Page 15 - 14 Later English Reformers

teaching of Wishart had confirmed his

determination to forsake the communion of

Rome and join himself to the persecuted

Reformers.

Urged by his companions to take the office of

preacher, he shrank with trembling from its

responsibility, and it was only after days of

seclusion and painful conflict with himself

that he consented. But having once accepted

the position, he pressed forward with

inflexible determination and undaunted

courage as long as life continued. This

truehearted Reformer feared not the face of

man. The fires of martyrdom, blazing around

him, served only to quicken his zeal to

greater intensity. With the tyrant's ax held

menacingly over his head, he stood his

ground, striking sturdy blows on the right

hand and on the left to demolish idolatry.