majority has no power.” The deputies be exceedingly pleased with them.” But
declared: “It is to the decree of 1526 that these faithful men acknowledged an
we are indebted for the peace that the authority above that of earthly rulers,
empire enjoys: its abolition would fill and they answered calmly: “We will
Germany with troubles and divisions. obey the emperor in everything that
The Diet is incompetent to do more than may contribute to maintain peace and
the honor of God.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5.

Protest of the Princes 109

In the presence of the Diet the king and for our people, neither consent nor
at last announced to the elector and his adhere in any manner whatsoever to
friends that the edict “was about to be the proposed decree, in anything that
drawn up in the form of an imperial is contrary to God, to His holy word, to
decree,” and that “their only remaining our right conscience, to the salvation of
course was to submit to the majority.” our souls.”
Having thus spoken, he withdrew from
the assembly, giving the Reformers no “What! we ratify this edict! We assert
opportunity for deliberation or reply. that when Almighty God calls a man to
“To no purpose they sent a deputation His knowledge, this man nevertheless
entreating the king to return.” To their cannot receive the knowledge of God!”
remonstrances he answered only: “It is “There is no sure doctrine but such as
a settled affair; submission is all that is conformable to the word of God. …
remains.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 5. The Lord forbids the teaching of any
other doctrine. … The Holy Scriptures
The imperial party were convinced ought to be explained by other and
that the Christian princes would adhere clearer texts; … this Holy Book is, in
to the Holy Scriptures as superior to hu- all things necessary for the Christian,
man doctrines and requirements; and easy of understanding, and calculated
they knew that wherever this principle to scatter the darkness. We are resolved,
was accepted, the papacy would eventu- with the grace of God, to maintain the
ally be overthrown. But, like thousands pure and exclusive preaching of His
since their time, looking only “at the only word, such as it is contained in
things which are seen,” they flattered the biblical books of the Old and New
themselves that the cause of the emperor Testaments, without adding anything
and the pope was strong, and that of the thereto that may be contrary to it. This
Reformers weak. Had the Reformers word is the only truth; it is the sure rule
depended upon human aid alone, they of all doctrine and of all life, and can
would have been as powerless as the never fail or deceive us. He who builds
papists supposed. But though weak in on this foundation shall stand against all
numbers, and at variance with Rome, the powers of hell, while all the human
they had their strength. They appealed vanities that are set up against it shall fall
“from the report of the Diet to the word before the face of God.”
of God, and from the emperor Charles to
Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord “For this reason we reject the yoke
of lords.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 6. that is imposed on us.” “At the same time
we are in expectation that his imperial
As Ferdinand had refused to regard majesty will behave toward us like a
their conscientious convictions, the Christian prince who loves God above
princes decided not to heed his absence, all things; and we declare ourselves
but to bring their Protest before the na- ready to pay unto him, as well as unto
tional council without delay. A solemn you, gracious lords, all the affection and
declaration was therefore drawn up and obedience that are our just and legitimate
presented to the Diet: duty.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 6.

“We protest by these presents, be- A deep impression was made upon
fore God, our only Creator, Preserver, the Diet. The majority were filled with
Redeemer, and Saviour, and who will amazement and alarm at the boldness
one day be our Judge, as well as before of the protesters. The future appeared to
all men and all creatures, that we, for us them stormy and uncertain. Dissension,

110 The Great Controversy

strife, and bloodshed seemed inevitable. fearlessly, preserve you in that Christian
But the Reformers, assured of the justice firmness until the day of eternity.”—Ibid.,
of their cause, and relying upon the arm b. 13, ch. 6.
of Omnipotence, were “full of courage
and firmness.” Had the Reformation, after attain-
ing a degree of success, consented to
“The principles contained in this temporize to secure favor with the world,
celebrated Protest … constitute the it would have been untrue to God and
very essence of Protestantism. Now this to itself, and would thus have ensured
Protest opposes two abuses of man in its own destruction. The experience of
matters of faith: the first is the intrusion these noble Reformers contains a lesson
of the civil magistrate, and the second for all succeeding ages. Satan’s manner of
the arbitrary authority of the church. working against God and His word has
Instead of these abuses, Protestantism not changed; he is still as much opposed
sets the power of conscience above the to the Scriptures being made the guide
magistrate, and the authority of the word of life as in the sixteenth century. In
of God above the visible church. In the our time there is a wide departure from
first place, it rejects the civil power in their doctrines and precepts, and there
divine things, and says with the prophets is need of a return to the great Protestant
and apostles, ‘We must obey God rather principle—the Bible, and the Bible only,
than man.’ In presence of the crown of as the rule of faith and duty. Satan is still
Charles the Fifth, it uplifts the crown working through every means which
of Jesus Christ. But it goes farther: it he can control to destroy religious lib-
lays down the principle that all human erty. The antichristian power which the
teaching should be subordinate to the protesters of Spires rejected is now with
oracles of God.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 6. The renewed vigor seeking to re-establish its
protesters had moreover affirmed their lost supremacy. The same unswerving
right to utter freely their convictions of adherence to the word of God manifested
truth. They would not only believe and at that crisis of the Reformation is the
obey, but teach what the word of God only hope of reform today.
presents, and they denied the right of
priest or magistrate to interfere. The There appeared tokens of danger to
Protest of Spires was a solemn witness the Protestants; there were tokens, also,
against religious intolerance, and an as- that the divine hand was stretched out to
sertion of the right of all men to worship protect the faithful. It was about this time
God according to the dictates of their that “Melanchthon hastily conducted
own consciences. through the streets of Spires toward
the Rhine his friend Simon Grynaeus,
The declaration had been made. It pressing him to cross the river. The lat-
was written in the memory of thousands ter was astonished at such precipitation.
and registered in the books of heaven, ‘An old man of grave and solemn air, but
where no effort of man could erase it. All who is unknown to me,’ said Melanch-
evangelical Germany adopted the Protest thon, ‘appeared before me and said, In a
as the expression of its faith. Everywhere minute officers of justice will be sent by
men beheld in this declaration the prom- Ferdinand to arrest Grynaeus.’”
ise of a new and better era. Said one of
the princes to the Protestants of Spires: During the day, Grynaeus had been
“May the Almighty, who has given you scandalized at a sermon by Faber, a lead-
grace to confess energetically, freely, and ing papal doctor; and at the close, remon-
strated with him for defending “certain

Protest of the Princes 111

detestable errors.” “Faber dissembled his faithful; He will not abandon us,” said
anger, but immediately after repaired to Luther.—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 2. The elector
the king, from whom he had obtained an set out, with his retinue, for Augsburg.
order against the importunate professor All were acquainted with the dangers that
of Heidelberg. Melanchthon doubted not menaced him, and many went forward
that God had saved his friend by sending with gloomy countenance and troubled
one of His holy angels to forewarn him. heart. But Luther, who accompanied
them as far as Coburg, revived their sink-
“Motionless on the banks of the ing faith by singing the hymn, written
Rhine, he waited until the waters of that on that journey, “A strong tower is our
stream had rescued Grynaeus from his God.” Many an anxious foreboding was
persecutors. ‘At last,’ cried Melanchthon, banished, many a heavy heart lightened,
as he saw him on the opposite side, ‘at last at the sound of the inspiring strains.
he is torn from the cruel jaws of those
who thirst for innocent blood.’ When The reformed princes had deter-
he returned to his house, Melanchthon mined upon having a statement of
was informed that officers in search of their views in systematic form, with the
Grynaeus had ransacked it from top to evidence from the Scriptures, to pres-
bottom.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 6. ent before the Diet; and the task of its
preparation was committed to Luther,
The Reformation was to be brought Melanchthon, and their associates. This
into greater prominence before the Confession was accepted by the Protes-
mighty ones of the earth. The evangeli- tants as an exposition of their faith, and
cal princes had been denied a hearing they assembled to affix their names to
by King Ferdinand; but they were to be the important document. It was a solemn
granted an opportunity to present their and trying time. The Reformers were
cause in the presence of the emperor solicitous that their cause should not
and the assembled dignitaries of church be confounded with political questions;
and state. To quiet the dissensions which they felt that the Reformation should ex-
disturbed the empire, Charles V, in the ercise no other influence than that which
year following the Protest of Spires, proceeds from the word of God. As the
convoked a diet at Augsburg, over which Christian princes advanced to sign the
he announced his intention to preside in Confession, Melanchthon interposed,
person. Thither the Protestant leaders saying: “It is for the theologians and
were summoned. ministers to propose these things; let us
reserve for other matters the authority
Great dangers threatened the Ref- of the mighty ones of the earth.” “God
ormation; but its advocates still trusted forbid,” replied John of Saxony, “that you
their cause with God, and pledged them- should exclude me. I am resolved to do
selves to be firm to the gospel. The elector what is right, without troubling myself
of Saxony was urged by his councilors about my crown. I desire to confess the
not to appear at the Diet. The emperor, Lord. My electoral hat and my ermine
they said, required the attendance of are not so precious to me as the cross of
the princes in order to draw them into Jesus Christ.” Having thus spoken, he
a snare. “Is it not risking everything to wrote down his name. Said another of
go and shut oneself up within the walls the princes as he took the pen: “If the
of a city with a powerful enemy?” But honor of my Lord Jesus Christ requires
others nobly declared, “Let the princes it, I am ready … to leave my goods and
only comport themselves with cour-
age, and God’s cause is saved.” “God is

112 The Great Controversy

life behind.” “I would rather renounce the preachers, and the sermon was the
my subjects and my states, rather quit royal truth of God. “Since the apostolic
the country of my fathers staff in hand,” age,” says a writer, “there has never been
he continued, “than receive any other a greater work or a more magnificent
doctrine than that which is contained confession.”—D’Aubigne, b. 14, ch. 7.
in this Confession.”—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 6.
Such was the faith and daring of those “All that the Lutherans have said is
men of God. true; we cannot deny it,” declared a papist
bishop. “Can you refute by sound reasons
The appointed time came to appear the Confession made by the elector and
before the emperor. Charles V, seated his allies?” asked another of Dr. Eck.
upon his throne, surrounded by the “With the writings of the apostles and
electors and the princes, gave audience prophets—no!” was the reply; “but with
to the Protestant Reformers. The confes- those of the Fathers and of the coun-
sion of their faith was read. In that august cils—yes!” “I understand,” responded
assembly the truths of the gospel were the questioner. “The Lutherans, accord-
clearly set forth, and the errors of the ing to you, are in Scripture, and we are
papal church were pointed out. Well has outside.”—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 8.
that day been pronounced “the greatest
day of the Reformation, and one of the Some of the princes of Germany were
most glorious in the history of Christian- won to the reformed faith. The emperor
ity and of mankind.”—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 7. himself declared that the Protestant
articles were but the truth. The Confes-
But a few years had passed since sion was translated into many languages
the monk of Wittenberg stood alone and circulated through all Europe, and
at Worms before the national council. it has been accepted by millions in suc-
Now in his stead were the noblest and ceeding generations as the expression
most powerful princes of the empire. of their faith.
Luther had been forbidden to appear at
Augsburg, but he had been present by his God’s faithful servants were not
words and prayers. “I am overjoyed,” he toiling alone. While principalities and
wrote, “that I have lived until this hour, powers and wicked spirits in high places
in which Christ has been publicly exalted were leagued against them, the Lord did
by such illustrious confessors, and in so not forsake His people. Could their eyes
glorious an assembly.”—Ibid ., b. 14, ch. have been opened, they would have seen
7. Thus was fulfilled what the Scripture as marked evidence of divine presence
says: “I will speak of Thy testimonies … and aid as was granted to a prophet of
before kings.” Psalm 119:46. old. When Elisha’s servant pointed his
master to the hostile army surrounding
In the days of Paul the gospel for them and cutting off all opportunity for
which he was imprisoned was thus escape, the prophet prayed: “Lord, I pray
brought before the princes and nobles of Thee, open his eyes, that he may see.” 2
the imperial city. So on this occasion, that Kings 6:17. And, lo, the mountain was
which the emperor had forbidden to be filled with chariots and horses of fire, the
preached from the pulpit was proclaimed army of heaven stationed to protect the
from the palace; what many had regarded man of God. Thus did angels guard the
as unfit even for servants to listen to was workers in the cause of the Reformation.
heard with wonder by the masters and
lords of the empire. Kings and great men One of the principles most firmly
were the auditory, crowned princes were maintained by Luther was that there
should be no resort to secular power in

