e than any other person; for
by paying a large price for the books left on hand, he had enabled him to
go on with good courage.

Tyndale was betrayed into the hands of his enemies, and at one time
suffered imprisonment for many months. He finally witnessed for his faith
by a martyr's death; but the weapons which he prepared have enabled other
soldiers to do battle through all the centuries even to our time.

Latimer maintained from the pulpit that the Bible ought to be read in the
language of the people. The Author of Holy Scripture, said he, "is God
Himself;" and this Scripture partakes of the might and eternity of its
Author. "There is no king, emperor, magistrate, and ruler ... but are
bound to obey ... His holy word." "Let us not take any by-walks, but let
God's word direct us: let us not walk after ... our forefathers, nor seek
not what they did, but what they should have done."(365)

Barnes and Frith, the faithful friends of Tyndale, arose to defend the
truth. The Ridleys and Cranmer followed. These leaders in the English
Reformation were men of learning, and most of them had been highly
esteemed for zeal or piety in the Romish communion. Their opposition to
the papacy was the result of their knowledge of the errors of the "holy
see." Their acquaintance with the mysteries of Babylon, gave greater power
to their testimonies against her.

"Now I would ask a strange question," said Latimer. "Who is the most
diligent bishop and prelate in all England? ... I see you listening and
hearkening that I should name him.... I will tell you: it is the devil....
He is never out of his diocese; ... call for him when you will, he is ever
at home; ... he is ever at his plow.... Ye shall never find him idle, I
warrant you.... Where the devil is resident, ... there away with books,
and up with candles; away with Bibles, and up with beads; away with the
light of the gospel, and up with the light of candles, yea, at noondays;
... down with Christ's cross, up with purgatory pick-purse; ... away with
clothing the naked, the poor, and impotent, up with decking of images and
gay garnishing of stocks and stones; up with man's traditions and his
laws, down with God's traditions and His most holy word.... O that our
prelates would be as diligent to sow the corn of good doctrine, as Satan
is to sow cockle and darnel!"(366)

The grand principle maintained by these Reformers--the same that had been
held by the Waldenses, by Wycliffe, by Joh