Wycliffe and Church institutions -- William Courtenay, Bishop of
London -- Wycliffe's trial in 1377 -- Gregory XI's five bulls against
him -- Second trial in 1378 -- Wycliffe's polemic against the friars --
Sketch of rise, development, and decadence of monasticism -- Con-
trast between monks and friars -- Popular accusations against the
latter -- The Great Schism and its effect on Wycliffe-- His defense
of Gaunt -- His change of attitude towards the Papacy -- Wycliffe's
doctrine of the Church -- His teaching upon Transubstantiation --
Development of the dogma -- Wycliffe's friends forsake him.

WYCLIFFE was in all respects a typical Englishman, inde-
pendent in thought, jealous for the honor of his country and
consistent in his patriotism. He was seldom wanting in self-
confidence; a maker rather than a creature of precedent,
with a high spirit unaffected by the external circumstances
which sway weaker characters. His practical bent made
him impatient of dreams and ecstasies. As to his rank in
learning, he was "in theology most eminent, in philosophy
second to none, in scholastic exercises incomparable." ¹

The conscious authority of these distinctions invested his
bearing with an austerity age did not perceptibly soften, and
lent his temper a brusqueness that tolerated no dallyings.
He lived near enough to conscience to be discontented
with things as they were, and when the test was applied he
passed into social and political retirement rather than sur-
render his convictions. His integrity arose out of a solicitude
for what he conceived to be spiritual religion. Excessive care

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