WEBVTT 02:04.030 --> 02:05.330 What are they doing? 02:05.990 --> 02:07.210 Digging for bones. 02:09.330 --> 02:11.750 They're trying to rid the church of a memory. 02:12.370 --> 02:15.750 One that's haunted them for over 40 years. 02:16.410 --> 02:17.310 Who was he? 02:17.590 --> 02:18.530 His name was Wycliffe. 02:20.210 --> 02:22.130 Doctor John Wycliffe. 02:22.850 --> 02:23.890 You knew him, father. 02:24.450 --> 02:25.310 Oh yes, my son. 02:26.010 --> 02:26.890 I knew him. 02:27.790 --> 02:29.610 What did he do to deserve this? 02:32.930 --> 02:34.170 I shall tell you about him. 02:35.930 --> 02:36.990 He was a man... 02:38.150 --> 02:42.410 whose life should be remembered as long as this English nation of ours loves its 02:42.410 --> 02:42.750 freedom. 02:45.690 --> 02:48.370 I first met him when I was a student at Oxford. 02:49.450 --> 02:51.550 He was the best teacher I ever had. 02:52.150 --> 02:54.090 The best preacher I ever heard. 02:54.310 --> 02:56.870 He quickened both heart and mind. 02:58.310 --> 02:59.870 He found us as boys... 03:00.970 --> 03:02.030 and led us to manhood. 03:05.170 --> 03:09.330 He's known throughout Europe as the most brilliant scholar and philosopher of this 03:09.330 --> 03:09.790 age. 03:10.450 --> 03:12.130 But we who watched him... 03:12.130 --> 03:14.870 saw that it was his study of the scriptures... 03:15.510 --> 03:17.950 that really released his enormous energies. 03:21.940 --> 03:23.200 His biblical research... 03:23.980 --> 03:28.240 convinced him that our beloved church had long since departed from the New 03:28.240 --> 03:28.660 Testament. 03:32.710 --> 03:33.850 Couldn't keep silent. 03:34.830 --> 03:37.230 He called for drastic changes. 03:38.010 --> 03:40.930 And that is when his troubles began to mount. 03:43.390 --> 03:46.210 The Holy Father has again sent warning. 03:47.490 --> 03:52.190 John Wycliffe must be got into line quickly and completely. 03:53.010 --> 03:57.310 My Lord Archbishop, let me assure you that I am most zealous to perform the Holy 03:57.310 --> 03:58.010 Father's bidding. 03:58.450 --> 04:01.250 We must not fail again this time, Bishop Courtney. 04:01.910 --> 04:06.170 I have assured His Holiness that you have the matter under control. 04:07.430 --> 04:10.730 The political tide has shifted to our favor, Your Grace. 04:11.750 --> 04:14.770 Wycliffe would have been silenced long ago but for John of God's protection. 04:15.510 --> 04:17.130 But now we have the upper hand. 04:20.230 --> 04:23.490 Besides, Wycliffe's own words in writing... 04:23.490 --> 04:25.390 is all the case we need. 04:26.470 --> 04:29.050 I will see to it that His Holiness is pleased. 04:31.170 --> 04:32.290 I am apprehensive. 04:32.290 --> 04:33.030 I am apprehensive. 04:33.450 --> 04:36.250 My brothers, we must not see only the threat. 04:36.990 --> 04:38.430 I have longed for this opportunity. 04:40.670 --> 04:45.590 At my trial at St. Paul's a year ago, I did not get to say a single word in my 04:45.590 --> 04:46.210 own defense. 04:47.270 --> 04:52.730 My supporters and my opponents argued over protocol. 04:54.450 --> 04:56.430 And then the mob disrupted the trial. 04:57.210 --> 04:58.810 Nothing was settled because nothing was discussed. 04:58.810 --> 05:02.850 Now at least, Bishop Courtney, has moved this trial to Lambeth where, 05:03.010 --> 05:05.590 God willing, we should be free of outside disturbance. 05:05.830 --> 05:08.550 I still think the outside disturbance may have saved your life. 05:09.050 --> 05:13.490 If the bishops will listen to reason, if they will answer me from Scripture, 05:15.170 --> 05:20.090 if we can agree that the glory of God's church is to be found in devotion and 05:20.090 --> 05:26.570 faith and service, not in power and wealth, well, Nicholas, just think of the 05:26.570 --> 05:28.610 many doors this trial could open. 05:28.810 --> 05:32.390 I only hope it doesn't lock a door, the one to your cell. 05:43.060 --> 05:45.300 Uncle, I wish you wouldn't go. 05:45.980 --> 05:49.100 My dear niece, I'm sorry to leave you alone. 05:49.380 --> 05:50.060 I'm worried. 05:51.440 --> 05:53.300 I fear I'll not see you again. 05:54.520 --> 05:56.780 I had a terrible dream last night. 05:57.480 --> 06:03.720 I dreamt you were alone on an island of rock in the middle of a vast sea. 06:03.740 --> 06:05.100 Now, don't be afraid. 06:05.780 --> 06:07.120 Are we not in the hands of the Lord? 06:08.040 --> 06:10.520 I expect he has much more for both of us to do. 06:11.500 --> 06:14.900 The friars are saying you are a heretic, that you're besieged. 06:16.900 --> 06:19.860 It's certainly like them to plague a good woman with false fears. 06:20.140 --> 06:24.560 The friars are angry with me because I say they have no right to act like parasites. 06:25.520 --> 06:30.380 Acquiring riches by leeching off the poor, yet not acquiring enough learning to read 06:30.380 --> 06:32.040 a simple Bible passage. 06:32.580 --> 06:33.420 Have no fear. 06:34.660 --> 06:36.320 I shall be back before long. 06:36.960 --> 06:39.300 All the same, it will be dangerous. 06:46.680 --> 06:50.060 Promise me you'll be careful. 07:07.460 --> 07:17.940 O Lord, King of heaven and earth, my mind is spinning and finds no rest. 07:19.900 --> 07:24.800 How often I've been tempted to submit and withdraw my writing, yet just as often 07:24.800 --> 07:29.100 I've been led back to the authority of thy holy word. 07:31.200 --> 07:36.760 Facing this trial, I'm a man walking the edge of a precipice at midnight. 07:39.760 --> 07:45.600 And yet, Father, I cannot deny the truth of thy scriptures. 07:47.820 --> 07:51.280 I thank thee that thou art altogether wise and gracious. 07:54.600 --> 07:57.060 Lord, give me the wisdom to defend thy word. 07:59.620 --> 08:04.820 Whatever trials there may be, lend me the grace to endure them. 08:14.380 --> 08:19.440 Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit, whether for life or death, 08:20.100 --> 08:24.480 for prison or freedom, according to thy holy will. 08:29.330 --> 08:31.330 In the name of our risen Lord Jesus. 08:39.010 --> 08:40.210 Good morning, Nicholas. 08:40.710 --> 08:41.430 Good morning, Doctor. 08:42.790 --> 08:46.110 Do you think we shall keep pace with these students? 08:46.110 --> 08:49.830 That, my dear John, is a question I frequently ponder before entering my 08:49.830 --> 08:50.210 classes. 08:50.510 --> 08:51.410 Well said. 08:52.250 --> 08:56.790 I've received word that we are to stop on our journey to confer with John of Gaunt. 08:57.150 --> 08:58.850 He's aided you greatly in the past, Doctor. 08:59.030 --> 08:59.870 He has indeed. 09:00.910 --> 09:04.410 He's been as devoted a patron to me as he has been to Geoffrey Chaucer. 09:04.710 --> 09:06.370 You may need him more than ever now. 09:06.710 --> 09:07.650 We shall soon see. 09:08.490 --> 09:10.110 But now we must make haste. 09:44.690 --> 09:46.090 Good morning, John. 09:54.590 --> 09:56.770 God save you, Doctor Wickliffe, gentlemen. 09:57.330 --> 09:58.310 Good day to you, Sheriff. 09:58.430 --> 10:00.170 You part your duties? 10:00.690 --> 10:01.310 That's right, sir. 10:02.150 --> 10:03.590 These fine fellows are high women. 10:04.430 --> 10:07.150 Been robbing travellers round these parts for some time past. 10:08.030 --> 10:09.890 But it's the hangman's rope from now, all right? 10:10.690 --> 10:12.650 These young gentlemen your students, Doctor? 10:12.910 --> 10:13.570 Yes, Sheriff. 10:14.670 --> 10:16.090 Look well on this wretch, young sir. 10:16.670 --> 10:19.770 And remember the fate of men who fall from the grace of God. 10:20.050 --> 10:22.530 You can save your insults, Sheriff. 10:22.690 --> 10:24.950 I have not fallen from God's grace. 