An earlier translation of the Scriptures, in part of which he was aided by his scholar Herford, was being revised and brought to the second form which is better known as "Wyclif's Bible" when death drew near.

The appeal of the prelates to Rome was answered at last by a Brief ordering him to appear at the Papal Court.
His failing strength exhausted itself in a sarcastic reply which explained that his refusal to comply with the summons simply sprang from broken health.

"I am always glad," ran the ironical answer, "to explain my faith to any one, and above all to the Bishop of Rome; for I take it for granted that if it be orthodox he will confirm it, if it be erroneous he will correct it.

I assume too that as chief Vicar of Christ upon earth the Bishop of Rome is of all mortal men most bound to the law of Christ's Gospel, for among the disciples of Christ a majority is not reckoned by simply counting heads in the fashion of this world, but according to the imitation of Christ on either side.

Now Christ during His life upon earth was of all men the poorest, casting from Him all worldly authority.