Basic HTML Version
68
From Here to Forever
unjust judges. In almost every generation those seeking to elevate
the people of their time had been cast out. Christ Himself was
condemned as a malefactor at an unrighteous tribunal.
Jerome now declared his repentance and bore witness to the
innocence and holiness of the martyr Huss. “I knew him from his
childhood,” he said. “He was a most excellent man, just and holy;
he was condemned, notwithstanding his innocence. ... I am ready to
die. I will not recoil before the torments that are prepared for me by
my enemies and false witnesses, who will one day have to render
an account of their impostures before the great God, whom nothing
can deceive.”
Jerome continued: “Of all the sins that I have committed since
my youth, none weigh so heavily on my mind, and cause me such
poignant remorse, as that which I committed in this fatal place, when
I approved of the iniquitous sentence rendered against Wycliffe, and
against the holy martyr, John Huss, my master and my friend. Yes! I
confess it from my heart, and declare with horror that I disgracefully
quailed when, through a dread of death, I condemned their doctrines.
I therefore supplicate ... Almighty God to deign to pardon me my
sins, and this one in particular, the most heinous of all.”
Pointing to his judges, he said firmly, “You condemned Wycliffe
and John Huss. ... The things which they have affirmed, and which
are irrefutable, I also think and declare, like them.”
His words were interrupted. The prelates, trembling with rage,
cried out: “What need is there of further proof? We behold with our
own eyes the most obstinate of heretics!”
Unmoved by the tempest, Jerome exclaimed: “What! do you
suppose that I fear to die? You have held me for a whole year in a
[72]
frightful dungeon, more horrible than death itself. ... I cannot but ex-
press my astonishment at such great barbarity toward a Christian.
Assigned to Prison and Death
Again the storm of rage burst out, and Jerome was hurried away
to prison. Yet there were some upon whom his words had made a
deep impression and who desired to save his life. He was visited by
16
Bonnechose, vol. 2, pp. 151, 153.