Protest of the Princes 113

support of the Reformation, and no ap- faith: each one should believe at his own
peal to arms for its defense. He rejoiced risk and peril.”—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 1.
that the gospel was confessed by princes
of the empire; but when they proposed to From the secret place of prayer came
unite in a defensive league, he declared the power that shook the world in the
that “the doctrine of the gospel should Great Reformation. There, with holy
be defended by God alone. … The less calmness, the servants of the Lord set
man meddled in the work, the more their feet upon the rock of His promises.
striking would be God’s intervention During the struggle at Augsburg, Luther
in its behalf. All the politic precautions “did not pass a day without devoting
suggested were, in his view, attributable three hours at least to prayer, and they
to unworthy fear and sinful mistrust.”— were hours selected from those the most
D’Aubigne, London ed., b. 10, ch. 14. favorable to study.” In the privacy of
his chamber he was heard to pour out
When powerful foes were uniting to his soul before God in words “full of
overthrow the reformed faith, and thou- adoration, fear, and hope, as when one
sands of swords seemed about to be un- speaks to a friend.” “I know that Thou art
sheathed against it, Luther wrote: “Satan our Father and our God,” he said, “and
is putting forth his fury; ungodly pontiffs that Thou wilt scatter the persecutors
are conspiring; and we are threatened of Thy children; for Thou art Thyself
with war. Exhort the people to contend endangered with us. All this matter is
valiantly before the throne of the Lord, Thine, and it is only by Thy constraint
by faith and prayer, so that our enemies, that we have put our hands to it. Defend
vanquished by the Spirit of God, may be us, then, O Father!”—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 6.
constrained to peace. Our chief want, our
chief labor, is prayer; let the people know To Melanchthon, who was crushed
that they are now exposed to the edge of under the burden of anxiety and fear,
the sword and to the rage of Satan, and he wrote: “Grace and peace in Christ—
let them pray.”—D’Aubigne, b. 10, ch. 14. in Christ, I say, and not in the world.
Amen. I hate with exceeding hatred
Again, at a later date, referring to the those extreme cares which consume you.
league contemplated by the reformed If the cause is unjust, abandon it; if the
princes, Luther declared that the only cause is just, why should we belie the
weapon employed in this warfare should promises of Him who commands us to
be “the sword of the Spirit.” He wrote to sleep without fear? … Christ will not be
the elector of Saxony: “We cannot on our wanting to the work of justice and truth.
conscience approve the proposed alli- He lives, He reigns; what fear, then, can
ance. We would rather die ten times than we have?”—Ibid., b. 14, ch. 6.
see our gospel cause one drop of blood to
be shed. Our part is to be like lambs of God did listen to the cries of His
the slaughter. The cross of Christ must be servants. He gave to princes and minis-
borne. Let your highness be without fear. ters grace and courage to maintain the
We shall do more by our prayers than all truth against the rulers of the darkness
our enemies by their boastings. Only let of this world. Saith the Lord: “Behold,
not your hands be stained with the blood I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect,
of your brethren. If the emperor requires precious: and he that believeth on Him
us to be given up to his tribunals, we are shall not be confounded.” 1 Peter 2:6.
ready to appear. You cannot defend our The Protestant Reformers had built on
Christ, and the gates of hell could not
prevail against them.

CHAPTER 12

The French Reformation

T he Protest of Spires and the Their persecution of those who desired
Confession at Augsburg, which to receive the truth finally gave rise to
marked the triumph of the Ref- civil war. Zwingli and many who had
ormation in Germany, were followed by united with him in reform fell on the
years of conflict and darkness. Weakened bloody field of Cappel. Oecolampadius,
by divisions among its supporters, and overcome by these terrible disasters,
assailed by powerful foes, Protestantism soon after died. Rome was triumphant,
seemed destined to be utterly destroyed. and in many places seemed about to
Thousands sealed their testimony with recover all that she had lost. But He
their blood. Civil war broke out; the whose counsels are from everlasting had
Protestant cause was betrayed by one not forsaken His cause or His people.
of its leading adherents; the noblest of His hand would bring deliverance for
the reformed princes fell into the hands them. In other lands He had raised up
of the emperor and were dragged as laborers to carry forward the reform.
captives from town to town. But in the
moment of his apparent triumph, the “It is God who gives us, by faith,
emperor was smitten with defeat. He that righteousness which by grace
saw the prey wrested from his grasp, and alone justifies to eternal life.”
he was forced at last to grant toleration
to the doctrines which it had been the In France, before the name of Luther
ambition of his life to destroy. He had had been heard as a Reformer, the day
staked his kingdom, his treasures, and had already begun to break. One of
life itself upon the crushing out of the the first to catch the light was the aged
heresy. Now he saw his armies wasted Lefevre, a man of extensive learning,
by battle, his treasuries drained, his a professor in the University of Paris,
many kingdoms threatened by revolt, and a sincere and zealous papist. In his
while everywhere the faith which he researches into ancient literature his at-
had vainly endeavored to suppress, was tention was directed to the Bible, and he
extending. Charles V had been battling introduced its study among his students.
against omnipotent power. God had said,
“Let there be light,” but the emperor had Lefevre was an enthusiastic adorer
sought to keep the darkness unbroken. of the saints, and he had undertaken
His purposes had failed; and in prema- to prepare a history of the saints and
ture old age, worn out with the long martyrs as given in the legends of the
struggle, he abdicated the throne and church. This was a work which in-
buried himself in a cloister. volved great labor; but he had already
made considerable progress in it, when,
In Switzerland, as in Germany, thinking that he might obtain useful
there came dark days for the Reforma- assistance from the Bible, he began its
tion. While many cantons accepted study with this object. Here indeed he
the reformed faith, others clung with
blind persistence to the creed of Rome.

The French Reformation 115

found saints brought to view, but not Paul, have declared concerning himself:
such as figured in the Roman calendar. “After the most straitest sect of our
A flood of divine light broke in upon religion I lived a Pharisee.” Acts 26:5. A
his mind. In amazement and disgust devotedRoman Catholic,heburnedwith
he turned away from his self-appointed zeal to destroy all who should dare to op-
task and devoted himself to the word pose the church. “I would gnash my teeth
of God. The precious truths which he
there discovered he soon began to teach. “Oh, the unspeakable greatness of
that exchange,—the Sinless One is
In 1512, before either Luther or condemned, and he who is guilty
Zwingli had begun the work of reform, goes free; the Blessing bears the
Lefevre wrote: “It is God who gives us, by curse, and the cursed is brought
faith, that righteousness which by grace into blessing; the Life dies, and the
alone justifies to eternal life.”—Wylie, b. dead live; the Glory is whelmed
13, ch. 1. Dwelling upon the mysteries of in darkness, and he who knew
redemption, he exclaimed: “Oh, the un- nothing but confusion of face is
speakable greatness of that exchange,— clothed with glory.”
the Sinless One is condemned, and he like a furious wolf,” he afterward said,
who is guilty goes free; the Blessing bears referring to this period of his life, “when
the curse, and the cursed is brought into I heard anyone speaking against the
blessing; the Life dies, and the dead live; pope.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 2. He had been
the Glory is whelmed in darkness, and untiring in his adoration of the saints, in
he who knew nothing but confusion of company with Lefevre making the round
face is clothed with glory.”—D’Aubigne, of the churches of Paris, worshipping at
Londoned., b. 12, ch. 2. the altars, and adorning with gifts the
holy shrines. But these observances could
And while teaching that the glory not bring peace of soul. Conviction of sin
of salvation belongs solely to God, he fastened upon him, which all the acts of
also declared that the duty of obedience penance that he practiced failed to ban-
belongs to man. “If thou art a member ish. As to a voice from heaven he listened
of Christ’s church,” he said, “thou art a to the Reformer’s words: “Salvation is of
member of His body; if thou art of His grace.” “The Innocent One is condemned,
body, then thou art full of the divine and the criminal is acquitted.” “It is the
nature. … Oh, if men could but enter cross of Christ alone that openeth the
into the understanding of this privilege, gates of heaven, and shutteth the gates
how purely, chastely, and holily would of heFlal.r”e—l joIbyifdu.l,lby.a1c3c,ecphte. d2.the truth. By
they live, and how contemptible, when a conversion like that of Paul he turned
compared with the glory within them,— from the bondage of tradition to the
that glory which the eye of flesh cannot liberty of the sons of God. “Instead of
see,—would they deem all the glory of the murderous heart of a ravening wolf,”
this world.”—Ibid., b. 12, ch. 2. he came back, he says, “quietly like a
meek and harmless lamb, having his
There were some among Lefevre’s stu- heart entirely withdrawn from the pope,
dents who listened eagerly to his words,
and who, long after the teacher’s voice
should be silenced, were to continue to
declare the truth. Such was William Farel.
The son of pious parents, and educated
to accept with implicit faith the teachings
of the church, he might, with the apostle

