Page:A history of the Inquisition of the Middle Ages, volume 2.djvu/528

 512 THE HUSSITES. already been introduced, and it was impossible that all should ao-ree on the bounds to be set between conservatism and progress. As early as 1416 Christann of Prachatitz remonstrated with Wen- ceslas Coranda for denying purgatory and the utility of prayers for the dead and the suffrages of saints, for refusing adoration to the Virgin, for casting out rehcs and images, for administering the Eucharist to newly-baptized infants, for discarding all rites and ceremonies, and reducing the Church to the simplicity of primitive times. Others taught that divine service could be cele- brated anywhere as well as in consecrated churches ; that baptism could be performed by laymen in ponds and running streams. Already there was forming the sect which, in carrying out the views of WickUff, came to be known as Taborites.. The more con- servative element, which adopted the name of Calixtins, or Utra- quists, satisfied with ^'hat had been acquired, endeavored to set bounds to the zeal which threatened to remove all the ancient landmarks. Parties were beginning to range themselves, and on January 25, 1417, probably not long before its declaration in favor of Utraquism, the University issued a letter reciting that there were frequent disputes as to the existence of purgatory and the use of benedictions and other church observances ; to put an end to these it pronounced obligatory on all to beheve in purgatory and in the utility of suffrages, prayers, and alms for the dead, of images of Christ and the saints, of incensing, aspersions, bell-ring- ing, the kiss of peace, of benediction of the holy font, salt, water, wax, fire, palms, eggs, cheese, and other eatables. Any one teach- ing otherwise was not to be listened to until he should prove the truth of his doctrine to the satisfaction of the University. In Sep- tember, 1418, it was obliged to renew the declaration, with the addition of condemning the doctrines which pronounced against all oaths, judicial executions, and sacraments administered by sin- ful priests, showing that Waldensian tenets were making rapid progress among the Taborites.'^ All this indicates the questions which were occupying men's minds and the differences which were establishing themselves. Hussit. (Ludewig VI. 138-9). -Jo. Hus Monument. H. 364.— iEs^id. Carlerii Lib. de Legation. (Monument Concil. General. Ssec. XV. T. I. pp. 385-6).
 * Palacky Documenta, pp. 631-2, 633-8, 654-6, 679.— Laur. Byzyn. Diar. Bell.