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John Huss and the Hussite Wars - James Aitken Wylie

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credited by those who had fled before <strong>the</strong>m on <strong>the</strong><br />

battle-field; but <strong>the</strong>y saw in <strong>the</strong>m o<strong>the</strong>r qualities<br />

which, though less rare, were more worthy of<br />

admiration. Their tall figures <strong>and</strong> gallant bearing,<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir faces scarred with battle, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir eyes lit<br />

with courage, were <strong>the</strong> subject of general comment.<br />

Procopius drew all eyes upon him. "This is <strong>the</strong><br />

man," said <strong>the</strong>y one to ano<strong>the</strong>r, "who has so often<br />

put to flight <strong>the</strong> armies of <strong>the</strong> faithful – who has<br />

destroyed so many cities – who has massacred so<br />

many thous<strong>and</strong>s; <strong>the</strong> invincible – <strong>the</strong> valiant."<br />

The deputies had received <strong>the</strong>ir instructions<br />

before leaving Prague. They were to insist on <strong>the</strong><br />

four following points (which, as already<br />

mentioned, formed <strong>the</strong> pre-arranged basis on which<br />

alone <strong>the</strong> question of a satisfactory adjustment of<br />

affairs could be considered) as <strong>the</strong> indispensable<br />

conditions of peace: – I. The free preaching of <strong>the</strong><br />

Word. II. The right of <strong>the</strong> laity to <strong>the</strong> Cup, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

use of <strong>the</strong> vernacular tongue in all parts of Divine<br />

worship. III. The ineligibility of <strong>the</strong> clergy to<br />

secular office <strong>and</strong> rule. IV. The execution of <strong>the</strong><br />

laws in <strong>the</strong> case of all crimes, without respect of<br />

232

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