French Reformation
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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 among his parishes, and soon the
peasants of Meaux were in possession of the Holy Scriptures.
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
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resorting to the wine shops, they assembled in each other’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 papist 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. Knightly armor concealed a loftier
and more steadfast spirit than did the bishop’s robe and mitre. 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
was,” says a writer, “a great follower of the papistical constitutions,
and a great hearer of masses and sermons.” “And he crowned all his
other virtues by holding Lutheranism in special abhorrence.” But, like
so many others, providentially guided to the Bible, he was amazed