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John Huss and the Hussite Wars - James Aitken Wylie

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The abjuration of Jerome, renouncing <strong>the</strong> errors<br />

but adhering to <strong>the</strong> truths which Wicliffe <strong>and</strong> <strong>Huss</strong><br />

had taught, was not to <strong>the</strong> mind of <strong>the</strong> majority of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Council. There were men in it who were<br />

resolved that he should not thus escape. His master<br />

had paid <strong>the</strong> penalty of his errors with his life, <strong>and</strong><br />

it was equally determined to spill <strong>the</strong> blood of <strong>the</strong><br />

disciple. New accusations were preferred against<br />

him, amounting to <strong>the</strong> formidable number of a<br />

hundred <strong>and</strong> seven. It would be extraordinary,<br />

indeed, if in so long a list <strong>the</strong> Council should be<br />

unable to prove a sufficient number to bring<br />

Jerome to <strong>the</strong> stake. The indictment now framed<br />

against him had reference mainly to <strong>the</strong> real<br />

presence, indulgences, <strong>the</strong> worship of images <strong>and</strong><br />

relics, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> authority of <strong>the</strong> priests. A charge of<br />

disbelief in <strong>the</strong> Trinity was thrown in, perhaps to<br />

give all air of greater gravity to <strong>the</strong> inculpation; but<br />

Jerome purged himself of that accusation by<br />

reciting <strong>the</strong> Athanasian Creed.. As regarded<br />

transubstantiation, <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>rs had no cause to find<br />

fault with <strong>the</strong> opinions of <strong>Huss</strong> <strong>and</strong> Jerome. Both<br />

were believers in <strong>the</strong> real presence. "It is bread<br />

before consecration," said Jerome, "it is <strong>the</strong> body of<br />

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