HUSS, JOHN, HUSSITES

I. The Life and Work of Huss.

Early Life and Studies (§ 1).

Influence of Wyclif in Bohemia (§ 2).

The Papal Schism (§ 3).

Indulgences (§ 4).

Further Dissensions (§ 5).

The Council of Constance (§ 6).

Trial of Huss (§ 7).

Condemnation and Execution (§ 8).

Huss' Character, Writings, and Teachings (§ 9).

Source of his Influence (§ 10).

II. The Hussites.

Effect in Bohemia of the Death of Huss (§ 1).

Two Parties in Bohemia (§ 2).

The Four Articles of Prague (§ 3).

Calixtinesor Utraquists, and Taborites (§ 4).

The Hussite Wars (§ 5).

The Council of Basel and Compactata of Prague (§ 6).

Final Disappearance of the Hussites (§ 7).

I. The Life and Work of Huss

1. Early Life and Studies

John Huss, the famous Reformer of Bohemia, was born at Hussinetz (Husinecz; 75 m. s.s.w. of Prague) July 6, 1369, as commonly given; but the day is an inference from the fact that his followers honored his memory on July 6, the day of his death, and the year is probably too late; he was burned at the stake in Constance, June 6, 1415. John Huss is his common English designation, but the name is more correctly written, according to Slavic spelling, Hus. It is an abbreviation from his birthplace made by himself about 1399; in earlier life he was always known as Johann or Jan Hussinetz, or, in Latin, Johannes de Hussinetz. His parents were Czechs, in narrow circumstances. Like Luther, he had to earn his living by singing and performing humble services in the Church. He felt inclined toward the clerical profession, not so much by an inner impulse as by the attraction of the tranquil life of the clergy. He studied at Prague, where he must have been as early as the middle of the eighties. He was greatly in fluenced by Stanislaus of Znaim, who later was long his intimate friend, but finally his bitter enemy. As a student Huss slid not distinguish himself. The learned quotations of which he boasted in his writings were mostly taken from Wyclif's works. A hot temper and arrogance were traits of his character, and he was not free from sophistry. In 1393 he became bachelor of arts, in 1394 bachelor of theology, and in 1396 master of arts. In 1400 he was ordained priest, in 1401 he became dean of the philosophical faculty, and in the following year rector. In 1402 he was appointed also preacher of the Bethlehem Church in Prague, where he preached in the Czech language.