10:25.290 --> 10:28.570 My sins are as surely forgiven as the sins of any man in England. 10:28.650 --> 10:29.730 Silence, you dog! 10:30.650 --> 10:32.650 Shall this good Doctor hear your blasphemy? 10:32.930 --> 10:33.550 Please, Sheriff. 10:34.690 --> 10:35.670 Please let him speak. 10:37.110 --> 10:39.690 I am interested to hear what he has to say. 10:40.210 --> 10:40.850 God bless you, Father. 10:41.670 --> 10:45.450 I have been a soldier of the King and I do not deserve this ill treatment. 10:46.090 --> 10:48.350 Why have you taken to this dishonourable life of stealing? 10:48.630 --> 10:50.390 Well, you know as well as I do, Father. 10:51.290 --> 10:52.150 You know the law. 10:53.630 --> 10:58.450 It's almost 25 years now since they fixed labourers' wages, said they couldn't go up 10:58.450 --> 10:58.930 no more. 10:59.290 --> 11:01.610 But the cost of food goes up all the time. 11:02.510 --> 11:05.150 A man just can't afford to earn an honest living no more. 11:05.550 --> 11:07.930 My son, I know you believe you have good cause to be bitter. 11:09.110 --> 11:11.570 But nothing can excuse the breaking of God's laws. 11:12.530 --> 11:16.250 But what did you mean that you assured the forgiveness of your sins? 11:18.470 --> 11:24.750 Oh, well, I went to my priest and I bought an indulgence, paid good money for it too. 11:26.070 --> 11:31.610 My priest promised me that I had the stored graces of the Holy Church for my 11:31.610 --> 11:31.970 forgiveness. 11:34.050 --> 11:37.670 I may be a thief, Father, but I've always been a good Christian. 11:38.270 --> 11:39.570 Well, tell me this, good Christian. 11:40.430 --> 11:42.890 Did Jesus sell indulgences like yours? 11:43.070 --> 11:44.530 Well, my indulgence is good, I'll tell you. 11:44.630 --> 11:47.610 Man, the forgiveness of God is not to be purchased by a few coin. 11:47.850 --> 11:48.850 Yeah, but I paid good money. 11:48.950 --> 11:50.890 My priest promised the indulgence was good. 11:51.050 --> 11:52.590 What are you saying? 11:53.830 --> 11:54.590 It's worthless? 11:55.630 --> 11:56.970 Believe me, my son. 11:59.090 --> 12:02.690 God's forgiveness and grace will give you true assurance. 12:03.830 --> 12:05.290 No indulgence can do that. 12:06.670 --> 12:10.450 I'll ask the sheriff to send for my vicar at Lutterworth Church. 12:11.450 --> 12:16.250 And he will hear your confession and help you find true repentance. 12:16.550 --> 12:18.190 It is never too late. 12:19.610 --> 12:24.910 The repentant thief who died next to Christ upon the cross got the best 12:24.910 --> 12:25.770 assurance of all. 12:29.510 --> 12:33.770 Today, Christ told him, thou shalt be with me in paradise. 12:35.410 --> 12:38.770 That thief needed no indulgence. 12:40.470 --> 12:42.650 He needed only to turn to Christ. 12:46.990 --> 12:49.330 I... I almost begin to believe you, Father. 13:47.220 --> 13:50.380 Good sirs, if you please, good sirs. 13:50.540 --> 13:53.520 They say in the village that one of you be a great doctor of the church. 13:54.320 --> 13:56.540 If that be so, may a poor man ask for some help? 13:56.540 --> 13:57.780 How can I help you, sir? 13:58.080 --> 14:01.220 I do not ask for money, doctor, just a little of your time. 14:01.520 --> 14:02.740 How can I be of service? 14:03.460 --> 14:05.120 It is my wife that needs the help, doctor. 14:05.920 --> 14:09.420 She's beside herself with grief for the boy child we had last year that died. 14:10.520 --> 14:14.080 I try to reason with her and comfort her, but my words avail as little as a cold 14:14.080 --> 14:14.340 wind. 14:15.160 --> 14:16.140 She will not be comforted. 14:17.140 --> 14:21.080 For myself, I try not to get too fond of a child till it gets to be six years of age 14:21.080 --> 14:21.420 or so. 14:22.100 --> 14:23.740 So many of the little ones die, you know. 14:23.740 --> 14:26.820 Has your wife spoken to the parish priest? 14:27.380 --> 14:28.400 That's the pity of it, Father. 14:29.340 --> 14:30.560 The babe was not baptized. 14:30.820 --> 14:32.120 Not baptized? 14:32.460 --> 14:33.700 It was my fault, doctor. 14:34.340 --> 14:38.420 There was a special levy from the church for the Pope's army, and I had no money 14:38.420 --> 14:39.100 for a donation. 14:39.440 --> 14:42.060 And the priest would not baptize without a donation? 14:42.960 --> 14:43.600 No, Father. 14:44.860 --> 14:46.520 Oh, generation of vipers. 14:46.800 --> 14:50.060 And before I could earn the money, the poor babe was carried off by a fever. 14:51.080 --> 14:54.520 Many months have passed, but my poor wife spends every day in weeping. 14:55.700 --> 14:56.940 Will you help her, good sir? 14:59.300 --> 15:03.560 May the Lord bless you and give you peace, my daughter. 15:04.900 --> 15:07.540 I thank you for your kindness, good doctor. 15:09.160 --> 15:12.140 But my heart is so broken, it will not be comforted. 15:13.200 --> 15:14.520 You see, sir, what did I tell you? 15:14.520 --> 15:20.740 God will bring peace to your mind and your heart if you will only give him leave. 15:21.900 --> 15:25.840 His love is especially lent to broken hearts like yours. 15:26.940 --> 15:30.860 Father, I will tell you why my heart aches so. 15:32.280 --> 15:38.440 Some months ago, a traveling partner came through our village, and this friar told 15:38.440 --> 15:43.720 me that the spirits of unbaptized infants are cursed. 15:44.520 --> 15:46.520 To wanderers, fireflies... 15:47.680 --> 15:49.060 He told you that? 15:50.020 --> 15:50.800 Yes, father. 15:52.700 --> 16:03.300 And now, whenever I see the fireflies rise in the summer twilight, I fear that maybe 16:03.300 --> 16:08.500 the spirit of my own poor lost child is there. 16:10.040 --> 16:14.260 Woman, you know that God has given us a holy book to lead us into all truth. 16:14.520 --> 16:16.040 The Bible, father? 16:16.480 --> 16:17.320 Yes, my daughter. 16:18.420 --> 16:22.500 And I spent my life in study of these scriptures, and I tell you truly, 16:23.680 --> 16:27.800 there's nothing in God's book of this old wife's tale of the fireflies. 16:28.760 --> 16:29.540 No, father. 16:29.920 --> 16:31.520 No, no. 16:33.320 --> 16:35.740 Have you ever heard of the great King David? 16:36.780 --> 16:41.740 Yes, father, in the mystery plays at festival time. 16:41.740 --> 16:46.860 His story is told in the scriptures, and the book reveals that one day the 16:46.860 --> 16:52.380 great King David had one of his own baby children grow sick and die. 16:53.900 --> 17:01.340 And when the child was dead, David rose up and said, my child will not return to me, 17:02.000 --> 17:05.520 but I shall go one day to be with him. 17:06.920 --> 17:10.420 And that was many years before the institution of baptism. 17:11.400 --> 17:17.620 Doctor, you speak so comfortingly, but how shall I know that one day I shall 17:17.620 --> 17:19.200 go to be with my child? 17:19.640 --> 17:26.400 Keep your eyes fixed on that other babe, born so many years ago in Bethlehem, 17:26.400 --> 17:32.620 whose death did break the heart of his own dear mother, the Holy Virgin. 17:34.280 --> 17:43.580 Keep in your heart that Christ died to purchase our souls by his hard suffering 17:43.580 --> 17:44.660 on the bitter cross. 17:45.600 --> 17:55.260 And remember that he rose again at Easter to call us to himself in glory. 18:29.530 --> 18:34.370 I'm amazed, Doctor, at the comfort you give these troubled souls you meet. 18:35.670 --> 18:37.710 Their countenance changes in your very presence. 18:39.590 --> 18:43.790 It is the sharing of the scriptures that gives the comfort, is it not? 18:46.870 --> 18:49.870 Well, we are less than one hour from John of Gaunt's. 18:50.750 --> 18:55.250 We shall soon see what words of comfort he has in store for us. 19:00.650 --> 19:02.930 Don't look to me this time, John Whitcliffe. 