第3章

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Menoflearningandpietyhadlaboredinvaintobringaboutareforminthesemonasticorders；butWycliffe，withclearerinsight，struckattherootoftheevil，declaringthatthesystemitselfwasfalseandthatitshouldbeabolished。Discussionandinquirywereawakening。Asthemonkstraversedthecountry，vendingthepope’spardons，manywereledtodoubtthepossibilityofpurchasingforgivenesswithmoney，andtheyquestionedwhethertheyshouldnotseekpardonfromGodratherthanfromthepontiffofRome。(SeeAppendixnoteforpage59。)Notafewwerealarmedattherapacityofthefriars，whosegreedseemednevertobesatisfied。"ThemonksandpriestsofRome，"saidthey，"areeatingusawaylikeacancer。Godmustdeliverus，orthepeoplewillperish。"——D’Aubigne，b。17，ch。7。Tocovertheiravarice，thesebeggingmonksclaimedthattheywerefollowingtheSaviour’sexample，declaringthatJesusandHisdiscipleshadbeensupportedbythecharitiesofthepeople。Thisclaimresultedininjurytotheircause，foritledmanytotheBibletolearnthetruthforthemselves——aresultwhichofallotherswasleastdesiredbyRome。ThemindsofmenweredirectedtotheSourceoftruth，whichitwasherobjecttoconceal。

Wycliffebegantowriteandpublishtractsagainstthefriars，not，however，seekingsomuchtoenterintodisputewiththemastocallthemindsofthepeopletotheteachingsoftheBibleanditsAuthor。Hedeclaredthatthepowerofpardonorofexcommunicationispossessedbythepopeinnogreaterdegreethanbycommonpriests，andthatnomancanbetrulyexcommunicatedunlesshehasfirstbroughtuponhimselfthecondemnationofGod。Innomoreeffectualwaycouldhehaveundertakentheoverthrowofthatmammothfabricofspiritualandtemporaldominionwhichthepopehaderectedandinwhichthesoulsandbodiesofmillionswereheldcaptive。

AgainWycliffewascalledtodefendtherightsoftheEnglishcrownagainsttheencroachmentsofRome；andbeingappointedaroyalambassador，hespenttwoyearsintheNetherlands，inconferencewiththecommissionersofthepope。Herehewasbroughtintocommunicationwith85

ecclesiasticsfromFrance，Italy，andSpain，andhehadanopportunitytolookbehindthescenesandgainaknowledgeofmanythingswhichwouldhaveremainedhiddenfromhiminEngland。Helearnedmuchthatwastogivepointtohisafterlabors。Intheserepresentativesfromthepapalcourthereadthetruecharacterandaimsofthehierarchy。HereturnedtoEnglandtorepeathisformerteachingsmoreopenlyandwithgreaterzeal，declaringthatcovetousness，pride，anddeceptionwerethegodsofRome。

Inoneofhistractshesaid，speakingofthepopeandhiscollectors:"Theydrawoutofourlandpoormen’slivelihood，andmanythousandmarks，bytheyear，oftheking’smoney，forsacramentsandspiritualthings，thatiscursedheresyofsimony，andmakethallChristendomassentandmaintainthisheresy。Andcertesthoughourrealmhadahugehillofgold，andneverothermantookthereofbutonlythisproudworldlypriest’scollector，byprocessoftimethishillmustbespended；forhetakethevermoneyoutofourland，andsendethnoughtagainbutGod’scurseforhissimony。"——JohnLewis，HistoryoftheLifeandSufferingsofJ。Wiclif，page37。

SoonafterhisreturntoEngland，WycliffereceivedfromthekingtheappointmenttotherectoryofLutterworth。Thiswasanassurancethatthemonarchatleasthadnotbeendispleasedbyhisplainspeaking。Wycliffe’sinfluencewasfeltinshapingtheactionofthecourt，aswellasinmoldingthebeliefofthenation。

Thepapalthundersweresoonhurledagainsthim。ThreebullsweredispatchedtoEngland，——totheuniversity，totheking，andtotheprelates，——allcommandingimmediateanddecisivemeasurestosilencetheteacherofheresy。

(AugustusNeander，GeneralHistoryoftheChristianReligionandChurch，period6，sec。2，pt。1，par。8。SeealsoAppendix。)Beforethearrivalofthebulls，however，thebishops，intheirzeal，hadsummonedWycliffebeforethemfortrial。Buttwoofthemostpowerfulprincesinthekingdomaccompaniedhimtothetribunal；andthepeople，surroundingthebuildingandrushingin，sointimidatedthejudgesthatthe86

proceedingswereforthetimesuspended，andhewasallowedtogohiswayinpeace。Alittlelater，EdwardIII，whominhisoldagetheprelateswereseekingtoinfluenceagainsttheReformer，died，andWycliffe’sformerprotectorbecameregentofthekingdom。

ButthearrivalofthepapalbullslaiduponallEnglandaperemptorycommandforthearrestandimprisonmentoftheheretic。Thesemeasurespointeddirectlytothestake。ItappearedcertainthatWycliffemustsoonfallapreytothevengeanceofRome。ButHewhodeclaredtooneofold，"Fearnot:……Iamthyshield"(Genesis15:1)，againstretchedoutHishandtoprotectHisservant。Deathcame，nottotheReformer，buttothepontiffwhohaddecreedhisdestruction。GregoryXIdied，andtheecclesiasticswhohadassembledforWycliffe’strial，dispersed。

God’sprovidencestillfurtheroverruledeventstogiveopportunityforthegrowthoftheReformation。ThedeathofGregorywasfollowedbytheelectionoftworivalpopes。Twoconflictingpowers，eachprofessedlyinfallible，nowclaimedobedience。(SeeAppendixnotesforpages50and86。)Eachcalleduponthefaithfultoassisthiminmakingwarupontheother，enforcinghisdemandsbyterribleanathemasagainsthisadversaries，andpromisesofrewardsinheaventohissupporters。Thisoccurrencegreatlyweakenedthepowerofthepapacy。Therivalfactionshadalltheycoulddotoattackeachother，andWycliffeforatimehadrest。

Anathemasandrecriminationswereflyingfrompopetopope，andtorrentsofbloodwerepouredouttosupporttheirconflictingclaims。Crimesandscandalsfloodedthechurch。MeanwhiletheReformer，inthequietretirementofhisparishofLutterworth，waslaboringdiligentlytopointmenfromthecontendingpopestoJesus，thePrinceofPeace。

Theschism，withallthestrifeandcorruptionwhichitcaused，preparedthewayfortheReformationbyenablingthepeopletoseewhatthepapacyreallywas。Inatractwhichhepublished，OntheSchismofthePopes，Wycliffecalled87

uponthepeopletoconsiderwhetherthesetwopriestswerenotspeakingthetruthincondemningeachotherastheanti-christ。"God，"saidhe，"wouldnolongersufferthefiendtoreigninonlyonesuchpriest，but……madedivisionamongtwo，sothatmen，inChrist’sname，maythemoreeasilyovercomethemboth。"——R。Vaughan，LifeandOpinionsofJohndeWycliffe，vol。2，p。6。

Wycliffe，likehisMaster，preachedthegospeltothepoor。NotcontentwithspreadingthelightintheirhumblehomesinhisownparishofLutterworth，hedeterminedthatitshouldbecarriedtoeverypartofEngland。Toaccomplishthisheorganizedabodyofpreachers，simple，devoutmen，wholovedthetruthanddesirednothingsomuchastoextendit。Thesemenwenteverywhere，teachinginthemarketplaces，inthestreetsofthegreatcities，andinthecountrylanes。Theysoughtouttheaged，thesick，andthepoor，andopenedtothemthegladtidingsofthegraceofGod。

AsaprofessoroftheologyatOxford，WycliffepreachedthewordofGodinthehallsoftheuniversity。Sofaithfullydidhepresentthetruthtothestudentsunderhisinstruction，thathereceivedthetitleof"thegospeldoctor。"ButthegreatestworkofhislifewastobethetranslationoftheScripturesintotheEnglishlanguage。Inawork，OntheTruthandMeaningofScripture，heexpressedhisintentiontotranslatetheBible，sothateverymaninEnglandmightread，inthelanguageinwhichhewasborn，thewonderfulworksofGod。

Butsuddenlyhislaborswerestopped。Thoughnotyetsixtyyearsofage，unceasingtoil，study，andtheassaultsofhisenemieshadtolduponhisstrengthandmadehimprematurelyold。Hewasattackedbyadangerousillness。Thetidingsbroughtgreatjoytothefriars。Nowtheythoughthewouldbitterlyrepenttheevilhehaddonethechurch，andtheyhurriedtohischambertolistentohisconfession。Representativesfromthefourreligiousorders，withfourcivilofficers，gatheredaboutthesupposeddyingman。"You88

havedeathonyourlips，"theysaid；"betouchedbyyourfaults，andretractinourpresenceallthatyouhavesaidtoourinjury。"TheReformerlistenedinsilence；thenhebadehisattendantraisehiminhisbed，and，gazingsteadilyuponthemastheystoodwaitingforhisrecantation，hesaid，inthefirm，strongvoicewhichhadsooftencausedthemtotremble:"Ishallnotdie，butlive；andagaindeclaretheevildeedsofthefriars。"——D’Aubigne，b。17，ch。7。Astonishedandabashed，themonkshurriedfromtheroom。

