Not long after Gerson’s declaration Jerome again gave utterance to statements that were considered heretical, thus as writes Theodoric Vrie,[1] scandalising the whole sacred council. When reproached by members of the council, he claimed a hearing before the full assembly. This was granted to him, and he appeared before the council on May 30, 1416. De Vrie notices his clear voice, pallid look and long black beard. Questioned by members of the council with regard to the heretical opinions which he had again expressed, Jerome answered in a very impressive manner. He declared that he by no means denied having recanted, but that he had never committed a greater sin and crime than when he wrote his recantation. Never also had he so greatly regretted any sin, as he now regretted having rejected the opinions of those holy men, John Wycliffe and John Hus, and having expressed his approval of the death of those good men. A new act of accusation against him was now drawn up[2] which contained principally the same accusations that had previously been brought against Jerome. Though he who wishes to study thoroughly the history of the Bohemian reformation must consider it his duty to wade through the contents of this ponderous document, I do not consider it necessary to refer to them here. The only interesting part of the document is that which refers to Jerome’s connection with the “orthodox” Ruthenians, as it bears witness to the intense animosity which then already existed between the Roman and Greek churches.
A very striking document concerning the last days of Jerome has fortunately been preserved and has rightly attracted great attention. I refer to Poggio Bracciolini’s letter to Bruni (Leonardo Aretino).[3] Though Poggio was present at the council as papal legate, his letter is written entirely in
- ↑ Von der Hardt, T. iii., p. 182.
- ↑ Ibid. T. iv., pp. 634–691.
- ↑ “Poggii Florentini de Hieronymi Haeritici obitu et supplicio narratio.” (It has been frequently printed, by Von der Hardt, by Freherus—scriptores rerum Bohemicarum, together with Ænaeas Sylvius, Historia Bohemica, by Palacky, Documenta, etc.)