116 The Great Controversy

and given to Jesus Christ.”—D’Aubigne, so did these souls receive the message
b. 12, ch. 3. of heaven. The laborers in the field, the
artisans in the workshop, cheered their
While Lefevre continued to spread daily toil by talking of the precious
the light among his students, Farel, as truths of the Bible. At evening, instead
zealous in the cause of Christ as he had of resorting to the wine-shops, they as-
been in that of the pope, went forth to sembled in one another’s homes to read
declare the truth in public. A dignitary God’s word and join in prayer and praise.
of the church, the bishop of Meaux, soon A great change was soon manifest in
after united with them. Other teachers these communities. Though belonging
who ranked high for their ability and to the humblest class, an unlearned and
learning joined in proclaiming the hard-working peasantry, the reforming,
gospel, and it won adherents among all uplifting power of divine grace was seen
classes, from the homes of artisans and in their lives. Humble, loving, and holy,
peasants to the palace of the king. The they stood as witnesses to what the
sister of Francis I, then the reigning gospel will accomplish for those who
monarch, accepted the reformed faith. receive it in sincerity.
The king himself, and the queen mother,
appeared for a time to regard it with fa- The light kindled at Meaux shed its
vor, and with high hopes the Reformers beams afar. Every day the number of
looked forward to the time when France converts was increasing. The rage of the
should be won to the gospel. hierarchy was for a time held in check
by the king, who despised the narrow
But their hopes were not to be real- bigotry of the monks; but the papal
ized. Trial and persecution awaited the leaders finally prevailed. Now the stake
disciples of Christ. This, however, was was set up. The bishop of Meaux, forced
mercifully veiled from their eyes. A time to choose between the fire and recanta-
of peace intervened, that they might gain tion, accepted the easier path; but not-
strength to meet the tempest; and the withstanding the leader’s fall, his flock
Reformation made rapid progress. The remained steadfast. Many witnessed
bishop of Meaux labored zealously in his for the truth amid the flames. By their
own diocese to instruct both the clergy courage and fidelity at the stake, these
and the people. Ignorant and immoral humble Christians spoke to thousands
priests were removed, and, so far as pos- who in days of peace had never heard
sible, replaced by men of learning and their testimony.
piety. The bishop greatly desired that his
people might have access to the word of It was not alone the humble and
God for themselves, and this was soon the poor that amid suffering and scorn
accomplished. Lefevre undertook the dared to bear witness for Christ. In the
translation of the New Testament; and lordly halls of the castle and the palace
at the very time when Luther’s German there were kingly souls by whom truth
Bible was issuing from the press in Wit- was valued above wealth or rank or
tenberg, the French New Testament was even life. Kingly armor concealed a
published at Meaux. The bishop spared loftier and more steadfast spirit than
no labor or expense to circulate it in his did the bishop’s robe and miter. Louis de
parishes, and soon the peasants of Meaux Berquin was of noble birth. A brave and
were in possession of the Holy Scriptures. courtly knight, he was devoted to study,
polished in manners, and of blameless
As travelers perishing from thirst morals. “He was,” says a writer, “a great
welcome with joy a living water spring,

The French Reformation 117

follower of the papistical constitutions, You know Beda and such as he—he is
and a great hearer of masses and ser- a thousand-headed monster, darting
mons; … and he crowned all his other venom on every side. Your enemies are
virtues by holding Lutheranism in spe- named legion. Were your cause better
cial abhorrence.” But, like so many oth- than that of Jesus Christ, they will not
ers, providentially guided to the Bible, let you go till they have miserably de-
he was amazed to find there, “not the stroyed you. Do not trust too much to
doctrines of Rome, but the doctrines of the king’s protection. At all events, do
Luther.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 9. Henceforth not compromise me with the faculty of
he gave himself with entire devotion to theology.” —Ibid., b. 13, ch. 9.
the cause of the gospel.
But as dangers thickened, Berquin’s
“The most learned of the nobles of zeal only waxed the stronger. So far from
France,” his genius and eloquence, his adopting the politic and self-serving
indomitable courage and heroic zeal, counsel of Erasmus, he determined upon
and his influence at court,—for he was still bolder measures. He would not only
a favorite with the king,—caused him stand in defense of the truth, but he
to be regarded by many as one destined would attack error. The charge of heresy
to be the Reformer of his country. Said which the Catholic leaders were seeking
Beza: “Berquin would have been a to fasten upon him, he would rivet upon
second Luther, had he found in Francis them. The most active and bitter of his
I a second elector.” “He is worse than opponents were the learned doctors and
Luther,” cried the papists.—Ibid., b. 13, monks of the theological department in
ch. 9. More dreaded he was indeed by the the great University of Paris, one of the
Catholic leaders of France. They thrust highest ecclesiastical authorities both
him into prison as a heretic, but he was in the city and the nation. From the
set at liberty by the king. For years the writings of these doctors, Berquin drew
struggle continued. Francis, wavering twelve propositions which he publicly
between Rome and the Reformation, declared to be “opposed to the Bible,
alternately tolerated and restrained the and heretical;” and he appealed to the
fierce zeal of the monks. Berquin was king to act as judge in the controversy.
three times imprisoned by the papal
authorities, only to be released by the The monarch, not loath to bring into
monarch, who, in admiration of his contrast the power and acuteness of the
genius and his nobility of character, opposing champions, and glad of an op-
refused to sacrifice him to the malice portunity of humbling the pride of these
of the hierarchy. haughty monks, bade the Catholic lead-
ers defend their cause by the Bible. This
Berquin was repeatedly warned weapon, they well knew, would avail
of the danger that threatened him in them little; imprisonment, torture, and
France, and urged to follow the steps of the stake were arms which they better
those who had found safety in voluntary understood how to wield. Now the tables
exile. The timid and time-serving Eras- were turned, and they saw themselves
mus, who with all the splendor of his about to fall into the pit into which they
scholarship failed of that moral greatness had hoped to plunge Berquin. In amaze-
which holds life and honor subservient ment they looked about them for some
to truth, wrote to Berquin: “Ask to be way of escape.
sent as ambassador to some foreign
country; go and travel in Germany. “Just at that time an image of the
Virgin at the corner of one of the

118 The Great Controversy

streets, was mutilated.” There was great presence of the King of kings and the
excitement in the city. Crowds of people witnessing universe, and no token of
flocked to the place, with expressions of mourning should belie his joy.
mourning and indignation. The king
also was deeply moved. Here was an As the procession moved slowly
advantage which the monks could turn through the crowded streets, the people
to good account, and they were quick to marked with wonder the unclouded
improve it. “These are the fruits of the peace, and joyous triumph, of his look
doctrines of Berquin,” they cried. “All is and bearing. “He is,” they said, “like one
about to be overthrown—religion, the who sits in a temple, and meditates on
laws, the throne itself—by this Lutheran holy things.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 9.
conspiracy.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 9.
At the stake, Berquin endeavored to
Again Berquin was apprehended. The address a few words to the people; but
king withdrew from Paris, and the monks the monks, fearing the result, began to
were thus left free to work their will. The shout, and the soldiers to clash their
Reformer was tried and condemned to arms, and their clamor drowned the
die, and lest Francis should even yet in- martyr’s voice. Thus in 1529 the high-
terpose to save him, the sentence was ex- est literary and ecclesiastical authority
ecuted on the very day it was pronounced. of cultured Paris “set the populace of
At noon Berquin was conducted to the 1793 the base example of stifling on
place of death. An immense throng the scaffold the sacred words of the dy-
gathered to witness the event, and there ing.”—Ibid b, 13, ch. 9.
were many who saw with astonishment
and misgiving that the victim had been Berquin was strangled, and his body
chosen from the best and bravest of the was consumed in the flames. The tidings
noble families of France. Amazement, of his death caused sorrow to the friends
indignation, scorn, and bitter hatred of the Reformation throughout France.
darkened the faces of that surging crowd; But his example was not lost. “We, too,
but upon one face no shadow rested. The are ready,” said the witnesses for the
martyr’s thoughts were far from that scene truth, “to meet death cheerfully, setting
of tumult; he was conscious only of the our eyes on the life that is to come.”—
presence of his Lord. D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation in
Europe in the Time of Calvin, b. 2, ch. 16.
The wretched tumbrel upon which
he rode, the frowning faces of his per- During the persecution at Meaux,
secutors, the dreadful death to which the teachers of the reformed faith were
he was going—these he heeded not; He deprived of their license to preach, and
who liveth and was dead, and is alive for they departed to other fields. Lefevre
evermore, and hath the keys of death after a time made his way to Germany.
and of hell, was beside him. Berquin’s Farel returned to his native town in
countenance was radiant with the light eastern France, to spread the light in the
and peace of heaven. He had attired home of his childhood. Already tidings
himself in goodly raiment, wearing “a had been received of what was going on
cloak of velvet, a doublet of satin and at Meaux, and the truth, which he taught
damask, and golden hose.”—D’Aubigne, with fearless zeal, found listeners. Soon
History of the Reformation in Europe the authorities were roused to silence
in the Time of Calvin, b. 2, ch. 16. He him, and he was banished from the
was about to testify to his faith in the city. Though he could no longer labor
publicly, he traversed the plains and
villages, teaching in private dwellings

The French Reformation 119

and in secluded meadows, and find- doubting that the heretics deserved the
ing shelter in the forests and among fire to which they were given. Yet all
the rocky caverns which had been his unwittingly he was brought face to face
haunts in boyhood. God was preparing with the heresy and forced to test the
him for greater trials. “The crosses, per- power of Roman Catholic theology to
secutions, and machinations of Satan, combat the Protestant teaching.
of which I was forewarned, have not
been wanting,” he said; “they are even A cousin of Calvin’s, who had joined
much severer than I could have borne the Reformers, was in Paris. The two
of myself; but God is my Father; He has kinsmen often met and discussed to-
provided and always will provide me the gether the matters that were disturbing
strength which I require.”—D’Aubigne, Christendom. “There are but two reli-
History of the Reformation of the Six- gions in the world,” said Olivetan, the
teenth Century, b. 12, ch. 9. Protestant. “The one class of religions
are those which men have invented,
As in apostolic days, persecution had in all of which man saves himself by
“fallen out rather unto the furtherance ceremonies and good works; the other
of the gospel.” Philippians 1:12. Driven is that one religion which is revealed
from Paris and Meaux, “they that were in the Bible, and which teaches man to
scattered abroad went everywhere look for salvation solely from the free
preaching the word.” Acts 8:4. And thus grace of God.”
the light found its way into many of the
remote provinces of France. “I will have none of your new doc-
trines,” exclaimed Calvin; “think you
God was still preparing workers to that I have lived in error all my days?”
extend His cause. In one of the schools —Wylie, b. 13, ch. 7.
of Paris was a thoughtful, quiet youth,
already giving evidence of a power- But thoughts had been awakened in
ful and penetrating mind, and no less his mind which he could not banish at
marked for the blamelessness of his life will. Alone in his chamber he pondered
than for intellectual ardor and religious upon his cousin’s words. Conviction of
devotion. His genius and application sin fastened upon him; he saw himself,
soon made him the pride of the col- without an intercessor, in the presence of
lege, and it was confidently anticipated a holy and just Judge. The mediation of
that John Calvin would become one of saints, good works, the ceremonies of the
the ablest and most honored defenders church, all were powerless to atone for
of the church. But a ray of divine light sin. He could see before him nothing but
penetrated even within the walls of the blackness of eternal despair. In vain
scholasticism and superstition by which the doctors of the church endeavored to
Calvin was enclosed. He heard of the relieve his woe. Confession, penance,
new doctrines with a shudder, nothing were resorted to in vain; they could not
reconcile the soul with God.