Wycliffe’swordswerefulfilled。HelivedtoplaceinthehandsofhiscountrymenthemostpowerfulofallweaponsagainstRome——togivethemtheBible，theHeaven-appointedagenttoliberate，enlighten，andevangelizethepeople。Thereweremanyandgreatobstaclestosurmountintheaccomplishmentofthiswork。Wycliffewasweigheddownwithinfirmities；heknewthatonlyafewyearsforlaborremainedforhim；hesawtheoppositionwhichhemustmeet；but，encouragedbythepromisesofGod’sword，hewentforwardnothingdaunted。Inthefullvigorofhisintellectualpowers，richinexperience，hehadbeenpreservedandpreparedbyGod’sspecialprovidenceforthis，thegreatestofhislabors。WhileallChristendomwasfilledwithtumult，theReformerinhisrectoryatLutterworth，unheedingthestormthatragedwithout，appliedhimselftohischosentask。

Atlasttheworkwascompleted——thefirstEnglishtranslationoftheBibleevermade。ThewordofGodwasopenedtoEngland。TheReformerfearednotnowtheprisonorthestake。HehadplacedinthehandsoftheEnglishpeoplealightwhichshouldneverbeextinguished。IngivingtheBibletohiscountrymen，hehaddonemoretobreakthefettersofignoranceandvice，moretoliberateandelevatehiscountry，thanwaseverachievedbythemostbrilliantvictoriesonfieldsofbattle。

Theartofprintingbeingstillunknown，itwasonlybyslowandwearisomelaborthatcopiesoftheBiblecouldbemultiplied。Sogreatwastheinteresttoobtainthebook，that89

manywillinglyengagedintheworkoftranscribingit，butitwaswithdifficultythatthecopyistscouldsupplythedemand。SomeofthemorewealthypurchasersdesiredthewholeBible。Othersboughtonlyaportion。Inmanycases，severalfamiliesunitedtopurchaseacopy。ThusWycliffe’sBiblesoonfounditswaytothehomesofthepeople。

Theappealtomen’sreasonarousedthemfromtheirpassivesubmissiontopapaldogmas。WycliffenowtaughtthedistinctivedoctrinesofProtestantism——salvationthroughfaithinChrist，andthesoleinfallibilityoftheScriptures。ThepreacherswhomhehadsentoutcirculatedtheBible，togetherwiththeReformer’swritings，andwithsuchsuccessthatthenewfaithwasacceptedbynearlyonehalfofthepeopleofEngland。

TheappearanceoftheScripturesbroughtdismaytotheauthoritiesofthechurch。TheyhadnowtomeetanagencymorepowerfulthanWycliffe——anagencyagainstwhichtheirweaponswouldavaillittle。TherewasatthistimenolawinEnglandprohibitingtheBible，forithadneverbeforebeenpublishedinthelanguageofthepeople。Suchlawswereafterwardenactedandrigorouslyenforced。Meanwhile，notwithstandingtheeffortsofthepriests，therewasforaseasonopportunityforthecirculationofthewordofGod。

AgainthepapalleadersplottedtosilencetheReformer’svoice。Beforethreetribunalshewassuccessivelysummonedfortrial，butwithoutavail。

Firstasynodofbishopsdeclaredhiswritingsheretical，and，winningtheyoungking，RichardII，totheirside，theyobtainedaroyaldecreeconsigningtoprisonallwhoshouldholdthecondemneddoctrines。

WycliffeappealedfromthesynodtoParliament；hefearlesslyarraignedthehierarchybeforethenationalcouncilanddemandedareformoftheenormousabusessanctionedbythechurch。Withconvincingpowerheportrayedtheusurpationandcorruptionsofthepapalsee。Hisenemieswerebroughttoconfusion。ThefriendsandsupportersofWycliffehadbeenforcedtoyield，andithadbeen90

confidentlyexpectedthattheReformerhimself，inhisoldage，aloneandfriendless，wouldbowtothecombinedauthorityofthecrownandthemiter。

Butinsteadofthisthepapistssawthemselvesdefeated。Parliament，rousedbythestirringappealsofWycliffe，repealedthepersecutingedict，andtheReformerwasagainatliberty。

Athirdtimehewasbroughttotrial，andnowbeforethehighestecclesiasticaltribunalinthekingdom。Herenofavorwouldbeshowntoheresy。HereatlastRomewouldtriumph，andtheReformer’sworkwouldbestopped。Sothoughtthepapists。Iftheycouldbutaccomplishtheirpurpose，Wycliffewouldbeforcedtoabjurehisdoctrines，orwouldleavethecourtonlyfortheflames。

ButWycliffedidnotretract；hewouldnotdissemble。Hefearlesslymaintainedhisteachingsandrepelledtheaccusationsofhispersecutors。

Losingsightofhimself，ofhisposition，oftheoccasion，hesummonedhishearersbeforethedivinetribunal，andweighedtheirsophistriesanddeceptionsinthebalancesofeternaltruth。ThepoweroftheHolySpiritwasfeltinthecouncilroom。AspellfromGodwasuponthehearers。Theyseemedtohavenopowertoleavetheplace。AsarrowsfromtheLord’squiver，theReformer’swordspiercedtheirhearts。Thechargeofheresy，whichtheyhadbroughtagainsthim，hewithconvincingpowerthrewbackuponthemselves。Why，hedemanded，didtheydaretospreadtheirerrors？Forthesakeofgain，tomakemerchandiseofthegraceofGod？

"Withwhom，thinkyou，"hefinallysaid，"areyecontending？withanoldmanonthebrinkofthegrave？No！withTruth——Truthwhichisstrongerthanyou，andwillovercomeyou。"——Wylie，b。2，ch。13。Sosaying，hewithdrewfromtheassembly，andnotoneofhisadversariesattemptedtopreventhim。

Wycliffe’sworkwasalmostdone；thebanneroftruthwhichhehadsolongbornewassoontofallfromhishand；butoncemorehewastobearwitnessforthegospel。The91

truthwastobeproclaimedfromtheverystrongholdofthekingdomoferror。

WycliffewassummonedfortrialbeforethepapaltribunalatRome，whichhadsooftenshedthebloodofthesaints。Hewasnotblindtothedangerthatthreatenedhim，yethewouldhaveobeyedthesummonshadnotashockofpalsymadeitimpossibleforhimtoperformthejourney。ButthoughhisvoicewasnottobeheardatRome，hecouldspeakbyletter，andthishedeterminedtodo。FromhisrectorytheReformerwrotetothepopealetter，which，whilerespectfulintoneandChristianinspirit，wasakeenrebuketothepompandprideofthepapalsee。

"VerilyIdorejoice，"hesaid，"toopenanddeclareuntoeverymanthefaithwhichIdohold，andespeciallyuntothebishopofRome:which，forasmuchasIdosupposetobesoundandtrue，hewillmostwillinglyconfirmmysaidfaith，orifitbeerroneous，amendthesame。

"First，IsupposethatthegospelofChrististhewholebodyofGod’slaw……IdogiveandholdthebishopofRome，forasmuchasheisthevicarofChristhereonearth，tobemostbound，ofallothermen，untothatlawofthegospel。ForthegreatnessamongChrist’sdisciplesdidnotconsistinworldlydignityorhonors，butinthenearandexactfollowingofChristinHislifeandmanners……Christ，forthetimeofHispilgrimagehere，wasamostpoorman，abjectingandcastingoffallworldlyruleandhonor……

"Nofaithfulmanoughttofolloweitherthepopehimselforanyoftheholymen，butinsuchpointsashehathfollowedtheLordJesusChrist；forPeterandthesonsofZebedee，bydesiringworldlyhonor，contrarytothefollowingofChrist’ssteps，didoffend，andthereforeinthoseerrorstheyarenottobefollowed……

"Thepopeoughttoleaveuntothesecularpoweralltemporaldominionandrule，andthereuntoeffectuallytomoveandexhorthiswholeclergy；forsodidChrist，andespeciallybyHisapostles。Wherefore，ifIhaveerredinanyofthesepoints，Iwillmosthumblysubmitmyselfuntocorrection，92

evenbydeath，ifnecessitysorequire；andifIcouldlaboraccordingtomywillordesireinmineownperson，IwouldsurelypresentmyselfbeforethebishopofRome；buttheLordhathotherwisevisitedmetothecontrary，andhathtaughtmerathertoobeyGodthanmen。"

Inclosinghesaid:"LetusprayuntoourGod，thatHewillsostirupourPopeUrbanVI，ashebegan，thathewithhisclergymayfollowtheLordJesusChristinlifeandmanners；andthattheymayteachthepeopleeffectually，andthatthey，likewise，mayfaithfullyfollowtheminthesame。"——JohnFoxe，ActsandMonuments，vol。3，pp。49，50。

ThusWycliffepresentedtothepopeandhiscardinalsthemeeknessandhumilityofChrist，exhibitingnotonlytothemselvesbuttoallChristendomthecontrastbetweenthemandtheMasterwhoserepresentativestheyprofessedtobe。

Wycliffefullyexpectedthathislifewouldbethepriceofhisfidelity。

Theking，thepope，andthebishopswereunitedtoaccomplishhisruin，anditseemedcertainthatafewmonthsatmostwouldbringhimtothestake。

Buthiscouragewasunshaken。"Whydoyoutalkofseekingthecrownofmartyrdomafar？"hesaid。"PreachthegospelofChristtohaughtyprelates，andmartyrdomwillnotfailyou。What！Ishouldliveandbesilent？……

