John Huss (1369–1415)
John Huss — Jan Hus in Czech — was a Bohemian priest, philosopher, and early church reformer who drew inspiration from John Wycliffe. His preaching denounced the sale of indulgences, the corruption of the clergy, and the supremacy of the Pope over Scripture.
Trial and Martyrdom
Summoned to the Council of Constance under a safe conduct guarantee he was arrested and tried for heresy. When asked to recant, Huss refused unless shown to be wrong by Scripture. He was burned at the stake on July 6, 1415. His ashes were thrown into the Rhine River.
The Prophecy of the Swan
According to tradition, Huss said at his death: "You may roast this goose [Hus means 'goose' in Czech] but a hundred years hence a swan will arise whom you will not be able to roast or burn." Martin Luther was born 68 years later.
Ellen White and the Great Controversy
Ellen White dedicates a full chapter of The Great Controversy to Huss and Jerome of Prague, presenting their steadfast deaths as the seed of Reformation revival — faithful witnesses whose blood, like Abel's, cried out from the ground.