“His blood has washed away my impurities; His cross has borne my curse;
His death has atoned for me. We had devised for ourselves many useless
follies, but Thou hast placed Thy word before me like a torch, and Thou hast
touched my heart, in order that I may hold in abomination all other merits
save those of Jesus.”

120 The Great Controversy

While still engaged in these fruitless the title of his office, and receiving an
struggles, Calvin, chancing one day to allowance in consideration thereof.
visit one of the public squares, witnessed
there the burning of a heretic. He was Now, feeling that he could never
filled with wonder at the expression of become a priest, he turned for a time to
peace which rested upon the martyr’s the study of law, but finally abandoned
countenance. Amid the tortures of that this purpose and determined to devote
dreadful death, and under the more his life to the gospel. But he hesitated
terrible condemnation of the church, he to become a public teacher. He was
manifested a faith and courage which the naturally timid, and was burdened with
young student painfully contrasted with a sense of the weighty responsibility of
his own despair and darkness, while liv- the position, and he desired still to devote
ing in strictest obedience to the church. himself to study. The earnest entreaties of
Upon the Bible, he knew, the heretics his friends, however, at last won his con-
rested their faith. He determined to sent. “Wonderful it is,” he said, “that one
study it, and discover, if he could, the of so lowly an origin should be exalted
secret of their joy. to so great a dignity.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 9

In the Bible he found Christ. “O Quietly did Calvin enter upon his
Father,” he cried, “His sacrifice has ap- work, and his words were as the dew
peased Thy wrath; His blood has washed falling to refresh the earth. He had left
away my impurities; His cross has borne Paris, and was now in a provincial town
my curse; His death has atoned for me. under the protection of the princess
We had devised for ourselves many Margaret, who, loving the gospel, ex-
useless follies, but Thou hast placed tended her protection to its disciples.
Thy word before me like a torch, and Calvin was still a youth, of gentle, unpre-
Thou hast touched my heart, in order tentious bearing. His work began with
that I may hold in abomination all other the people at their homes. Surrounded
merits save those of Jesus.”—Martyn, by the members of the household, he
vol. 3, ch. 13. read the Bible and opened the truths of
salvation. Those who heard the message
Calvin had been educated for the carried the good news to others, and
priesthood. When only twelve years soon the teacher passed beyond the city
of age he had been appointed to the to the outlying towns and hamlets. To
chaplaincy of a small church, and his both the castle and the cabin he found
head had been shorn by the bishop in entrance, and he went forward, laying
accordance with the canon of the church. the foundation of churches that were
He did not receive consecration, nor did to yield fearless witnesses for the truth.
he fulfill the duties of a priest, but he
became a member of the clergy, holding A few months and he was again in
Paris. There was unwonted agitation in

Amid the tortures of that dreadful death, and under the more terrible
condemnation of the church, he manifested a faith and courage which the
young student painfully contrasted with his own despair and darkness,
while living in strictest obedience to the church. Upon the Bible, he knew,
the heretics rested their faith. He determined to study it, and discover, if he
could, the secret of their joy.

The French Reformation 121

the circle of learned men and scholars. of Paris should be opened. Never before
The study of the ancient languages had had the city been so moved by the word
led men to the Bible, and many whose of God. The spirit of life from heaven
hearts were untouched by its truths were seemed to be breathed upon the people.
eagerly discussing them and even giv- Temperance, purity, order, and industry
ing battle to the champions of Roman were taking the place of drunkenness,
Catholicism. Calvin, though an able licentiousness, strife, and idleness.
combatant in the fields of theological
controversy, had a higher mission to ac- But the hierarchy were not idle.
complish than that of these noisy school- The king still refused to interfere to
men. The minds of men were stirred, and stop the preaching, and they turned to
now was the time to open to them the the populace. No means were spared to
truth. While the halls of the universities excite the fears, the prejudices, and the
were filled with the clamor of theological fanaticism of the ignorant and supersti-
disputation, Calvin was making his way tious multitude. Yielding blindly to her
from house to house, opening the Bible false teachers, Paris, like Jerusalem of
to the people, and speaking to them of old, knew not the time of her visitation
Christ and Him crucified. nor the things which belonged unto her

In God’s providence, Paris was to Never before had the city been so
receive another invitation to accept the moved by the word of God. The
gospel. The call of Lefevre and Farel spirit of life from heaven seemed
had been rejected, but again the mes- to be breathed upon the people.
sage was to be heard by all classes in Temperance, purity, order, and
that great capital. The king, influenced industry were taking the place of
by political considerations, had not drunkenness, licentiousness, strife,
yet fully sided with Rome against the and idleness.
Reformation. Margaret still clung to peace. For two years the word of God was
the hope that Protestantism was to tri- preached in the capital; but, while there
umph in France. She resolved that the were many who accepted the gospel, the
reformed faith should be preached in majority of the people rejected it. Francis
Paris. During the absence of the king, had made a show of toleration, merely to
she ordered a Protestant minister to serve his own purposes, and the papists
preach in the churches of the city. This succeeded in regaining the ascendancy.
being forbidden by the papal dignitar- Again the churches were closed, and the
ies, the princess threw open the palace. stake was set up.
An apartment was fitted up as a chapel,
and it was announced that every day, Calvin was still in Paris, preparing
at a specified hour, a sermon would himself by study, meditation, and prayer
be preached, and the people of every for his future labors, and continuing
rank and station were invited to attend. to spread the light. At last, however,
Crowds flocked to the service. Not only suspicion fastened upon him. The
the chapel, but the antechambers and authorities determined to bring him to
halls were thronged. Thousands every the flames. Regarding himself as secure
day assembled—nobles, statesmen, in his seclusion, he had no thought of
lawyers, merchants, and artisans. The danger, when friends came hurrying
king, instead of forbidding the assem-
blies, ordered that two of the churches

122 The Great Controversy

to his room with the news that officers Once more Calvin returned to
were on their way to arrest him. At that Paris. He could not even yet relinquish
instant a loud knocking was heard at the the hope that France as a nation would
outer entrance. There was not a moment accept the Reformation. But he found
to be lost. Some of his friends detained almost every door of labor closed. To
the officers at the door, while others teach the gospel was to take the direct
assisted the Reformer to let himself road to the stake, and he at last deter-
down from a window, and he rapidly mined to depart to Germany. Scarcely
made his way to the outskirts of the had he left France when a storm burst
city. Finding shelter in the cottage of a over the Protestants, that, had he re-
laborer who was a friend to the reform, mained, must surely have involved him
he disguised himself in the garments of in the general ruin.
his host, and, shouldering a hoe, started
on his journey. Traveling southward, he The French Reformers, eager to see
again found refuge in the dominions their country keeping pace with Germa-
of Margaret. (See D’Aubigne, History of ny and Switzerland, determined to strike
the Reformation in Europe in the Time a bold blow against the superstitions
of Calvin, b. 2, ch. 30.) of Rome, that should arouse the whole
nation. Accordingly placards attack-
Here for a few months he remained, ing the mass were in one night posted
safe under the protection of powerful all over France. Instead of advancing
friends, and engaged as before in study. the reform, this zealous but ill-judged
But his heart was set upon the evangeli- movement brought ruin, not only upon
zation of France, and he could not long its propagators, but upon the friends of
remain inactive. As soon as the storm the reformed faith throughout France. It
had somewhat abated, he sought a new gave the Catholic leaders what they had
field of labor in Poitiers, where was a long desired—a pretext for demanding
university, and where already the new the utter destruction of the heretics as
opinions had found favor. Persons of all agitators dangerous to the stability of
classesgladlylistened to thegospel. There the throne and the peace of the nation.
was no public preaching, but in the home
of the chief magistrate, in his own lodg- By some secret hand—whether of
ings, and sometimes in a public garden, indiscreet friend or wily foe was never
Calvin opened the words of eternal life to known—one of the placards was at-
those who desired to listen. After a time, tached to the door of the king’s private
as the number of hearers increased, it was chamber. The monarch was filled with
thought safer to assemble outside the city. horror. In this paper, superstitions that
A cave in the side of a deep and narrow had received the veneration of ages were
gorge, where trees and overhanging rocks attacked with an unsparing hand. And
made the seclusion still more complete, the unexampled boldness of obtruding
was chosen as the place of meeting. Little these plain and startling utterances into
companies, leaving the city by different the royal presence aroused the wrath
routes, found their way hither. In this of the king. In his amazement he stood
retired spot the Bible was read aloud and for a little time trembling and speech-
explained. Here the Lord’s Supper was less. Then his rage found utterance in
celebrated for the first time by the Prot- the terrible words: “Let all be seized
estants of France. From this little church without distinction who are suspected
several faithful evangelists were sent out. of Lutheresy. I will exterminate them
all.—Ibid., b. 4, ch. 10. The die was cast.

The French Reformation 123

The king had determined to throw him- the University of Paris. … Morin made
self fully on the side of Rome. all the city quake. … It was a reign of
terror.”—Ibid., b. 4, ch. 10.
Measures were at once taken for the
arrest of every Lutheran in Paris. A poor The victims were put to death with
artisan, an adherent of the reformed faith, cruel torture, it being specially ordered
who had been accustomed to summon that the fire should be lowered in order
the believers to their secret assemblies, to prolong their agony. But they died
was seized and, with the threat of instant as conquerors. Their constancy were
unshaken, their peace unclouded. Their
There was no pulpit like the persecutors, powerless to move their
martyr’s pile. The serene joy that inflexible firmness, felt themselves de-
lighted up the faces of these men feated. “The scaffolds were distributed
as they passed along … to the place over all the quarters of Paris, and the
of execution, their heroism as burnings followed on successive days,
they stood amid the bitter flames, the design being to spread the terror of
their meek forgiveness of injuries, heresy by spreading the executions. The
transformed, in instances not a advantage, however, in the end, remained
few, anger into pity, and hate into with the gospel. All Paris was enabled to
love, and pleaded with resistless see what kind of men the new opinions
eloquence in behalf of the gospel. could produce. There was no pulpit like
death at the stake, was commanded to the martyr’s pile. The serene joy that
conduct the papal emissary to the home lighted up the faces of these men as they
of every Protestant in the city. He shrank passed along … to the place of execution,
in horror from the base proposal, but their heroism as they stood amid the
at last fear of the flames prevailed, and bitter flames, their meek forgiveness of
he consented to become the betrayer of injuries, transformed, in instances not a
his brethren. Preceded by the host, and few, anger into pity, and hate into love,
surrounded by a train of priests, incense and pleaded with resistless eloquence in
bearers, monks, and soldiers, Morin, the behalf of the gospel.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 20.
royal detective, with the traitor, slowly
and silently passed through the streets of The priests, bent upon keeping the
the city. The demonstration was ostensi- popular fury at its height, circulated
bly in honor of the “holy sacrament,” an the most terrible accusations against
act of expiation for the insult put upon the Protestants. They were charged
the mass by the protesters. But beneath with plotting to massacre the Catholics,
this pageant a deadly purpose was con- to overthrow the government, and to
cealed. On arriving opposite the house murder the king. Not a shadow of evi-
of a Lutheran, the betrayer made a sign, dence could be produced in support of
but no word was uttered. The procession the allegations. Yet these prophecies of
halted, the house was entered, the family evil were to have a fulfillment; under far
were dragged forth and chained, and the different circumstances, however, and
terrible company went forward in search from causes of an opposite character.
of fresh victims. They “spared no house, The cruelties that were inflicted upon
great or small, not even the colleges of the innocent Protestants by the Catholics
accumulated in a weight of retribution,
and in after centuries wrought the very
doom they had predicted to be impend-
ing, upon the king, his government, and

