ion to a solution
which he was able to make, was that it had happened again, as once before
in the days of the Saviour, that the priests of the church had become
wicked persons, and were using their lawful authority for unlawful ends.
This led him to adopt for his own guidance, and to preach to others for
theirs, the maxim that the precepts of Scripture, conveyed through the
understanding, are to rule the conscience; in other words, that God
speaking in the Bible, and not the church speaking through the priesthood,
is the one infallible guide."(130)

When after a time the excitement in Prague subsided, Huss returned to his
chapel of Bethlehem, to continue with greater zeal and courage the
preaching of the word of God. His enemies were active and powerful, but
the queen and many of the nobles were his friends, and the people in great
numbers sided with him. Comparing his pure and elevating teachings and
holy life with the degrading dogmas which the Romanists preached, and the
avarice and debauchery which they practised, many regarded it an honor to
be on his side.

Hitherto Huss had stood alone in his labors; but now Jerome, who while in
England had accepted the teachings of Wycliffe, joined in the work of
reform. The two were hereafter united in their lives, and in death they
were not to be divided. Brilliancy of genius, eloquence and learning--gifts
that win popular favor--were possessed in a preeminent degree by Jerome;
but in those qualities which constitute real strength of character, Huss
was the greater. His calm judgment served as a restraint upon the
impulsive spirit of Jerome, who, with true humility, perceived his worth,
and yielded to his counsels. Under their united labors the reform was more
rapidly extended.

God permitted great light to shine upon the minds of these chosen men,
revealing to them many of the errors of Rome; but they did not receive all
the light that was to be given to the world. Through these, His servants,
God was leading the people out of the darkness of Romanism; but there were
many and great obstacles for them to meet, and He led them on, step by
step, as they could bear it. They were not prepared to receive all the
light at once. Like the full glory of the noontide sun to those who have
long dwelt in darkness, it would, if presented, have caused them to turn
away. Therefore He revealed it to the leaders little by little, as it
could be received by the people. From century to centur