Never！Lettheblowfall，Iawaititscoming。"——D’Aubigne，b。17，ch。8。

ButGod’sprovidencestillshieldedHisservant。Themanwhoforawholelifetimehadstoodboldlyindefenseofthetruth，indailyperilofhislife，wasnottofallavictimofthehatredofitsfoes。Wycliffehadneversoughttoshieldhimself，buttheLordhadbeenhisprotector；andnow，whenhisenemiesfeltsureoftheirprey，God’shandremovedhimbeyondtheirreach。InhischurchatLutterworth，ashewasabouttodispensethecommunion，hefell，strickenwithpalsy，andinashorttimeyieldeduphislife。

GodhadappointedtoWycliffehiswork。Hehadputthe93

wordoftruthinhismouth，andHesetaguardabouthimthatthiswordmightcometothepeople。Hislifewasprotected，andhislaborswereprolonged，untilafoundationwaslaidforthegreatworkoftheReformation。

WycliffecamefromtheobscurityoftheDarkAges。Therewerenonewhowentbeforehimfromwhoseworkhecouldshapehissystemofreform。RaiseduplikeJohntheBaptisttoaccomplishaspecialmission，hewastheheraldofanewera。YetinthesystemoftruthwhichhepresentedtherewasaunityandcompletenesswhichReformerswhofollowedhimdidnotexceed，andwhichsomedidnotreach，evenahundredyearslater。Sobroadanddeepwaslaidthefoundation，sofirmandtruewastheframework，thatitneedednottobereconstructedbythosewhocameafterhim。

ThegreatmovementthatWycliffeinaugurated，whichwastoliberatetheconscienceandtheintellect，andsetfreethenationssolongboundtothetriumphalcarofRome，haditsspringintheBible。Herewasthesourceofthatstreamofblessing，which，likethewateroflife，hasfloweddowntheagessincethefourteenthcentury。WycliffeacceptedtheHolyScriptureswithimplicitfaithastheinspiredrevelationofGod’swill，asufficientruleoffaithandpractice。HehadbeeneducatedtoregardtheChurchofRomeasthedivine，infallibleauthority，andtoacceptwithunquestioningreverencetheestablishedteachingsandcustomsofathousandyears；butheturnedawayfromallthesetolistentoGod’sholyword。Thiswastheauthoritywhichheurgedthepeopletoacknowledge。Insteadofthechurchspeakingthroughthepope，hedeclaredtheonlytrueauthoritytobethevoiceofGodspeakingthroughHisword。AndhetaughtnotonlythattheBibleisaperfectrevelationofGod’swill，butthattheHolySpiritisitsonlyinterpreter，andthateverymanis，bythestudyofitsteachings，tolearnhisdutyforhimself。ThusheturnedthemindsofmenfromthepopeandtheChurchofRometothewordofGod。

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WycliffewasoneofthegreatestoftheReformers。Inbreadthofintellect，inclearnessofthought，infirmnesstomaintainthetruth，andinboldnesstodefendit，hewasequaledbyfewwhocameafterhim。Purityoflife，unwearyingdiligenceinstudyandinlabor，incorruptibleintegrity，andChristlikeloveandfaithfulnessinhisministry，characterizedthefirstoftheReformers。Andthisnotwithstandingtheintellectualdarknessandmoralcorruptionoftheagefromwhichheemerged。

ThecharacterofWycliffeisatestimonytotheeducating，transformingpoweroftheHolyScriptures。ItwastheBiblethatmadehimwhathewas。

Theefforttograspthegreattruthsofrevelationimpartsfreshnessandvigortoallthefaculties。Itexpandsthemind，sharpenstheperceptions，andripensthejudgment。ThestudyoftheBiblewillennobleeverythought，feeling，andaspirationasnootherstudycan。Itgivesstabilityofpurpose，patience，courage，andfortitude；itrefinesthecharacterandsanctifiesthesoul。Anearnest，reverentstudyoftheScriptures，bringingthemindofthestudentindirectcontactwiththeinfinitemind，wouldgivetotheworldmenofstrongerandmoreactiveintellect，aswellasofnoblerprinciple，thanhaseverresultedfromtheablesttrainingthathumanphilosophyaffords。"TheentranceofThywords，"saysthepsalmist，"givethlight；itgivethunderstanding。"Psalm119:130。

ThedoctrineswhichhadbeentaughtbyWycliffecontinuedforatimetospread；hisfollowers，knownasWycliffitesandLollards，notonlytraversedEngland，butscatteredtootherlands，carryingtheknowledgeofthegospel。

Nowthattheirleaderwasremoved，thepreacherslaboredwithevengreaterzealthanbefore，andmultitudesflockedtolistentotheirteachings。Someofthenobility，andeventhewifeoftheking，wereamongtheconverts。Inmanyplacestherewasamarkedreforminthemannersofthepeople，andtheidolatroussymbolsofRomanismwereremovedfromthechurches。ButsoonthepitilessstormofpersecutionburstuponthosewhohaddaredtoaccepttheBibleastheir95

guide。TheEnglishmonarchs，eagertostrengthentheirpowerbysecuringthesupportofRome，didnothesitatetosacrificetheReformers。ForthefirsttimeinthehistoryofEnglandthestakewasdecreedagainstthedisciplesofthegospel。Martyrdomsucceededmartyrdom。Theadvocatesoftruth，proscribedandtortured，couldonlypourtheircriesintotheearoftheLordofSabaoth。Huntedasfoesofthechurchandtraitorstotherealm，theycontinuedtopreachinsecretplaces，findingshelterasbesttheycouldinthehumblehomesofthepoor，andoftenhidingawayevenindensandcaves。

Notwithstandingtherageofpersecution，acalm，devout，earnest，patientprotestagainsttheprevailingcorruptionofreligiousfaithcontinuedforcenturiestobeuttered。TheChristiansofthatearlytimehadonlyapartialknowledgeofthetruth，buttheyhadlearnedtoloveandobeyGod’sword，andtheypatientlysufferedforitssake。Likethedisciplesinapostolicdays，manysacrificedtheirworldlypossessionsforthecauseofChrist。Thosewhowerepermittedtodwellintheirhomesgladlyshelteredtheirbanishedbrethren，andwhentheytooweredrivenforththeycheerfullyacceptedthelotoftheoutcast。Thousands，itistrue，terrifiedbythefuryoftheirpersecutors，purchasedtheirfreedomatthesacrificeoftheirfaith，andwentoutoftheirprisons，clothedinpenitents’robes，topublishtheirrecantation。Butthenumberwasnotsmall——andamongthemweremenofnoblebirthaswellasthehumbleandlowly——whoborefearlesstestimonytothetruthindungeoncells，in"Lollardtowers，"andinthemidstoftortureandflame，rejoicingthattheywerecountedworthytoknow"thefellowshipofHissufferings。"

ThepapistshadfailedtoworktheirwillwithWycliffeduringhislife，andtheirhatredcouldnotbesatisfiedwhilehisbodyrestedquietlyinthegrave。BythedecreeoftheCouncilofConstance，morethanfortyyearsafterhisdeathhisboneswereexhumedandpubliclyburned，andtheasheswerethrownintoaneighboringbrook。"Thisbrook，"says96

anoldwriter，"hathconveyedhisashesintoAvon，AvonintoSevern，Severnintothenarrowseas，theyintothemainocean。AndthustheashesofWycliffearetheemblemofhisdoctrine，whichnowisdispersedalltheworldover。"——T。Fuller，ChurchHistoryofBritain，b。4，sec。2，par。

54。Littledidhisenemiesrealizethesignificanceoftheirmaliciousact。

ItwasthroughthewritingsofWycliffethatJohnHuss，ofBohemia，wasledtorenouncemanyoftheerrorsofRomanismandtoenterupontheworkofreform。Thusinthesetwocountries，sowidelyseparated，theseedoftruthwassown。FromBohemiatheworkextendedtootherlands。Themindsofmenweredirectedtothelong-forgottenwordofGod。AdivinehandwaspreparingthewayfortheGreatReformation。

(97)

Chapter6

HussandJeromeThegospelhadbeenplantedinBohemiaasearlyastheninthcentury。TheBiblewastranslated，andpublicworshipwasconducted，inthelanguageofthepeople。Butasthepowerofthepopeincreased，sothewordofGodwasobscured。GregoryVII，whohadtakenituponhimselftohumbletheprideofkings，wasnolessintentuponenslavingthepeople，andaccordinglyabullwasissuedforbiddingpublicworshiptobeconductedintheBohemiantongue。

Thepopedeclaredthat"itwaspleasingtotheOmnipotentthatHisworshipshouldbecelebratedinanunknownlanguage，andthatmayevilsandheresieshadarisenfromnotobservingthisrule。"——Wylie，b。3，ch。1。ThusRomedecreedthatthelightofGod’swordshouldbeextinguishedandthepeopleshouldbeshutupindarkness。ButHeavenhadprovidedotheragenciesforthepreservationofthechurch。ManyoftheWaldensesandAlbigenses，drivenbypersecutionfromtheirhomesinFranceandItaly，cametoBohemia。Thoughtheydarednotteachopenly，theylaboredzealouslyinsecret。Thusthetruefaithwaspreservedfromcenturytocentury。

BeforethedaysofHussthereweremeninBohemiawhoroseuptocondemnopenlythecorruptioninthechurchandtheprofligacyofthepeople。Theirlaborsexcitedwidespreadinterest。Thefearsofthehierarchywereroused，andpersecutionwasopenedagainstthedisciplesofthegospel。

98

Driventoworshipintheforestsandthemountains，theywerehuntedbysoldiers，andmanywereputtodeath。AfteratimeitwasdecreedthatallwhodepartedfromtheRomishworshipshouldbeburned。ButwhiletheChristiansyieldeduptheirlives，theylookedforwardtothetriumphoftheircause。Oneofthosewho"taughtthatsalvationwasonlytobefoundbyfaithinthecrucifiedSaviour，"declaredwhendying:"Therageoftheenemiesofthetruthnowprevailsagainstus，butitwillnotbeforever；

thereshallariseonefromamongthecommonpeople，withoutswordorauthority，andagainsthimtheyshallnotbeabletoprevail。"——Ibid。，b。