124 The Great Controversy

his subjects; but it was brought about by revival of learning which marked the
infidels and by the papists themselves. It opening of the sixteenth century. He had
was not the establishment, but the sup- delighted to gather at his court men of
pression, of Protestantism, that, three letters from every country. To his love
hundred years later, was to bring upon of learning and his contempt for the
France these dire calamities. ignorance and superstition of the monks
was due, in part at least, the degree of
Terrible had become the darkness toleration that had been granted to the
of the nation that had rejected reform. But, inspired with zeal to stamp
the light of truth. The grace “that out heresy, this patron of learning issued
bringeth salvation” had appeared; an edict declaring printing abolished
but France, after beholding all over France! Francis I presents one
its power and holiness, after among the many examples on record
thousands had been drawn by showing that intellectual culture is not
its divine beauty, after cities and a safeguard against religious intolerance
hamlets had been illuminated by and persecution.
its radiance, had turned away,
choosing darkness rather than light. France by a solemn and public
ceremony was to commit herself fully
Suspicion, distrust, and terror now to the destruction of Protestantism.
pervaded all classes of society. Amid the The priests demanded that the affront
general alarm it was seen how deep a offered to High Heaven in the con-
hold the Lutheran teaching had gained demnation of the mass be expiated in
upon the minds of men who stood blood, and that the king, in behalf of his
highest for education, influence, and people, publicly give his sanction to the
excellence of character. Positions of trust dreadful work.
and honor were suddenly found vacant.
Artisans, printers, scholars, professors The 21st of January, 1535, was fixed
in the universities, authors, and even upon for the awful ceremonial. The
courtiers, disappeared. Hundreds fled superstitious fears and bigoted hatred
from Paris, self-constituted exiles from of the whole nation had been roused.
their native land, in many cases thus Paris was thronged with the multitudes
giving the first intimation that they that from all the surrounding country
favored the reformed faith. The papists crowded her streets. The day was to
looked about them in amazement at be ushered in by a vast and imposing
thought of the unsuspected heretics that procession. “The houses along the line
had been tolerated among them. Their of march were hung with mourning
rage spent itself upon the multitudes of drapery, and altars rose at intervals.”
humbler victims who were within their Before every door was a lighted torch
power. The prisons were crowded, and in honor of the “holy sacrament.” Before
the very air seemed darkened with the daybreak the procession formed at the
smoke of burning piles, kindled for the palace of the king. “First came the ban-
confessors of the gospel. ners and crosses of the several parishes;
next appeared the citizens, walking two
Francis I had gloried in being a and two, and bearing torches.” The four
leader in the great movement for the orders of friars followed, each in its own
peculiar dress. Then came a vast collec-
tion of famous relics. Following these
rode lordly ecclesiastics in their purple

The French Reformation 125

and scarlet robes and jeweled adornings, of truth. The grace “that bringeth salva-
a gorgeous and glittering array. tion” had appeared; but France, after
beholding its power and holiness, after
“The host was carried by the bishop thousands had been drawn by its divine
of Paris under a magnificent canopy, … beauty, after cities and hamlets had
supported by four princes of the blood. been illuminated by its radiance, had
… After the host walked the king. … turned away, choosing darkness rather
Francis I on that day wore no crown, than light. They had put from them the
nor robe of state.” With “head uncov- heavenly gift when it was offered them.
ered, his eyes cast on the ground, and They had called evil good, and good evil,
in his hand a lighted taper,” the king of till they had fallen victims to their willful
France appeared “in the character of a self-deception. Now, though they might
penitent.”—Ibid., b. 13, ch. 21. At every actually believe that they were doing
altar he bowed down in humiliation, not God service in persecuting His people,
for the vices that defiled his soul, nor the yet their sincerity did not render them
innocent blood that stained his hands, guiltless. The light that would have saved
but for the deadly sin of his subjects them from deception, from staining
who had dared to condemn the mass. their souls with bloodguiltiness, they
Following him came the queen and the had willfully rejected.
dignitaries of state, also walking two and
two, each with a lighted torch. A solemn oath to extirpate heresy
was taken in the great cathedral where,
As a part of the services of the day nearly three centuries later, the God-
the monarch himself addressed the high dess of Reason was to be enthroned by
officials of the kingdom in the great hall a nation that had forgotten the living
of the bishop’s palace. With a sorrowful God. Again the procession formed,
countenance he appeared before them and the representatives of France set
and in words of moving eloquence be- out to begin the work which they
wailed “the crime, the blasphemy, the had sworn to do. “At short distances
day of sorrow and disgrace,” that had scaffolds had been erected, on which
come upon the nation. And he called certain Protestant Christians were to
upon every loyal subject to aid in the be burned alive, and it was arranged
extirpation of the pestilent heresy that that the fagots should be lighted at the
threatened France with ruin. “As true, moment the king approached, and that
messieurs, as I am your king,” he said, the procession should halt to witness the
“if I knew one of my own limbs spotted execution.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 21. The
or infected with this detestable rotten- details of the tortures endured by these
ness, I would give it you to cut off. … witnesses for Christ are too harrowing
And further, if I saw one of my children for recital; but there was no wavering on
defiled by it, I would not spare him. … I the part of the victims. On being urged
would deliver him up myself, and would to recant, one answered: “I only believe
sacrifice him to God.” Tears choked his in what the prophets and the apostles
utterance, and the whole assembly wept, formerly preached, and what all the
with one accord exclaiming: “We will company of saints believed. My faith has
live and die for the Catholic religion!”— a confidence in God which will resist all
D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation in the powers of hell.”—D’Aubigne, History
Europe in the Time of Calvin, b. 4, ch. 12. of the Reformation in Europe in the Time
of Calvin, b. 4, ch. 12.
Terrible had become the darkness
of the nation that had rejected the light

126 The Great Controversy

Again and again the procession the gift of heaven, she sowed the seeds
halted at the places of torture. Upon of anarchy and ruin; and the inevitable
reaching their starting point at the outworking of cause and effect resulted
royal palace, the crowd dispersed, and in the Revolution and the Reign of Terror.
the king and the prelates withdrew, well
satisfied with the day’s proceedings and Long before the persecution excited
congratulating themselves that the work by the placards, the bold and ardent
now begun would be continued to the Farel had been forced to flee from the
complete destruction of heresy. land of his birth. He repaired to Switzer-
land, and by his labors, seconding the
The gospel of peace which France work of Zwingli, he helped to turn the
had rejected was to be only too surely scale in favor of the Reformation. His
rooted out, and terrible would be the later years were to be spent here, yet he
results. On the 21st of January, 1793, continued to exert a decided influence
two hundred and fifty-eight years from upon the reform in France. During the
the very day that fully committed France first years of his exile, his efforts were
to the persecution of the Reformers, especially directed to spreading the
another procession, with a far different gospel in his native country. He spent
purpose, passed through the streets of considerable time in preaching among
Paris. “Again the king was the chief figure; his countrymen near the frontier, where
again there were tumult and shouting; with tireless vigilance he watched the
again there was heard the cry for more conflict and aided by his words of
victims; again there were black scaffolds; encouragement and counsel. With the
and again the scenes of the day were assistance of other exiles, the writings of
closed by horrid executions; Louis XVI, the German Reformers were translated
struggling hand to hand with his jailers into the French language and, together
and executioners, was dragged forward with the French Bible, were printed in
to the block, and there held down by large quantities. By colporteurs these
main force till the ax had fallen, and works were sold extensively in France.
his dissevered head rolled on the scaf- They were furnished to the colporteurs
fold.”—Wylie, b. 13, ch. 21. Nor was the at a low price, and thus the profits of the
king the only victim; near the same spot work enabled them to continue it.
two thousand and eight hundred human
beings perished by the guillotine during Farel entered upon his work in Swit-
the bloody days of the Reign of Terror. zerland in the humble guise of a school-
master. Repairing to a secluded parish,
The Reformation had presented to he devoted himself to the instruction
the world an open Bible, unsealing the of children. Besides the usual branches
precepts of the law of God and urging of learning, he cautiously introduced
its claims upon the consciences of the the truths of the Bible, hoping through
people. Infinite Love had unfolded the children to reach the parents. There
to men the statutes and principles of were some who believed, but the priests
heaven. God had said: “Keep therefore came forward to stop the work, and the
and do them; for this is your wisdom superstitious country people were roused
and your understanding in the sight of to oppose it. “That cannot be the gospel
the nations, which shall hear all these of Christ,” urged the priest, “seeing the
statutes, and say, Surely this great nation preaching of it does not bring peace,
is a wise and understanding people.” but war.”—Wylie, b. 14, ch. 3. Like the
Deuteronomy 4:6. When France rejected first disciples, when persecuted in one

The French Reformation 127

city he fled to another. From village to of safety. Thus ended his first effort to
village, from city to city, he went, travel- evangelize Geneva.
ing on foot, enduring hunger, cold, and
weariness, and everywhere in peril of his For the next trial a lowlier instru-
life. He preached in the market places, in ment was chosen—a young man, so
the churches, sometimes in the pulpits humble in appearance that he was coldly
of the cathedrals. Sometimes he found treated even by the professed friends of
the church empty of hearers; at times reform. But what could such a one do
his preaching was interrupted by shouts where Farel had been rejected? How
and jeers; again he was pulled violently could one of little courage and experi-
out of the pulpit. More than once he ence withstand the tempest before which
was set upon by the rabble and beaten the strongest and bravest had been
almost to death. Yet he pressed forward. forced to flee? “Not by might, nor by
Though often repulsed, with unwearying power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord.”
persistence he returned to the attack; and, Zechariah 4:6. “God hath chosen the
one after another, he saw towns and cities weak things of the world to confound
which had been strongholds of popery, the things which are mighty.” “Because
opening their gates to the gospel. The little the foolishness of God is wiser than men;
parish where he had first labored soon and the weakness of God is stronger than
accepted the reformed faith. The cities of men.” 1 Corinthians 1:27, 25.
Morat and Neuchatel also renounced the
Roman Catholic rites and removed the Froment began his work as a school-
idolatrous images from their churches. master. The truths which he taught the
children at school they repeated at their
Farel had long desired to plant the homes. Soon the parents came to hear
Protestant standard in Geneva. If this the Bible explained, until the school-
city could be won, it would be a center room was filled with attentive listeners.
for the Reformation in France, in Swit- New Testaments and tracts were freely
zerland, and in Italy. With this object distributed, and they reached many who
before him, he had continued his labors dared not come openly to listen to the
until many of the surrounding towns new doctrines. After a time this laborer
and hamlets had been gained. Then with also was forced to flee; but the truths
a single companion he entered Geneva. he taught had taken hold upon the
But only two sermons was he permitted minds of the people. The Reformation
to preach. The priests, having vainly had been planted, and it continued to
endeavored to secure his condemna- strengthen and extend. The preachers
tion by the civil authorities, summoned returned, and through their labors the
him before an ecclesiastical council, to Protestant worship was finally estab-
which they came with arms concealed lished in Geneva.
under their robes, determined to take
his life. Outside the hall, a furious mob, The city had already declared for the
with clubs and swords, was gathered Reformation when Calvin, after various
to make sure of his death if he should wanderings and vicissitudes, entered its
succeed in escaping the council. The gates. Returning from a last visit to his
presence of magistrates and an armed birthplace, he was on his way to Basel,
force, however, saved him. Early next when, finding the direct road occupied
morning he was conducted, with his by the armies of Charles V, he was forced
companion, across the lake to a place to take the circuitous route by Geneva.