19:02.950 --> 19:04.550 I cannot save you again. 19:04.930 --> 19:08.150 I came to your rescue at St. Paul's, but at Lambeth you will be alone. 19:08.150 --> 19:09.050 My lord, I cannot... 19:09.050 --> 19:11.230 I cannot intervene again. 19:11.650 --> 19:14.110 I would do you more harm than good now. 19:15.170 --> 19:20.610 It is only a few short months since the death of my beloved father, King Edward. 19:21.070 --> 19:23.890 Now we have a ten-year-old boy on the throne. 19:24.750 --> 19:30.190 Our dear Richard is no more than a puppet in the hands of ambitious men, 19:30.470 --> 19:35.410 men who are afraid lest I should usurp their newfound power. 19:36.250 --> 19:41.770 Now is not the time to have John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, at your side. 19:45.830 --> 19:50.410 However, though I shall not be present to pluck you out of trouble again, 19:50.750 --> 19:55.630 I would give you a little instruction how to deport yourself at Lambeth. 19:55.630 --> 19:59.430 For God's sake, Whitcliffe, you are sometimes so naive. 20:00.310 --> 20:05.710 This time you must try and grasp the politics of the situation. 20:05.850 --> 20:09.690 My lord, your advice is always welcome, but politics is your lordship's study, 20:09.790 --> 20:10.150 not mine. 20:10.150 --> 20:12.690 So you have always said. 20:13.690 --> 20:19.450 I remember when my father sent you as a delegate to the peace conference in 20:19.450 --> 20:19.870 Bruges. 20:20.470 --> 20:28.110 Your arguments were good and sound, but your approach so stiff and unbending. 20:29.150 --> 20:34.870 Even now you still do not comprehend the thrust and tally of politics. 20:37.850 --> 20:40.110 It is like fighting. 20:41.570 --> 20:42.250 Scorn you be! 20:42.590 --> 20:43.410 Defend yourself! 20:59.620 --> 21:05.320 Politics is conflict, my dear Whitcliffe, like a duel or battle. 21:07.320 --> 21:17.060 Fight a political enemy as you would a military enemy with tactics. 21:22.480 --> 21:23.480 Strategy. 21:34.360 --> 21:45.900 Know when to attack, when to defend, and 21:49.190 --> 21:51.170 when to beat an honourable retreat. 21:52.150 --> 21:56.350 I try mercy, sir. 21:57.570 --> 22:04.030 In battle, that would have cost you your life, squire, and me a good man. 22:09.670 --> 22:10.790 Be off with you. 22:17.110 --> 22:19.350 Whitcliffe, have you been listening, man? 22:19.650 --> 22:24.430 I hear you, my lord, but I cannot see how this applies to my case. 22:25.290 --> 22:26.930 Then let us be a little more specific. 22:27.870 --> 22:32.990 At Lambeth Palace, your most dangerous enemy will not be Sudbury, but Bishop 22:32.990 --> 22:33.450 Courtney. 22:33.770 --> 22:35.610 He seeks your downfall. 22:35.670 --> 22:37.430 He makes no secret of it. 22:38.470 --> 22:44.790 Do not let your quick tongue fill his quiver with arrows for your own 22:44.790 --> 22:45.170 destruction. 22:46.490 --> 22:47.090 Be diplomatic. 22:48.170 --> 22:48.750 Be moderate. 22:49.830 --> 22:51.190 Fight a tactical battle. 22:51.510 --> 22:52.450 Attack when you can. 22:52.890 --> 22:54.930 Retreat when you must. 22:54.930 --> 23:02.170 My lord knows that I shall speak truly and remain steadfast in my opinions. 23:03.910 --> 23:06.430 That is exactly what I expected you to say. 23:07.350 --> 23:09.170 You and your sacks and stubbornness. 23:09.710 --> 23:13.790 My lord would prefer me to exercise Norman duplicity? 23:15.790 --> 23:19.010 Oh, if this were still an age of champions. 23:20.430 --> 23:26.590 I recall the glorious challenge my late brother, the Black Prince, threw down to 23:26.590 --> 23:27.450 the King of France. 23:28.190 --> 23:33.830 That they should decide the issue of a whole war in single combat. 23:35.670 --> 23:36.510 Think of it. 23:37.870 --> 23:40.510 What both our nations would have been spared. 23:40.810 --> 23:42.030 Yes, I know. 23:44.270 --> 23:51.110 John, in ecclesiastical matters you are my champion and the champion of England. 23:51.710 --> 23:57.790 You have helped restore to the crown its dignity and prerogative as derived from 23:57.790 --> 23:58.130 God. 23:59.730 --> 24:04.670 Maybe now at last we shall see an end to the dominion of popes and prelates. 24:06.050 --> 24:13.410 This English nation will be a mighty one when it finds the will to rouse itself. 24:15.290 --> 24:20.670 Saxon or Norman, we stand or fall as Englishmen. 24:22.210 --> 24:32.470 But the point I make in my writing is that lordship comes from God and can only be 24:32.470 --> 24:36.450 exercised as by a steward in his service. 24:37.490 --> 24:45.310 I confess I am sometimes appalled by the interpretations the political man put upon 24:45.310 --> 24:45.990 my words. 24:45.990 --> 24:50.250 Yet I have written nothing but what I have learnt in God's law. 24:51.550 --> 24:55.670 Make no mistake, I take my stand on the scriptures. 24:56.950 --> 25:02.790 As you will argue, no doubt, at Lambeth in your customary contentious manner. 25:03.590 --> 25:08.510 Circumstances will govern my actions, my lord, as the young squire's thrusts 25:08.510 --> 25:10.190 governed yours a few moments ago. 25:11.890 --> 25:16.550 Wickliffe, you are exasperating, and I love you for it. 25:17.890 --> 25:22.550 Stick to your scriptures, then, and be a David to bring down the Goliath 25:22.550 --> 25:22.970 Courtney. 25:24.970 --> 25:32.050 And may you conquer, for he is a tool of Rome, and his ambition would enslave us 25:32.050 --> 25:32.430 all. 25:33.430 --> 25:35.170 Fear not, great duke. 25:37.390 --> 25:40.750 I place myself in the mighty hands of God. 25:45.070 --> 25:46.810 Well and good, doctor. 25:52.420 --> 25:59.700 But at Lambeth, you might find that he delivers you by the hands of a woman. 26:01.460 --> 26:02.400 My lord? 26:07.540 --> 26:12.380 Doctor Wickliffe, you have heard the charges against you, you have heard the 26:12.380 --> 26:13.040 accusers. 26:13.580 --> 26:18.740 You are satisfied that your teachings have been accurately presented to this court? 26:19.040 --> 26:21.640 I deny only that they are unorthodox. 26:22.640 --> 26:27.360 We would have you questioned by Bishop Courtney, who has studied minutely the 26:27.360 --> 26:28.640 merits of your theses. 26:29.560 --> 26:30.220 Bishop Courtney? 26:30.680 --> 26:32.140 Thank you, my lord archbishop. 26:33.500 --> 26:38.680 Doctor Wickliffe, we rejoice that you have condescended to obey our summons. 26:39.420 --> 26:45.320 And I rejoice that you have studied minutely my theses, Bishop Courtney. 26:46.300 --> 26:53.220 You profess, doctor, that the authority of human government can be higher than that 26:53.220 --> 26:54.420 of God's church. 26:54.900 --> 26:58.500 I have taught that all dominion comes equally from God. 26:58.500 --> 27:02.200 I can only be rightfully exercised in obedience to God. 27:03.600 --> 27:07.760 Should the church corruptly or evilly misuse its powers, then the civil 27:07.760 --> 27:12.840 authorities would have the right and the duty to correct that abuse. 27:13.460 --> 27:16.120 And who will be judge of this? 27:17.180 --> 27:18.800 That same civil authority? 27:20.600 --> 27:25.200 Indeed, doctor Wickliffe, is not this famous theory of dominion a mere 27:25.200 --> 27:30.500 justification for the crown to usurp the property and prerogative of the church? 27:31.020 --> 27:32.500 No, my lord, it is not. 27:32.680 --> 27:40.060 But in the matter of property, seeing that you refer to it, I see no 27:40.060 --> 27:47.960 basis in the word of God for the church to possess extreme material wealth. 