ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND ENLIGHTENED

While Luther was bringing the Bible to the people of Germany, Tyndale was led by the Holy Spirit to give the Bible to England. Tyndale was a faithful student of the Scriptures. He preached the truth without fear. Tyndale urged that all doctrines be tested by God's Word.SRme 1.1557

Tyndale's zeal excited the followers of the papacy against him. A Catholic doctor who often argued with Tyndale exclaimed, "It would be better for us to be without God's law than without the pope's law."SRme 1.1558

Tyndale replied, "I yield not to the pope and all his laws. Before many years have passed, if God spares my life, I will make it possible for a boy who drives the plow to know more of the Scriptures than you do."SRme 1.1559

Tyndale had a great desire to bring the people of England the New Testament Scriptures in their own language. Tyndale began this work, but all England seemed closed against him. He moved to Germany and began printing the English New Testament. Three thousand copies were first printed, and soon three thousand more were printed that same year.SRme 1.1560

Finally Tyndale witnessed for his faith by dying as a martyr. But the Scriptures that he prepared helped other brave men fight for the truth. In Scotland the Reformation was led by John Knox. Knox was an honest man who was not afraid of anyone. Papal leaders threatened kill Knox, but this only made Knox's zeal stronger and caused him to work harder. Knox was not afraid of the enemy's ax that seemed to be continually over his head. Knox stood firm. Knox was not afraid to try to destroy idolatry. Praying and fighting the battles of the Lord, John Knox kept to his purpose until Scotland was free from papal control.SRme 1.1561

In England, Latimer preached that the Bible should be read in the language that the people spoke. Latimer said the Author of the Holy Scripture "is God Himself" and this Scripture has some of the might and eternity of its Author. "There is no king, emperor, judge, and ruler . . .but all must obey . . . His holy Word." "Let us not take any side paths, but let God's Word guide us. Let us not walk in the paths of our fathers, nor seek to know what they did. Let us learn what they should have done."SRme 1.1562

Barnes and Frith were faithful friends of Tyndale who defended the truth. The Ridleys and Cranmer followed. These leaders in the English Reformation were educated men. Most of these leaders had been highly respected for their former zeal and devotion to the papacy. These leaders testified against the papacy. Their testimony had great power because these men knew the errors of the papacy.SRme 1.1563

The principle held firmly by Tyndale, Frith, Latimer, and the Ridleys was the divine authority of the sacred Scriptures. Kings and church leaders said they had authority to rule the conscience of people in religious things. The reformers rejected this idea. The Bible was the standard these reformers used to examine all doctrines and teachings. Faith in God and His Word strengthened these holy men as they willingly died for His truth.SRme 1.1564