In this visit Farel recognized the hand
of God. Though Geneva had accepted

128 The Great Controversy

the reformed faith, yet a great work Throughout Christendom, Protes-
remained to be accomplished here. It is tantism was menaced by formidable foes.
not as communities but as individuals The first triumphs of the Reformation
that men are converted to God; the work past, Rome summoned new forces, hop-
of regeneration must be wrought in the ing to accomplish its destruction. At this
heart and conscience by the power of the time the order of the Jesuits was created,
Holy Spirit, not by the decrees of coun- the most cruel, unscrupulous, and pow-
cils. While the people of Geneva had cast erful of all the champions of popery. Cut
off the authority of Rome, they were not off from earthly ties and human interests,
so ready to renounce the vices that had dead to the claims of natural affection,
flourished under her rule. To establish reason and conscience wholly silenced,
here the pure principles of the gospel and they knew no rule, no tie, but that of their
to prepare this people to fill worthily the order, and no duty but to extend its power.
position to which Providence seemed (See Appendix.) The gospel of Christ had
calling them were not light tasks. enabled its adherents to meet danger and
endure suffering, undismayed by cold,
Farel was confident that he had found hunger, toil, and poverty, to uphold the
in Calvin one whom he could unite with banner of truth in face of the rack, the
himself in this work. In the name of God dungeon, and the stake. To combat these
he solemnly adjured the young evangelist forces, Jesuitism inspired its followers
to remain and labor here. Calvin drew with a fanaticism that enabled them to
back in alarm. Timid and peace-loving, endure like dangers, and to oppose to
he shrank from contact with the bold, the power of truth all the weapons of
independent, and even violent spirit of deception. There was no crime too great
the Genevese. The feebleness of his health, for them to commit, no deception too
together with his studious habits, led him base for them to practice, no disguise
to seek retirement. Believing that by his too difficult for them to assume. Vowed
pen he could best serve the cause of reform, to perpetual poverty and humility, it was
he desired to find a quiet retreat for study, their studied aim to secure wealth and
and there, through the press, instruct and power, to be devoted to the overthrow of
build up the churches. But Farel’s solemn Protestantism, and the re-establishment
admonition came to him as a call from of the papal supremacy.
Heaven, and he dared not refuse. It seemed
to him, he said, “that the hand of God was When appearing as members of their
stretched down from heaven, that it lay order, they wore a garb of sanctity, visit-
hold of him, and fixed him irrevocably to ing prisons and hospitals, ministering to
the place he was so impatient to leave.”— the sick and the poor, professing to have
D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation in renounced the world, and bearing the
Europe in the Time of Calvin, b. 9, ch. 17. sacred name of Jesus, who went about
doing good. But under this blameless
At this time great perils surrounded exterior the most criminal and deadly
the Protestant cause. The anathemas of purposes were often concealed. It was a
the pope thundered against Geneva, and fundamental principle of the order that
mighty nations threatened it with destruc- the end justifies the means. By this code,
tion. How was this little city to resist the lying, theft, perjury, assassination, were
powerful hierarchy that had so often not only pardonable but commendable,
forced kings and emperors to submission? when they served the interests of the
How could it stand against the armies of church. Under various disguises the
the world’s great conquerors?

The French Reformation 129

Jesuits worked their way into offices of its strongholds. It was little Geneva in
state, climbing up to be the counselors of the midst of mighty foes plotting her
kings, and shaping the policy of nations. destruction; it was Holland on her sand-
They became servants to act as spies banks by the northern sea, wrestling
upon their masters. They established col- against the tyranny of Spain, then the
leges for the sons of princes and nobles, greatest and most opulent of kingdoms;
and schools for the common people; and it was bleak, sterile Sweden, that gained
the children of Protestant parents were victories for the Reformation.
drawn into an observance of popish rites.
All the outward pomp and display of the For nearly thirty years Calvin la-
Roman Catholic worship was brought to bored at Geneva, first to establish there
bear to confuse the mind and dazzle and a church adhering to the morality of the
captivate the imagination, and thus the Bible, and then for the advancement of
liberty for which the fathers had toiled the Reformation throughout Europe.
and bled was betrayed by the sons. The His course as a public leader was not
Jesuits rapidly spread themselves over faultless, nor were his doctrines free
Europe, and wherever they went, there from error. But he was instrumental in
followed a revival of popery. promulgating truths that were of special
importance in his time, in maintaining
To give them greater power, a bull the principles of Protestantism against
was issued re-establishing the inquisi- the fast-returning tide of popery, and
tion. (See Appendix.) Notwithstanding in promoting in the reformed churches
the general abhorrence with which it was simplicity and purity of life, in place of
regarded, even in Catholic countries, the pride and corruption fostered under
this terrible tribunal was again set up by the Roman Catholic teaching.
popish rulers, and atrocities too terrible
to bear the light of day were repeated in From Geneva, publications and
its secret dungeons. In many countries, teachers went out to spread the reformed
thousands upon thousands of the very doctrines. To this point the persecuted of
flower of the nation, the purest and all lands looked for instruction, counsel,
noblest, the most intellectual and highly and encouragement. The city of Calvin
educated, pious and devoted pastors, became a refuge for the hunted Reform-
industrious and patriotic citizens, bril- ers of all Western Europe. Fleeing from
liant scholars, talented artists, skillful the awful tempests that continued for
artisans, were slain or forced to flee to centuries, the fugitives came to the gates
other lands. of Geneva. Starving, wounded, bereft of
home and kindred, they were warmly
Such were the means which Rome welcomed and tenderly cared for; and
had invoked to quench the light of the finding a home here, they blessed the
Reformation, to withdraw from men city of their adoption by their skill, their
the Bible, and to restore the ignorance learning, and their piety. Many who
and superstition of the Dark Ages. But sought here a refuge returned to their
under God’s blessing and the labors of own countries to resist the tyranny of
those noble men whom He had raised Rome. John Knox, the brave Scotch
up to succeed Luther, Protestantism Reformer, not a few of the English Pu-
was not overthrown. Not to the favor or ritans, the Protestants of Holland and
arms of princes was it to owe its strength. of Spain, and the Huguenots of France
The smallest countries, the humblest carried from Geneva the torch of truth to
and least powerful nations, became lighten the darkness of their native lands.

CHAPTER 13

The Netherlands and Scandinavia

I n The Netherlands the papal tyr- and spread everywhere the knowledge
anny very early called forth resolute of the gospel, penetrated to the Neth-
protest. Seven hundred years be- erlands. Their doctrines spread rapidly.
fore Luther’s time the Roman pontiff The Waldensian Bible they translated
was thus fearlessly impeached by two in verse into the Dutch language. They
bishops, who, having been sent on an declared “that there was great advan-
embassy to Rome, had learned the true tage in it; no jests, no fables, no trifles,
character of the “holy see”: God “has no deceits, but the words of truth; that
made His queen and spouse, the church, indeed there was here and there a hard
a noble and everlasting provision for crust, but that the marrow and sweet-
her family, with a dowry that is neither ness of what was good and holy might
fading nor corruptible, and given her an be easily discovered in it.”—Ibid b. 1, p.
eternal crown and scepter; … all which 14. Thus wrote the friends of the ancient
benefits you like a thief intercept. You faith, in the twelfth century.
set up yourself in the temple of God;
instead of a pastor, you are become a Now began the Papal persecutions;
wolf to the sheep; … you would make but in the midst of fagots and torture
us believe you are a supreme bishop, the believers continued to multiply,
but you rather behave like a tyrant. … steadfastly declaring that the Bible is
Whereas you ought to be a servant of ser- the only infallible authority in religion,
vants, as you call yourself, you endeavor and that “no man should be coerced to
to become a lord of lords. … You bring believe, but should be won by preach-
the commands of God into contempt. ing.”—Martyn, vol. 2, p. 87.
… The Holy Ghost is the builder of all
churches as far as the earth extends. … The teachings of Luther found a
The city of our God, of which we are congenial soil in the Netherlands, and
the citizens, reaches to all the regions earnest and faithful men arose to preach
of the heavens; and it is greater than the gospel. From one of the provinces of
the city, by the holy prophets named Holland came Menno Simons. Educated
Babylon, which pretends to be divine, a Roman Catholic and ordained to the
wins herself to heaven, and brags that priesthood, he was wholly ignorant of
her wisdom is immortal; and finally, the Bible, and he would not read it for
though without reason, that she never fear of being beguiled into heresy. When
did err, nor ever can.”—Gerard Brandt, a doubt concerning the doctrine of tran-
HthiestLOoortwyhoeCfrstohuaenrRotrseiefeosfr,rmbo.ma1ti,copen.ni6tnu. aryndtoAbceonu-t substantiation forced itself upon him, he
tury to echo this protest. And those early regarded it as a temptation from Satan,
teachers who, traversing different lands and by prayer and confession sought
and known by various names, bore the to free himself from it; but in vain. By
character of the Vaudois missionaries, mingling in scenes of dissipation he
endeavored to silence the accusing voice
of conscience; but without avail. After
a time he was led to the study of the
New Testament, and this, with Luther’s

