John Wycliffe, a reformer, theologian, and contributor/translator of the first English Bible came to be known as the ‘Morning Star of the Reformation’ refuting the wealth and secularization of the church. He was an advocate for the Gospel encouraging individual learning of the bible without Church mediation. He opposed imposing indulgences (money paid to the church/priest) on the people through manipulation and fear in exchange for false promises of salvation. In response to this, he prepared a group of poor priest known as the “Lollards” who without vows or formal consecration by any church order preached the Gospel throughout England. In 1381, a Peasant Revolt broke out against the spiritual aristocracy and though Wycliffe opposed the revolt, he was blamed. Wycliffe was tried by the Roman Catholic Church and was inevitably charged with heresy. On more than two occasions, he was rescued from the hands of the Church where on one occasion, an earthquake occurred. Wycliffe died at the age of 64 in his bed from apoplexy (presumed to be a neurological impairment). After about 30 years from his death, the Roman Catholic Pope ordered that his bones be exhumed, burned, and cast in the river.
