Harmony of Protestant and Mediaeval creeds The Reformation a moral movement The evils of Papal institutions The evils of monastic life Quarrels and dissoluteness of monks Birth of Wyclif His scholastic attainments and honors His political influence The powers who have ruled the world Wyclif sent on a mission to Bruges Protection of John of Gaunt Wyclif summoned to an ecclesiastical council His defenders and foes Triumph of Wyclif He openly denounces the Pope His translation of the Bible Opposition to it by the higher clergy Hostility of Roman Catholicism to the right of private judgment Hostility to the Bible in vernacular tongues Spread of the Bible in English Wyclif as a doctrinal reformer He attacks Transubstantiation Deserted by the Duke of Lancaster But dies peaceably in his parish Wyclif contrasted with Luther His great services to the church Reasons why he escaped martyrdom Authorities LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS VOLUME V. Roland Calls for Succor in the Battle of Roncesvalles _After the painting by Louis Guesnet_. A Reading from the Koran _After the painting by W. Gentz_. Mohammed, Preaching the Unity of God, Enters the City of Mecca _After the painting by A. Müller_. Charlemagne Inflicts the Rite of Baptism on the Saxons _After the painting by Adolph Maria Mucha_. St. Bernard Counselling Conrad III. _After the painting by Adolph Maria Mucha_. Canterbury Cathedral _From a photograph_. St. Thomas Aquinas in the School of Albertus Magnus _After the painting by H. Lerolle_. Murder of St. Thomas à Becket _After the painting by A. Dawant_. The Accolade _After the painting by Sir E. Blair Leighton_. Winchester Cathedral _From a photograph_. Facsimile of Page from Wyclif Bible BEACON LIGHTS OF HISTORY * * * * * MOHAMMED.[1] * * * * * A.D. 570-632. SARACENIC CONQUESTS. [Footnote 1: Spelled also _Mahomet_, _Mahommed_; but I prefer Mohammed.] The most extraordinary man who arose after the fall of the Roman Empire was doubtless Mohammed; and his posthumous influence has been greater than that of any man since Christianity was declared, if we take into account the number of those who have received his doctrines. Even Christianity never had so rapid a spread. More than a sixth part of the human race are the professed followers of the Arabian prophet.