John Huss, the celebrated reformer, was a native of Bohemia, born in 1370, and educated at the university of Prague, where he received the degree of master of arts, and became rector of the University and confessor to the Queen.  Obtaining some of the writings of Wycliffe, he saw the errors and corruption of the Romish Church, which he freely exposed, though persecuted by several popes.  By his teaching, a reformation began in the University, to check which the archbishop issued two decrees; but the new doctrine spreading still more, he was finally brought before a council, thrown into prison, and after some months’ confinement, sentenced to be burned.  Though urged at the stake to recant, he firmly refused, and until stifled with smoke, continued to pray and sing with clear voice.  He was burned in 1415, and his ashes, and even the soil on which they lay, were carefully removed, and thrown into the Rhine.