Jeromeof Prague

Jerome of Prague was born in the city associated with his name about 1365. He studied at the university there, and then went to Oxford, where he imbibed the principles of Wycliffe. He next visited Paris, Heidelberg, and Cologne, and returning to Prague about 1407 with a reputation for learning, he took the side of Huss in the disputes which led to the secession of the German "nations" from the university, and was invited to assist in organising the new university of Cracow. His open profession of Wycliffe's doctrine and his denunciation of the abuses of the Church brought him into such disfavour that he had to take refuge for a time at Vienna, whence he returned to act again with Huss until the latter was expelled and imprisoned at Constance in 1415. Jerome immediately proceeded to the aid of his friend, but found matters so discouraging that he was on his way back to Bohemia when the Duke of Bavaria caused his arrest. Carried to Constance and closely imprisoned, he abjured the principles for which Huss had already forfeited his life. But in May, 1416, he firmly withdrew the confession previously extorted from him. He was forthwith condemned to the stake and died with the utmost courage.