5. John Wycliffe. 85
by his plain speaking. Wycliffe ' s influence was felt in shaping the action of the court, as well as in moulding the belief of the nation.
The papal thunders were soon hurled against him. Three bulls were dispatched to England,— to the university, to the king, and to the prelates,— all commanding immediate and decisive measures to silence the teacher of heresy. 115 Before the arrival of the bulls, however, the bishops, in their zeal, had summoned Wycliffe before them for trial. But two of the most powerful princes in the kingdom accompanied him to the tribunal; and the people, surrounding the building and rushing in, so intimidated [ 086 ] the judges that the proceedings were for the time suspended, and he was allowed to go his way in peace. A little later, Edward III., whom in his old age the prelates were seeking to influence against the Reformer, died, and Wycliffe ' s former protector became regent of the kingdom.
But the arrival of the papal bulls laid upon all England a peremptory command for the arrest and imprisonment of the heretic. These measures pointed directly to the stake. It appeared certain that Wycliffe must soon fall a prey to the vengeance of Rome. But He who declared to one of old,“ Fear not: I am thy shield,” 116 again stretched out His hand to protect His servant. Death came, not to the Reformer, but to the pontiff who had decreed his destruction. Gregory XI. died, and the ecclesiastics who had assembled for Wycliffe ' s trial, dispersed.
God ' s providence still further overruled events to give opportunity for the growth of the Reformation. The death of Gregory was followed by the election of two rival popes. Two conflicting powers, each professedly infallible, now claimed obedience. 117 Each called upon the faithful to assist him in making war upon the
115 See Appendix. Neander,“ History of the Christian Religion and Church,” period 6, sec. 2, part 1, par. 8. 116 Gen. 15:1. 117 See Appendix.