14 - Hus Again Before the Council

Chapter XIV - Hus Again Before the Council When a synod would condemn Wiclif’s writings in May, 1382, an earthquake delayed the decision, and when the Council on June 7, 1415, would condemn Hus, a total eclipse of the sun delayed the proceeding. At one o’clock the sky was clear and Hus was again brought in, again in chains, and under guard. He was accused of denying the presence of Christ’s body in the sacrament. Hus repelled the charge and stuck to it against the famous Pierre d’Ailly of Cambray and many other French and Italian prelates, and he did it so stoutly that the British objected: “This man, so far as we see, has right views as to the sacrament of the altar.” Violent disputes arose. As the Roman captain had to interfere when Paul stood before the factions of the Jewish Sanhedrin, so the Emperor Sigismund had now to exercise his authority and command and compel order in the grave and reverend holy Council. Hus could not with a good conscience condemn all of Wiclif’s writings until they were proven against Holy Scriptures, and such was his admiration of the stainless life of the man, that he wished his soul might be where Wiclif’s was.

Renewed jeers and derision. Pierre d’Ailly advised Hus to submit to the Council; the Emperor likewise, since he would not protect a heretic; rather would he with his own hands fire the stake.

“I call God to witness ... that I came here of my own accord with this intent that if any one could give me better instruction I would unhesitatingly change my views.”