read, than it used to be to the most learned of the Clergy, and those of them who had the best understanding. And so the Gospel pearl is cast abroad, and trodden under swine; and that which used to be precious to both Clergy and laity, is made, as it were, the common jest of both; and the jewel of the Church is turned into the sport of the laity."

The reader cannot fail to remark the exact similarity between these arguments of the Romish Priests in the fourteenth century, and those which are urged by the same class of individuals at the present day. They will rather suppose that they are reading the address of a Papal Legate in Ireland in our own times, than the words of a learned Canon of Leicester, who lived at the same time as Wickliff, from whose writings this passage is taken. It is another proof, if proof were wanting when the fact is admitted on both sides, that the Church of Rome has always opposed the circulation of the Scriptures among the people." Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil, hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John, in. 诂. 19, 20.)

The Bishops, after much consultation, brought a bill into parliament to suppress Wickliff's translation of the Bible; but it was rejected by a great majority; and for a short time the circulation of his version was permitted: it must, however, have been very limited, as the art of printing was then unknown, and few persons had means sufficient to purchase a written copy. From the Register of Alnwick, Bishop of Norwich, it appears that a Testament of Wickliff's version, in the year 1429, cost four marks and forty pence, (or £2. 16s. 8d. equal to more than £20. of our present money.) A large sum in those days, when five pounds was considered sufficient for the annual maintenance of a respectable tradesman, or a yeoman, or one of the inferior Clergy.

Although the circulation of the Scriptures in the English language must, from the above circumstance, have been comparatively small, yet still, under the influence and direction of the Holy Spirit, it produced considerable effects, and there can be no doubt that the word of God

was in this, as in other instances, made the means of bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, and turning them from the ways of the world to the practice of godliness. These followers of Christ soon experienced the truth of our Lord's declaration," Because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, there fore the world hateth you. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you."

Courtney, when Bishop of London, had been strenuous in his opposition to Wickliff: he was afterwards appointed to the see of Canterbury; and as the Reformer himself was protected from the effects of his power, he engaged with activity in persecuting his followers, who were called LOLLARDS, one of those names of reproach by which the followers of Christ have been reviled in all ages. It is supposed to have been derived from Walter Lollardus, one of the teachers of these truths on the Continent, or from a German word which signifies psalmsingers. Many of them, who were preachers, travelled about the country, teaching the doctrines of truth with great zeal and much success, so that, in a few years, their numbers were very considerable; and it was calculated that at least one fourth of the nation were really or nominally inclined to these sentiments.

Richard the Second was at that time King of England; and he countenanced the Archbishop in persecuting the followers of Wickliff: many suffered imprisonment, and were required to do penance under the most degrading circumstances; although it does not appear that any were actually put to death during his reign. This may partly be ascribed to the power and influence of the Duke of Lancaster, who was the great patron of Wickliff; and of Queen Ann, the Consort of Richard II. and sister of the King of Bohemia. That excellent Princess appears to have been a pious character; and we cannot but regret that the account given of her by the historians of those times is very brief and imperfect; they, however, relate that she had in her possession the Gospels in the English language, with four commentaries upon them. This is evidence of a mind not inattentive to the truths of the Gospel, and a proof that she engaged in the study of the Scriptures; for in those days a person of her rank,

and especially a female, would not have sought to possess such works, except she had desired to profit from their

contents.

After her decease, which took place in the year 1394, the Lollards were more severely harassed, and severer punishments were inflicted on all who dared to read the Scriptures in their own language.

Richard the Second was deposed, in the year 1399, by Henry of Lancaster, who succeeded to the throne. He was the son of John of Gaunt, who had been the constant patron of Wickliff, and his preserver in many seasons of difficulty and danger; but widely differing from his father, Henry was no sooner seated on the throne, than he encouraged the Ecclesiastics in their proceedings; and under this Monarch, and Arundel, then Archbishop of Canterbury, a more violent persecution was commenced than had hitherto been experienced. Now for the first time was exhibited, in England, the spectacle of Martyrs burnt alive for their opposition to the abominations of Popery. The persecution was general throughout the kingdom; and every where the suppression of Lollardism was earnestly kept in view. From that period, till the Reformation freed the land from the shackles of Papal power, this persecution continued: many followers of Christ had" trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonments;" and others counted not their lives dear unto them, " having respect unto the recompence of the reward.”

