The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

VI. Hussites Continue Struggle Against Antichrist of Prophecy

The burning of Huss by flagrant breach of imperial promise, followed by that of Jerome, aroused violent protest. Open insurrection flamed forth. Four hundred and fifty-two Bohemian and Moravian nobles signed and sent to the Council of Constance an indignant protest, and entered into a solemn six-year compact to maintain and defend the doctrines of Huss by all means. ⁷⁷ In 1417 the University of Prague declared for communion under both kinds. Meetings were called on the hilltop, or “tabor,” to celebrate the Lord’s supper in both kinds, these tabor gatherings becoming great religious celebrations of the Czechs. ⁷⁸ In consequence the participants were called Taborites. PFF2 119.3

Picture 2: HUSS FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH FOR PROPHETIC FAITH
Huss is burned at stake for stand against prophesied antichrist (upper); hussites compact to continue the struggle, celebrating communion in both kinds (lower)
Page 121

1. “TABOR” BECOMES REFUGE FROM ANTICHRIST

Upon the conclusion of the Council of Constance, Martin V issued abull, in 1418, ordering the punishment of all, of both sexes, holding the heresy of Wyclif, Huss, and Jerome. ⁷⁹ All the churches in Prague, except two, were ordered turned over to the Catholics. A crusade, involving 150,000 soldiers, was launched against Bohemian heretics. PFF2 121.1

John of Selau preached on the Apocalypse, emphasizing the second coming of Christ, and led a procession back from his chinch, past the town hall, where the magistrate tried to stop it. Through some incident a tremendous turmoil occurred during which the town hall was stormed, several of the city councilors being thrown out of the window and killed. This enraged the king, and the army was ordered out to oppose the Hussites. Thousands gathered in self-defense. The resolute John Ziska (“ziska = the one-eyed”) ⁸⁰ led the Huss ite armies in opposition to the papal crusaders, building for the “faithful” a stronghold on a steep mountain, called the city of Tabor-sixty miles from Prague-to which they could “flee from Antichrist.” Many were convinced that Prague had become a new Babylon, from which they were to escape. ⁸¹ (For medal of Paul II, see page 556.) PFF2 121.2

2. TABORITES REJECT ERRORS OF PAPAL “BEAST”

Bohemia became the gathering place for a large number of Waldenses who here found excellent soil for their opposition to Catholic tradition. In fact, the Taborites, Waldenses, and Wyclifites were very similar. The Taborites, or more anti Catholic faction of the Hussites, asserted the sole and absolute authoirity of Scripture, and repudiated the writings of the fathers of the church. ⁸² In 1420 a statement of faith by a group under the leadership of Martin Hauska was issued, which rejected all ceremonies associated with the mass, purgatory, intercession of saints, shrines, images, and transubstantiation. ⁸³ Two parties developed-the Hussites, who did not go beyond the position of Huss, and simply demanded the cup (calix); and the Taborites, who assumed positions of uncompromising hostility toward papal claims. PFF2 121.3

3. COMPROMISE POSITION REACHED AT COUNCIL OF BASEL

In 1431 the Hussites were invited to the Council of Basel (1431-1449), in an effort to restore unity to the church, and were given assurances of protection and of freedom of speech. ⁸⁴ Seven nobles and eight priests, representing the Hussites, rode through Germany bearing a banner reading, “Truth Conquers All!” On their arrival in Basel on January 4, 1433, the Bohemians were assigned to four public taverns. Very lengthy discussions at the council now began. Wyclif and Huss were even praised on the floor of the council. ⁸⁵ Nicholas of Cusa-to be noted soon-asked whether they would join the council if granted communion in both kinds. ’ PFF2 121.4

Finally, a compromise, based on the Four Articles of the Prague, which included provision for communion under both kinds for laymen, ⁸⁶ was reached with the reactionary Calixtines (from calix, cup). The main article granted the use of the cup to the laity, where it was asked, but on condition that the doctrine be inculcated that the whole Christ is contained in each of the elements. Compacts were ratified by the Bohemian Diet in 1436. Consequently the Hussite movement was outmaneuvered by the Council of Basel, but the Taborites were not satisfied. Slaughter broke out between the Utraquists (who approached closer to the Catholics) and the Taborites in Prague, and open war followed for a time. ⁸⁷ The Taborites were defeated in the battle at Lipan, in 1434. Their power was gone, and in 1452 they lost Mount Tabor. PFF2 121.5

The Unit as Fratrum (commonly called the Bohemian Brethren), the third body that finally emerged from the Hussite movement, formed a separate church (c. 1467), and had their chosen leader ordained by the Waldensian bishop Stephen. ⁸⁸ The Brethren absorbed the Taborites and received many Waldenses. Bishop Lukas (Lucas) of Prague (d. 1528) ⁸⁹ became their leading spirit. Visiting the Waldenses in their valleys, he is said to have republished their noted Treatise on Antichrist. Peter Chelcicky (d. 1460) rejected any union of church and state as the system of Antichrist. ⁹⁰ He wrote Sit Very (The Net of Faith). PFF2 123.1