THE REFORMATION SPREADS

Wycliffe's writings were read by John Huss of Bohemia. The writings led Huss to turn from the errors of Romanism. Huss became a reformer. Huss was a noble Christian the same as Wycliffe. Huss was well educated. He defended strongly whatever he thought was truth. Huss believed all Christians should know what the Bible teaches. Huss boldly rebuked the sinful lives of church leaders. This caught the attention of people, and thousands accepted a purer faith. The pope, bishops, priests, and monks became very angry.SRme 1.1506

Huss was commanded to appear before the Council of Constance. Huss was accused of heresy. The German emperor promised Huss a safe journey to the city of Constance. When Huss arrived at Constance the pope personally saw him and promised he would be treated fairly.SRme 1.1507

Huss remained firm for the truth during the long trial. When the trial finally ended, Huss was told he had to deny his teachings, or he would be killed. Huss chose to die as a martyr for Christ. Huss saw his books thrown into the fire, then he was burned at the stake.SRme 1.1508

After Huss had stood before the leaders of church and state, he rebuked in solemn words the corruption of papal rule. The pope had promised to protect Huss, but the pope's promise meant nothing. Huss was killed. Huss's death showed the whole world that Rome was cruel and could not be trusted. The enemies of truth who killed Huss did not know they were helping the reformation that they wanted to destroy.SRme 1.1509

During the time of persecution, the reformers continued to calmly and patiently speak against corrupt religion. The same as believers in the days of the apostles, many people freely gave all they had to the cause of Christ.SRme 1.1510

The popes made strong efforts to strengthen and increase their power. The popes still said they were Christ's representatives. But the corrupt lives of the church leaders disgusted the people and made the people want something better.SRme 1.1511

At this time the printing press was invented. Many Bibles were printed and circulated. The people saw that the papal teachings did not agree with the Word of God.SRme 1.1512

When a reformer was killed because of sharing the truth, other people continued to work. With courage the reformers stood firm. The struggle resulted in freedom for people and churches, and also for nations. After a hundred years other reformers continued the work that John Wycliffe had started. Luther began the Reformation in Germany. Calvin preached the gospel in France. Zwingle preached in Switzerland. The world awakened from its sleep of centuries as the cry, "Religious Liberty," sounded from country to country.SRme 1.1513