And he taught not only that the Bible is a perfect revelation of God ' s will , but that the Holy Spirit is its only interpreter , and that every man is , by the study of its teachings , to learn his duty for himself . Thus he turned the minds of men from the pope and the Church of Rome to the word of God . Wycliffe was one of the greatest of the Reformers . In breadth of intellect , in clearness of 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 labor , 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 vigor 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 labored 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
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