"In the fourteenth century arose in England the “morning star of the Reformation.” John Wycliffe was the herald of reform, not for England alone, but for all Christendom. The great protest against Rome which it was permitted him to utter was never to be silenced. That protest opened the struggle which was to result in the emancipation of individuals, of churches, and of nations. GC 80.1"
"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."
The description of Wycliffe as the 'morning star of the Reformation' draws a parallel to Revelation 22:16, where Jesus is referred to as the 'bright and morning star.' This suggests Wycliffe heralded a new era of spiritual light, similar to how Jesus brings light to the world.
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
Both passages describe a herald preparing the way for something significant. Wycliffe is presented as a herald of reform, similar to John the Baptist preparing the way for the Lord. The connection is thematic, though not a direct quote or allusion.
"While Wycliffe was still at college, he entered upon the study of the Scriptures. In those early times, when the Bible existed only in the ancient languages, scholars were enabled to find their way to the fountain of truth, which was closed to the uneducated classes. Thus already the way had been prepared for Wycliffe's future work as a Reformer. Men of learning had studied the word of God and had found the great truth of His free grace there revealed. In their teachings they had spread a knowledge of this truth, and had led others to turn to the living oracles. GC 80.3"
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."
The EGW passage describes how access to scripture brought light and understanding, especially to those who were previously excluded. This directly reflects the principle stated in Psalm 119:130, where the entrance of God's word gives light and understanding to the simple.