The Netherlands and Scandinavia 131

writings, caused him to accept the re- fanatical Munsterites. Yet great numbers
formed faith. He soon after witnessed in were converted under his labors.
a neighboring village the beheading of
a man who was put to death for having Nowhere were the reformed doc-
been rebaptized. This led him to study trines more generally received than in
the Bible in regard to infant baptism. the Netherlands. In few countries did
He could find no evidence for it in the their adherents endure more terrible
Scriptures, but saw that repentance and persecution. In Germany Charles V had
faith are everywhere required as the banned the Reformation, and he would
condition of receiving baptism. gladly have brought all its adherents
to the stake; but the princes stood up
Menno withdrew from the Roman
Church and devoted his life to teaching Nowhere were the reformed
the truths which he had received. In both doctrines more generally received
Germany and the Netherlands a class of than in the Netherlands. In few
fanatics had risen, advocating absurd countries did their adherents
and seditious doctrines, outraging order endure more terrible persecution.
and decency, and proceeding to violence … To read the Bible, to hear
and insurrection. Menno saw the hor- or preach it, or even to speak
rible results to which these movements concerning it, was to incur the
would inevitably lead, and he strenu- penalty of death by the stake.
ously opposed the erroneous teachings as a barrier against his tyranny. In the
and wild schemes of the fanatics. There Netherlands his power was greater, and
were many, however, who had been persecuting edicts followed each other
misled by these fanatics, but who had in quick succession. To read the Bible,
renounced their pernicious doctrines; to hear or preach it, or even to speak
and there were still remaining many concerning it, was to incur the penalty
descendants of the ancient Christians, of death by the stake. To pray to God in
the fruits of the Waldensian teaching. secret, to refrain from bowing to an im-
Among these classes Menno labored age, or to sing a psalm, was also punish-
with great zeal and success. able with death. Even those who should
abjure their errors were condemned, if
For twenty-five years he traveled, men, to die by the sword; if women, to be
with his wife and children, enduring buried alive. Thousands perished under
great hardships and privations, and the reign of Charles and of Philip II.
frequently in peril of his life. He tra-
versed the Netherlands and northern At one time a whole family was
Germany, laboring chiefly among the brought before the inquisitors, charged
humbler classes but exerting a wide- with remaining away from mass and
spread influence. Naturally eloquent, worshiping at home. On his examina-
though possessing a limited education, tion as to their practices in secret the
he was a man of unwavering integrity, of youngest son answered: “We fall on our
humble spirit and gentle manners, and of knees, and pray that God may enlighten
sincere and earnest piety, exemplifying our minds and pardon our sins; we pray
in his own life the precepts which he for our sovereign, that his reign may
taught, and he commanded the confi- be prosperous and his life happy; we
dence of the people. His followers were
scattered and oppressed. They suffered
greatly from being confounded with the

132 The Great Controversy

pray for our magistrates, that God may also spread the light. The simple, hardy
preserve them.”—Wylie, b. 18, ch. 6. people of the North turned from the
Some of the judges were deeply moved, corruption, the pomp, and the supersti-
yet the father and one of his sons were tions of Rome, to welcome the purity,
condemned to the stake. the simplicity, and the life-giving truths
of the Bible.
The rage of the persecutors was
equaled by the faith of the martyrs. Not Tausen, “the Reformer of Denmark,”
only men but delicate women and young was a peasant’s son. The boy early
maidens displayed unflinching courage. gave evidence of vigorous intellect; he
“Wives would take their stand by their thirsted for an education; but this was
husband’s stake, and while he was endur- denied him by the circumstances of his
ing the fire they would whisper words parents, and he entered a cloister. Here
of solace, or sing psalms to cheer him.” the purity of his life, together with his
“Young maidens would lie down in their diligence and fidelity, won the favor of
living grave as if they were entering into his superior. Examination showed him
their chamber of nightly sleep; or go forth to possess talent that promised at some
to the scaffold and the fire, dressed in future day good service to the church.
their best apparel, as if they were going It was determined to give him an edu-
to their marriage.”—Ibid., b. 18, ch. 6. cation at some one of the universities
of Germany or the Netherlands. The
As in the days when paganism young student was granted permission
sought to destroy the gospel, the blood to choose a school for himself, with one
of the Christians was seed. (See Tertul- proviso, that he must not go to Wit-
lian, Apology, paragraph 50.) Persecu- tenberg. The scholar of the church was
tion served to increase the number of not to be endangered by the poison of
heresy. So said the friars.
As in the days when paganism
sought to destroy the gospel, the Tausen went to Cologne, which was
blood of the Christians was seed. then, as now, one of the strongholds
witnesses for the truth. Year after year of Catholicism. Here he soon became
the monarch, stung to madness by the disgusted with the mysticisms of the
unconquerable determination of the schoolmen. About the same time he
people, urged on his cruel work; but in obtained Luther’s writings. He read them
vain. Under the noble William of Orange with wonder and delight, and greatly
the Revolution at last brought to Holland desired to enjoy the personal instruc-
freedom to worship God. tion of the Reformer. But to do so he
must risk giving offense to his monastic
In the mountains of Piedmont, on superior and forfeiting his support. His
the plains of France and the shores of decision was soon made, and erelong he
Holland, the progress of the gospel was was enrolled as a student at Wittenberg.
marked with the blood of its disciples.
But in the countries of the North it On returning to Denmark, he again
found a peaceful entrance. Students at repaired to his cloister. No one as yet
Wittenberg, returning to their homes, suspected him of Lutheranism; he did
carried the reformed faith to Scandina- not reveal his secret, but endeavored,
via. The publication of Luther’s writings without exciting the prejudices of his
companions, to lead them to a purer
faith and a holier life. He opened the
Bible, and explained its true meaning,

The Netherlands and Scandinavia 133

and at last preached Christ to them as Reformation, Olaf and Laurentius Petri,
the sinner’s righteousness and his only the sons of a blacksmith of Orebro,
hope of salvation. Great was the wrath studied under Luther and Melanchthon,
of the prior, who had built high hopes and the truths which they thus learned
upon him as a valiant defender of Rome. they were diligent to teach. Like the great
Reformer, Olaf aroused the people by his
In the mountains of Piedmont, zeal and eloquence, while Laurentius,
on the plains of France and the like Melanchthon, was learned, thought-
shores of Holland, the progress of ful, and calm. Both were men of ardent
the gospel was marked with the piety, of high theological attainments,
blood of its disciples. But in the and of unflinching courage in advanc-
countries of the North it found a ing the truth. Papist opposition was not
peaceful entrance. lacking. The Catholic priest stirred up
He was at once removed from his own the ignorant and superstitious people.
monastery to another and confined to Olaf Petri was often assailed by the
his cell under strict supervision. mob, and upon several occasions barely
escaped with his life. These Reformers
To the terror of his new guardians were, however, favored and protected
several of the monks soon declared by the king.
themselves converts to Protestantism.
Through the bars of his cell Tausen had Under the rule of the Roman Church
communicated to his companions a the people were sunken in poverty and
knowledge of the truth. Had those Dan- ground down by oppression. They were
ish fathers been skilled in the church’s destitute of the Scriptures; and having a
plan of dealing with heresy, Tausen’s religion of mere signs and ceremonies,
voice would never again have been heard; which conveyed no light to the mind,
but instead of consigning him to a tomb they were returning to the supersti-
in some underground dungeon, they tious beliefs and pagan practices of
expelled him from the monastery. Now their heathen ancestors. The nation was
they were powerless. A royal edict, just divided into contending factions, whose
issued, offered protection to the teachers perpetual strife increased the misery of
of the new doctrine. Tausen began to all. The king determined upon a refor-
preach. The churches were opened to mation in the state and the church, and
him, and the people thronged to listen. he welcomed these able assistants in the
Others also were preaching the word of battle against Rome.
God. The New Testament, translated into
the Danish tongue, was widely circu- In the presence of the monarch
lated. The efforts made by the papists to and the leading men of Sweden, Olaf
overthrow the work resulted in extend- Petri with great ability defended the
ing it, and erelong Denmark declared its doctrines of the reformed faith against
acceptance of the reformed faith. the Catholic champions. He declared
that the teachings of the Fathers are to
In Sweden, also, young men who be received only when in accordance
had drunk from the well of Wittenberg with the Scriptures; that the essential
carried the water of life to their country- doctrines of the faith are presented in
men. Two of the leaders in the Swedish the Bible in a clear and simple manner,
so that all men may understand them.
Christ said, “My doctrine is not Mine,
but His that sent Me” (John 7:16); and

134 The Great Controversy

Paul declared that should he preach whole system of gospel truth, and who
any other gospel than that which he win an easy victory over the sophists
had received, he would be accursed of the schools and the dignitaries of
(Galatians 1:8). “How, then,” said the Rome.”—Ibid., b. 10, ch.4.
Reformer, “shall others presume to
enact dogmas at their pleasure, and As the result of this disputation the
impose them as things necessary to king of Sweden accepted the Protestant
salvation?”—Wylie, b. 10, ch. 4. He faith, and not long afterward the na-
showed that the decrees of the church tional assembly declared in its favor. The
are of no authority when in opposition New Testament had been translated by
to the commands of God, and main- Olaf Petri into the Swedish language, and
tained the great Protestant principle at the desire of the king the two brothers
that “the Bible and the Bible only” is undertook the translation of the whole
the rule of faith and practice. Bible. Thus for the first time the people
of Sweden received the word of God in
This contest, though conducted their native tongue. It was ordered by
upon a stage comparatively obscure, the Diet that throughout the kingdom,
serves to show us “the sort of men that ministers should explain the Scriptures
formed the rank and file of the army of and that the children in the schools
the Reformers. They were not illiterate, should be taught to read the Bible.
sectarian, noisy controversialists—far
from it; they were men who had studied Steadily and surely the darkness of ig-
the word of God, and knew well how norance and superstition was dispelled by
to wield the weapons with which the the blessed light of the gospel. Freed from
armory of the Bible supplied them. In Roman Catholic oppression, the nation
respect of erudition they were ahead of attained to a strength and greatness it had
their age. When we confine our attention never before reached. Sweden became
to such brilliant centers as Wittenberg one of the bulwarks of Protestantism.
and Zurich, and to such illustrious names A century later, at a time of sorest peril,
as those of Luther and Melanchthon, of this small and hitherto feeble nation—the
Zwingli and Oecolampadius, we are apt only one in Europe that dared lend a
to be told, these were the leaders of the helping hand—came to the deliverance
movement, and we should naturally ex- of Germany in the terrible struggle of the
pect in them prodigious power and vast Thirty Years’ War. All Northern Europe
acquisitions; but the subordinates were seemed about to be brought again under
not like these. Well, we turn to the ob- the tyranny of Rome. It was the armies of
scure theater of Sweden, and the humble Sweden that enabled Germany to turn the
names of Olaf and Laurentius Petri— tide of popish success, to win toleration
from the masters to the disciples—what for the Protestants,—Calvinists as well
do we find? … Scholars and theologians; as Lutherans,—and to restore liberty of
men who have thoroughly mastered the conscience to those countries that had
accepted the Reformation.

Steadily and surely the darkness of ignorance and superstition was dispelled
by the blessed light of the gospel. Freed from Roman Catholic oppression,
the nation attained to a strength and greatness it had never before reached.
Sweden became one of the bulwarks of Protestantism.

