“In a few years the Wickliffites, or Lollards, became exceedingly numerous, notwithstanding the attempts, made by argument and force, to suppress them. The doctrines taught by this reformer were similar to those of the latter reformers, but far less purified from error. They were, however, sufficient to alarm the Roman hierarchy, and make them earnestly desirous of repressing them by force, since it was vain to use arguments. “The most opprobrious epithets were applied to this most faithful and diligent labourer, who continued, till death, to discharge, with fidelity and zeal, the duties connected with his official station. “His great work of translating the Holy Scriptures was completed a little before his decease, which took place in the year 1384. This latter event was hailed with delight by his enemies, who fondly imagined that it would lead to the overthrow of his heresy. But they found that it had taken too deep root to be exterminated; and though, during the disturbed years of Richard’s reign, attempts were made to destroy the writings of Wickliffe, and his followers, and to remove all who were suspected of Lollard sentiments, from their benefices, they continued to flourish, and were finally triumphant, as I have before related to you.” “I am sure Mary Ann and Susan are much obliged to you for the information you have given them,” said Mrs. Spencer; “and I hope they will prove their sense of the obligation, by endeavouring to remember what you have told them.” The little girls looked assent to their mamma’s observation; and Mary Ann enquired if Mr. Wilmot would object to giving some little account of the Crusades. “So far from objecting, my dear,” answered her kind cousin, “it gives me pleasure to hear you make enquiries, since it proves that you are interested in my anecdotes. “The object of the Crusades was to drive the infidels out of the possession of the Holy Land; and the zeal of a fanatical monk, towards the end of the eleventh century, gave rise to this wild undertaking. Peter the Hermit (for so he was named) ran from province to province, with a cross in his hand, exciting kings and people to this holy war, as it was called. His enthusiasm spread with astonishing rapidity: not only princes, and nobles, and warriors; but shepherds and mechanics, women and children, left their peaceful occupations, and hastened to enlist themselves under the banner of their deluded leader. It is asserted by contemporary authors, that six millions of persons, at different times, assumed the badge of the cross. These crosses were worn on their clothes, and their colours distinguished the different nations. The English wore them white, the French red, the Flemish green, the Germans black, and the Italians yellow.