er
Waldo, known at first as the "Poor Man of Lyons," believing in a return
to the Scriptures, which they persistently read. Like the Albigenses,
they were zealous for purity of life, and bitterly opposed to the
usurpation and profligacy of the clergy. They, too, suffered bitter
persecution, which indicated to many that a day of retribution was
coming. There were also praying societies, formed in the church to
read the Scriptures and to promote a holy life. All these had their
influence in preparing for a general reformation.

The revival of learning had specific influences in bringing about the
Reformation. The two movements were blended in one in several
countries, but the revival of learning in Germany was overtaken by the
Reformation. The former sought freedom of the mind respecting
philosophy and learning, the latter sought liberty of conscience
respecting religious belief. The revival of learning broke down
scholasticism, and thus freed the mind from dogmatic philosophy.
Seeking for the truth, the works of the church fathers were brought
forth and read, and the texts of the Old and the New Testament were
also used, as a criterion of authority. They showed to what extent the
papacy had gone in its assumption of power, and making more prominent
the fact that the church, particularly {378} the clergy, had departed
from a life of purity. The result of the quickening thought of the
revival was to develop independent characteristics of mind, placing it
in the attitude of revolt against ecclesiastical dogmatism.

_Attempts at Reform Within the Church_.--Many attempts were made,
chiefly on the part of individuals, to work a reform of abuses within
the church. Many devout men, scholars engaged in theological research
and living lives of purity, sought by precept and example to bring
about better spiritual and moral conditions. Others sought to bring
about changes in ecclesiastical government, not only in the "reforming
councils" but through efforts at the papal court and in the strong
bishoprics. Had the church listened to these cries of the laity and
zealously availed itself of the many opportunities presented, possibly
the religious revolution would not have come. Although it is difficult
to say what would have been the result had the church listened to the
voice of reform, yet it is certain that the revolution would at least
have taken a different course, and the position of the church before
the world wou