256 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
[ 249 ] magistrate, and ruler... but are bound to obey... His holy word.”“ Let us not take any by-walks, 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.” 365 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 him idle, 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 of the gospel, and up with the light of candles, yea, at noondays;... down with Christ ' s cross, up with purgatory pick-purse;... away with clothing the naked, the poor, and impotent, up with decking of images and gay garnishing of stocks and stones; up with man ' s traditions and his laws, down with God ' s traditions and His most holy word.... O that our prelates would be as diligent to sow the corn of good doctrine, as Satan is to sow cockle and darnel!” 366
The grand principle maintained by these Reformers— the same that had been held by the Waldenses, by Wycliffe, by John Huss, by Luther, Zwingle, and those who united with them— was the infallible authority of the Holy Scriptures as a rule of faith and
365 Latimer,“ First Sermon Preached before King Edward VI.”( ed. Parker Society). 366 Latimer,“ Sermon of the Plough.”