3，ch。1。Luther’stimewasyetfardistant；butalreadyonewasrising，whosetestimonyagainstRomewouldstirthenations。

JohnHusswasofhumblebirth，andwasearlyleftanorphanbythedeathofhisfather。Hispiousmother，regardingeducationandthefearofGodasthemostvaluableofpossessions，soughttosecurethisheritageforherson。

Hussstudiedattheprovincialschool，andthenrepairedtotheuniversityatPrague，receivingadmissionasacharityscholar。HewasaccompaniedonthejourneytoPraguebyhismother；widowedandpoor，shehadnogiftsofworldlywealthtobestowuponherson，butastheydrewneartothegreatcity，shekneeleddownbesidethefatherlessyouthandinvokedforhimtheblessingoftheirFatherinheaven。Littledidthatmotherrealizehowherprayerwastobeanswered。

Attheuniversity，Husssoondistinguishedhimselfbyhisuntiringapplicationandrapidprogress，whilehisblamelesslifeandgentle，winningdeportmentgainedhimuniversalesteem。HewasasincereadherentoftheRomanChurchandanearnestseekerforthespiritualblessingswhichitprofessestobestow。Ontheoccasionofajubileehewenttoconfession，paidthelastfewcoinsinhisscantystore，andjoinedintheprocessions，thathemightshareintheabsolutionpromised。Aftercompletinghiscollegecourse，heenteredthepriesthood，andrapidlyattainingtoeminence，99

hesoonbecameattachedtothecourtoftheking。Hewasalsomadeprofessorandafterwardrectoroftheuniversitywherehehadreceivedhiseducation。

Inafewyearsthehumblecharityscholarhadbecometheprideofhiscountry，andhisnamewasrenownedthroughoutEurope。

ButitwasinanotherfieldthatHussbegantheworkofreform。Severalyearsaftertakingpriest’sordershewasappointedpreacherofthechapelofBethlehem。Thefounderofthischapelhadadvocated，asamatterofgreatimportance，thepreachingoftheScripturesinthelanguageofthepeople。

NotwithstandingRome’soppositiontothispractice，ithadnotbeenwhollydiscontinuedinBohemia。ButtherewasgreatignoranceoftheBible，andtheworstvicesprevailedamongthepeopleofallranks。TheseevilsHussunsparinglydenounced，appealingtothewordofGodtoenforcetheprinciplesoftruthandpuritywhichheinculcated。

AcitizenofPrague，Jerome，whoafterwardbecamesocloselyassociatedwithHuss，had，onreturningfromEngland，broughtwithhimthewritingsofWycliffe。ThequeenofEngland，whohadbeenaconverttoWycliffe’steachings，wasaBohemianprincess，andthroughherinfluencealsotheReformer’sworkswerewidelycirculatedinhernativecountry。TheseworksHussreadwithinterest；hebelievedtheirauthortobeasincereChristianandwasinclinedtoregardwithfavorthereformswhichheadvocated。

Already，thoughheknewitnot，HusshadentereduponapathwhichwastoleadhimfarawayfromRome。

AboutthistimetherearrivedinPraguetwostrangersfromEngland，menoflearning，whohadreceivedthelightandhadcometospreaditinthisdistantland。Beginningwithanopenattackonthepope’ssupremacy，theyweresoonsilencedbytheauthorities；butbeingunwillingtorelinquishtheirpurpose，theyhadrecoursetoothermeasures。Beingartistsaswellaspreachers，theyproceededtoexercisetheirskill。Inaplaceopentothepublictheydrewtwopictures。OnerepresentedtheentranceofChristintoJerusalem，100

"meek，andsittinguponanass"(Matthew21:5)，andfollowedbyHisdisciplesintravel-worngarmentsandwithnakedfeet。Theotherpictureportrayedapontificalprocession——thepopearrayedinhisrichrobesandtriplecrown，mounteduponahorsemagnificentlyadorned，precededbytrumpetersandfollowedbycardinalsandprelatesindazzlingarray。

Herewasasermonwhicharrestedtheattentionofallclasses。Crowdscametogazeuponthedrawings。Nonecouldfailtoreadthemoral，andmanyweredeeplyimpressedbythecontrastbetweenthemeeknessandhumilityofChristtheMasterandtheprideandarroganceofthepope，Hisprofessedservant。

TherewasgreatcommotioninPrague，andthestrangersafteratimefounditnecessary，fortheirownsafety，todepart。Butthelessontheyhadtaughtwasnotforgotten。ThepicturesmadeadeepimpressiononthemindofHussandledhimtoacloserstudyoftheBibleandofWycliffe’swritings。

Thoughhewasnotprepared，evenyet，toacceptallthereformsadvocatedbyWycliffe，hesawmoreclearlythetruecharacterofthepapacy，andwithgreaterzealdenouncedthepride，theambition，andthecorruptionofthehierarchy。

FromBohemiathelightextendedtoGermany，fordisturbancesintheUniversityofPraguecausedthewithdrawalofhundredsofGermanstudents。

ManyofthemhadreceivedfromHusstheirfirstknowledgeoftheBible，andontheirreturntheyspreadthegospelintheirfatherland。

TidingsoftheworkatPraguewerecarriedtoRome，andHusswassoonsummonedtoappearbeforethepope。Toobeywouldbetoexposehimselftocertaindeath。ThekingandqueenofBohemia，theuniversity，membersofthenobility，andofficersofthegovernmentunitedinanappealtothepontiffthatHussbepermittedtoremainatPragueandtoansweratRomebydeputy。

Insteadofgrantingthisrequest，thepopeproceededtothetrialandcondemnationofHuss，andthendeclaredthecityofPraguetobeunderinterdict。

101

Inthatagethissentence，wheneverpronounced，createdwidespreadalarm。

TheceremoniesbywhichitwasaccompaniedwerewelladaptedtostriketerrortoapeoplewholookeduponthepopeastherepresentativeofGodHimself，holdingthekeysofheavenandhell，andpossessingpowertoinvoketemporalaswellasspiritualjudgments。Itwasbelievedthatthegatesofheavenwereclosedagainsttheregionsmittenwithinterdict；thatuntilitshouldpleasethepopetoremovetheban，thedeadwereshutoutfromtheabodesofbliss。Intokenofthisterriblecalamity，alltheservicesofreligionweresuspended。Thechurcheswereclosed。Marriagesweresolemnizedinthechurchyard。Thedead，deniedburialinconsecratedground，wereinterred，withouttheritesofsepulture，intheditchesorthefields。Thusbymeasureswhichappealedtotheimagination，Romeessayedtocontroltheconsciencesofmen。

ThecityofPraguewasfilledwithtumult。AlargeclassdenouncedHussasthecauseofalltheircalamitiesanddemandedthathebegivenuptothevengeanceofRome。Toquietthestorm，theReformerwithdrewforatimetohisnativevillage。WritingtothefriendswhomhehadleftatPrague，hesaid:"IfIhavewithdrawnfromthemidstofyou，itistofollowthepreceptandexampleofJesusChrist，inordernottogiveroomtotheill-mindedtodrawonthemselveseternalcondemnation，andinordernottobetothepiousacauseofafflictionandpersecution。IhaveretiredalsothroughanapprehensionthatimpiouspriestsmightcontinueforalongertimetoprohibitthepreachingofthewordofGodamongstyou；butIhavenotquittedyoutodenythedivinetruth，forwhich，withGod’sassistance，Iamwillingtodie。"——Bonnechose，TheReformersBeforetheReformation，vol。1，p。87。Hussdidnotceasehislabors，buttraveledthroughthesurroundingcountry，preachingtoeagercrowds。Thusthemeasurestowhichthepoperesortedtosuppressthegospelwerecausingittobethemorewidelyextended。"Wecandonothingagainstthetruth，butforthetruth。"2

Corinthians13:8。

102

"ThemindofHuss，atthisstageofhiscareer，wouldseemtohavebeenthesceneofapainfulconflict。Althoughthechurchwasseekingtooverwhelmhimbyherthunderbolts，hehadnotrenouncedherauthority。TheRomanChurchwasstilltohimthespouseofChrist，andthepopewastherepresentativeandvicarofGod。WhatHusswaswarringagainstwastheabuseofauthority，nottheprincipleitself。Thisbroughtonaterribleconflictbetweentheconvictionsofhisunderstandingandtheclaimsofhisconscience。Iftheauthoritywasjustandinfallible，ashebelievedittobe，howcameitthathefeltcompelledtodisobeyit？Toobey，hesaw，wastosin；butwhyshouldobediencetoaninfalliblechurchleadtosuchanissue？Thiswastheproblemhecouldnotsolve；thiswasthedoubtthattorturedhimhourbyhour。Thenearestapproximationtoasolutionwhichhewasabletomakewasthatithadhappenedagain，asoncebeforeinthedaysoftheSaviour，thatthepriestsofthechurchhadbecomewickedpersonsandwereusingtheirlawfulauthorityforunlawfulends。Thisledhimtoadoptforhisownguidance，andtopreachtoothersfortheirs，themaximthatthepreceptsofScripture，conveyedthroughtheunderstanding，aretoruletheconscience；inotherwords，thatGodspeakingintheBible，andnotthechurchspeakingthroughthepriesthood，istheoneinfallibleguide。"——Wylie，b。3，ch。2。