27:50.060 --> 27:56.040 Ah, can it be that doctor Wickliffe is jealous that he has not received the share 27:56.040 --> 27:58.460 that his great talents deserve? 27:59.020 --> 28:03.500 One third of the land of England is owned by the church, my lord Bishop. 28:05.220 --> 28:08.140 Such ownership is not the business of the church. 28:10.620 --> 28:13.920 Christ and his apostles lived in poverty. 28:15.240 --> 28:17.680 Might we not do well to imitate their example? 28:20.700 --> 28:24.720 And why do you suggest that we should dispose of the church's goods? 28:24.920 --> 28:27.140 By presenting them perhaps to the English nobility? 28:27.320 --> 28:30.560 I'm sure the Duke of Lancaster and his party could put them to good use. 28:30.640 --> 28:32.720 No, my lord Bishop, but I do have a suggestion. 28:34.540 --> 28:40.820 Rather than pay fat stipends to the large number of foreign churchmen, whom the Pope 28:40.820 --> 28:48.220 has appointed to absentee English benefices, the church might better use its 28:48.220 --> 28:52.680 wealth to feed the poor and starving common people of this realm. 28:54.240 --> 28:55.680 Let us begin there. 28:56.940 --> 28:59.500 Your own mouth condemns you, Wickliffe. 29:00.700 --> 29:03.980 First you seek to undermine the authority of the church, of the bishops, 29:04.340 --> 29:05.300 and even of the Pope. 29:06.660 --> 29:09.880 And now you instruct us how best to bring about our own downfall. 29:09.880 --> 29:15.120 You leave little room for doubt what the verdict of this court must be. 29:17.560 --> 29:20.840 One last question, Dr. Wickliffe. 29:22.000 --> 29:28.360 What spiritual authority would replace the one that you have just so effectively 29:28.360 --> 29:29.000 demolished? 29:29.880 --> 29:33.020 Your own fevered brain. 29:33.020 --> 29:39.380 No, Bishop Courtney, the only true authority, the word of God, the holy 29:39.380 --> 29:39.960 scriptures. 29:46.900 --> 29:48.260 Let me pass. 29:48.660 --> 29:49.820 Let me pass. 29:49.880 --> 29:52.000 I have an important document for the Archbishop. 30:20.720 --> 30:26.940 Brothers in Christ, this is a letter from our Queen Mother, Joan of Kent, 30:27.720 --> 30:33.160 speaking on behalf of her son Richard, who at his majority will ascend the throne 30:33.160 --> 30:33.920 of this realm. 30:34.780 --> 30:40.800 Her Majesty declares that Dr. John Wickliffe has rendered long and valued 30:40.800 --> 30:46.380 service to the crown, the which she asks this court to recognize. 30:47.680 --> 30:53.160 Further, she requests that there be no harassment of Dr. Wickliffe. 30:53.160 --> 31:00.840 And lastly, she requests that this court shall refrain from pronouncing any final 31:00.840 --> 31:01.440 judgment. 31:04.220 --> 31:05.980 She has no right! 31:06.260 --> 31:09.080 No right, Bishop Courtney, no right. 31:10.040 --> 31:13.900 The Queen Mother has spoken and we shall listen respectfully. 31:18.840 --> 31:22.220 Dear brothers, let us proceed. 31:23.160 --> 31:28.100 We will confine ourselves to the consideration of the points at issue in 31:28.100 --> 31:34.420 Dr. Wickliffe's thesis and refrain from any judgment of the man himself. 31:48.150 --> 31:49.470 John of God! 31:51.070 --> 31:53.650 I perceive his foul hand in this. 31:55.130 --> 31:57.930 The Queen Mother will not have written so, not without his prodding. 32:04.000 --> 32:07.280 So, once again Wickliffe escapes our grasp. 32:07.900 --> 32:10.180 You would have delighted in his destruction, my lord. 32:12.240 --> 32:12.820 Delighted? 32:13.940 --> 32:15.240 Oh God, I should hope not. 32:16.000 --> 32:17.500 Do you think I have relished this conflict? 32:17.820 --> 32:20.860 I would rather have Wickliffe with us than against us. 32:21.900 --> 32:23.240 He's a brilliant man. 32:25.080 --> 32:26.660 His life is spotless. 32:28.240 --> 32:30.340 His devotion to God is beyond question. 32:32.560 --> 32:34.260 Dangerously attractive qualities. 32:35.680 --> 32:37.580 But the man is misled. 32:38.300 --> 32:40.820 He is a heretic and he must be silenced. 32:41.500 --> 32:46.780 If he is not checked, his voice could poison all of Christendom. 32:48.380 --> 32:50.500 It is said his following grows daily. 32:51.220 --> 32:54.860 His name and influence spread like the plague. 32:55.640 --> 32:59.500 You have heard, my lord, of the many itinerant priests he has sent into the 32:59.500 --> 33:00.800 countryside to preach the scriptures. 33:01.600 --> 33:06.040 Considering what a mockery so much of the preaching of our friars and partners has 33:06.040 --> 33:07.940 become of it, I can hardly condemn him for that. 33:12.020 --> 33:19.760 Sometimes I wonder, is mine the only voice to be raised in defense of the true 33:19.760 --> 33:20.160 church? 33:24.490 --> 33:31.350 What is to be done when at the head is such a weak, tall, sundering, blows hot 33:31.350 --> 33:33.050 and cold with a great puff of wind? 33:33.150 --> 33:34.030 He's a coward. 33:35.510 --> 33:37.450 Archbishops do not live forever, my lord. 33:40.010 --> 33:41.390 Very true, brother Mark. 33:42.010 --> 33:46.570 But if we wait to fill dead men's shoes, we may wait too long. 33:47.410 --> 33:48.890 You have some action in mind. 33:49.030 --> 33:49.670 Oh, yes. 33:50.650 --> 33:51.570 Yes, indeed. 33:52.770 --> 33:57.170 The bird may have flown beyond our grasp, but the nest is still there for the 33:57.170 --> 33:57.450 taking. 34:00.030 --> 34:01.110 Oxford is the key. 34:02.750 --> 34:08.010 If Oxford is purged of Wycliffe and his Lollard heresies, they will lose their 34:08.010 --> 34:08.530 credibility. 34:09.410 --> 34:13.970 Without the endorsement of the academic world, the nobility will find them less 34:13.970 --> 34:14.390 attractive. 34:16.350 --> 34:19.450 Ideas are only as powerful as the men that hold them. 34:21.190 --> 34:25.930 Besides, if the peasants get any more troublesome than they are already, 34:26.770 --> 34:30.210 the nobility will be the first to cry for law and order. 34:32.130 --> 34:34.010 And where will they turn for help? 34:36.250 --> 34:37.310 To the church. 34:50.050 --> 34:52.710 But Wycliffe was allowed to remain at Oxford. 34:54.510 --> 34:57.450 Pope Gregory died and chaos ensued. 34:57.450 --> 35:02.070 The church broke apart with the election of two rival popes. 35:02.250 --> 35:05.510 England and most of Europe went with Pope Urban VI in Rome. 35:06.530 --> 35:11.010 France and a few allies supported Pope Clement VII in Avignon. 35:12.710 --> 35:17.390 In the confusion that followed, John Wycliffe was left free to continue 35:17.390 --> 35:18.110 his writing. 35:18.990 --> 35:21.770 His ideas grew more and more bold. 35:25.970 --> 35:27.410 This is most strange. 35:27.530 --> 35:28.370 I don't understand. 35:30.830 --> 35:31.430 Grace! 35:33.810 --> 35:35.870 Ah, there you are, daughter. 35:37.130 --> 35:38.530 What a hunt we had today. 35:38.650 --> 35:39.850 You should have seen us. 35:41.070 --> 35:43.590 Two boars dead within the first hour. 35:44.570 --> 35:46.690 The second nearly got poor Newbery. 35:47.990 --> 35:50.250 But why such a grim face? 35:51.010 --> 35:51.750 We were discussing the election. 35:51.750 --> 35:54.130 We were discussing this new book, fresh from the copiers, Father. 35:54.570 --> 35:56.310 It arrived the day before yesterday. 35:57.450 --> 36:02.070 Well, if a book will take away my daughter's pretty smile, I regret that I 36:02.070 --> 36:04.230 ever allowed her to be taught her letters. 36:05.230 --> 36:07.610 Oh, it must be very serious indeed. 36:08.310 --> 36:12.150 Well, Father, it is by your old chaplain, John Wycliffe. 36:13.490 --> 36:15.050 What has the man done now? 36:15.670 --> 36:17.050 Why, Father, haven't you heard? 