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John Huss John Huss (or Jan Hus) was born around the
year 1380. He was born in the
village of Hussenitz, in southern Bohemia (now Czech Republic).
Though Mr. Huss’s parents were
peasants; they gave him the very best education they could. His surname, by the way, meant Goose. Mr. Huss was
sent to the University of Prague, Charles University, and there received his
M.A. degree in 1396. At the University, the ability and
potential, along with the diligence of Mr. Huss could be seen by
many of his teachers. Two years
later he became a professor in theology at the University of Prague, and in 1401
was made dean of its philosophical faculty.
John Huss was ordained as a priest in 1400.
Two years later he was chosen as pastor at the church of Bethlehem, the
Bethlehem Chapel. There the sermons
were given in Czech instead of the traditional Latin.
At this time he also was chosen, in Prague, as dean and rector of the
university. All of these stations Mr. Huss fulfilled
with great loyalty. Soon, however,
he became so prominent for his preaching and the boldness of his truths that he
attracted the attention of the pope and his followers. Though
Mr. Huss was less “radical” than the English church reformer John Wycliffe, he
nevertheless agreed with him on many points. In 1414 John Huss was summoned to appear at
the Council of Constance. The people of the council
had been called together to resolve the division in the church and to stop all
heresy. Mr. Huss had received a safe conduct from
the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund, meaning that the Emperor had guaranteed Mr.
Huss’s personal safety even if he was found guilty.
Mr. Huss thought he would be able to effectively defend himself and his
beliefs. At his first appearance of the Council, his
enemies had him jailed, then put on trial for heresy.
The charges falsely stated the doctrines he had preached.
Mr. Huss was told to recant and promise not
to teach anymore. Mr. Huss refused
emphatically. John Huss was condemned by the council, and
burned at the stake in 1415. He died a martyr, and his
execution began the Hussite Wars in Bohemia.
© 2003 by Terra A. Mandrell ~ Please do not reprint or duplicate without permission. |
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