WhenafteratimetheexcitementinPraguesubsided，HussreturnedtohischapelofBethlehem，tocontinuewithgreaterzealandcouragethepreachingofthewordofGod。Hisenemieswereactiveandpowerful，butthequeenandmanyofthenobleswerehisfriends，andthepeopleingreatnumberssidedwithhim。ComparinghispureandelevatingteachingsandholylifewiththedegradingdogmaswhichtheRomanistspreached，andtheavariceanddebaucherywhichtheypracticed，manyregardeditanhonortobeonhisside。

HithertoHusshadstoodaloneinhislabors；butnowJerome，whowhileinEnglandhadacceptedtheteachingsofWycliffe，joinedintheworkofreform。Thetwowere103

hereafterunitedintheirlives，andindeaththeywerenottobedivided。

Brilliancyofgenius，eloquenceandlearning——giftsthatwinpopularfavor——werepossessedinapre-eminentdegreebyJerome；butinthosequalitieswhichconstituterealstrengthofcharacter，Husswasthegreater。

HiscalmjudgmentservedasarestraintupontheimpulsivespiritofJerome，who，withtruehumility，perceivedhisworth，andyieldedtohiscounsels。

Undertheirunitedlaborsthereformwasmorerapidlyextended。

Godpermittedgreatlighttoshineuponthemindsofthesechosenmen，revealingtothemmanyoftheerrorsofRome；buttheydidnotreceiveallthelightthatwastobegiventotheworld。Throughthese，Hisservants，GodwasleadingthepeopleoutofthedarknessofRomanism；butthereweremanyandgreatobstaclesforthemtomeet，andHeledthemon，stepbystep，astheycouldbearit。Theywerenotpreparedtoreceiveallthelightatonce。Likethefullgloryofthenoontidesuntothosewhohavelongdweltindarkness，itwould，ifpresented，havecausedthemtoturnaway。

ThereforeHerevealedittotheleaderslittlebylittle，asitcouldbereceivedbythepeople。Fromcenturytocentury，otherfaithfulworkersweretofollow，toleadthepeopleonstillfurtherinthepathofreform。

Theschisminthechurchstillcontinued。Threepopeswerenowcontendingforthesupremacy，andtheirstrifefilledChristendomwithcrimeandtumult。Notcontentwithhurlinganathemas，theyresortedtotemporalweapons。Eachcastabouthimtopurchasearmsandtoobtainsoldiers。Ofcoursemoneymustbehad；andtoprocurethis，thegifts，offices，andblessingsofthechurchwereofferedforsale。(SeeAppendixnoteforpage59。)Thepriestsalso，imitatingtheirsuperiors，resortedtosimonyandwartohumbletheirrivalsandstrengthentheirownpower。WithdailyincreasingboldnessHussthunderedagainsttheabominationswhichweretoleratedinthenameofreligion；andthepeopleopenlyaccusedtheRomishleadersasthecauseofthemiseriesthatoverwhelmedChristendom。

104

AgainthecityofPragueseemedonthevergeofabloodyconflict。Asinformerages，God’sservantwasaccusedas"hethattroublethIsrael。"1

Kings18:17。Thecitywasagainplacedunderinterdict，andHusswithdrewtohisnativevillage。ThetestimonysofaithfullybornefromhislovedchapelofBethlehemwasended。Hewastospeakfromawiderstage，toallChristendom，beforelayingdownhislifeasawitnessforthetruth。

TocuretheevilsthatweredistractingEurope，ageneralcouncilwassummonedtomeetatConstance。ThecouncilwascalledatthedesireoftheemperorSigismund，byoneofthethreerivalpopes，JohnXXIII。ThedemandforacouncilhadbeenfarfromwelcometoPopeJohn，whosecharacterandpolicycouldillbearinvestigation，evenbyprelatesaslaxinmoralsaswerethechurchmenofthosetimes。Hedarednot，however，opposethewillofSigismund。(SeeAppendix。)

Thechiefobjectstobeaccomplishedbythecouncilweretohealtheschisminthechurchandtorootoutheresy。Hencethetwoantipopesweresummonedtoappearbeforeit，aswellastheleadingpropagatorofthenewopinions，JohnHuss。Theformer，havingregardtotheirownsafety，didnotattendinperson，butwererepresentedbytheirdelegates。PopeJohn，whileostensiblytheconvokerofthecouncil，cametoitwithmanymisgivings，suspectingtheemperor’ssecretpurposetodeposehim，andfearingtobebroughttoaccountfortheviceswhichhaddisgracedthetiara，aswellasforthecrimeswhichhadsecuredit。YethemadehisentryintothecityofConstancewithgreatpomp，attendedbyecclesiasticsofthehighestrankandfollowedbyatrainofcourtiers。Alltheclergyanddignitariesofthecity，withanimmensecrowdofcitizens，wentouttowelcomehim。Abovehisheadwasagoldencanopy，bornebyfourofthechiefmagistrates。Thehostwascarriedbeforehim，andtherichdressesofthecardinalsandnoblesmadeanimposingdisplay。

MeanwhileanothertravelerwasapproachingConstance。Husswasconsciousofthedangerswhichthreatenedhim。

105

Hepartedfromhisfriendsasifhewerenevertomeetthemagain，andwentonhisjourneyfeelingthatitwasleadinghimtothestake。Notwithstandinghehadobtainedasafe-conductfromthekingofBohemia，andreceivedonealsofromtheemperorSigismundwhileonhisjourney，hemadeallhisarrangementsinviewoftheprobabilityofhisdeath。

InaletteraddressedtohisfriendsatPraguehesaid:"Mybrethren，……

Iamdepartingwithasafe-conductfromthekingtomeetmynumerousandmortalenemies……Iconfidealtogetherintheall-powerfulGod，inmySaviour；ItrustthatHewilllistentoyourardentprayers，thatHewillinfuseHisprudenceandHiswisdomintomymouth，inorderthatImayresistthem；andthatHewillaccordmeHisHolySpirittofortifymeinHistruth，sothatImayfacewithcourage，temptations，prison，and，ifnecessary，acrueldeath。JesusChristsufferedforHiswell-beloved；andthereforeoughtwetobeastonishedthatHehasleftusHisexample，inorderthatwemayourselvesendurewithpatienceallthingsforourownsalvation？HeisGod，andweareHiscreatures；HeistheLord，andweareHisservants；HeisMasteroftheworld，andwearecontemptiblemortals——yetHesuffered！Why，then，shouldwenotsufferalso，particularlywhensufferingisforusapurification？Therefore，beloved，ifmydeathoughttocontributetoHisglory，praythatitmaycomequickly，andthatHemayenablemetosupportallmycalamitieswithconstancy。ButifitbebetterthatIreturnamongstyou，letuspraytoGodthatImayreturnwithoutstain——thatis，thatImaynotsuppressonetittleofthetruthofthegospel，inordertoleavemybrethrenanexcellentexampletofollow。Probably，therefore，youwillnevermorebeholdmyfaceatPrague；butshouldthewilloftheall-powerfulGoddeigntorestoremetoyou，letusthenadvancewithafirmerheartintheknowledgeandtheloveofHislaw。"——Bonnechose，vol。1，pp。147，148。

Inanotherletter，toapriestwhohadbecomeadiscipleofthegospel，Hussspokewithdeephumilityofhisownerrors，accusinghimself"ofhavingfeltpleasureinwearing106

richapparelandofhavingwastedhoursinfrivolousoccupations。"Hethenaddedthesetouchingadmonitions:"MaythegloryofGodandthesalvationofsoulsoccupythymind，andnotthepossessionofbeneficesandestates。

Bewareofadorningthyhousemorethanthysoul；and，aboveall，givethycaretothespiritualedifice。Bepiousandhumblewiththepoor，andconsumenotthysubstanceinfeasting。Shouldstthounotamendthylifeandrefrainfromsuperfluities，Ifearthatthouwiltbeseverelychastened，asIammyself……Thouknowestmydoctrine，forthouhastreceivedmyinstructionsfromthychildhood；itisthereforeuselessformetowritetotheeanyfurther。ButIconjurethee，bythemercyofourLord，nottoimitatemeinanyofthevanitiesintowhichthouhastseenmefall。"Onthecoveroftheletterheadded:"Iconjurethee，myfriend，nottobreakthissealuntilthoushalthaveacquiredthecertitudethatIamdead。"——Ibid。，vol。1，pp。148，149。

Onhisjourney，Husseverywherebeheldindicationsofthespreadofhisdoctrinesandthefavorwithwhichhiscausewasregarded。Thepeoplethrongedtomeethim，andinsometownsthemagistratesattendedhimthroughtheirstreets。

UponarrivingatConstance，Husswasgrantedfullliberty。Totheemperor’ssafe-conductwasaddedapersonalassuranceofprotectionbythepope。But，inviolationofthesesolemnandrepeateddeclarations，theReformerwasinashorttimearrested，byorderofthepopeandcardinals，andthrustintoaloathsomedungeon。LaterhewastransferredtoastrongcastleacrosstheRhineandtherekeptaprisoner。Thepope，profitinglittlebyhisperfidy，wassoonaftercommittedtothesameprison。Ibid。，vol。1，p。247。Hehadbeenprovedbeforethecounciltobeguiltyofthebasestcrimes，besidesmurder，simony，andadultery，"sinsnotfittobenamed。"Sothecouncilitselfdeclared，andhewasfinallydeprivedofthetiaraandthrownintoprison。Theantipopesalsoweredeposed，andanewpontiffwaschosen。

