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The Great Controversy
conveyed to London and thence circulated throughout the country.
The papists attempted to suppress the truth, but in vain. The bishop
of Durham at one time bought of a bookseller who was a friend of
Tyndale his whole stock of Bibles, for the purpose of destroying them,
supposing that this would greatly hinder the work. But, on the contrary,
the money thus furnished, purchased material for a new and better
edition, which, but for this, could not have been published. When
Tyndale was afterward made a prisoner, his liberty was offered him on
condition that he would reveal the names of those who had helped him
meet the expense of printing his Bibles. He replied that the bishop of
Durham had done more than any other person; for by paying a large
price for the books left on hand, he had enabled him to go on with
good courage.
Tyndale was betrayed into the hands of his enemies, and at one
time suffered imprisonment for many months. He finally witnessed
for his faith by a martyr’s death; but the weapons which he prepared
have enabled other soldiers to do battle through all the centuries even
[248]
to our time.
Latimer maintained from the pulpit that the Bible ought to be read
in the language of the people. The Author of Holy Scripture, said he,
“is God Himself;” and this Scripture partakes of the might and eternity
of its Author. “There is no king, emperor, magistrate, and ruler ... but
are bound to obey ... His holy word.” “Let us not take any bywalks,
but let God’s word direct us: let us not walk after ... our forefathers,
nor seek not what they did, but what they should have done.”—Hugh
Latimer, “First Sermon Preached Before King Edward VI.”
Barnes and Frith, the faithful friends of Tyndale, arose to defend
the truth. The Ridleys and Cranmer followed. These leaders in the
English Reformation were men of learning, and most of them had been
highly esteemed for zeal or piety in the Romish communion. Their
opposition to the papacy was the result of their knowledge of the errors
of the “holy see.” Their acquaintance with the mysteries of Babylon
gave greater power to their testimonies against her.
“Now I would ask a strange question,” said Latimer. “Who is the
most diligent bishop and prelate in all England? ... I see you listening
and hearkening that I should name him.... I will tell you: it is the
devil.... He is never out of his diocese; call for him when you will,
he is ever at home; ... he is ever at his plow.... Ye shall never find