Page 43 - 05 John Wycliffe

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, many sacrificed

their worldly possessions for the cause of

Christ. Those who were permitted to dwell in

their homes gladly sheltered their banished

brethren, and when they too were driven

forth they cheerfully accepted the lot of the

outcast. Thousands, it is true, terrified by the

fury of their persecutors, purchased their

freedom at the sacrifice of their faith, and