Page:The Net of Faith.pdf/45

9 And speaking of the followers and disciples of Chelčický he writes:

L'histoire ne connaît peut-être pas de spectacle plus touchant que celui de ses communautés qui marchent pendant les siècles la main dans la main sans une pensée de révolte ou une parole de colère

And on the American side, Dr. Matthew Spinka of Hartford Theological Seminary, wrote recently a detailed evaluation of Peter Chelčický. He prefaced it with these words:

Among the outstanding figures of the period of the "flowering of the Czech Reformation," Peter Chelčický occupies a prominent, and in some respects a unique, position. Although not as well known as John Hus, from certain points of view Peter is more important, certainly more original, than the great Czech Reformer, insofar as, in his radical biblicism he went far beyond the latter.

These estimates must suffice to show the eminent place reserved for Chelčický in all studies of the Czech Reformation.

Ernest Denis,, I, "Georges de Podiebrad," Paris: Leroux, 1930, p. 303.

Denis,, p. 464. Following is the translation of the French passages just quoted:"Chelčický was a sensitive and pious soul, full of faith, enthousiasm and love. One could not have known him without loving him The adoration of God, that quality which opens the heavens, cannot be imposed; love cannot be commanded. And so Chelčický condemns in the most emphatic way all violence and all tyranny.""Few men have caused so many studies and controversies as Chelčický. From all these trials, investigations, and polemics, he has emerged greater. As one knows him better, one is bound to feel for him a sort of tender veneration. In him everything speaks to the heart, because everything comes from the heart, both knowledge and eloquence.""History knows perhaps no more touching spectacles than that of the communities marching together through the centuries, without a thought of rebellion or a word of anger."

Matthew Spinka, "Peter Chelčický, Spiritual Father of the Unitas Fratrum,", XII (December, 1943), p.271.