To the inward power of faith, the Cambridge evangelists added the outward power of the life. Saul become Paul, the strong, the ardent Latimer, had need of action; and Bilney, the weak and humble Bilney, in delicate health, observing a severe diet, taking ordinarily but one meal a-day, and never sleeping more than four hours, absorbed in prayer and in the study of the word, displayed at that time all the energy of charity. These two friends devoted themselves not merely to the easy labours of Christian beneficence; but caring little for that formal Christianity so often met with among the easy classes, they explored the gloomy cells of the madhouse to bear the sweet and subtle voice of the gospel to the infuriate maniacs. They visited the miserable lazar-house without the town, in which several poor lepers were dwelling; they carefully tended them, wrapped them in clean sheets, and wooed them to be converted to Christ.[498] The gates of the jail at Cambridge were opened to them,[499] and they announced to the poor prisoners that word which giveth liberty. Some were converted by it, and longed for the day of their execution.[500] Latimer, afterwards bishop of Worcester, was one of the most beautiful types of the Reformation in England. [498] Preaching at the lazar cots, wrapping them in sheets. Foxe, Acts, vol. iv, p. 620. Lond. 1846. [499] Latimer's Sermons, p. 335. (Park. Soc.) [500] She had such a savour, such a sweetness, and feeling, that she thought it long to the day of execution. Ibid. p. 180. [Sidenote: WORLDLINESS AND BRUTALITY.]