36:17.050 --> 36:23.350 This book is Wycliffe's attack on the church doctrine, on transubstantiation. 36:24.990 --> 36:26.670 Against the mass. 36:33.050 --> 36:36.410 This time this priest has gone too far. 36:37.770 --> 36:38.510 Square handling! 36:39.870 --> 36:42.270 Get your horses ready, we ride for Oxford! 36:53.330 --> 36:54.730 My lord, it cannot be! 36:54.810 --> 36:57.870 You have gone too far, John Wycliffe, this time. 36:58.130 --> 36:59.750 You have gone too far! 36:59.970 --> 37:00.930 Noble Duke. 37:01.030 --> 37:04.530 I have just seen what you have written on the Holy Eucharist. 37:04.770 --> 37:09.830 You have dared to attack the doctrine of transubstantiation, the very central 37:09.830 --> 37:10.910 doctrine of the church. 37:11.030 --> 37:12.530 Yes, my lord, I have. 37:14.170 --> 37:16.650 Is that all you have to say, you wretch? 37:16.650 --> 37:23.430 You stand there in your bearded innocence and simply say yes, my lord? 37:26.550 --> 37:26.870 No. 37:28.530 --> 37:33.630 An attack on transubstantiation is an attack on the mass. 37:34.050 --> 37:38.390 An attack on the mass is an attack on the foundation of the holy church. 37:38.910 --> 37:40.750 Retract, retract it at once! 37:40.830 --> 37:45.130 My lord, the holy scriptures tell us that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the 37:45.130 --> 37:45.330 church. 37:45.330 --> 37:46.290 Don't quibble, doctor. 37:46.450 --> 37:48.930 You are attacking Jesus' sacrifice. 37:49.070 --> 37:50.190 I think not, my lord. 37:51.210 --> 37:55.890 Transubstantiation is a modern doctrine, unknown to the fathers of the church. 37:56.830 --> 38:03.090 Pope Innocent III and the Fourth Lateran Council first proclaimed it less than two 38:03.090 --> 38:04.430 hundred years ago. 38:04.550 --> 38:07.190 I care not when it was proclaimed. 38:07.390 --> 38:11.590 It is believed, believed throughout the whole of Christendom. 38:11.590 --> 38:18.150 My noble duke, the fact that something is believed by the multitudes does not 38:18.150 --> 38:19.590 necessarily make it true. 38:19.970 --> 38:20.450 Weakling! 38:34.440 --> 38:38.120 You know why I ask this thing of you. 38:38.400 --> 38:40.640 Yes, my liege, I think that I do. 38:42.420 --> 38:45.080 We have known each other for many years. 38:45.960 --> 38:46.940 A great many years. 38:47.800 --> 38:51.440 You gave loyal service to the old king. 38:51.580 --> 38:54.380 God rest his soul, I wish he was alive today. 38:55.220 --> 39:05.360 John, you know well the hold you now have upon the hearts of the people of this 39:05.360 --> 39:05.800 nation. 39:07.360 --> 39:15.300 If you do not recant this folly, a wound may open which might never heal. 39:17.060 --> 39:20.060 Already there is rebellion in the air. 39:21.560 --> 39:26.100 My nephew Richard is surrounded by fools and flatterers. 39:27.140 --> 39:32.560 My lords of Gloucester and Arundel pull the strings upon which he dances. 39:33.360 --> 39:35.880 And they are dangerous men. 39:41.560 --> 39:48.260 I am fearful of what chaos may be let loose in England. 39:48.760 --> 39:51.180 You do well to be fearful, my lord. 39:51.920 --> 39:57.840 The poor of this realm have suffered too much, too long. 39:58.740 --> 40:03.440 And you would do well to be fearful if you persist in this new teaching. 40:11.290 --> 40:12.870 I can do no more. 40:15.750 --> 40:20.150 Your stubbornness puts you at Courtney's mercy. 40:21.690 --> 40:24.230 I can only continue the work I have begun. 40:25.530 --> 40:27.910 Man may attack the body, my lord, not the soul. 40:29.470 --> 40:35.470 You would not have me buy the protection of Courtney by selling my soul. 40:35.470 --> 40:42.820 May God bless your courage, John. 40:46.590 --> 40:53.430 My lord, it has been my privilege to serve you all these years. 40:53.770 --> 40:57.590 I thank you for all you have done to shield me. 40:59.130 --> 41:02.510 If you have to step back from me now, have no fear. 41:04.370 --> 41:06.110 The Lord will be my shield. 41:08.450 --> 41:10.670 I might not see your face again. 41:11.770 --> 41:15.070 God keep us then, till we meet in his kingdom. 41:17.030 --> 41:17.770 Farewell, John. 41:19.510 --> 41:21.070 Farewell, great Duke. 42:00.140 --> 42:02.280 This is madness, John, you know it is. 42:03.380 --> 42:05.140 Their leader, John Ball, has escaped from prison. 42:05.220 --> 42:06.280 That could only mean trouble. 42:06.280 --> 42:08.440 We have no business being here. 42:08.600 --> 42:11.440 How many times have I appealed on behalf of the poor of this country, Nicholas? 42:12.060 --> 42:13.620 I am identified with their cause. 42:13.960 --> 42:16.660 Why should I not speak to these peasants when they ask to meet me? 42:16.660 --> 42:18.160 They are on the brink of insurrection. 42:18.860 --> 42:21.240 If it is believed that you helped to fan the flame... 42:21.240 --> 42:23.420 Well, let us at least ask what they have to say. 42:30.200 --> 42:32.540 Ah, Mr. Wickliffe, you have come. 42:33.100 --> 42:35.940 Yes, as you asked, but why this secrecy? 42:36.200 --> 42:40.000 For all our sakes, Doctor, we take a certain risk in talking to you. 42:40.000 --> 42:42.700 And we know that you be in certain considerable danger. 42:43.240 --> 42:47.160 Your poor preachers come into our villages and tell the Bible stories. 42:47.280 --> 42:48.240 They be our friends. 42:49.060 --> 42:50.740 We think you are our friend, too. 42:51.580 --> 42:53.160 We think you are on our side. 42:53.340 --> 42:56.160 I think, my friend, I have already declared myself on your side. 42:56.460 --> 42:57.680 Well, answer me this, then. 42:58.400 --> 42:59.280 Who is right? 42:59.960 --> 43:03.680 The poor laborers who cannot fill their children's bellies no matter how hard they 43:03.680 --> 43:03.980 work? 43:04.720 --> 43:07.960 Or the governors, who have not given them a rise in nigh on thirty years? 43:07.960 --> 43:09.120 Take care, John. 43:09.200 --> 43:10.180 This is a powder keg. 43:10.260 --> 43:12.260 You are fully justified in what you say. 43:12.960 --> 43:14.920 It's time things were changed. 43:15.280 --> 43:16.560 Aye, it's time for a change. 43:17.280 --> 43:18.740 It's time to overthrow the tyrants. 43:19.980 --> 43:22.360 Doctor, we are many thousands strong. 43:22.860 --> 43:25.580 Every man amongst us knows and honors your name. 43:26.540 --> 43:27.740 If you would help us. 43:27.820 --> 43:29.960 The purpose of my life is to help all God's people. 43:31.660 --> 43:35.880 But tell me, is it true that John Ball has escaped from prison? 43:35.880 --> 43:37.740 I don't know about that. 43:39.100 --> 43:40.820 As a matter of fact, yes, it is so, sir. 43:40.940 --> 43:43.000 Then it is he who has stirred up this revolt? 43:43.300 --> 43:44.780 No, he may have stirred it up. 43:45.420 --> 43:47.780 But the pot has been brewing for a long time now. 43:48.740 --> 43:49.960 He knows what to do. 43:50.080 --> 43:50.840 Brothers, listen. 43:52.320 --> 43:56.960 Our Lord Jesus lived in an age of cruelty and injustice far worse than our own. 43:57.940 --> 44:00.200 He came to overthrow tyranny. 44:00.960 --> 44:02.880 But not with the methods of tyranny. 44:04.020 --> 44:05.380 His kingdom will prevail. 44:05.980 --> 44:09.760 But we must work for it in his way, following his word. 44:09.900 --> 44:10.900 Words, words. 44:11.300 --> 44:12.740 The time for words is past. 44:13.240 --> 44:14.840 Now is the time for weapons to speak. 44:14.980 --> 44:16.140 Consider, I beg you. 44:16.260 --> 44:18.120 Consider, I beg you. 44:19.300 --> 44:21.920 We've had enough of your fine gentleman's words. 44:23.360 --> 44:28.880 What made us think that this fine Oxford gentleman would dirty his hands in our 44:28.880 --> 44:29.480 cause? 