ly
desired that his people might have access to the word of God for
themselves, and this was soon accomplished. Lefevre undertook the
translation of the New Testament; and at the very time when Luther's
German Bible was issuing from the press in Wittenberg, the French New
Testament was published at Meaux. The bishop spared no labor or expense to
circulate it in his parishes, and soon the 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 mitre. 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 Luthe