I'm in Prague where I've found a statue of John Huss, the first martyr of the Reformation, a hero to Martin Luther and many other Reformers. Huss preached key Reformation themes a century before Luther drew up his 95 Theses. Today is the anniversary of his historic defiance of the religious and political spirit!
Then they killed him.
When he saw he wasn't to be given a forum for explaining his ideas, let alone a fair hearing, he finally said, “I appeal to Jesus Christ, the only judge who is almighty and completely just. In his hands I plead my cause, not on the basis of false witnesses and erring councils, but on truth and justice.” He was taken to his cell, where many pleaded with him to recant. On July 6, 1415, he was taken to the cathedral, dressed in his priestly garments, then stripped of them one by one. He refused one last chance to recant at the stake, where he prayed, “Lord Jesus, it is for thee that I patiently endure this cruel death. I pray thee to have mercy on my enemies.” He was heard reciting the Psalms as the flames engulfed him.
