The Pastor's Letter (Oct. 1967) William Tyndale

Dear Friends,

Four hundred and fifty years ago this month an event took place which, to all intents and purposes, sparked off the Protestant Reformation.

In the other pages of the Wicket Gate this month you will be able to read more about that event and its effects, but for now, let me just bring you one incident from those by-gone days.

One of England's own Reformers was a man named William Tyndale. He it was who translated the scriptures into one of the greatest English versions. It was a work that was carried out under great hardship and personal danger, but for Tyndale, the work was one that had been formed in the womb of determination.

When still a young man he had been employed as a tutor to a well-to-do family in Gloucestershire, and there he came into much opposition with the local Roman Catholic priests. He reasoned with them from the Scriptures, but to no avail, and finally he left that place with his own challenge ringing in his ears and embedded in his heart … "If God spare my life", he had told the priests, "ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plow shall know more Scripture than thou dost". And so, he set about translating the Word of God so that all might be able to buy it and read of God's way of salvation in Christ.

Now, in many ways, that is what the Reformation was all about. It was the bringing of God's gospel of free grace to those who had for years sat in darkness - it was the spreading of the Evangel.

Let us pray for a continuation of the Reformation, "till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more".

Yours in Christ,
W. J. Seaton
(October 1967)

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This Page Title – The Pastor's Letter (October 1967) - William Tyndale The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 44 – placed on line September 2003 Wicket Gate contact address – Mr Cliff Westcombe cw@wicketgate.co.uk If you wish to be notified when each new edition goes on line please send an e-mail to the above address Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk Labelled with ICRA