RIOTS AT PRAGUE

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immediately burnt. It is probable that the decision of the Archbishop, which he published at a meeting of the synod of the archdiocese on June i6, was known before that day. On the same day, the i6th of June, the members of the university already protested against the intended burning of Wycliffe's works. They maintained that sufficient time had not elapsed since the writings of Wycliffe had been delivered over, and that it was impossible that a thorough examination of the theological tenets contained in them should already have taken place. They also stated that many of these writings had no connection with questions of dogma, but dealt with logic, philosophy, natural history, and However, neither Hus's appeal to similar matters. the Pope nor the declaration of the university, nor the appeal to King Wenceslas, in which that learned body begged that the burning of the books be at least deferred, was of any avail. On July i6 two hundred books containing writings of Wycliffe, some — as the contemporary chronicler tells us — beautifully bound, were solemnly burnt in the courtyard of the archiepiscopal palace, in the presence of the Archbishop, the members of the chapter, and many other priests. This measure was followed two days later by the solemn sentence of excommunication pronounced by the Archbishop against Hus and his adherents. The burning of Wycliffe's works met with almost general disapproval in Prague. A chronicler, writing " probably shortly after these events, tells us : Instantly Some said that a great sedition and discord began. many other books besides those of Wycliffe had been burnt ; therefore the people began to riot; the courtiers of the king were incensed against the canons and priests;