The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 216

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 resorting to the
wine-shops, they assembled in one another’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 humblest 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 papal 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. Kingly armor concealed a loftier and more
steadfast spirit than did the bishop’s robe and miter. 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

215