The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 115

The things which they have affirmed, and which are irrefutable, I also
think and declare, like them.”
His words were interrupted. The prelates, trembling with rage, cried
out: “What need is there of further proof? We behold with our own eyes
the most obstinate of heretics!”
Unmoved by the tempest, Jerome exclaimed: “What! do you
suppose that I fear to die? You have held me for a whole year in a
frightful dungeon, more horrible than death itself. You have treated
me more cruelly than a Turk, Jew, or pagan, and my flesh has literally
rotted off my bones alive; and yet I make no complaint, for lamentation
ill becomes a man of heart and spirit; but I cannot but expr ess my
astonishment at such great barbarity toward a Christian.”—Ibid., vol.
2, pp. 151-153.
Again the storm of rage burst out, and Jerome was hurried away to
prison. Yet there were some in the assembly upon whom his words had
made a deep impression and who desired to save his life. He was visited
by dignitaries of the church and urged to submit himself to the council.
The most brilliant prospects were presented before him as the reward of
renouncing his opposition to Rome. But like his Master when offered
the glory of the world, Jerome remained steadfast.
“Prove to me from the Holy Writings that I am in error,” he said,
“and I will abjure it.”
“The Holy Writings!” exclaimed one of his tempters, “is everything
then to be judged by them? Who can understand them till the church has
interpreted them?”
“Are the traditions of men more worthy of faith than the gospel of
our Saviour?” replied Jerome. “Paul did not exhort those to whom he
wrote to listen to the traditions of men, but said, ‘Search the Scriptures.”’
“Heretic!” was the response, “I repent having pleaded so long with
you. I see that you are urged on by the devil.”—Wylie, b. 3, ch. 10.
Erelong sentence of condemnation was passed upon him. He was
led out to the same spot upon which Huss had

114