The Mendicant or "Begging Friars" began a reformatory movement in the
Church and accomplished much good. This was followed by Wycliffe's
attack on religious abuses, by his complete translation of the Bible,
with the revival carried on by the "Poor Priests," and by the rise of
the Lollards. Eventually severe laws were passed against the
Lollards, partly because of their heretical opinions, and partly
because they became in a measure identified with socialistic and
communistic efforts to destroy rank and equalize property.