44:30.320 --> 44:31.880 He doesn't care. 44:32.000 --> 44:33.600 That is neither just nor true. 44:33.900 --> 44:35.020 I don't care, you say. 44:36.340 --> 44:38.640 How many times have I spoken for your cause? 44:39.700 --> 44:40.980 Pleaded on your behalf. 44:41.380 --> 44:42.020 For mercy. 44:43.020 --> 44:44.440 That your wrongs might be righted. 44:45.280 --> 44:48.360 I've appealed to the church, begged them to look to the needs of the poor. 44:50.460 --> 44:53.820 And now my church censures me. 44:54.020 --> 44:56.360 I am spurned for my efforts by the civil authorities. 44:56.700 --> 44:57.900 The royal court distrusts me. 44:58.300 --> 44:59.620 And you say I do not care? 45:03.620 --> 45:05.680 You must understand. 45:07.500 --> 45:09.740 The way of violence is not Christ's way. 45:09.960 --> 45:10.860 It cannot be my way. 45:11.740 --> 45:14.280 Nor should it be the way of any Christian man. 45:16.140 --> 45:17.920 You are a good man, sir. 45:18.940 --> 45:20.700 We are not evil men, neither. 45:21.760 --> 45:25.000 Your priests have shown us the way of Christ and we want to follow it. 45:25.820 --> 45:29.600 But it won't put wool on our backs nor bread in our mouths. 45:30.260 --> 45:32.100 Religious talk can't stop us now. 45:32.400 --> 45:34.900 There's been too much talk with too little results. 45:35.000 --> 45:35.760 My brothers, wait! 45:39.160 --> 45:41.040 Our Lord was not of the landed gentry. 45:42.000 --> 45:46.940 He was a common man, a carpenter, who left his trade to become a servant to 45:46.940 --> 45:47.320 others. 45:48.160 --> 45:49.480 He washed his disciples' feet. 45:49.620 --> 45:55.600 If you let him, God will wash the rancor from your hearts and lead you in his way. 45:57.500 --> 46:00.600 We will see things change. 46:01.760 --> 46:03.340 Believe me, we will. 46:04.200 --> 46:06.080 You've got to understand, sir. 46:06.920 --> 46:08.380 It's gone on for too long. 46:09.160 --> 46:10.080 Far too long. 46:11.460 --> 46:13.040 Now we fight! 46:38.400 --> 46:39.680 We fight! 46:52.540 --> 46:57.260 Chaos and bloodshed came to England with the outbreak of the Peasants' Revolt. 46:58.960 --> 47:03.620 Thousands of the poor marched on London, smashing every authority except that of 47:03.620 --> 47:05.060 the young king, Richard II. 47:07.120 --> 47:10.700 The knighthood, once gathered in force, put down the rebellion. 47:11.000 --> 47:17.420 But it was a time of disorder and violent protest against all the institutions that 47:17.420 --> 47:18.880 oppressed the common people. 47:20.880 --> 47:25.960 The nobility and many in the church began to hold John Wycliffe to blame for the 47:25.960 --> 47:26.340 revolt. 47:27.280 --> 47:32.940 It was charged that his doctrines made the peasants think that they were important in 47:32.940 --> 47:33.860 the eyes of God. 47:33.860 --> 47:37.660 And thus they might have earthly rights too. 47:40.320 --> 47:44.440 Simon Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was beheaded by the mob. 47:45.480 --> 47:50.720 And in the aftermath, Pope Urban appointed Thomas Courtney as the new Archbishop of 47:50.720 --> 47:51.180 Canterbury. 47:53.080 --> 47:58.560 With the supreme ecclesiastical power in England in his hands at last, Archbishop 47:58.560 --> 48:01.480 Courtney wasted no time in moving against Wycliffe. 48:07.060 --> 48:11.880 To Chancellor Rigg at Oxford, without delay. 48:17.820 --> 48:22.480 So, John Wycliffe, let's see who's master now. 48:34.980 --> 48:36.600 It had to come, John. 48:37.980 --> 48:42.040 Since my appointment, I've fought for your liberty to teach what you would within 48:42.040 --> 48:42.660 these walls. 48:44.020 --> 48:48.620 Doctrines condemned by the papal court, teaching forbidden by the Lambeth Council, 48:48.620 --> 48:51.420 but it couldn't last. 48:52.720 --> 48:53.780 You both knew that. 48:55.080 --> 48:59.540 Courtney has appointed a council of twelve to oversee the university. 49:00.600 --> 49:03.380 My authority is by license of that council. 49:04.500 --> 49:06.240 They have issued their first orders. 49:07.800 --> 49:08.460 See for yourself. 49:12.710 --> 49:15.850 I am to be deprived of all academic privileges. 49:17.070 --> 49:18.670 I do not wish to submit. 49:19.290 --> 49:19.990 God knows. 49:20.310 --> 49:21.630 You have no choice, Chancellor. 49:22.910 --> 49:26.150 While the university remains an arm of the church, you have no choice. 49:26.830 --> 49:28.130 If you resist... 49:28.130 --> 49:32.130 If I resist, Pope Urban will place an interdict to the university. 49:32.830 --> 49:35.610 The university will lose all its hard-won privileges. 49:36.230 --> 49:37.490 I do not lose mine. 49:38.370 --> 49:38.930 Precisely. 49:40.810 --> 49:42.790 Though I fear that would be the end of the matter. 49:44.450 --> 49:45.790 Other heads will roll. 49:46.290 --> 49:47.310 I'm sure of that. 49:48.410 --> 49:49.510 Probably mine too. 49:51.370 --> 49:55.690 They have no regard for this place as the greatest center of learning in the 49:55.690 --> 49:56.390 Christian world. 49:56.470 --> 49:59.370 They care only for conformity and proper obedience. 50:00.550 --> 50:02.450 Sir, I am to be forbidden to teach. 50:07.170 --> 50:11.530 And am I also to be denied access to the libraries for my studies? 50:12.210 --> 50:15.050 That is undoubtedly what the council has in view. 50:18.050 --> 50:23.290 John, its intention is simply to cut you off from everything you stood for. 50:24.390 --> 50:26.310 How can I continue my work? 50:27.330 --> 50:28.550 Ask my old friend. 50:31.130 --> 50:31.690 I'm... 50:31.690 --> 50:32.590 I don't know. 51:12.960 --> 51:13.880 Good day to you, Doctor. 51:15.960 --> 51:16.520 Doctor! 51:17.000 --> 51:18.320 I did not see you there. 51:18.940 --> 51:20.140 I'm Steve Coburn. 51:20.280 --> 51:20.920 That is right, sir. 51:21.040 --> 51:22.860 I'm sorry we disturbed your meditation. 51:23.460 --> 51:24.060 No disturbance. 51:24.400 --> 51:26.120 I have time for my students always. 51:26.920 --> 51:29.300 You too are near the end of your studies, are you not? 51:29.720 --> 51:31.880 You will be returning to your homeland before long. 51:32.020 --> 51:32.460 Yes, sir. 51:33.120 --> 51:34.480 And we have something to tell you. 51:35.400 --> 51:38.360 Whilst we have been at Oxford, we have copied all your work. 51:39.300 --> 51:40.120 Every one of them. 51:40.920 --> 51:41.660 Every one? 51:41.980 --> 51:42.520 Every one. 51:43.140 --> 51:45.600 The complete works of Dr. John Wycliffe. 51:46.160 --> 51:46.900 We copy everything. 51:46.900 --> 51:49.120 Your books go with us back to Bohemia. 51:50.580 --> 51:51.660 What should I say? 51:52.320 --> 51:53.040 I'm astonished. 51:54.760 --> 51:55.600 And delighted. 52:00.160 --> 52:02.480 Sir, Bohemia is such a beautiful country. 52:03.680 --> 52:05.260 In Prague, your name is already famous. 52:07.400 --> 52:08.460 Won't you come with us? 52:09.360 --> 52:11.180 Things are so sad for you here now. 52:11.820 --> 52:13.400 We hear you are forbidden to teach. 52:14.480 --> 52:15.720 There is danger for you here. 52:15.720 --> 52:18.740 In Prague, you would be honoured as you deserve. 52:22.430 --> 52:24.450 A moment ago, I was in deep despair. 52:24.650 --> 52:26.870 Now, I'm full of joy. 52:27.710 --> 52:30.030 I thank God for two such good friends. 52:32.670 --> 52:34.310 Your invitation tempts me. 52:34.390 --> 52:35.050 I am an academic. 52:35.210 --> 52:36.830 I've always lived amongst academics. 