The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 80

The European Union in Prophecy
enemies, fearing that he might escape them, treated him with less severity, though
he remained in prison for one year.
The death of Huss had not resulted as the papists had hoped. The violation of
his safe-conduct had roused a storm of indignation, and as the safer course, the council
determined, instead of burning Jerome, to force him, if possible, to retract. He was
brought before the assembly, and offered the alternative to recant, or to die at the
stake. Death at the beginning of his imprisonment would have been a mercy in
comparison with the terrible sufferings which he had undergone; but now, weakened
by illness, by the rigors of his prison house, and the torture of anxiety and suspense,
separated from his friends, and disheartened by the death of Huss, Jerome's fortitude
gave way, and he consented to submit to the council. He pledged himself to adhere to
the Catholic faith, and accepted the action of the council in condemning the doctrines
of Wycliffe and Huss, excepting, however, the "holy truths" which they had taught.--
Ibid, vol. 2, p. 141.
By this expedient Jerome endeavoured to silence the voice of conscience and
escape his doom. But in the solitude of his dungeon he saw more clearly what he had
done. He thought of the courage and fidelity of Huss, and in contrast pondered upon
his own denial of the truth. He thought of the divine Master whom he had pledged
himself to serve, and who for his sake endured the death of the cross. Before his
retraction he had found comfort, amid all his sufferings, in the assurance of God's
favor; but now remorse and doubts tortured his soul. He knew that still other
retractions must be made before he could be at peace with Rome. The path upon which
he was entering could end only in complete apostasy. His resolution was taken: To
escape a brief period of suffering he would not deny his Lord.
Soon he was again brought before the council. His submission had not satisfied
his judges. Their thirst for blood, whetted by the death of Huss, clamored for fresh
victims. Only by an unreserved surrender of the truth could Jerome preserve his life.
But he had determined to avow his faith and follow his brother martyr to the flames.
He renounced his former recantation and, as a dying man, solemnly required an
opportunity to make his defense. Fearing the effect of his words, the prelates insisted
that he should merely affirm or deny the truth of the charges brought against him.
Jerome protested against such cruelty and injustice. "You have held me shut up three
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