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 Matthias went to Paris, where he remained six years, receiving the degree of Master of Arts. From this he was called Magister Parisiensis, by which title he is generally known in old writings.

In his younger days Matthias was very ambitious of honor, fame, and wealth. He even undertook a journey to Rome to petition the Pope for a canonry in Prague; and, later, succeeded in obtaining the position of confessor in St. Vitus Cathedral. Like Milič, he gave up all his honors, devoting his life to the preaching of the gospel. Matthias was very loyal to the Church; for, although his study of the Scriptures led him to doubt some of the accepted doctrines, he was ever ready to recant whenever he was asked to do so. The two ideas which seemed to have taken possession of his mind were the importance of the study of the Scripture, and that the Spirit of God would guide one to the knowledge of the truth. He made the Bible his daily companion, preferring it to the works of the fathers. He said that some people found comfort in the relics of saints, but that he cared nothing for such things, since when he had his Bible, he had his all in all. This, coming from a man standing so high, both in regard to learning and to sanctity of life, exerted a powerful influence; and, doubtless, it was due to his teaching that the Taborites afterwards made the study of the Bible an every-day duty, so that the common women knew more of its teachings than many a priest.

John Protiva was the first priest appointed to fill the pulpit of the Bethlehem Chapel, which afterwards became so famous on account of the preaching of Hus.