The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 70
concealed by those who sought to exalt themselves above God.
By patient, untiring labor, sometimes in the deep, dark caverns of
the earth, by the light of torches, the Sacred Scriptures were written
out, verse by verse, chapter by chapter. Thus the work went on, the
revealed will of God shining out like pure gold; how much brighter,
clearer, and more powerful because of the trials undergone for its sake
only those could realize who were engaged in the work. Angels from
heaven surrounded these faithful workers.
Satan had urged on the papal p riests and prelates to bury the word
of truth beneath the rubbish of error, heresy, and superstition; but in a
most wonderful manner it was preserved uncorrupted through all the
ages of darkness. It bore not the stamp of man, but the impress of
God. Men have been unwearied in their efforts to obscure the plain,
simple meaning of the Scriptures, and to make them contradict their
own testimony; but like the ark upon the billowy deep, the word of God
outrides the storms that threaten it with destruction. As the mine has
rich veins of gold and silver hidden beneath the surface, so that all must
dig who would discover its precious stores, so the Holy Scriptures have
treasures of truth that are revealed only to the earnest, humble, prayerful
seeker. God designed the Bible to be a lessonbook to all mankind, in
childhood, youth, and manhood, and to be studied through all time.
He gave His word to men as a revelation of Himself. Every new truth
discerned is a fresh disclosure of the character of its Author. The study
of the Scriptures is the means divinely ordained to bring men into closer
connection with their Creator and to give them a clearer knowledge of
His will. It is the medium of communication between God and man.
While the Waldenses regarded the fear of the Lord as the beginning
of wisdom, they were not blind to the importance of a contact with the
world, a knowledge of men and of
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