Page 17 - 12 The French Reformation

were the learned doctors and monks of the

theological department in the great

University of Paris, one of the highest

ecclesiastical authorities both in the city and

the nation. From the writings of these

doctors, Berquin drew twelve propositions

which he publicly declared to be “opposed to

the Bible, and heretical;” and he appealed to

the king to act as judge in the controversy.

The monarch, not loath to bring into contrast

the power and acuteness of the opposing

champions, and glad of an opportunity of

humbling the pride of these haughty monks,

bade the Romanists defend their cause by the

Bible. This weapon, they well knew, would

avail them little; imprisonment, torture, and

the stake were arms which they better

understood how to wield. Now the tables

were turned, and they saw themselves about