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The Great Controversy 1888
cruelly than a Turk, Jew, or pagan, and my flesh has literally rotted
off my bones alive; and yet I make no complaint, for lamentation
ill becomes a man of heart and spirit; but I cannot but express my
astonishment at such great barbarity toward a Christian.”
Again the storm of rage burst out; and Jerome was hurried away to
prison. Yet there were some in the assembly upon whom his words
had made a deep impression, and who desired to save his life. He was
visited by dignitaries of the church, and urged to submit himself to the
council. The most brilliant prospects were presented before him as
the reward of renouncing his opposition to Rome. But like his Master,
when offered the glory of the world, Jerome remained steadfast.
“Prove to me from the Holy Writings that I am in error,” he said,
“and I will abjure it.”
“The Holy Writings!” exclaimed one of his tempters, “is everything
to be judged by them? Who can understand them until the church has
interpreted them?”
“Are the traditions of men more worthy of faith than the gospel
of our Saviour?” replied Jerome. “Paul did not exhort those to whom
he wrote to listen to the traditions of men, but said, ‘Search the Scrip-
tures.’”
“Heretic,” was the response, “I repent having pleaded so long with
you. I see that you are urged on by the devil.”
Erelong sentence of condemnation was passed upon him. He was
led out to the same spot upon which Huss had yielded up his life.
He went singing on his way, his countenance lighted up with joy and
peace. His gaze was fixed upon Christ, and to him death had lost
its terrors. When the executioner, about to kindle the pile, stepped
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behind him, the martyr exclaimed, “Come forward boldly; apply the
fire before my face. Had I been afraid, I should not be here.”
His last words, uttered as the flames rose about him, were a prayer.
“Lord, Almighty Father,” he cried, “have pity on me, and pardon me
my sins, for thou knowest that I have always loved thy truth.” His voice
ceased, but his lips continued to move in prayer.
When the fire had done its work, the ashes of the martyr, with the
earth upon which they rested, were gathered up, and, like those of
Huss, were thrown into the Rhine. So perished God’s faithful light-
bearers. But the light of the truths which they proclaimed,—the light
of their heroic example,—could not be extinguished. As well might