Later English Reformers
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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
to our time.
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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 neither king nor emperor that is not bound to
obey it. Let us beware of those by-paths of human tradition, full of
stones, brambles, and uprooted trees. Let us follow the straight road
of the Word. It does not concern us what the Fathers have done, but
rather what they ought to have done.”
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.
“Do you know,” said Latimer, “who is the most diligent bishop
in 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; you
shall never find him idle. Call for him when you will, he is ever at
home, he is ever at the plow. You shall never find him remiss, I warrant
you. Where the devil is resident, there away with books, and up with
candles; away with Bibles, and up with beads; away with the light