Testimony and Judgment of Master John Huss on John Wycliffe

What it is

This is a short text written by Jan Hus himself, giving his personal judgment on the English theologian John Wycliffe. In it, Hus argues that he does not believe Wycliffe to be a heretic and explains his reasons, drawing on scripture and his sense of charity and fairness.

Why it matters

This text shows how closely Hus's own ideas were tied to Wycliffe's teachings, which were controversial in the Church of his time. It reveals Hus's reasoning style—careful, scriptural, and cautious about condemning others—and helps explain why he was later accused of spreading Wycliffe's ideas in Bohemia.

Look closer

• What reasons does Hus give for defending Wycliffe instead of condemning him?
• Why might defending another thinker's reputation have been a risky thing for Hus to do?
• What does this text suggest about the connection between Hus's beliefs and Wycliffe's?