The Lives of John Wicliff, and the Most Eminent of His Disciples (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1766 edition. Excerpt: ... 1 THE L I F E O F JEROME of PRAGUE. WE find very little relating to the early part of the life of this reformer. As he was a zealous follower of Huss, and united with him in all his schemes; the actions, in which they were jointly engaged, are ascribed by historians to Huss, as the more eminent leader. In general however, we find his youth spent in an eager pursuit of knowledge; which he fought after in all the more considerable universities of Europe; particularly in those of Prague, Paris, Heidelburgh, Cologn, and Oxford, At At Oxford, which seems to have been the last seat of learning, which he visited, he became acquainted with the works of Wicliff; and being a person of uncommon application, he translated many of them into his native language; having with great pains made himself master of the EnglishIt is probable he had conceived an esteem for Wicliff, before he went to Oxford. At his return to Prague, he professed himself an open favourer of him; and finding his doctrines had made a considerable progress in Bohemia, and that Huss was at the head of that party, which had espoused them, he attached himself to that leader. Huss was glad of so able an assistant in his great work of reforming the clergy: for Jerome was inferior to none of his time, in point either of abilities, or learning;--superior certainly to his master in both. Huss was however better qualified as the leader of a party; his gentleness, and very persuasive manper conciliating the minds of men in his favour: whereas Jerome, with all his great and good qualities, wanted temper. Qf this we have some instances; one indeed very flagrant. He was disputing with two two monks about reliques, whom he accidentally met on the banks of the Muldaw;. and finding himself more...