286 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
[ 278 ] the throne.
The spirit of liberty went with the Bible. Wherever the gospel was received, the minds of the people were awakened. They began to cast off the shackles that had held them bond-slaves of ignorance, vice, and superstition. They began to think and act as men. Monarchs saw it, and trembled for their despotism.
Rome was not slow to inflame their jealous fears. Said the pope to the regent of France in 1525:“ This mania [ Protestantism ] will not only confound and destroy religion, but all principalities, nobility, laws, orders, and ranks besides.” 409 A few years later a papal nuncio warned the king:“ Sire, be not deceived. The Protestants will upset all civil as well as religious order.... The throne is in as much danger as the altar.... The introduction of a new religion must necessarily introduce a new government.” 410 And theologians appealed to the prejudices of the people by declaring that the Protestant doctrine“ entices men away to novelties and folly; it robs the king of the devoted affection of his subjects, and devastates both church and state.” Thus Rome succeeded in arraying France against the Reformation.“ It was to uphold the throne, preserve the nobles, and maintain the laws, that the sword of persecution was first unsheathed in France.” 411
Little did the rulers of the land foresee the results of that fateful policy. The teaching of the Bible would have implanted in the minds and hearts of the people those principles of justice, temperance, truth, equity, and benevolence which are the very corner-stone of a nation ' s prosperity.“ Righteousness exalteth a nation.” Thereby“ the throne is established.” 412“ The work of righteousness shall be peace;” and the effect“ quietness and
409 Félice, G. de,“ History of the Protestants of France,” b. 1, ch. 2, par. 8. 410 D ' Aubigné,“ History of the Reformation in the Time of Calvin,” b. 2, ch.
36. 411 Wylie, b. 13, ch. 4. 412 Prov. 14:34; 16:12.