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The Great Controversy 1888
Wycliffe was one of the greatest of the reformers. In breadth of
intellect, in clearness of thought, in firmness to maintain the truth, and
boldness to defend it, he was equaled by few who came after him.
Purity of life, unwearying diligence in study and in labor, incorrupt-
ible integrity, and Christ-like 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, trans-
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forming 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 ac-
tive 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 sacri-
fice 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