Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 89:354 (Apr 1932)
Article: John Hus; His Philosophy And Theology
Author: Leslie R. Sovocol

BSac 89:354 (April 1932) p. 209

John Hus; His Philosophy And Theology

Leslie R. Sovocol

Through the instrumentality of Hus the new ideas, to which his age was giving birth, were developed into a national reformation that proved to be the harbinger of the General Reformation. 1 He opened the way (1) for the coming of the Unitas Fratrum which was founded by his followers and inherited his principles, and (2) this led Bohemia and Moravia out of the darkness of the Middle Ages a century before it began to disappear from other countries. Hus was born on the 6th of July, 1369, in Husinec, Bohemia. He studied at the University of Prague. In 1396 he was constituted a Master of Arts. His talents were not brilliant, but his diligence never flagged. He devoted himself to his books with the patience and tenacity of a Czech. He became a man of comprehensive learning, and slowly, but surely, made his way to the side of the greatest celebrities of his age. Berger asserts that the learning of Hus was not extraordinary, but merely such as was common among all scholars of his day. His moral character was blameless. His bitterest enemies were constrained to recognize the purity of his heart and the holiness of his life. Some modern writers of the Romish School2 call him “a vain declaimer, a plotter, a proud Czech, a fanatic, a revolutionist, an ignorant fellow, as rude and bold as a peasant.” 3 Palacky asserts that Hus was rash, obstinate, greedy of popularity, and ambitious to win a martyr’s crown. That Hus dwelt upon this possibility is evident from various passages of his Bohemian works rather than his Latin works.

Tradition has it, that on reading an account of the cruel execution of St. Lawrence, who was roasted alive on an iron chair, he thrust his own hand into the fire in order to test his ability to endure such torments. Greatness and

BSac 89:354 (April 1932) p. 210

faults are inseparable and the record of Hus was not spotless. He could not forget the degeneracy of the Church and the apparent evil of the times in which he lived. He was called to a professorship in the University in 1398. This school next to that of Paris, after which it was modeled, constituted the most distinguished seat of learning on the Continent of Europe. It embraced four faculties; theology, law, medicine and philosophy. Some authorities say there were in 1408,200 Doctors and Masters, 500 bachelors and more than 30,000 students.

In 1401 he was elected Dean of the Philosophical Faculty, and in 1402 Rector of the University. Dire confusion reigned throughout Latin Christendom. A disgraceful schism was caused ...