Page 42 - 05 John Wycliffe

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