The central gazette. [volume] (Charlottesville, Va.) 1820-1827, 1825-09-10
THE BURNING OF JOHN Huss.

ga The Lolldrds-a Tale" founded on the perse.
cat;ons which marked the early part of the 6f
teenth century-a work OF cosnider able value and
interest-there arc some impressive descriptions
Of the celebrated Christian Reformer, John Huss.
The account of his martyrdom cannot fail 10
arouse deep attention. The age of persecution
by fire and faGgot Is passed. buthere is nstance
81 its destructive, sweeping. heartless severity,
while il lasted. The following extracts from the
work, descriptive Of the burning Of John Huss,
we think it impossible for any one to read with
out the most painful emotions
e. The procession moved on, Huss, absorbed in
Pious meditations, was only awake to joyful hope;
and The momentary weakness which had come over
him in .he church, had given place to the most calm
and settled fortitude Arriving at tho gate Of the
Episcopal palace, he pile of wood. and belicv-
ed that he was already at the place of execution
He was soon undcceiyed ; for, the wood being fred
he saw is writings brought forward, and
iy thrown into the flames. smile played on his
features, which he tried but in vain to sn, other
while he witnessed this vain experiment: and turn.
ing to the crowd with the utmost composure, he
declared that his writings consumed, not for
che which they contained, but to crafty the
isnoble rage Of his adverssries.
8. The sun shone bri sht, but shower OF rain had
fallen, and in the circle Of which Huss was admit
large carthworm in his path. lie stepped little
aside to avoid treading on it. One of his guards,
who observed this placed his foot the reptile with
air of bravsdo.
ss'I would call the worm my brother.' said the
martyr, and truly we are brothers in misfortune;
for we perish by the same cruelty
20 He now approached a large area, which had
been cleared from the crowd, who still anxiously
pressed forward wherever the vigilance Of the guards
relaxed IL was opposite the gate Of Gottlebian,
and between the gates and gardens Of the suburbS.
IN the centre nc accumulation Of faggots,
amidst which strong post was erected. Several
men were employed ia carrying wood in ihe
open space, and four lergs bundles Of straw were
placed beside the faggots. man of ferocions as.
pect stood near the port about which the fsggots
,wcre piled. lie was engaged in discntangliug tho
coils Of rope, which had been recently immersed
In water, and two or three chains laid across a
bench, with an appearance Of careful angemept.
Huss had difficulty in recognizing in .his man
ibis executioner--and il the place to which he had
now been conducted, the spot which he to
die.
although the unfortunate Huss was surrounded
by such beings, who had wrought themselves up to
suppose that the torture aud death Of vrtuous man
svould be an acceptable specialized God Of mer
cy, there were many among the crowd, whose piety
FELL short OF that zeal which could contemplate the
sneditated sacrifice without shpddering horror 49,
These made their voices heard, remarking,
thatin whatever way the sufferer had before offended,
he prayed most devoutly, and some wished ne might
be iaduIged with confessor. Bot priest who rad
been present at tho council, and now riding
within the circle called cut on perceising the impres.
sion which the martyrs words had made, that being
convicted hereto, those eDtrssted With the punish
n,ent of his offences ought not TO suffer him to be
heard At the same time, he declared that no con.
lessor could be allowed to approach one SO sccursed
.~cus off frou,, aud already dead TO, the church.
s'The cxccutioner then took from bis person a
white coat, ia honor Of bis anticipated dehyersnee.
hffock, prepared with pitch and tar, ives brought
70 him, and wearing this, he was conducted to the
stskeg@ Ills hands were bound, and two faggots,
~ilh straw intermixed, placed beneath his feet
A we, rope was put around him, and this was tied
TO che stake, when partial ruurmur ran through
those who had been admitted within the guarded
space. Huss started An idea crossed his mind
tkft possibly oisismand Rad relented; but this was