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62
From Here to Forever
purchase arms and obtain soldiers. Of course money must be had;
to procure this, the gifts, offices, and blessing of the church were
offered for sale.
With increasing boldness Huss thundered against the abomina-
tions tolerated in the name of religion. The people openly accused
Rome as the cause of the miseries that overwhelmed Christendom.
Again Prague seemed on the verge of a bloody conflict. As in
former ages, God’s servant was accused as “he that troubleth Israel.”
1 Kings 18:17
. The city was again placed under interdict, and Huss
withdrew to his native village. He was to speak from a wider stage,
to all Christendom, before laying down his life as a witness for truth.
A general council was summoned to meet at Constance [south-
western Germany], called at the desire of the emperor Sigismund by
one of the three rival popes, John XXIII. Pope John, whose character
and policy could ill bear investigation, dared not oppose the will of
Sigismund.
The chief objects to be accomplished
[65]
were to heal the schism in the church and to root out “heresy.” The
two antipopes were summoned to appear as well as John Huss. The
former were represented by their delegates. Pope John came with
many misgivings, fearing to be brought to account for the vices
which had disgraced the tiara as well as for the crimes which had
secured it. Yet he made his entry into the city of Constance with
great pomp, attended by ecclesiastics and a train of courtiers. Above
his head was a golden canopy, borne by four of the chief magistrates.
The host was carried before him, and the rich dress of the cardinals
and nobles made an imposing display.
Meanwhile another traveler was approaching Constance. Huss
parted from his friends as if he were never to meet them again, feel-
ing that his journey was leading him to the stake. He had obtained
a safe-conduct from the king of Bohemia and one also from Em-
peror Sigismund. But he made all his arrangements in view of the
probability of his death.
Safe Conduct From the King
In a letter to his friends he said: “My brethren, ... I am departing
with a safe-conduct from the king to meet my numerous and mortal
enemies. ... Jesus Christ suffered for His well-beloved; and therefore