CHAPTER 14

Later English Reformers

W hile Luther was opening a in His word. Far from having given
closed Bible to the people us the Scriptures, it is you who have
of Germany, Tyndale was hidden them from us; it is you who
impelled by the Spirit of God to do burn those who teach them, and if you
the same for England. Wycliffe’s Bible could, you would burn the Scriptures
had been translated from the Latin themselves.”—D’Aubigne, History of the
text, which contained many errors. It Reformation of the Sixteenth Century,
had never been printed, and the cost b. 18, ch. 4.
of manuscript copies was so great that
few but wealthy men or nobles could Tyndale’s preaching excited great
procure it; and, furthermore, being interest; many accepted the truth. But
strictly proscribed by the church, it had the priests were on the alert, and no
had a comparatively narrow circulation. sooner had he left the field than they by
In 1516, a year before the appearance of their threats and misrepresentations en-
Luther’s theses, Erasmus had published deavored to destroy his work. Too often
his Greek and Latin version of the New they succeeded. “What is to be done?” he
Testament. Now for the first time the exclaimed. “While I am sowing in one
word of God was printed in the original place, the enemy ravages the field I have
tongue. In this work many errors of just left. I cannot be everywhere. Oh! if
former versions were corrected, and Christians possessed the Holy Scriptures
the sense was more clearly rendered. It in their own tongue, they could of them-
led many among the educated classes selves withstand these sophists. Without
to a better knowledge of the truth, the Bible it is impossible to establish the
and gave a new impetus to the work of laity in the truth.”—Ibid., b. 18, ch. 4.
reform. But the common people were
still, to a great extent, debarred from A new purpose now took possession
God’s word. Tyndale was to complete of his mind. “It was in the language of
the work of Wycliffe in giving the Bible Israel,” said he, “that the psalms were
to his countrymen. sung in the temple of Jehovah; and shall
not the gospel speak the language of
A diligent student and an earnest England among us? … Ought the church
seeker for truth, he had received the to have less light at noonday than at
gospel from the Greek Testament of the dawn? … Christians must read the
Erasmus. He fearlessly preached his New Testament in their mother tongue.”
convictions, urging that all doctrines The doctors and teachers of the church
be tested by the Scriptures. To the disagreed among themselves. Only by
papist claim that the church had given the Bible could men arrive at the truth.
the Bible, and the church alone could “One holdeth this doctor, another that.
explain it, Tyndale responded: “Do you … Now each of these authors contradicts
know who taught the eagles to find their the other. How then can we distinguish
prey? Well, that same God teaches His him who says right from him who says
hungry children to find their Father wrong? … How? … Verily by God’s
word.”—Ibid., b. 18, ch. 4.

136 The Great Controversy

It was not long after that a learned of destroying them, supposing that this
Catholic doctor, engaging in controversy would greatly hinder the work. But, on
with him, exclaimed: “We were better to the contrary, the money thus furnished,
be without God’s laws than the pope’s.” purchased material for a new and better
Tyndale replied: “I defy the pope and all edition, which, but for this, could not
his laws; and if God spare my life, ere have been published. When Tyndale was
many years I will cause a boy that driveth afterward made a prisoner, his liberty
the plow to know more of the Scripture was offered him on condition that he
than you do.”—Anderson, Annals of the would reveal the names of those who
English Bible, page 19. had helped him meet the expense of
The purpose which he had begun printing his Bibles. He replied that the
to cherish, of giving to the people the bishop of Durham had done more than
New Testament Scriptures in their own any other person; for by paying a large
language, was now confirmed, and he price for the books left on hand, he had
immediately applied himself to the enabled him to go on with good courage.
work. Driven from his home by persecu-
tion, he went to London, and there for Tyndale was betrayed into the hands
a time pursued his labors undisturbed. of his enemies, and at one time suffered
But again the violence of the papists imprisonment for many months. He
forced him to flee. All England seemed finally witnessed for his faith by a mar-
closed against him, and he resolved to tyr’s death; but the weapons which he
seek shelter in Germany. Here he began prepared have enabled other soldiers to
the printing of the English New Testa- do battle through all the centuries even
ment. Twice the work was stopped; but to our time.
when forbidden to print in one city, he
went to another. At last he made his way Latimer maintained from the pulpit
to Worms, where, a few years before, that the Bible ought to be read in the lan-
Luther had defended the gospel before guage of the people. The Author of Holy
the Diet. In that ancient city were many Scripture, said he, “is God Himself;” and
friends of the Reformation, and Tyndale this Scripture partakes of the might and
there prosecuted his work without eternity of its Author. “There is no king,
further hindrance. Three thousand emperor, magistrate, and ruler … but are
copies of the New Testament were soon bound to obey … His holy word.” “Let
finished, and another edition followed us not take any bywalks, but let God’s
in the same year. word direct us: let us not walk after …
With great earnestness and perse- our forefathers, nor seek not what they
verance he continued his labors. Not- did, but what they should have done.”—
withstanding the English authorities Hugh Latimer, “First Sermon Preached
had guarded their ports with the strictest Before King Edward VI.”
vigilance, the word of God was in vari-
ous ways secretly conveyed to London Barnes and Frith, the faithful friends
and thence circulated throughout the of Tyndale, arose to defend the truth.
country. The papists attempted to sup- The Ridleys and Cranmer followed.
press the truth, but in vain. The bishop These leaders in the English Reforma-
of Durham at one time bought of a tion were men of learning, and most of
bookseller who was a friend of Tyndale them had been highly esteemed for zeal
his whole stock of Bibles, for the purpose or piety in the Catholic communion.
Their opposition to the papacy was the
result of their knowledge of the errors of
the “holy see.” Their acquaintance with

Later English Reformers 137

the mysteries of Babylon gave greater Scriptures as a rule of faith and practice.
power to their testimonies against her. They denied the right of popes, councils,
Fathers, and kings, to control the con-
“Now I would ask a strange ques- science in matters of religion. The Bible
tion,” said Latimer. “Who is the most was their authority, and by its teaching
diligent bishop and prelate in all Eng- they tested all doctrines and all claims.
land? … I see you listening and hearken- Faith in God and His word sustained
ing that I should name him. … I will tell these holy men as they yielded up their
you: it is the devil. … He is never out of lives at the stake. “Be of good comfort,”
his diocese; call for him when you will, exclaimed Latimer to his fellow martyr
he is ever at home; … he is ever at his as the flames were about to silence their
plow. … Ye shall never find him idle, voices, “we shall this day light such a
I warrant you. … Where the devil is candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I
resident, … there away with books, and trust shall never be put out.”—Works of
up with candles; away with Bibles, and Hugh Latimer, vol. 1, p. xiii.
up with beads; away with the light of the
gospel, and up with the light of candles, In Scotland the seeds of truth scat-
yea, at noondays; … down with Christ’s tered by Columba and his colaborers
cross, up with purgatory pickpurse; … had never been wholly destroyed. For
away with clothing the naked, the poor, hundreds of years after the churches of
and impotent, up with decking of im- England submitted to Rome, those of
Scotland maintained their freedom. In
They denied the right of popes, the twelfth century, however, popery
councils, Fathers, and kings, to became established here, and in no
control the conscience in matters country did it exercise a more absolute
of religion. The Bible was their sway. Nowhere was the darkness deeper.
authority, and by its teaching they Still there came rays of light to pierce
tested all doctrines and all claims. the gloom and give promise of the
Faith in God and His word sustained coming day. The Lollards, coming from
these holy men as they yielded up England with the Bible and the teach-
their lives at the stake. ings of Wycliffe, did much to preserve
ages and gay garnishing of stocks and the knowledge of the gospel, and every
stones; up with man’s traditions and century had its witnesses and martyrs.
his laws, down with God’s traditions
and His most holy word. … O that our With the opening of the Great Refor-
prelates would be as diligent to sow the mation came the writings of Luther, and
corn of good doctrine, as Satan is to sow then Tyndale’s English New Testament.
cockle and darnel!”—Ibid., “Sermon of Unnoticed by the hierarchy, these mes-
the Plough.” sengers silently traversed the mountains
and valleys, kindling into new life the
The grand principle maintained by torch of truth so nearly extinguished in
these Reformers—the same that had Scotland, and undoing the work which
been held by the Waldenses, by Wycliffe, Rome for four centuries of oppression
by John Huss, by Luther, Zwingli, and had done.
those who united with them—was
the infallible authority of the Holy Then the blood of martyrs gave fresh
impetus to the movement. The papist
leaders, suddenly awakening to the dan-
ger that threatened their cause, brought
to the stake some of the noblest and

138 The Great Controversy

most honored of the sons of Scotland. she declared, and had thus transgressed
They did but erect a pulpit, from which God’s command enjoining subjects
the words of these dying witnesses were to obey their princes. Knox answered
heard throughout the land, thrilling the firmly:
souls of the people with an undying
purpose to cast off the shackles of Rome. “As right religion took neither origi-
nal strength nor authority from worldly
Hamilton and Wishart, princely in princes, but from the eternal God alone,
character as in birth, with a long line so are not subjects bound to frame their
of humbler disciples, yielded up their religion according to the appetites of
lives at the stake. But from the burning their princes. For oft it is that princes
pile of Wishart there came one whom are the most ignorant of all others in
the flames were not to silence, one who God’s true religion. … If all the seed of
under God was to strike the death knell Abraham had been of the religion of
of popery in Scotland. Pharaoh, whose subjects they long were,
I pray you, madam, what religion would
John Knox had turned away from there have been in the world? Or if all
the traditions and mysticisms of the men in the days of the apostles had been
church, to feed upon the truths of God’s of the religion of the Roman emperors,
word; and the teaching of Wishart had what religion would there have been
confirmed his determination to forsake upon the face of the earth? … And so,
the communion of Rome and join him- madam, ye may perceive that subjects
self to the persecuted Reformers. are not bound to the religion of their
princes, albeit they are commanded to
Urged by his companions to take give them obedience.”
the office of preacher, he shrank with
trembling from its responsibility, and Said Mary: “Ye interpret the Scrip-
it was only after days of seclusion and tures in one manner, and they [the
painful conflict with himself that he Roman Catholic teachers] interpret in
consented. But having once accepted another; whom shall I believe, and who
the position, he pressed forward with shall be judge?”
inflexible determination and undaunted
courage as long as life continued. This “Ye shall believe God, that plainly
truehearted Reformer feared not the face speaketh in His word,” answered the
of man. The fires of martyrdom, blazing Reformer; “and farther than the word
around him, served only to quicken his teaches you, ye neither shall believe the
zeal to greater intensity. With the tyrant’s one nor the other. The word of God is
ax held menacingly over his head, he plain in itself; and if there appear any
stood his ground, striking sturdy blows obscurity in one place, the Holy Ghost,
on the right hand and on the left to which is never contrary to Himself,
demolish idolatry. explains the same more clearly in other
places, so that there can remain no doubt
When brought face to face with the but unto such as obstinately remain
queen of Scotland, in whose presence the ignorant.”—David Laing, The Collected
zeal of many a leader of the Protestants Works of John Knox, vol. 2, pp. 281, 284.
had abated, John Knox bore unswerving
witness for the truth. He was not to be Such were the truths that the fear-
won by caresses; he quailed not before less Reformer, at the peril of his life,
threats. The queen charged him with spoke in the ear of royalty. With the
heresy. He had taught the people to same undaunted courage he kept to
receive a religion prohibited by the state, his purpose, praying and fighting the