JOHN HUSS, THE MARTYR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 56, 6 July 1915, Page 4

JOHN HUSS, THE MARTYR.

The year 1915 sees the 500th anniversary of the famous reformer and martyr. John Huss, who was burned at the stake in 1415 for his religious convictions. In many pulpits in the Dominion ' at 4 the present time releronces to his life’s work and untimely

death are being made. John Huss was born at Hussinecz, Bohemia, but the exact year is somewhat uncertain, authorities differing to the extent of five years, viz., 1069 to 1373. However, the fact that he was educated in Prague is perfectly clear. Here he was ordained in 1400, and became rector of the university and confessor to the Queen. The writings of Wicklitfe led him to change his religious views, and through him a reformation was started in the University of Prague, to check which the archbishop issued two decrees, but the new doctrines only spread the more. The Pope then granted a bull, suppressing the errors Huss had complained of. and Huss being cited to appear at Rome, was excommunicated for disobedience. He continued to propagate his principles, and was supported therein by Wenceslaus, King of Bohemia. till 1414, when he was summoned to appear before the Council of Constance. The Emperor Sigisnmnd sent him a safe-conduct, promising to preserve him in going to and from the Council, but the members of that Assembly decreed “that no faith is to be kept with heretics.” Huss fearlessly advocated’ his views, and as he refused to recant, he was degraded and burnt alive. His death was the cause of a civil war in Bohemia, in

which those who followed the martyr’s doctrines and were called Hussites, fought against King Wenceslaus, and

the struggle lasted for over twenty years. The date of his martyrdom is given as June 7, 1415.