The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 197

the study of languages and the cultivation of literature, ... were
generous-minded youth, devoted to study, investigating Scripture, and
familiarizing themselves with the masterpieces of antiquity. Possessing
an active mind, an elevated soul, and intrepid heart, these young
men soon acquired such knowledge that for a long period none could
compete with them.... Accordingly, when these youthful defenders of
the Reformation met the Romish doctors in any assembly, they attacked
them with such ease and confidence that these ignorant men hesitated,
became embarrassed, and fell into a contempt merited in the eyes of
all.”—Ibid., b. 9, ch. 11.
As the Romish clergy saw their congregations diminishing, they
invoked the aid of the magistrates, and by every means in their power
endeavored to bring back their hearers. But the people had found in
the new teachings that which supplied the wants of their souls, and they
turned away from those who had so long fed them with the worthless
husks of superstitious rites and human traditions.
When persecution was kindled against the teachers of the truth,
they gave heed to the words of Christ: “When they persecute you in
this city, flee ye into another.” Matthew 10:23. The light penetrated
everywhere. The fugitives would find somewhere a hospitable door
opened to them, and there abiding, they would preach Christ, sometimes
in the church, or, if denied that privilege, in private houses or in the
open air. Wherever they could obtain a hearing was a consecrated
temple. The truth, proclaimed with such energy and assurance, spread
with irresistible power.
In vain both ecclesiastical and civil authorities were invoked to crush
the heresy. In vain they resorted to imprisonment, torture, fire, and
sword. Thousands of believers sealed their faith with their blood, and yet
the work went on. Persecution served only to extend the truth, and the
fanaticism which Satan endeavored to unite with it resulted in making
more clear the contrast between the work of Satan and the work of God.

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