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The Great Controversy
John, whose character and policy could ill bear investigation, even by
prelates as lax in morals as were the churchmen of those times. He
dared not, however, oppose the will of Sigismund. (See Appendix.)
The chief objects to be accomplished by the council were to heal
the schism in the church and to root out heresy. Hence the two an-
tipopes were summoned to appear before it, as well as the leading
propagator of the new opinions, John Huss. The former, having regard
to their own safety, did not attend in person, but were represented
by their delegates. Pope John, while ostensibly the convoker of the
council, came to it with many misgivings, suspecting the emperor’s
secret purpose to depose him, and 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 of the highest rank and followed
by a train of courtiers. All the clergy and dignitaries of the city, with
an immense crowd of citizens, went out to welcome him. Above his
head was a golden canopy, borne by four of the chief magistrates. The
host was carried before him, and the rich dresses of the cardinals and
nobles made an imposing display.
Meanwhile another traveler was approaching Constance. Huss was
conscious of the dangers which threatened him. He parted from his
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friends as if he were never to meet them again, and went on his journey
feeling that it was leading him to the stake. Notwithstanding he had
obtained a safe-conduct from the king of Bohemia, and received one
also from the emperor Sigismund while on his journey, he made all
his arrangements in view of the probability of his death.
In a letter addressed to his friends at Prague he said: “My brethren,
... I am departing with a safe-conduct from the king to meet my numer-
ous and mortal enemies.... I confide altogether in the all-powerful God,
in my Saviour; I trust that He will listen to your ardent prayers, that
He will infuse His prudence and His wisdom into my mouth, in order
that I may resist them; and that He will accord me His Holy Spirit to
fortify me in His truth, so that I may face with courage, temptations,
prison, and, if necessary, a cruel death. Jesus Christ suffered for His
well-beloved; and therefore ought we to be astonished that He has left
us His example, in order that we may ourselves endure with patience
all things for our own salvation? He is God, and we are His creatures;
He is the Lord, and we are His servants; He is Master of the world,