1

The design of this brief sketch is to give some account of these faithful witnesses for the truth, and the events connected with their history. The histories of Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, and others, who suffered in the reign of Queen Mary, are familiar to English readers; but com→ paratively few are acquainted with the history of the Lollards, and their sufferings. Fox, in his Acts and Monuments, has recorded many particulars respecting these followers of Christ, and refers to the authorities from whence he derived his information; but his volumes are now no longer to be found in the porch of each parish church throughout the land, where they once placed; and their size and price render them inaccessible to the majority of our countrymen; and since the period

were

at which he wrote, many additional documents relating to these times have been given to the world by Strype, Burnet, Wilkins, and others. It is, therefore, hoped that this brief sketch of their histories may be useful, in reminding us that there was a time when ENGLISHMEN dared not to read the BIBLE, nor worship God according to its dictates.

It is not the intention of the compiler to detail events merely of a political nature, but simply to refer to the history of those who suffered in the cause of Christ and his Gospel; hoping that his readers may be led to think more deeply upon these subjects than they have yet done; and that they may read this account of past times with profit to themselves, and thankfulness to Him who has appointed their lot in a far different period.

It may be necessary to remark, that the expressions of the original writers are frequently retained, as any advantage from improvement of style and phraseology would poorly compensate for the fidelity and lively ac curacy with which these scenes are delineated. As this is the plan generally pursued, it is not thought necessary always to mark the precise quotations from the original.

To return to our narrative. The Prelates, finding that a vast number still professed the doctrines of the Gospel, resolved to act with greater vigour, and presented an address to the King, noticing" the trouble and disquietness which was now risen by divers (as they called them) wicked and perverse men, teaching and preaching, openly and privily, a new, wicked, and heretical doctrine, contrary to the Catholic faith, and determination of the Holy Church. Whereupon the King, Henry the Fourth, was induced to assent to a statute intended to repress these doctrines." Thus, by the persuasion of the Clergy, the King was induced, in the second year of his reign, to consent to a law against all persons who should preach, maintain, teach, inform, openly or in secret, or make or write any book, contrary to the Catholic faith, and the determination of the Holy Church." It also prohibited Conventicles or Assemblies, or keeping any Schools," concerning this sect, wicked doctrine, and opinion," and enacted that no man should "favour such preacher, maker of assemblies, or book-maker, or writer,

or teacher." "And that all persons, having such books or writings, should, within forty days, deliver them to the Ordinary." The law then directed that all persons who "should do or attempt any thing contrary to this statute, or should not deliver the books," should be arrested and detained in safe custody, till, "by order of law, they cleared themselves as touching the articles laid to his or their charge," or recanted their opinions; and if convicted before the Ordinary, or his Commissioners, they were to be laid in any of his prisons, and there to be kept so long as by his discretion shall be thought expedient;" and if convicted, and they refused to abjure, the Mayor or Sheriffs, or other Magistrates, were to be present with the Ordinary when required, and to confer with him in giving sentence against the parties convicted; and after the said sentence so pronounced, it was enacted that such Mayor, &c. "shall take unto them the said persons 50 offending, and any of them, and cause them openly to be burned in the sight of all the people; to the intent that this kind of punishment may be a terror unto others, that the like wicked doctrines and heretical opinions, or authors and favourers thereof, be no more maintained within this realm and dominions, to the great hurt of the Christian religion, and the decrees of the Holy Church." Arundel, the Archbishop of Canterbury, proceeded, without loss of time, to put this bloody law into force, even during the session of Parliament in which it was passed.

WILLIAM SAWTREE was the first English Martyr burned alive for opposing the abominations of Popery. He was a Clergyman of the city of London; and although he seems at one time to have been induced to renounce, before the Bishop of Norwich, the sentiments he held, yet he appears to have been enabled, by the grace of God, to see his error, and again openly to profess the truths of the Gospel. On Saturday, February 12, 1401, he was summoned to appear before the Archbishop of Canterbury, and was accused of holding heretical opinions. The principal articles against him were, that he

* By "the Ordinary," is meant the person who, possesses the ecclesiastical jurisdiction in any place; it usually refers to the Bishop of the diocese,