thought , in firmness to maintain the truth , and in boldness to defend it , he was equaled by few who came after him . Purity of life , unwearying diligence in study and in labour , incorruptible integrity , and Christlike love and faithfulness in his ministry , characterized the first of the Reformers . And this notwithstanding the intellectual darkness and moral corruption of the age from which he emerged .
The character of Wycliffe is a testimony to the educating , transforming power of the Holy Scriptures . It was the Bible that made him what he was . The effort to grasp the great truths of revelation imparts freshness and vigour to all the faculties . It expands the mind , sharpens the perceptions , and ripens the judgment . The study of the Bible will ennoble every thought , feeling , and aspiration as no other study can . It gives stability of purpose , patience , courage , and fortitude ; it refines the character and sanctifies the soul . An earnest , reverent study of the Scriptures , bringing the mind of the student in direct contact with the infinite mind , would give to the world men of stronger and more active intellect , as well as of nobler principle , than has ever resulted from the ablest training that human philosophy affords . " The entrance of Thy words ," says the psalmist , " giveth light ; it giveth understanding ." Psalm 119:130 . The doctrines which had been taught by Wycliffe continued for a time to spread ; his followers , known as Wycliffites and Lollards , not only traversed England , but scattered to other lands , carrying the knowledge of the gospel . Now that their leader was removed , the preachers laboured with even greater zeal than before , and multitudes flocked to listen to their teachings .
Some of the nobility , and even the wife of the king , were among the converts . In many places there was a marked reform in the manners of the people , and the idolatrous symbols of Romanism were removed from the churches . But soon the pitiless storm of persecution burst upon those who had dared to accept the Bible as their guide . The English monarchs , eager to strengthen their power by securing the support of Rome , did not hesitate to sacrifice the Reformers . For the first time in the history of England the stake was decreed against the disciples of the gospel . Martyrdom succeeded martyrdom . The advocates of truth , proscribed and tortured , could only pour their cries into the ear of the Lord of Sabaoth . Hunted as foes of the church and traitors to the realm , they continued to preach in secret places , finding shelter as best they could in the humble homes of the poor , and often hiding away even in dens and caves .
Notwithstanding the rage of persecution , a calm , devout , earnest , patient protest against the prevailing corruption of religious faith continued for centuries to be uttered . The Christians of that early time had only a partial knowledge of the truth , but they had learned to love and obey God ' s word , and they patiently suffered for its sake . Like the disciples in apostolic days , many sacrificed their worldly possessions for the cause of Christ . Those who were permitted to dwell in their homes gladly sheltered their banished brethren , and when they too were driven forth they cheerfully accepted the lot of the outcast . Thousands , it is true , terrified by the fury of their persecutors ,
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