as well as the leading propagator of the new opinions , John Huss . The former , having regard to their own safety , did not attend in person , but were represented by their delegates . Pope John , while ostensibly the convoker of the council , came to it with many misgivings , suspecting the emperor ' s secret purpose to depose him , and fearing to be brought to account for the vices which had disgraced the tiara , as well as for the crimes which had secured it . Yet he made his entry into the city of Constance with great pomp , attended by ecclesiastics of the highest rank and followed by a train of courtiers . All the clergy and dignitaries of the city , with an immense crowd of citizens , went out to welcome him . Above his head was a golden canopy , borne by four of the chief magistrates . The host was carried before him , and the rich dresses of the cardinals and nobles made an imposing display .
Meanwhile another traveler was approaching Constance . Huss was conscious of the dangers which threatened him . He parted from his friends as if he were never to meet them again , and went on his journey feeling that it was leading him to the stake . Notwithstanding he had obtained a safe-conduct from the king of Bohemia , and received one also from the emperor Sigismund while on his journey , he made all his arrangements in view of the probability of his death .
In a letter addressed to his friends at Prague he said : " My brethren , . . . I am departing with a safeconduct from the king to meet my numerous and mortal enemies . . . . I confide altogether in the allpowerful God , in my Saviour ; I trust that He will listen to your ardent prayers , that He will infuse His prudence and His wisdom into my mouth , in order that I may resist them ; and that He will accord me His Holy Spirit to fortify me in His truth , so that I may face with courage , temptations , prison , and , if necessary , a cruel death . Jesus Christ suffered for His well-beloved ; and therefore ought we to be astonished that He has left us His example , in order that we may ourselves endure with patience all things for our own salvation ? He is God , and we are His creatures ; He is the Lord , and we are His servants ; He is Master of the world , and we are contemptible mortals--yet He suffered ! Why , then , should we not suffer also , particularly when suffering is for us a purification ? Therefore , beloved , if my death ought to contribute to His glory , pray that it may come quickly , and that He may enable me to support all my calamities with constancy . But if it be better that I return amongst you , let us pray to God that I may return without stain--that is , that I may not suppress one tittle of the truth of the gospel , in order to leave my brethren an excellent example to follow . Probably , therefore , you will nevermore behold my face at Prague ; but should the will of the allpowerful God deign to restore me to you , let us then advance with a firmer heart in the knowledge and the love of His law ." --Bonnechose, vol . 1 , pp . 147 , 148 .
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