ment gained him universal esteem. He was a sincere adherent
of the Roman Church, and an earnest seeker for the spiritual blessings
which it professes to bestow. On the occasion of a jubilee, he went to
confession, paid the last few coins in his scanty store, and joined in the
processions, that he might share in the absolution promised. After
completing his college course, he entered the priesthood, and rapidly
attaining to eminence, he soon became attached to the court of the king.
He was also made professor and afterward rector of the university where he
had received his education. In a few years the humble charity scholar had
become the pride of his country, and his name was renowned throughout
Europe.

But it was in another field that Huss began the work of reform. Several
years after taking priest's orders he was appointed preacher of the chapel
of Bethlehem. The founder of this chapel had advocated, as a matter of
great importance, the preaching of the Scriptures in the language of the
people. Notwithstanding Rome's opposition to this practice, it had not
been wholly discontinued in Bohemia. But there was great ignorance of the
Bible, and the worst vices prevailed among the people of all ranks. These
evils Huss unsparingly denounced, appealing to the word of God to enforce
the principles of truth and purity which he inculcated.

A citizen of Prague, Jerome, who afterward became so closely associated
with Huss, had, on returning from England, brought with him the writings
of Wycliffe. The queen of England, who had been a convert to Wycliffe's
teachings, was a Bohemian princess, and through her influence also the
Reformer's works were widely circulated in her native country. These works
Huss read with interest; he believed their author to be a sincere
Christian, and was inclined to regard with favor the reforms which he
advocated. Already, though he knew it not, Huss had entered upon a path
which was to lead him far away from Rome.

About this time there arrived in Prague two strangers from England, men of
learning, who had received the light, and had come to spread it in this
distant land. Beginning with an open attack on the pope's supremacy, they
were soon silenced by the authorities; but being unwilling to relinquish
their purpose, they had recourse to other measures. Being artists as well
as preachers, they proceeded to exercise their skill. In a place open to
the public they drew two pictures. One represented