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Chapter 5—Early Reformers
So bitter had been the war waged upon the Bible, that at times
there were very few copies in existence; but God had not suffered his
word to be wholly destroyed. Its truths were not to be forever hidden.
He could as easily unchain the words of life as he could open prison
doors and unbolt iron gates to set his servants free. In the different
countries of Europe, men were moved by the Spirit of God to search
for the truth as for hidden treasure. Providentially guided to the
Holy Scriptures, they studied the sacred pages with intense interest.
They were willing to accept the light, at any cost to themselves.
Though they did not see all things clearly, they were enabled to
perceive many long-buried truths. As Heaven-sent messengers they
went forth, rending asunder the chains of error and superstition, and
calling upon those who had been so long enslaved to arise and assert
their liberty.
Except among the Waldenses, the word of God had for ages been
locked up in languages known only to the learned; but the time had
come for the Scriptures to be translated, and given to the people
of different lands in their native tongue. The world had passed its
midnight. The hours of darkness were wearing away, and in many
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lands appeared tokens of the coming dawn.
In the fourteenth century arose in England the “morning star of
the Reformation.” John Wycliffe was the herald of reform, not for
England alone, but for all Christendom. He was the progenitor of
the Puritans; his era was an oasis in the desert.
Wycliffe received a liberal education, and with him the fear of
the Lord was the beginning of wisdom. He was noted at college
for his fervent piety as well as for his remarkable talents and sound
scholarship. He was educated in the civil and the canon law, and
sought to become acquainted with every branch of knowledge. In his
after-labors the value of this early discipline was apparent. While he
could wield the sword of the Spirit, he was acquainted also with the
practice of the schools. This combination of accomplishments won
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