The disgust which the laity had received from the numerous usurpations both of the court of Rome and of their own clergy, had very much weaned the kingdom from superstition; and strong symptoms appeared, from time to time, of a general desire to shake off the bondage of the Romish church.

In the committee of eighteen, to whom Richard's last parliament delegated their whole power, there is not the name of one ecclesiastic to be found; a neglect which is almost without example, while the Catholic religion subsisted in England.[**] [17] * Peruse, in this view, the Abridgment of the Records, by Sir Robert Cotton, during these two reigns.
** See note Q, at the end of the volume.
The aversion entertained against the established church soon found principles, and tenets, and reasonings, by which it could justify and support itself.

John Wickliffe, a secular priest, educated at Oxford, began in the latter end of Edward III.

to spread the doctrine of reformation by his discourses, sermons, and writings; and he made many disciples among men of all ranks and stations.

He seems to have been a man of parts and learning; and has the honor of being the first person in Europe that publicly called in question those principles which had universally passed for certain and undisputed during so many ages.
Wickliffe himself, as well as his disciples, who received the name of Wickliffites, or Lollards, was distinguished by a great austerity of life and manners; a circumstance common to almost all those who dogmatize in any new way; both because men who draw to them the attention of the public, and expose themselves to the odium of great multitudes, are obliged to be very guarded in their conduct, and because few who have a strong propensity to pleasure or business, will enter upon so difficult and laborious an undertaking.