To Build a fire

Abstract

Jan Hus hoped his incendiary preaching and heated rebukes would purify a tainted church, but the flames consumed him first. Constance, Germany, Saturday, July 6, 1415. The cathedral was packed to the doors. A hot heaviness hung in the air. Jacob Balardi Arrigoni, Bishop of Lodi, was preaching from the text, "that the body of sin be destroyed" (Romans 6:6). Cardinals with red hats and bishops wearing miters sat in a semi-circle around a dying man whose chained, emaciated hands were clutched together. Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund occupied an imperial throne in full regalia. In the nave a variety of priestly garments had been carefully laid out on a table. There were now only two options left open to the man in chains: unqualified submission to the council or condemnation. Recant or die. The stake stood ready outside.