.
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."(123)

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 as best they could in the humble
homes of the poor, and often hiding away even in dens and caves.

Notwithstanding the rage of persecution, a calm, devout, earnest, patient
protest against the prevailing corruption of religious faith continued for
centuries to be uttered. The Christians of that early time had only a
partial knowledge of the truth, but they had learned to love and obey
God's word, and they patiently suffered for its sake. Like the disciples
in apostolic days, m