The History of the Bohemian Persecution/Chapter 7
Chap. VII.
Mathias Janovius, or the Parisian.
1. MAtthias Janovius of Prague (commonly called the Parisian, because he continued Student in Paris nine years) succeeded him: he was confessor unto Charles the fourth, and more fervent and zealous then his Predecessors in defending communion in both kinds. He wrote many things, as, Of the life of a Christian: Of Hypocrisie: Of Antichrist: Of the frequent receiving of the Sacrament of the body and bloud of Christ. In which booke, at the end it is thus written; It expresseth the work of Mr. Matthias of Paris; a man famous for his admirable devotion, who for his constant preaching suffered great persecution, and this for the truth of the Gospell.
2. Histories tell us that this Parisian together with some other learned men, went to Charles (promoted unto Kingly Dignity) and requested him to call an Oecumenicall Councell for the churches reformation. But the King returned unto them this answer, That it was not in his power, but belonged unto the Ghostly Father, the Pope of Rome; and therefore he would write in their behalfe, and intreat a councell from him, which after he had done, the Pope was provoked and did so importune him for the punishing of those rash and hereticall men, that Charles being madded with the authority of the Pope (although he loved this parisian,) yet commanded him to depart out of his Kingdome: who though indeed he returned afterwards, yet lead he the remainder of his life in private, deceasing in the yeare 1394. Novemb. 30. See mention made of him in catalogo Test. Verit,
3, Now Ianovius being banished the adversaries forbad and abolished communion in both kinds, not only in the Church of Aix, but every where at Prague, and through the whole Kingdome: so that the more constant among them, could not celebrate and receive the Sacrament after their accustomed manner, except in private houses, and after that in Woods and Caves; and there not without hazzard of their lives, and persecutions: for they were set upon in the ways, plundered, beaten, and drown’d in rivers, so that at length they were necessitated to go together armed, and in strong companies. Which from that time continued until the days of Husse.
4. Letters Patents also were extorted from Charles (although Hajec. sayth, it was sent to the Prelats of his own accord) wherein an inquisition is ordained, and punishment by fire determined to bee inflicted upon those, who departed from the faith and ceremonies of the Church of Rome. It is extant in Hajec. fol. 349. throughout proclaimed the 18. of September in the year 1376. where of this was the chief effect, that diligent care was afterwards had, that none but the Popes-creatures, might beadmitted unto places of Magistracy, & publick Offices, which might be a bridle to restraine the Commonalty. And therefore Wenceslaus the King son to Charles, chose 16 Germans, and only 2 Bohemians, in reforming of the Senates of Prague, supposing that the Germans were more constant in the Pontificiall Religion (as they were) than the Bohemians.
5. We find it also recorded, that this Parisian, his death approaching, amongst others gave this comfort to his friends: The rage of the enemies of truth hath now prevailed against us; but this shall not be alwaies; for an ignoble people shall arise without sword or power, over whom they shall not be able to prevaile. Which Prophesie where and when it hath bin fulfilled, we shall hereafter acquaint you.