hereafter united in their lives , and in death they were not to be divided . Brilliancy of genius , eloquence and learning — gifts that win popular favor — were possessed in a pre-eminent degree by Jerome ; but in those qualities which constitute real strength of character , Huss was the greater . His calm judgment served as a restraint upon the impulsive spirit of Jerome , who , with true humility , perceived his worth , and yielded to his counsels . Under their united labors the reform was more rapidly extended .
God permitted great light to shine upon the minds of these chosen men , revealing to them many of the errors of Rome ; but they did not receive all the light that was to be given to the world . Through these , His servants , God was leading the people out of the darkness of Romanism ; but there were many and great obstacles for them to meet , and He led them on , step by step , as they could bear it . They were not prepared to receive all the light at once . Like the full glory of the noontide sun to those who have long dwelt in darkness , it would , if presented , have caused them to turn away . Therefore He revealed it to the leaders little by little , as it could be received by the people . From century to century , other faithful workers were to follow , to lead the people on still further in the path of reform .
The schism in the church still continued . Three popes were now contending for the supremacy , and their strife filled Christendom with crime and tumult . Not content with hurling anathemas , they resorted to temporal weapons . Each cast about him to purchase arms and to obtain soldiers . Of course money must be had ; and to procure this , the gifts , offices , and blessings of the church were offered for sale . ( See Appendix note for page 59 .) The priests also , imitating their superiors , resorted to simony and war to humble their rivals and strengthen their own power . With daily increasing boldness Huss thundered against the abominations which were tolerated in the name of religion ; and the people openly accused the Romish leaders as the cause of the miseries that overwhelmed Christendom .
103