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The Great Controversy
The bishop of Meaux labored zealously in his own diocese to instruct
both the clergy and the people. Ignorant and immoral priests were
removed, and, so far as possible, replaced by men of learning and
piety. The bishop greatly desired that his people might have access
to the word of God for themselves, and this was soon accomplished.
Lefevre undertook the translation of the New Testament; and at the
very time when Luther’s German Bible was issuing from the press in
Wittenberg, the French New Testament was published at Meaux. The
bishop spared no labor or expense to circulate it in his parishes, and
soon the peasants of Meaux were in possession of the Holy Scriptures.
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As travelers perishing from thirst welcome with joy a living water
spring, so did these souls receive the message of heaven. The laborers
in the field, the artisans in the workshop, cheered their daily toil by
talking of the precious truths of the Bible. At evening, instead of
resorting to the wine-shops, they assembled in one another’s homes
to read God’s word and join in prayer and praise. A great change was
soon manifest in these communities. Though belonging to the hum-
blest class, an unlearned and hard-working peasantry, the reforming,
uplifting power of divine grace was seen in their lives. Humble, loving,
and holy, they stood as witnesses to what the gospel will accomplish
for those who receive it in sincerity.
The light kindled at Meaux shed its beams afar. Every day the
number of converts was increasing. The rage of the hierarchy was for
a time held in check by the king, who despised the narrow bigotry of
the monks; but the papal leaders finally prevailed. Now the stake was
set up. The bishop of Meaux, forced to choose between the fire and
recantation, accepted the easier path; but notwithstanding the leader’s
fall, his flock remained steadfast. Many witnessed for the truth amid
the flames. By their courage and fidelity at the stake, these humble
Christians spoke to thousands who in days of peace had never heard
their testimony.
It was not alone the humble and the poor that amid suffering and
scorn dared to bear witness for Christ. In the lordly halls of the castle
and the palace there were kingly souls by whom truth was valued
above wealth or rank or even life. Kingly armor concealed a loftier
and more steadfast spirit than did the bishop’s robe and miter. Louis
de Berquin was of noble birth. A brave and courtly knight, he was
devoted to study, polished in manners, and of blameless morals. “He