CHAPTER IX.

Bilney at Cambridge--Conversions--The University Cross-Bearer--A Leicestershire Farmer--A Party of Students--Superstitious Practices--An obstinate Papist--The Sophists--Latimer attacks Stafford--Bilney's Resolution--Latimer hears Bilney's Confession--Confessor converted--New Life in Latimer--Bilney preaches Grace--Nature of the Ministry--Latimer's Character and Teaching--Works of Charity--Three Classes of Adversaries--Clark and Dalaber.

[Sidenote: BILNEY AT CAMBRIDGE.]

This ship did not bear away all the hopes of England. A society of Christians had been formed at Cambridge, of which Bilney was the centre. He now knew no other canon law than Scripture, and had found a new master, "the Holy Spirit of Christ," says an historian. Although he was naturally timid, and often suffered from the exhaustion brought on by his fasts and vigils, there was in his language a life, liberty, and strength, strikingly in contrast with his sickly appearance. He desired to draw to the knowledge of God,[468]