Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: RobbyS; RnMomof7
You would have liked to see him get the Hus treatment, huh? While in seclusion at the Wartburg he translated the Bible into German (a brilliant translation which shaped the German language thereafter). His translation enabled his countrymen to read the Bible for themselves. Dangerous stuff.

RS, Luther risked his life even going to Worms on safe conduct. The questioning of Luther was focvused on linking him with Hus and no doubt had the same fate in view. Thank God, Charles and the RC hierarchy did not do to him what was done to John Hus.

HUS' TESTIMONY>>>

The ceremony of degradation now took place. As soon. as his robes had been taken from him, the Bishops began a hot discussion about the proper way of cutting his hair. Some clamoured for a razor, others were all for scissors. "See," said Hus to the King, "these Bishops cannot agree in their blasphemy." At last the scissors won the victory. His tonsure was cut in four directions, and a fool's cap, a yard high, with a picture of devils tearing his soul, was placed upon that hero's head. "So," said the Bishops, "we deliver your soul to the devil." "Most joyfully," said Hus, "will I wear this crown of shame for thy sake, O Jesus! who for me didst wear a crown of thorns." "Go, take him," said the King. And Hus was led to his death. As he passed along he saw the bonfire in which his books were being burned. He smiled. Along the streets of the city he strode, with fetters clanking on his feet, a thousand soldiers for his escort, and crowds of admirers surging on every hand. Full soon the fatal spot was reached. It was a quiet meadow among the gardens, outside the city gates. At the stake he knelt once more in prayer, and the fool's cap fell from his head. Again he smiled. It ought to be burned along with him, said a watcher, that he and the devils might be together. He was bound to the stake with seven moist thongs and an old rusty chain, and faggots of wood and straw were piled round him to the chin. For the last time the Marshal approached to give him a fair chance of abjuring. "What errors," he retorted, "shall I renounce? I know myself guilty of none. I call God to witness that all that I have written and preached has been with the view of rescuing souls from sin and perdition, and therefore most joyfully will I confirm with my blood the truth I have written and preached."

As the flames arose and the wood crackled, he chanted the Catholic burial prayer, "Jesu, Son of David, have mercy upon me." From the west a gentle breeze was blowing, and a gust dashed the smoke and sparks in his face. At the words "Who was born of the Virgin Mary he ceased; his lips moved faintly in silent prayer; and a few moments later the martyr breathed no more. At last the cruel fire died down, and the soldiers wrenched his remains from the post, hacked his skull in pieces, and ground his bones to powder. As they prodded about among the glowing embers to see how much of Hus was left, they found, to their surprise, that his heart was still unburned. One fixed it on the point of his spear, thrust it back into the fire, and watched it frizzle away; and finally, by the Marshal's orders, they gathered all the ashes together, and tossed them into the Rhine.

94 posted on 11/02/2002 1:53:21 PM PST by drstevej
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 93 | View Replies ]


To: drstevej
Hus was the better man.
95 posted on 11/02/2002 6:45:09 PM PST by RobbyS
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 94 | View Replies ]

To: drstevej
Ichabod  
96 posted on 11/02/2002 6:51:14 PM PST by RnMomof7
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 94 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson