The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 91

confidently expected that the Reformer himself, in his old age, alone
and friendless, would bow to the combined authority of the crown and
the miter. But instead of this the papists saw themselves defeated.
Parliament, roused by the stirring appeals of Wycliffe, repealed the
persecuting edict, and the Reformer was again at liberty.
A third time he was brought to trial, and now before the highest
ecclesiastical tribunal in the kingdom. Here no favor would be shown
to heresy. Here at last Rome would triumph, and the Reformer’s work
would be stopped. So thought the papists. If they could but accomplish
their purpose, Wycliffe would be forced to abjure his doctrines, or would
leave the court only for the flames.
But Wycliffe did not retract; he would not dissemble. He fearlessly
maintained his teachings and repelled the accusations of his persecutors.
Losing sight of himself, of his position, of the occasion, he summoned
his hearers before the divine tribunal, and weighed their sophistries and
deceptions in the balances of eternal truth. The power of the Holy Spirit
was felt in the council room. A spell from God was upon the hearers.
They seemed to have no power to leave the place. As arrows from the
Lord’s quiver, the Reformer’s words pierced their hearts. The charge of
heresy, which they had brought against him, he with convincing power
threw back upon themselves. Why, he demanded, did they dare to spread
their errors? For the sake of gain, to make merchandise of the grace of
God?
“With whom, think you,” he finally said, “are ye contending? with
an old man on the brink of the grave? No! with Truth—Truth which is
stronger than you, and will overcome you.”—Wylie, b. 2, ch. 13. So
saying, he withdrew from the assembly, and not one of his adversaries
attempted to prevent him.
Wycliffe’s work was almost done; the banner of truth which he had
so long borne was soon to fall from his hand; but once more he was to
bear witness for the gospel. The

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