07 - Hus Opposes the Pope

Chapter VII - Hus Opposes the Pope On De, 1411, Pope John XXIII decreed a crusade against King Ladislas of Naples, who favored the rival Pope Gregory XII, “the heretic, blasphemer, schismatic,” as John called him, and offered a plenary indulgence, or forgiveness of sins, to all who would give money for the war.

Tiem, the papal pedler, like Tetzel a century later, caused trouble. He came to Prag and with beating of drums ordered the people into the churches, where contribution boxes had been placed; even the confessional was abused to extort money from the people. In the University and in the Church Hus protested against this shameless business. On June 7, 1412, there was a great disputation on the subject in the large hall of the Carolinum. Hus held no pope or bishop had the right to draw the sword in the name of the Church, he must pray for his enemies and bless them that curse him. Man gets forgiveness of sins through real sorrow and repentance, not through money. Unless one be of the elect, the indulgence will do him no good. If the Pope’s bulls are against the Bible, they are to be resisted.

Jerome also made a stormy speech, and the younger scholars escorted him home in triumph. On June 24, there was an uproarious procession, and a crowd burned the Pope’s bull. The King threatened death for speaking against the indulgence. On Sunday, July 10, three young men in church called the indulgence a lie. Hus and thousands of students pleaded for them. The magistrates made fair promises, but on Monday the three young men were executed. They were buried in Bethlehem Chapel, which the people now called the “Church of the Three Saints.” The Reformation had won its first martyrs.

King Wenzel now forbade the preaching of Wiclif’s teaching. Hus demanded it be proven against the Bible, and proceeded to prove it in accordance with the Bible.