56
The Great Controversy
preached the gospel, but they visited the sick, catechized the children,
admonished the erring, and labored to settle disputes and promote
harmony and brotherly love. In times of peace they were sustained by
the freewill offerings of the people; but, like Paul the tentmaker, each
learned some trade or profession by which, if necessary, to provide for
his own support.
From their pastors the youth received instruction. While attention
was given to branches of general learning, the Bible was made the
chief study. The Gospels of Matthew and John were committed to
memory, with many of the Epistles. They were employed also in
copying the Scriptures. Some manuscripts contained the whole Bible,
others only brief selections, to which some simple explanations of the
text were added by those who were able to expound the Scriptures.
Thus were brought forth the treasures of truth so long concealed by
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those who sought to exalt themselves above God.
By patient, untiring labor, sometimes in the deep, dark caverns of
the earth, by the light of torches, the Sacred Scriptures were written
out, verse by verse, chapter by chapter. Thus the work went on, the
revealed will of God shining out like pure gold; how much brighter,
clearer, and more powerful because of the trials undergone for its sake
only those could realize who were engaged in the work. Angels from
heaven surrounded these faithful workers.
Satan had urged on the papal priests and prelates to bury the word
of truth beneath the rubbish of error, heresy, and superstition; but in
a most wonderful manner it was preserved uncorrupted through all
the ages of darkness. It bore not the stamp of man, but the impress
of God. Men have been unwearied in their efforts to obscure the
plain, simple meaning of the Scriptures, and to make them contradict
their own testimony; but like the ark upon the billowy deep, the word
of God outrides the storms that threaten it with destruction. As the
mine has rich veins of gold and silver hidden beneath the surface, so
that all must dig who would discover its precious stores, so the Holy
Scriptures have treasures of truth that are revealed only to the earnest,
humble, prayerful seeker. God designed the Bible to be a lessonbook
to all mankind, in childhood, youth, and manhood, and to be studied
through all time. He gave His word to men as a revelation of Himself.
Every new truth discerned is a fresh disclosure of the character of its
Author. The study of the Scriptures is the means divinely ordained to