52:37.030 --> 52:42.090 And I confess I'm frightened by the condemnation that's heaped upon my head. 52:42.190 --> 52:43.370 Please come with us. 52:44.070 --> 52:47.230 You will find the protection you need to continue your work. 52:56.320 --> 52:58.360 No, I think not. 52:58.480 --> 53:00.520 Somehow I feel it's not yet finished. 53:02.520 --> 53:05.220 I think there's still work for me to do here in England. 53:08.870 --> 53:10.030 We promise, Doctor. 53:11.210 --> 53:17.790 Whatever happens here in England, you, your teaching, will live on in the 53:17.790 --> 53:19.330 fortress mountains of Bohemia. 53:19.570 --> 53:20.830 How marvellous the God's ways. 53:21.470 --> 53:25.210 May He ever continue to do His work through you, my dear sons in Christ. 53:26.560 --> 53:32.670 You see, in a way, I do go with you to our homeland. 53:48.800 --> 53:49.540 Yes. 53:50.740 --> 53:51.680 Yes, I see. 53:53.340 --> 53:55.300 I give thee thanks, Lord. 53:56.760 --> 53:57.500 Yes. 53:57.980 --> 53:58.980 Oh, yes. 54:00.440 --> 54:02.180 Now I understand. 54:04.800 --> 54:05.540 Lutterworth. 54:10.080 --> 54:11.840 Oh, Lord, it shall be. 54:14.400 --> 54:15.920 Thy will be done. 54:19.320 --> 54:19.880 Lutterworth? 54:20.380 --> 54:21.680 What will you do at Lutterworth? 54:22.020 --> 54:22.580 Why not? 54:23.300 --> 54:26.260 Have I not these eight years past been raptor, Lutterworth? 54:26.880 --> 54:29.520 Why should I not resume my pastoral duties? 54:30.600 --> 54:34.480 Perhaps it's about time, considering the number of sermons I've preached against 54:34.480 --> 54:35.560 absentee clerics. 54:35.760 --> 54:39.000 Oh, you know full well you've never neglected your pastoral duties. 54:39.240 --> 54:40.300 Neither there nor at Oxford. 54:41.880 --> 54:47.860 Last night in my prayers I suddenly saw quite clearly that the divine hand of 54:47.860 --> 54:49.860 providence was guiding me back to Lutterworth. 54:50.180 --> 54:50.820 As pastor? 54:51.140 --> 54:51.540 Yes. 54:52.640 --> 54:57.700 And the work I must do there will be the most challenging that I shall ever face in 54:57.700 --> 54:58.640 my life as a scholar. 54:59.640 --> 55:00.680 As a scholar, sir? 55:00.760 --> 55:01.260 What do you mean? 55:01.260 --> 55:06.900 My entire career has slowly led me to see that our ultimate authority is not to be 55:06.900 --> 55:11.120 found in traditions or in councils, in the church or even in the pope. 55:13.220 --> 55:15.900 Our authority is the word of God alone. 55:17.200 --> 55:23.340 Over the centuries that authority has been eroded, usurped, and now our nation, 55:23.480 --> 55:29.040 our whole people, our civilization, starves for lack of the word of God. 55:30.340 --> 55:34.340 How can men live under the authority of God's word if they do not know God's word? 55:35.040 --> 55:37.300 The clergy, most of them, do not even know their Latin. 55:37.520 --> 55:39.340 They know still less than God's word. 55:40.680 --> 55:43.480 My task now, 55:47.000 --> 56:00.460 our task, if you will, Nicholas, John, if you will, is to use this exile to 56:00.460 --> 56:04.200 translate the holy scriptures, all of them, into English. 56:04.620 --> 56:09.820 Our native English tongues, so they can be heard and understood by all our people. 56:23.680 --> 56:25.940 It will be a glorious undertaking, Doctor. 56:28.700 --> 56:30.600 Most of your students will want to help. 56:30.680 --> 56:31.760 There will be no lack of workers. 56:34.640 --> 56:39.120 You realize the shockwaves this will send through the Curia, not to mention your 56:39.120 --> 56:40.140 opponents at Canterbury. 56:40.920 --> 56:43.140 You already stand accused of heresy. 56:44.300 --> 56:48.240 Translating the Bible will be seen by some as nothing less than insurrection against 56:48.240 --> 56:49.100 our mother church. 56:49.600 --> 56:54.440 Yet I see it as nothing less than my sacred duty as a loyal son of Christ's 56:54.440 --> 56:54.760 church. 56:55.420 --> 56:57.660 It's so plain to me now. 56:59.080 --> 57:00.200 How did we ever lose it? 57:01.340 --> 57:05.560 The New Testament was written in the coiny Greek, the language of the people. 57:06.980 --> 57:10.820 St. Jerome's Latin Bulgarian Translation was in the common tongue. 57:12.060 --> 57:16.940 Our English will never be deprived of the word of God, because it is locked up in a 57:16.940 --> 57:17.680 foreign language. 57:18.360 --> 57:23.500 How can we keep a faithful church without the word of God, as it's bred for hungry 57:23.500 --> 57:24.000 souls? 57:26.720 --> 57:33.340 My dream is to see the unquenchable fire of God's word. 57:34.720 --> 57:36.940 Kindled in the hearts and minds of all our people. 57:39.660 --> 57:41.260 All our people. 58:27.860 --> 58:29.660 Good day to you, Forrest. 58:33.040 --> 58:33.720 Forrest? 58:34.200 --> 58:34.960 Yes, Doctor? 58:35.620 --> 58:39.420 I don't think I shall be needing this any further. 58:41.080 --> 58:41.880 No, Doctor. 58:42.920 --> 58:43.800 Thank you. 58:46.520 --> 58:47.960 God be with you, Doctor Wycliffe. 58:49.480 --> 58:50.940 And with you, Forrest. 59:53.750 --> 59:57.310 For months we laboured at our great task. 59:58.230 --> 01:00:03.790 Day after day, close attention to the Holy Scriptures became for us a source of 01:00:03.790 --> 01:00:08.030 revelation and constantly new insight into the truth of God. 01:00:08.850 --> 01:00:13.310 Our hearts were set aflame with the word of God. 01:00:14.390 --> 01:00:22.690 The research, translation and copying of that word became not a task, but a supreme 01:00:22.690 --> 01:00:24.170 act of worship. 01:00:26.490 --> 01:00:31.450 Throughout this time, Doctor Wycliffe was sustained by an amazing energy. 01:00:32.810 --> 01:00:37.730 While still performing his parish duties and continuing to write and speak in 01:00:37.730 --> 01:00:42.350 public against the corruption within the church which so deeply distressed him, 01:00:42.950 --> 01:00:47.990 he nevertheless managed to supervise personally details of the translation 01:00:47.990 --> 01:00:48.490 work. 01:00:50.330 --> 01:00:55.890 But he soon began to realise that the translation of the word into English was 01:00:55.890 --> 01:00:57.130 only the first step. 01:00:58.170 --> 01:01:01.490 Now, the word had to be taken to the people. 01:01:06.630 --> 01:01:11.430 In his second year at Lutterworth, Wycliffe suffered a stroke which left him 01:01:11.430 --> 01:01:12.310 partly crippled. 01:01:13.470 --> 01:01:17.150 But he would not permit his affliction to disrupt his work. 01:01:33.290 --> 01:01:39.550 Brothers in Christ, I rejoice to greet you at this blessed time. 01:01:40.950 --> 01:01:47.810 And I thank God that he has spared me to see this day. 01:01:54.050 --> 01:02:01.450 You know, all of you, that I first began to send out my little flock of poor 01:02:01.450 --> 01:02:04.170 priests during my years at Oxford. 01:02:04.190 --> 01:02:06.650 They were a gallant band. 01:02:07.810 --> 01:02:12.330 But after my banishment, I never thought to preside over such a commissioning 01:02:12.330 --> 01:02:12.670 again. 01:02:13.170 --> 01:02:17.370 Yet here you are, my brave new flock. 01:02:19.390 --> 01:02:20.730 I bless you. 01:02:22.910 --> 01:02:26.130 And oh, how much I thank God for you. 01:02:37.630 --> 01:02:43.130 Within this bill, we have uncovered the damnable heresies of this pernicious 01:02:43.130 --> 01:02:45.890 schoolman, John Wycliffe. 01:02:46.870 --> 01:02:51.750 When shall we be spared the venom of his pen, the subversive threat of his 01:02:51.750 --> 01:02:52.250 presence? 01:02:53.530 --> 01:02:56.650 See for yourselves how low he has sunk. 01:02:56.650 --> 01:03:04.190 This man of former great reputation, the jewel of Oxford, fame throughout 01:03:04.190 --> 01:03:08.290 Europe for his knowledge of the scriptures and the Fathers. 