When appearing as members of their order, they wore a garb of sanctity, visiting prisons and hospitals, ministering to the sick and the poor, professing to have renounced the world, and bearing the sacred name of Jesus, who went about doing good. But under this blameless exterior the most criminal and deadly purposes were often concealed. It was a fundamental principle of the order that the end justifies the means. By this code, lying, theft, perjury, assassination, were not only pardonable but commendable, when they served the interests of the church. Under various disguises the Jesuits worked their way into offices of state, climbing up to be the counselors of kings, and shaping the policy of nations. They became servants to act as spies upon their masters. They established colleges for the sons of princes and nobles, and schools for the common people; and the children of Protestant parents were drawn into an observance of popish rites. All the outward pomp and display of the Romish worship was brought to bear to confuse the mind and dazzle and captivate the imagination, and thus the liberty for which the fathers had toiled and bled was betrayed by the sons. The Jesuits rapidly spread themselves over Europe, and wherever they went, there followed a revival of popery. (GC 235.1)
Reading Plan, Week 45
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapters: 12–14
Monday: 211.1–221.4
Tuesday: 222.1–231.2
Wednesday: 232.1–242.2
Thursday: 243.1–253.3
Friday: 254.1–264.2
All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful).
The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.
Chapter 12: The French Reformation
The Protestant cause flounders, but Charles V is unable to snuff out the light of the gospel. As some men fall or are martyred, God raises new witnesses to carry forth His truth. In France, a man named Lefevre is joined by William Farel in teaching the Bible truth, propelling the movement even into the palace. The noble knight Louis de Berquin joins the Protestant movement, only to face the wrath of the Church. John Calvin leaves Paris and opens the Bible truths to those he encounters. All seems lost for France when the king re-embraces the ceremonies of the Catholic church, beginning a new period of terror and persecution. After many attempts by Farel, Fromet, and finally Calvin, Geneva becomes a Protestant safe haven and base of operations.
Time and again we see how the witness of the martyrs convert even the hardest of hearts. Where have you witnessed such faithfulness and transformations around you?
Chapter 13: The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Facing terrible persecution from Charles V and Philip II, the reformers persist. The flames consuming the martyrs fuels the flames of faithfulness in the hearts of the people. Menno Simons preaches in the Netherlands, William of Orange secures the freedom to worship in Holland, and Tausen champions the Reformation in Denmark. Under Olaf and Laurentius Petri’s care, the reformation movement in Sweden grows, gaining the support of the king. Sweden becomes a source of strength for the Protestant cause and turns the tide against Rome in the Thirty Years’ War.
As you read, take note of the emphasis placed on the study of the Bible itself. What does this say to you about the relationship between God, His word, and you?
Chapter 14: Later English Reformers
Tyndale sets about bringing God’s word into the English language. Eventually Tyndale is betrayed, but the Bibles he printed fuel others to carry on the work. Latimer, Barnes, Frith, the Ridleys, and Cranmer defend the Reformation using their previous knowledge of the church of Rome against it. John Knox speaks to Queen Mary about the supremacy of God’s word. Various men use their talents in England to continue the Reformation cause and eventually the Methodist movement is born. False teachings threaten to derail the Protestant movement, but John Wesley emphasizes the teachings of Paul, to recognize the sin and acknowledge the need of the Savior.
The Protestant church has faced many hurdles over the years. What do you see as a stumbling block to the Gospel message among believers today?
As you read, notice how the lives of these defenders of the truth witnessed to those around them. What kind of witness are you presenting in your day to day life?