imade the rector of the Church of Leitomeric, but later was promoted to that in the Teyn Church in the Old Town. The only preaching at this time was that of the begging friars, the parish priests thinking they did their whole duty when they recited the mass, or went through some of the prescribed Church services. Waldhausen was a great preacher, and his native eloquence was rendered all the more effective by his burning zeal to reform the clergy as well as the laity. The best account of Waldhausen is given by Benes Krabice, of Veitmil, who speaks as follows:
“In the year 1369, on the Feast of the Conception of the Virgin, died that illustrious preacher, Brother Conrad, rector of St. Mary ante Lætam Curiam, in the city of Prague. An Austrian by birth, a man of great learning and greater eloquence, he saw, when he came to Bohemia, all men given up to excesses, luxury in many respects exceeding all limits; and through his preaching so reformed the people that many put aside the vanities of the world, serving God with zeal.”
Among the good things that this man did, was one especially great and memorable: “The ladies of Prague, who had hitherto worn large and magnificent mantles, as well as other clothes ornamented in the most extravagant manner, put away these things, and went daily in plain clothing to hear the words of this distinguished man He preached also dauntlessly against usurers, and other unjust possessors of property, and especially against those religious persons who had obtained orders through simoniacal practices. As a result of this, the begging friars rose up against him, loading him with abuse. But he, a man of perfect love, endured it all with patience for God’s sake.”