01:03:09.410 --> 01:03:12.030 Look now at his depraved teachings. 01:03:13.390 --> 01:03:18.830 He attacks the very foundation of the church. 01:03:18.830 --> 01:03:24.070 He declares it lawful for any man to preach the word of God, refutes the 01:03:24.070 --> 01:03:27.510 necessity of the authorization of the apostolic see. 01:03:28.990 --> 01:03:35.030 This Wycliffe will have the people here preaching from any common man who could 01:03:35.030 --> 01:03:37.050 open a copy of the scriptures. 01:03:38.330 --> 01:03:41.610 Every man is called to be a steward of God. 01:03:43.070 --> 01:03:48.650 Every man is responsible to God for what he does with his life. 01:03:50.550 --> 01:03:55.590 Every man must stand alone before the final judgment of God. 01:03:57.150 --> 01:04:02.290 God has given us the scriptures that we should learn how to think and believe and 01:04:02.290 --> 01:04:02.750 live. 01:04:03.850 --> 01:04:08.150 Oh, my good brethren, let us make it known that it is every man's right to examine 01:04:08.150 --> 01:04:15.810 the scriptures for himself, to read them in his own tongue, that he may learn how 01:04:15.810 --> 01:04:16.910 to serve God. 01:04:18.270 --> 01:04:24.630 It is not enough to leave their interpretation to the church. 01:04:26.010 --> 01:04:31.010 He has been condemned for a heretic, forbidden to canvass his pernicious 01:04:31.010 --> 01:04:32.730 doctrines in pulpit or school. 01:04:34.010 --> 01:04:39.010 Oxford has been cleansed of his influence so that it is no longer a center of 01:04:39.010 --> 01:04:39.390 heresy. 01:04:40.510 --> 01:04:47.210 And yet this learned doctor still remains a thorn in the flesh of the mother church. 01:04:47.810 --> 01:04:49.330 For now what do we learn? 01:04:50.030 --> 01:04:55.770 That he and his acolytes have been engaged from the moment he went to Lutterworth in 01:04:55.770 --> 01:05:01.370 translating the holy scriptures into the common English tongue. 01:05:05.300 --> 01:05:10.680 Shall God's law, which has come down to us in the language of learning, be so 01:05:10.680 --> 01:05:17.180 debased, so stripped of majesty, so enfeebled of meaning? 01:05:19.160 --> 01:05:25.800 How shall the vulgar tongue of common men adequately convey its wisdom? 01:05:26.980 --> 01:05:35.400 Do we really dare to give the word of God in the common tongue into the hands of the 01:05:35.400 --> 01:05:36.280 common people? 01:05:38.120 --> 01:05:42.720 Do we fully understand what we are doing? 01:05:44.660 --> 01:05:51.060 Will some not abuse, misuse and misinterpret the scriptures? 01:05:51.920 --> 01:05:55.080 My brethren, of course some will. 01:05:57.040 --> 01:06:03.160 But has keeping the scriptures as the property of the hierarchy and the clergy 01:06:03.160 --> 01:06:05.280 prevented misuse? 01:06:05.900 --> 01:06:06.680 No, indeed. 01:06:07.940 --> 01:06:09.660 It has furthered its abuse. 01:06:11.680 --> 01:06:16.500 We will give God's word to God's children and his spirit will guide them. 01:06:17.620 --> 01:06:21.300 It will take time for growth and understanding. 01:06:22.440 --> 01:06:29.940 But I fear what judgment may befall us if we dare not give out this word. 01:06:31.620 --> 01:06:37.220 Did not the blessed St. Augustine declare that it was necessary only for God's 01:06:37.220 --> 01:06:40.000 ordained to understand the holy scriptures? 01:06:40.940 --> 01:06:44.400 That they alone should communicate this knowledge? 01:06:47.380 --> 01:06:54.020 God has committed the treasure of his word to the keeping of his holy church. 01:06:55.280 --> 01:07:02.100 That ignorant men shall not misinterpret them to their own damnation. 01:07:05.060 --> 01:07:10.220 It is reported, Your Grace, that Wycliffe's intention is to release another 01:07:10.220 --> 01:07:13.000 band of ragged preachers upon the countryside. 01:07:13.000 --> 01:07:16.860 This time armed with copies of the new translation. 01:07:17.520 --> 01:07:19.600 Then they must be stopped. 01:07:22.080 --> 01:07:28.920 It shall be ordered that under King Richard's seal and upon certification from 01:07:28.920 --> 01:07:36.380 a bishop, that henceforth all itinerant priests shall be arrested and imprisoned. 01:07:37.840 --> 01:07:40.400 My friends, the way will be hard. 01:07:42.340 --> 01:07:51.320 Hunger, bitter cold, foul words, physical attack awaits you. 01:07:52.180 --> 01:07:57.440 It may be you will be persecuted, imprisoned. 01:07:58.900 --> 01:08:07.120 Then, like Christ, you will turn the other cheek, if need be, again and again. 01:08:08.800 --> 01:08:12.720 Love him and serve him always. 01:08:15.520 --> 01:08:17.440 Therein lies your strength. 01:08:20.560 --> 01:08:26.060 Furthermore, it is the mandate of this synod that the condemnation of John 01:08:26.060 --> 01:08:28.400 Wycliffe be set forth with all speed. 01:08:28.400 --> 01:08:37.620 He shall at last be delivered into our hands for the judgment and condemnation he 01:08:37.620 --> 01:08:38.320 deserves. 01:08:42.760 --> 01:08:45.060 Wycliffe never appeared at the third trial. 01:08:46.020 --> 01:08:50.280 He suffered another stroke whilst attending mass, which left him paralyzed. 01:08:55.090 --> 01:09:00.990 The trial went on in his absence anyway, but was interrupted by a rare and violent 01:09:00.990 --> 01:09:01.770 earthquake. 01:09:03.150 --> 01:09:08.510 Both Courtenay's followers and Wycliffe's saw in it the hand of God's judgment on 01:09:08.510 --> 01:09:08.910 the other. 01:09:31.770 --> 01:09:38.010 Master Purvey, I'm glad you are with me now. 01:09:39.450 --> 01:09:40.610 My teacher. 01:09:44.830 --> 01:09:49.970 My son, our work must go on. 01:09:49.970 --> 01:09:53.290 It must, and it will. 01:09:55.850 --> 01:10:05.950 A time must come when, by God's grace, every man and every woman in this kingdom 01:10:05.950 --> 01:10:12.050 must have the word of God in 01:10:15.150 --> 01:10:19.530 the English language, in their heart. 01:11:30.750 --> 01:11:35.910 After his death, his work and influence continued to spread, not only here in 01:11:35.910 --> 01:11:39.110 England, but in Europe too, with John Huss of Prague. 01:11:41.610 --> 01:11:43.450 Severe persecution followed. 01:11:44.890 --> 01:11:48.210 Many of us were put on trial, ordered to recant. 01:11:49.210 --> 01:11:50.450 Shamefully, some of us did. 01:11:52.250 --> 01:11:55.630 But some of us later renounced our recantations. 01:11:55.630 --> 01:11:58.470 But why do they dig up his grave? 01:11:58.930 --> 01:12:00.670 Why do they burn his bones? 01:12:01.650 --> 01:12:12.270 My lad, thirteen years ago, thirty years after Dr Wycliffe's death, the Council of 01:12:12.270 --> 01:12:17.890 Constance ordered that John Huss be burned at the stake, and that the bones of John 01:12:17.890 --> 01:12:21.350 Wycliffe be dug up and burned to ashes. 01:12:22.110 --> 01:12:22.810 But why? 01:12:25.190 --> 01:12:33.830 Well, somehow, they think by burning his bones that they can erase his memory and 01:12:33.830 --> 01:12:34.850 destroy his influence. 01:12:37.370 --> 01:12:39.190 But they never will. 01:12:45.170 --> 01:12:53.330 The chronicler Fuller wrote, They burnt his bones to ashes, and cast them into 01:12:53.330 --> 01:12:56.730 Swift, a neighbouring brook running hard by. 01:12:58.510 --> 01:13:05.430 Thus this brook hath conveyed his ashes into Avon, Avon into Seven, Seven into the 01:13:05.430 --> 01:13:08.610 narrow seas, they into the main ocean. 01:13:09.890 --> 01:13:16.210 And thus the ashes of Wycliffe are the emblem of his doctrine, which now has 01:13:16.210 --> 01:13:17.970 dispersed the world over. 01:15:03.210 --> 01:15:04.610 Copyright © 2020 Mooji Media Ltd. 01:15:04.610 --> 01:15:04.610 All Rights Reserved.