Page 30 - 05 John Wycliffe
P. 30
A third time he was brought to trial, and now
before the highest ecclesiastical tribunal in
the kingdom. Here no favor would be shown
to heresy. Here at last Rome would triumph,
and the Reformer's work would be stopped.
So thought the papists. If they could but
accomplish their purpose, Wycliffe would be
forced to abjure his doctrines, or would leave
the court only for the flames.
But Wycliffe did not retract; he would not
dissemble. He fearlessly maintained his
teachings and repelled the accusations of his
persecutors. Losing sight of himself, of his
position, of the occasion, he summoned his
hearers before the divine tribunal, and
weighed their sophistries and deceptions in
the balances of eternal truth. The power of
the Holy Spirit was felt in the council room. A
spell from God was upon the hearers. They
