The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 80

Chap. 5 - John Wycliffe
Before the Reformation there were at times but very few copies of
the Bible in existence, but God had not suffered His word to be wholly
destroyed. Its truths were not to be forever hidden. He could as easily
unchain the words of life as He could open prison doors and unbolt
iron gates to set His servants free. In the different countries of Europe
men were moved by the Spirit of God to search for the truth as for hid
treasures. Providentially guided to the Holy Scriptures, they studied the
sacred pages with intense interest. They were willing to accept the light
at any cost to themselves. Though they did not see all things clearly,
they were enabled to perceive many long-buried truths. As Heaven-sent
messengers they went forth, rending asunder the chains of error and
superstition, and calling upon those who had been so long enslaved, to
arise and assert their liberty.
Except among the Waldenses, the word of God had for ages been
locked up in languages known only to the learned; but the time had
come for the Scriptures to be translated and given to the people of
different lands in their native tongue. The world had passed its midnight.
The hours of darkness were wearing away, and in many lands appeared
tokens of the coming dawn.

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