The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-05-23
THE WYCKLIFFE CELEBRA-
TON.
The Grand Closing Meeting in
London,
Funds Raised for Memorial and the
Spread Of Wyckliffe's Writings.

LONDON, May 22.-The Wyckliffe celebra-
ton was concluded yesterday evening with a
great meeting at Exeter Hall. The Earl of
Shaftesbury presided. Numerous distinguish
ed clergymen aud other persons of note we're
present. The exercises were interspersed with
the singing OF hymns, which had been special
ly selected for their bearing upon the life and
doctrines of the great reformer. The Earl of
Shaftesbury, in his opening address, spoke
/ substantially as follows:
"Of the three great reformers, Wyckliffe,
Luther and Tyndaie, Wyckliffe was perhaps
the greatest This great Wyckliffe movement
will diffnse information and knowledge among
the common people which hitherto only the
learned have possessed. Wyckliffe's correct
title is the morning star of the reformation In
translating and circulating the Holy Scriptures
Wyckliffs was the first, the greatest and the
most direct reformer. England, after his time,
was never again subject 10 the rule of the
Pope. WyckliffA has been slandered; he has
been called worthless fellow, an apostate, q
rascal. But these clouds of contumely are now
vanishing, disclosing the brilliancy of the mans
character and the nobleness of his heart. He
is standing proof that God has never left an
age without witness to himself. The people
OF England today owe Wyckliffe a debt of
gratitude which they never can repay. They
can only show their thankful appreciation of
his life and labors by testifying to the world of
the work which he performed BY cherishing his
precepts and by blessing God for the transla-
ton of the Scriptures which he made"
Canon Taylor moved that "the quincenten-
airy of John Wyckliffe's death affords suita-
BILE opportunity to commemorate his work as
patriot and church reformer, translator and
preacher of the holy Scriptures" In making
this motion Canon Taylor said: 1.-THE great
work which Wyckliffe did for the church is
now in danger Of being overthrow. We
should beware OF those who are trying to lead
US back to the darkness and blindness of idol
artry and medi8valism."
The Rev. Mr., Fraser seconded this motion,
whereupon it was carried without dissenting
voice. After this motion was carried in
structing the Memorial Committee to appeal
for G10, 900 to be used in the publication and
circulation of Wyckliffe's writings and for the
erection of a memorial statue on some suitable
site in London.
A speech by the Rev. Mr.. Hughes followed.
He said: "In my belief the principles which
Wyckliffe proclaimed have firmer and wider
hold upon the country now than ever before.
Three men-I will mention no more-nsmely,
the great Baptist preacher, Mr.. Spurgeon, the
famous American revivalist, Mr.. Moody, and
General Booth the controlling spirit of the
Salvation Army, who represent the Wyekli-
fte teachings, WELD more influence than all
the priests In the churches of England put to-
gether. Loud cheers.) Wyckliffe discovered
that the origin of the mischief which confront
ed him was the suppression OF the rights Of
laymen in the Christian church. For my part,
should like to see laymen preaching some
times IN every pulpit. The church needs the
cooperation Of cody laymen."
An opportunity was afforded to those who
desired to subscribe to the commemoration
fund. Subscriptions to the amount of 9i00
were quickly obtained.
The meeting was dismissed with benedic-
ton pronounced by Canon Taylor.