Page:Letters of John Huss Written During His Exile and Imprisonment.djvu/213

 

LETTER XLIX.^[1]

 

TO HIS FRIENDS.

 

[He explains to them how God permits his elect to be put to death, and cites several examples by which he sustains and consoles himself.]

 

My well beloved in the Lord, many causes, and especially the expectation of my speedy death, had made me suppose that the letters I recently wrote to you would be the last. Now that a delay is accorded—since it is permitted me to converse with you by letter, I write to you again, to testify, at least, all my gratitude. In what concerns my death, God only knows why it is deferred, as also that of my very dear brother Jerome, who, I hope, will die in a holy manner, and without a stain. I know that he acts and suffers now with more firmness than I, infirm sinner that I am. God has granted us much time, that we might better recall all our sins, and direct ourselves with greater energy to repentance; he has given us this time, that a long and great trial might efface our sins, and thus bring consolation with it. He has granted it to us, that we might meditate on the execrable out-

 

1. Hist. et Monum, Johann. Huss, Epist. xiv.