107

ThoughthepopehimselfhadbeenguiltyofgreatercrimesthanHusshadeverchargeduponthepriests，andforwhichhehaddemandedareformation，yetthesamecouncilwhichdegradedthepontiffproceededtocrushtheReformer。

TheimprisonmentofHussexcitedgreatindignationinBohemia。Powerfulnoblemenaddressedtothecouncilearnestprotestsagainstthisoutrage。Theemperor，whowasloathtopermittheviolationofasafe-conduct，opposedtheproceedingsagainsthim。ButtheenemiesoftheReformerweremalignantanddetermined。Theyappealedtotheemperor’sprejudices，tohisfears，tohiszealforthechurch。Theybroughtforwardargumentsofgreatlengthtoprovethat"faithoughtnottobekeptwithheretics，norpersonssuspectedofheresy，thoughtheyarefurnishedwithsafe-conductsfromtheemperorandkings。"——JacquesLenfant，HistoryoftheCouncilofConstance，vol。1，p。

516。Thustheyprevailed。

Enfeebledbyillnessandimprisonment，——forthedamp，foulairofhisdungeonhadbroughtonafeverwhichnearlyendedhislife，——Husswasatlastbroughtbeforethecouncil。Loadedwithchainshestoodinthepresenceoftheemperor，whosehonorandgoodfaithhadbeenpledgedtoprotecthim。

Duringhislongtrialhefirmlymaintainedthetruth，andinthepresenceoftheassembleddignitariesofchurchandstateheutteredasolemnandfaithfulprotestagainstthecorruptionsofthehierarchy。Whenrequiredtochoosewhetherhewouldrecanthisdoctrinesorsufferdeath，heacceptedthemartyr’sfate。

ThegraceofGodsustainedhim。Duringtheweeksofsufferingthatpassedbeforehisfinalsentence，heaven’speacefilledhissoul。"Iwritethisletter，"hesaidtoafriend，"inmyprison，andwithmyfetteredhand，expectingmysentenceofdeathtomorrow……When，withtheassistanceofJesusChrist，weshallagainmeetinthedeliciouspeaceofthefuturelife，youwilllearnhowmercifulGodhasshownHimselftowardme，howeffectuallyHehassupportedmeinthemidstofmytemptationsandtrials。"——Bonnechose，vol。2，p。67。

108

Inthegloomofhisdungeonheforesawthetriumphofthetruefaith。

ReturninginhisdreamstothechapelatPraguewherehehadpreachedthegospel，hesawthepopeandhisbishopseffacingthepicturesofChristwhichhehadpaintedonitswalls。"Thisvisiondistressedhim:butonthenextdayhesawmanypaintersoccupiedinrestoringthesefiguresingreaternumberandinbrightercolors。Assoonastheirtaskwasended，thepainters，whoweresurroundedbyanimmensecrowd，exclaimed，’Nowletthepopesandbishopscome；theyshallnevereffacethemmore！’"SaidtheReformer，asherelatedhisdream:"Imaintainthisforcertain，thattheimageofChristwillneverbeeffaced。Theyhavewishedtodestroyit，butitshallbepaintedafreshinallheartsbymuchbetterpreachersthanmyself。"——D’Aubigne，b。1，ch。6。

Forthelasttime，Husswasbroughtbeforethecouncil。Itwasavastandbrilliantassembly——theemperor，theprincesoftheempire，theroyaldeputies，thecardinals，bishops，andpriests，andanimmensecrowdwhohadcomeasspectatorsoftheeventsoftheday。FromallpartsofChristendomhadbeengatheredthewitnessesofthisfirstgreatsacrificeinthelongstrugglebywhichlibertyofconsciencewastobesecured。

Beingcalleduponforhisfinaldecision，Hussdeclaredhisrefusaltoabjure，and，fixinghispenetratingglanceuponthemonarchwhoseplightedwordhadbeensoshamelesslyviolated，hedeclared:"Idetermined，ofmyownfreewill，toappearbeforethiscouncil，underthepublicprotectionandfaithoftheemperorherepresent。"——Bonnechose，vol。2，p。

84。AdeepflushcrimsonedthefaceofSigismundastheeyesofallintheassemblyturneduponhim。

Sentencehavingbeenpronounced，theceremonyofdegradationbegan。Thebishopsclothedtheirprisonerinthesacerdotalhabit，andashetookthepriestlyrobe，hesaid:"OurLordJesusChristwascoveredwithawhiterobe，bywayof109

insult，whenHerodhadHimconductedbeforePilate。"——Ibid。，vol。2，p。86。

Beingagainexhortedtoretract，hereplied，turningtowardthepeople:

"Withwhatface，then，shouldIbeholdtheheavens？HowshouldIlookonthosemultitudesofmentowhomIhavepreachedthepuregospel？No；I

esteemtheirsalvationmorethanthispoorbody，nowappointeduntodeath。"

Thevestmentswereremovedonebyone，eachbishoppronouncingacurseasheperformedhispartoftheceremony。Finally"theyputonhisheadacaporpyramidal-shapedmiterofpaper，onwhichwerepaintedfrightfulfiguresofdemons，withtheword’Archheretic’conspicuousinfront。’Mostjoyfully，’

saidHuss，’willIwearthiscrownofshameforThysake，OJesus，whoformedidstwearacrownofthorns。’"

Whenhewasthusarrayed，"theprelatessaid，’Nowwedevotethysoultothedevil。’’AndI，’saidJohnHuss，liftinguphiseyestowardheaven，’docommitmyspiritintoThyhands，OLordJesus，forThouhastredeemedme。’"——Wylie，b。3，ch。7。

Hewasnowdelivereduptothesecularauthoritiesandledawaytotheplaceofexecution。Animmenseprocessionfollowed，hundredsofmenatarms，priestsandbishopsintheircostlyrobes，andtheinhabitantsofConstance。

Whenhehadbeenfastenedtothestake，andallwasreadyforthefiretobelighted，themartyrwasoncemoreexhortedtosavehimselfbyrenouncinghiserrors。"Whaterrors，"saidHuss，"shallIrenounce？Iknowmyselfguiltyofnone。IcallGodtowitnessthatallthatIhavewrittenandpreachedhasbeenwiththeviewofrescuingsoulsfromsinandperdition；and，therefore，mostjoyfullywillIconfirmwithmybloodthattruthwhichIhavewrittenandpreached。"——Ibid。，b。3，ch。7。Whentheflameskindledabouthim，hebegantosing，"Jesus，ThouSonofDavid，havemercyonme，"andsocontinuedtillhisvoicewassilencedforever。

Evenhisenemieswerestruckwithhisheroicbearing。Azealouspapist，describingthemartyrdomofHuss，andof110

Jerome，whodiedsoonafter，said:"Bothborethemselveswithconstantmindwhentheirlasthourapproached。Theypreparedforthefireasiftheyweregoingtoamarriagefeast。Theyutterednocryofpain。Whentheflamesrose，theybegantosinghymns；andscarcecouldthevehemencyofthefirestoptheirsinging。"——Ibid。，b。3，ch。7。

WhenthebodyofHusshadbeenwhollyconsumed，hisashes，withthesoiluponwhichtheyrested，weregatheredupandcastintotheRhine，andthusborneonwardtotheocean。Hispersecutorsvainlyimaginedthattheyhadrootedoutthetruthshepreached。Littledidtheydreamthattheashesthatdayborneawaytotheseaweretobeasseedscatteredinallthecountriesoftheearth；thatinlandsyetunknownitwouldyieldabundantfruitinwitnessesforthetruth。ThevoicewhichhadspokeninthecouncilhallofConstancehadwakenedechoesthatwouldbeheardthroughallcomingages。

Husswasnomore，butthetruthsforwhichhediedcouldneverperish。Hisexampleoffaithandconstancywouldencouragemultitudestostandfirmforthetruth，inthefaceoftortureanddeath。HisexecutionhadexhibitedtothewholeworldtheperfidiouscrueltyofRome。Theenemiesoftruth，thoughtheyknewitnot，hadbeenfurtheringthecausewhichtheyvainlysoughttodestroy。

YetanotherstakewastobesetupatConstance。Thebloodofanotherwitnessmusttestifyforthetruth。Jerome，uponbiddingfarewelltoHussonhisdepartureforthecouncil，hadexhortedhimtocourageandfirmness，declaringthatifheshouldfallintoanyperil，hehimselfwouldflytohisassistance。UponhearingoftheReformer’simprisonment，thefaithfuldiscipleimmediatelypreparedtofulfillhispromise。Withoutasafe-conducthesetout，withasinglecompanion，forConstance。Onarrivingtherehewasconvincedthathehadonlyexposedhimselftoperil，withoutthepossibilityofdoinganythingforthedeliveranceofHuss。Hefledfromthecity，butwasarrestedonthehomewardjourneyandbroughtbackloadedwithfettersandunderthecustodyofabandofsoldiers。Athisfirstappearancebefore111

thecouncilhisattemptstoreplytotheaccusationsbroughtagainsthimweremetwithshouts，"Totheflameswithhim！totheflames！"——Bonnechose，vol。1，p。234。Hewasthrownintoadungeon，chainedinapositionwhichcausedhimgreatsuffering，andfedonbreadandwater。AftersomemonthsthecrueltiesofhisimprisonmentbroughtuponJeromeanillnessthatthreatenedhislife，andhisenemies，fearingthathemightescapethem，treatedhimwithlessseverity，thoughheremainedinprisonforoneyear。

