The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 95
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 follower s, 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
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