The Litchfield County post., 1828-04-24
From the Christiam Spectator. THE RISE OF LOLLARDISM; AND THE g-5 MARTYRDOM OF SIR JOHN
 E

| g e.
 The number of those sincerely devoted to
 the service and worship of Jehovah, has in
 all ages been comparatively small But a.
 side from this general fact, there have oca-
 sionally been periods, when true religion sec
 med to have almost left the world, and the
 last vestage of it just on the point of being
 plotted out forever. In such seasons, Jeho- yah has appeared by his providence, to re- stGf1 the castiyes and to build up Zion..gs. Such was remarkably the case just before the dawn of Reformation. When nearly all Christendom was overrun with popish super l stition, and the grave absurdities consequent
 on false philosophy, men were raised up
 who had sagacity to discover the errors of the times, and firmness to withstand them. Of this character were the Loliards, class of Christians that began to flourish in the
 north of Italy about the commencement of the fourteenth century ,and derived their name
 from the founder of their sect
 Rejecting the rights and observances of the Romish doctors, who, like the ancient phari-
 sees, had substituted their own traditions in place of divine commands; the Lollards, for 1 the sure foundation of their faith and hope, looked to the flaw and the testimony" They were opposed and denounced as htritics by
 all the leading men of the popish religion;
 but resistance and opposition failed of ac-
 complishing their purpose. The truth be- 1 came an object of inquiry, and men were ur- l ged on, or excited to the belief and embrace of it, by the very stimulus of the prohibition. 1 Thus was the reformed religion diffused with
 wonderful rapidty3 5o that before the death
 of LOllard himself, who subsequently died by
 martyrdom, more than eighty thousand had
 embraced his sentiments. They were scat
 tered over Austria, Bohemia, and the neigh
 boring counties. and fifty years afterwards
 made their way into England. The celebra- ted Wickliffe became convert to their doc trines, and by his labour in preaching against
 the absurd notions and exposing the vicious
 practices of the Romish clergy; and by his writings, especially by the translation of the Scriptures into his native language, did more, perhaps, than any other individual towards
 bringing forward transformation.
 Though hated and persecuted by the enc
 mics of truth, he acquired great popularity a.
 mong the common people. and some even a.
 mong the nobility were found ready to follow
 his instructions. Of this number was Sir John OIdcastle, better known by the name of lord Gotham. M
 | Like the pious St. Augustin, he had been ldevoted to pleasure in his youth, and was encouraged Tn his dissipation by the very minister of religion to whom he looked for | instruction and example. But meeting with
 the learned and pious Wiekliffe. he was led
 to reform his life, and to become firm and l zealOus asserter of the cause of true religion. This he was enabled to do more successfully,
 on account of his elevated rank. which gave vast influence to his religious opinions. and
 also by his exertions to transcribe and circu-
 late the writings of Wickhffe, and maintain-
 ing at his own expense great number of it. inerant preachers. It is not to be supposed that such conduct. even in the kings prime
 minister, was looked upon, by the Rcmish
 clergy, with indifference. Accusation was
 laid agalnst him, as being pernicious heritic, and his enemies eDtreated of the king, as
 they said. with all humility and charity.
 that his majesty would suffer themfor Christ's 1 sake to put him to death" Being brave
 soldier as well as man of talent and learn
 ing, he was great favOrite with his king, who
 was therefore by no means disposed to en-
 courage his prosecution. He promised how
 ever fo the bloody emissary of the Pope.
 Arundel. Archbishop of York, that he would