ThedeathofHusshadnotresultedasthepapistshadhoped。Theviolationofhissafe-conducthadrousedastormofindignation，andasthesafercourse，thecouncildetermined，insteadofburningJerome，toforcehim，ifpossible，toretract。Hewasbroughtbeforetheassembly，andofferedthealternativetorecant，ortodieatthestake。Deathatthebeginningofhisimprisonmentwouldhavebeenamercyincomparisonwiththeterriblesufferingswhichhehadundergone；butnow，weakenedbyillness，bytherigorsofhisprisonhouse，andthetortureofanxietyandsuspense，separatedfromhisfriends，anddisheartenedbythedeathofHuss，Jerome’sfortitudegaveway，andheconsentedtosubmittothecouncil。HepledgedhimselftoadheretotheCatholicfaith，andacceptedtheactionofthecouncilincondemningthedoctrinesofWycliffeandHuss，excepting，however，the"holytruths"whichtheyhadtaught——Ibid，vol。2，p。141。

BythisexpedientJeromeendeavoredtosilencethevoiceofconscienceandescapehisdoom。Butinthesolitudeofhisdungeonhesawmoreclearlywhathehaddone。HethoughtofthecourageandfidelityofHuss，andincontrastpondereduponhisowndenialofthetruth。HethoughtofthedivineMasterwhomhehadpledgedhimselftoserve，andwhoforhissakeenduredthedeathofthecross。Beforehisretractionhehadfoundcomfort，amidallhissufferings，intheassuranceofGod’sfavor；butnowremorseanddoubtstorturedhissoul。HeknewthatstillotherretractionsmustbemadebeforehecouldbeatpeacewithRome。Thepathupon112

whichhewasenteringcouldendonlyincompleteapostasy。Hisresolutionwastaken:ToescapeabriefperiodofsufferinghewouldnotdenyhisLord。

Soonhewasagainbroughtbeforethecouncil。Hissubmissionhadnotsatisfiedhisjudges。Theirthirstforblood，whettedbythedeathofHuss，clamoredforfreshvictims。OnlybyanunreservedsurrenderofthetruthcouldJeromepreservehislife。Buthehaddeterminedtoavowhisfaithandfollowhisbrothermartyrtotheflames。

Herenouncedhisformerrecantationand，asadyingman，solemnlyrequiredanopportunitytomakehisdefense。Fearingtheeffectofhiswords，theprelatesinsistedthatheshouldmerelyaffirmordenythetruthofthechargesbroughtagainsthim。Jeromeprotestedagainstsuchcrueltyandinjustice。"Youhaveheldmeshutupthreehundredandfortydaysinafrightfulprison，"hesaid，"inthemidstoffilth，noisomeness，stench，andtheutmostwantofeverything；youthenbringmeoutbeforeyou，andlendinganeartomymortalenemies，yourefusetohearme……Ifyoubereallywisemen，andthelightsoftheworld，takecarenottosinagainstjustice。

Astome，Iamonlyafeeblemortal；mylifeisbutoflittleimportance；

andwhenIexhortyounottodeliveranunjustsentence，Ispeaklessformyselfthanforyou。"——Ibid。，vol。2，pp。146，147。

Hisrequestwasfinallygranted。Inthepresenceofhisjudges，JeromekneeleddownandprayedthatthedivineSpiritmightcontrolhisthoughtsandwords，thathemightspeaknothingcontrarytothetruthorunworthyofhisMaster。TohimthatdaywasfulfilledthepromiseofGodtothefirstdisciples:"YeshallbebroughtbeforegovernorsandkingsforMysake……Butwhentheydeliveryouup，takenothoughthoworwhatyeshallspeak:

foritshallbegivenyouinthatsamehourwhatyeshallspeak。Foritisnotyethatspeak，buttheSpiritofyourFatherwhichspeakethinyou。"

Matthew10:18-20。

ThewordsofJeromeexcitedastonishmentandadmiration，eveninhisenemies。Forawholeyearhehadbeen113

immuredinadungeon，unabletoreadoreventosee，ingreatphysicalsufferingandmentalanxiety。Yethisargumentswerepresentedwithasmuchclearnessandpowerasifhehadhadundisturbedopportunityforstudy。Hepointedhishearerstothelonglineofholymenwhohadbeencondemnedbyunjustjudges。Inalmosteverygenerationhavebeenthosewho，whileseekingtoelevatethepeopleoftheirtime，havebeenreproachedandcastout，butwhoinlatertimeshavebeenshowntobedeservingofhonor。ChristHimselfwascondemnedasamalefactoratanunrighteoustribunal。

Athisretraction，JeromehadassentedtothejusticeofthesentencecondemningHuss；henowdeclaredhisrepentanceandborewitnesstotheinnocenceandholinessofthemartyr。"Iknewhimfromhischildhood，"hesaid。"Hewasamostexcellentman，justandholy；hewascondemned，notwithstandinghisinnocence……Ialso——Iamreadytodie:Iwillnotrecoilbeforethetormentsthatarepreparedformebymyenemiesandfalsewitnesses，whowillonedayhavetorenderanaccountoftheirimposturesbeforethegreatGod，whomnothingcandeceive。"——Bonnechose，vol。2，p。

151。

Inself-reproachforhisowndenialofthetruth，Jeromecontinued:"OfallthesinsthatIhavecommittedsincemyyouth，noneweighsoheavilyonmymind，andcausemesuchpoignantremorse，asthatwhichIcommittedinthisfatalplace，whenIapprovedoftheiniquitoussentencerenderedagainstWycliffe，andagainsttheholymartyr，JohnHuss，mymasterandmyfriend。

Yes！Iconfessitfrommyheart，anddeclarewithhorrorthatI

disgracefullyquailedwhen，throughadreadofdeath，Icondemnedtheirdoctrines。Ithereforesupplicate……AlmightyGodtodeigntopardonmemysins，andthisoneinparticular，themostheinousofall。"Pointingtohisjudges，hesaidfirmly:"YoucondemnedWycliffeandJohnHuss，notforhavingshakenthedoctrineofthechurch，butsimplybecausetheybrandedwithreprobationthescandalsproceedingfromtheclergy——theirpomp，theirpride，andallthevicesoftheprelatesandpriests。

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Thethingswhichtheyhaveaffirmed，andwhichareirrefutable，Ialsothinkanddeclare，likethem。"

Hiswordswereinterrupted。Theprelates，tremblingwithrage，criedout:

"Whatneedisthereoffurtherproof？Webeholdwithourowneyesthemostobstinateofheretics！"

Unmovedbythetempest，Jeromeexclaimed:"What！doyousupposethatIfeartodie？Youhaveheldmeforawholeyearinafrightfuldungeon，morehorriblethandeathitself。YouhavetreatedmemorecruellythanaTurk，Jew，orpagan，andmyfleshhasliterallyrottedoffmybonesalive；andyetImakenocomplaint，forlamentationillbecomesamanofheartandspirit；

butIcannotbutexpressmyastonishmentatsuchgreatbarbaritytowardaChristian。"——Ibid。，vol。2，pp。151-153。

Againthestormofrageburstout，andJeromewashurriedawaytoprison。

Yetthereweresomeintheassemblyuponwhomhiswordshadmadeadeepimpressionandwhodesiredtosavehislife。Hewasvisitedbydignitariesofthechurchandurgedtosubmithimselftothecouncil。ThemostbrilliantprospectswerepresentedbeforehimastherewardofrenouncinghisoppositiontoRome。ButlikehisMasterwhenofferedthegloryoftheworld，Jeromeremainedsteadfast。

"ProvetomefromtheHolyWritingsthatIaminerror，"hesaid，"andI

willabjureit。"

"TheHolyWritings！"exclaimedoneofhistempters，"iseverythingthentobejudgedbythem？Whocanunderstandthemtillthechurchhasinterpretedthem？"

"ArethetraditionsofmenmoreworthyoffaiththanthegospelofourSaviour？"repliedJerome。"Pauldidnotexhortthosetowhomhewrotetolistentothetraditionsofmen，butsaid，’SearchtheScriptures。’"

"Heretic！"wastheresponse，"Irepenthavingpleadedsolongwithyou。I

seethatyouareurgedonbythedevil。"——Wylie，b。3，ch。10。

Erelongsentenceofcondemnationwaspasseduponhim。HewasledouttothesamespotuponwhichHusshad115

yieldeduphislife。Hewentsingingonhisway，hiscountenancelightedupwithjoyandpeace。HisgazewasfixeduponChrist，andtohimdeathhadlostitsterrors。Whentheexecutioner，abouttokindlethepile，steppedbehindhim，themartyrexclaimed:"Comeforwardboldly；applythefirebeforemyface。HadIbeenafraid，Ishouldnotbehere。"

Hislastwords，utteredastheflamesroseabouthim，wereaprayer。"Lord，AlmightyFather，"hecried，"havepityonme，andpardonmemysins；forThouknowestthatIhavealwayslovedThytruth。"——Bonnechose，vol。2，p。

168。Hisvoiceceased，buthislipscontinuedtomoveinprayer。Whenthefirehaddoneitswork，theashesofthemartyr，withtheearthuponwhichtheyrested，weregatheredup，andlikethoseofHuss，werethrownintotheRhine。

SoperishedGod’sfaithfullightbearers。Butthelightofthetruthswhichtheyproclaimed——thelightoftheirheroicexample——couldnotbeextinguished。Aswellmightmenattempttoturnbackthesuninitscourseastopreventthedawningofthatdaywhichwaseventhenbreakingupontheworld。

TheexecutionofHusshadkindledaflameofindignationandhorrorinBohemia。Itwasfeltbythewholenationthathehadfallenapreytothemaliceofthepriestsandthetreacheryoftheemperor。Hewasdeclaredtohavebeenafaithfulteacherofthetruth，andthecouncilthatdecreedhisdeathwaschargedwiththeguiltofmurder。Hisdoctrinesnowattractedgreaterattentionthaneverbefore。BythepapaledictsthewritingsofWycliffehadbeencondemnedtotheflames。ButthosethathadescapeddestructionwerenowbroughtoutfromtheirhidingplacesandstudiedinconnectionwiththeBible，orsuchpartsofitasthepeoplecouldobtain，andmanywerethusledtoacceptthereformedfaith。

ThemurderersofHussdidnotstandquietlybyandwitnessthetriumphofhiscause。Thepopeandtheemperorunitedtocrushoutthemovement，andthearmiesofSigismundwerehurleduponBohemia。

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Butadelivererwasraisedup。Ziska，whosoonaftertheopeningofthewarbecametotallyblind，yetwhowasoneoftheablestgeneralsofhisage，wastheleaderoftheBohemians。TrustinginthehelpofGodandtherighteousnessoftheircause，thatpeoplewithstoodthemightiestarmiesthatcouldbebroughtagainstthem。Againandagaintheemperor，raisingfresharmies，invadedBohemia，onlytobeignominiouslyrepulsed。TheHussiteswereraisedabovethefearofdeath，andnothingcouldstandagainstthem。Afewyearsaftertheopeningofthewar，thebraveZiskadied；buthisplacewasfilledbyProcopius，whowasanequallybraveandskillfulgeneral，andinsomerespectsamoreableleader。

TheenemiesoftheBohemians，knowingthattheblindwarriorwasdead，deemedtheopportunityfavorableforrecoveringallthattheyhadlost。ThepopenowproclaimedacrusadeagainsttheHussites，andagainanimmenseforcewasprecipitateduponBohemia，butonlytosufferterribledefeat。

Anothercrusadewasproclaimed。InallthepapalcountriesofEurope，men，money，andmunitionsofwarwereraised。Multitudesflockedtothepapalstandard，assuredthatatlastanendwouldbemadeoftheHussiteheretics。

Confidentofvictory，thevastforceenteredBohemia。Thepeopleralliedtorepelthem。Thetwoarmiesapproachedeachotheruntilonlyariverlaybetweenthem。"Thecrusaderswereingreatlysuperiorforce，butinsteadofdashingacrossthestream，andclosinginbattlewiththeHussiteswhomtheyhadcomesofartomeet，theystoodgazinginsilenceatthosewarriors。"——Wylie，b。3，ch。17。Thensuddenlyamysteriousterrorfelluponthehost。Withoutstrikingablow，thatmightyforcebrokeandscatteredasifdispelledbyanunseenpower。GreatnumberswereslaughteredbytheHussitearmy，whichpursuedthefugitives，andanimmensebootyfellintothehandsofthevictors，sothatthewar，insteadofimpoverishing，enrichedtheBohemians。

Afewyearslater，underanewpope，stillanothercrusadewassetonfoot。

Asbefore，menandmeansweredrawn117

fromallthepapalcountriesofEurope。Greatweretheinducementsheldouttothosewhoshouldengageinthisperilousenterprise。Fullforgivenessofthemostheinouscrimeswasensuredtoeverycrusader。Allwhodiedinthewarwerepromisedarichrewardinheaven，andthosewhosurvivedweretoreaphonorandrichesonthefieldofbattle。Againavastarmywascollected，and，crossingthefrontiertheyenteredBohemia。TheHussiteforcesfellbackbeforethem，thusdrawingtheinvadersfartherandfartherintothecountry，andleadingthemtocountthevictoryalreadywon。AtlastthearmyofProcopiusmadeastand，andturninguponthefoe，advancedtogivethembattle。Thecrusaders，nowdiscoveringtheirmistake，layintheirencampmentawaitingtheonset。Asthesoundoftheapproachingforcewasheard，evenbeforetheHussiteswereinsight，apanicagainfelluponthecrusaders。Princes，generals，andcommonsoldiers，castingawaytheirarmor，fledinalldirections。Invainthepapallegate，whowastheleaderoftheinvasion，endeavoredtorallyhisterrifiedanddisorganizedforces。Despitehisutmostendeavors，hehimselfwassweptalonginthetideoffugitives。

Theroutwascomplete，andagainanimmensebootyfellintothehandsofthevictors。

Thusthesecondtimeavastarmy，sentforthbythemostpowerfulnationsofEurope，ahostofbrave，warlikemen，trainedandequippedforbattle，fledwithoutablowbeforethedefendersofasmallandhithertofeeblenation。

Herewasamanifestationofdivinepower。Theinvadersweresmittenwithasupernaturalterror。HewhooverthrewthehostsofPharaohintheRedSea，whoputtoflightthearmiesofMidianbeforeGideonandhisthreehundred，whoinonenightlaidlowtheforcesoftheproudAssyrian，hadagainstretchedoutHishandtowitherthepoweroftheoppressor。"Thereweretheyingreatfear，wherenofearwas:forGodhathscatteredthebonesofhimthatencampethagainstthee:thouhastputthemtoshame，becauseGodhathdespisedthem。"Psalm53:5。

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Thepapalleaders，despairingofconqueringbyforce，atlastresortedtodiplomacy。Acompromisewasenteredinto，thatwhileprofessingtogranttotheBohemiansfreedomofconscience，reallybetrayedthemintothepowerofRome。TheBohemianshadspecifiedfourpointsastheconditionofpeacewithRome:thefreepreachingoftheBible；therightofthewholechurchtoboththebreadandthewineinthecommunion，andtheuseofthemothertongueindivineworship；theexclusionoftheclergyfromallsecularofficesandauthority；and，incasesofcrime，thejurisdictionofthecivilcourtsoverclergyandlaityalike。Thepapalauthoritiesatlast"agreedthatthefourarticlesoftheHussitesshouldbeaccepted，butthattherightofexplainingthem，thatis，ofdeterminingtheirpreciseimport，shouldbelongtothecouncil——inotherwords，tothepopeandtheemperor。"——Wylie，b。3，ch。18。Onthisbasisatreatywasenteredinto，andRomegainedbydissimulationandfraudwhatshehadfailedtogainbyconflict；for，placingherowninterpretationupontheHussitearticles，asupontheBible，shecouldperverttheirmeaningtosuitherownpurposes。

AlargeclassinBohemia，seeingthatitbetrayedtheirliberties，couldnotconsenttothecompact。Dissensionsanddivisionsarose，leadingtostrifeandbloodshedamongthemselves。InthisstrifethenobleProcopiusfell，andthelibertiesofBohemiaperished。

Sigismund，thebetrayerofHussandJerome，nowbecamekingofBohemia，andregardlessofhisoathtosupporttherightsoftheBohemians，heproceededtoestablishpopery。ButhehadgainedlittlebyhissubserviencetoRome。

Fortwentyyearshislifehadbeenfilledwithlaborsandperils。Hisarmieshadbeenwastedandhistreasuriesdrainedbyalongandfruitlessstruggle；

andnow，afterreigningoneyear，hedied，leavinghiskingdomonthebrinkofcivilwar，andbequeathingtoposterityanamebrandedwithinfamy。

Tumults，strife，andbloodshedwereprotracted。AgainforeignarmiesinvadedBohemia，andinternaldissension119

continuedtodistractthenation。Thosewhoremainedfaithfultothegospelweresubjectedtoabloodypersecution。

Astheirformerbrethren，enteringintocompactwithRome，imbibedhererrors，thosewhoadheredtotheancientfaithhadformedthemselvesintoadistinctchurch，takingthenameof"UnitedBrethren。"Thisactdrewuponthemmaledictionsfromallclasses。Yettheirfirmnesswasunshaken。Forcedtofindrefugeinthewoodsandcaves，theystillassembledtoreadGod’swordanduniteinHisworship。

Throughmessengerssecretlysentoutintodifferentcountries，theylearnedthathereandtherewere"isolatedconfessorsofthetruth，afewinthiscityandafewinthat，theobject，likethemselves，ofpersecution；andthatamidthemountainsoftheAlpswasanancientchurch，restingonthefoundationsofScripture，andprotestingagainsttheidolatrouscorruptionsofRome。"——Wylie，b。3，ch。19。Thisintelligencewasreceivedwithgreatjoy，andacorrespondencewasopenedwiththeWaldensianChristians。

Steadfasttothegospel，theBohemianswaitedthroughthenightoftheirpersecution，inthedarkesthourstillturningtheireyestowardthehorizonlikemenwhowatchforthemorning。"Theirlotwascastinevildays，but……theyrememberedthewordsfirstutteredbyHuss，andrepeatedbyJerome，thatacenturymustrevolvebeforethedayshouldbreak。TheseweretotheTaborites[Hussites]whatthewordsofJosephweretothetribesinthehouseofbondage:`Idie，andGodwillsurelyvisityou，andbringyouout。’"——Ibid。，b。3，ch。19。"TheclosingperiodofthefifteenthcenturywitnessedtheslowbutsureincreaseofthechurchesoftheBrethren。

Althoughfarfrombeingunmolested，theyyetenjoyedcomparativerest。AtthecommencementofthesixteenthcenturytheirchurchesnumberedtwohundredinBohemiaandMoravia。"——EzraHallGillett，LifeandTimesofJohnHuss，vol。2，p。570。"Sogoodlywastheremnantwhich，escapingthedestructivefuryoffireandsword，waspermittedtoseethedawningofthatdaywhichHusshadforetold。"——Wylie，b。3，ch。19。

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