Same Year as Above, in the Year 1400

John Tauler, a German theologian, said at this time, in his book of sermons: "Our prelates (he means the rulers of the Roman church) are blind, and leaders of the blind; and it is to be feared that they both together will be condemned."

He also spoke much of the persecution, tribulation, hardship, and suffering a Christian must expect here; but he did not say that anyone should inflict sufferings upon one another.

Read all his sermons, but particularly chapters 11, 15, and 31 in his book, where he deals with suffering; also the author first mentioned, in the place indicated.

NOTE. That John Tauler was a very pious and highly educated man appears from a great many testimonies given concerning him. Truly, he was like a flaming torch in his time, lighting up, by his doctrine as well as by his life, the dark night of perversely religious popery. But if he still erred in anything, which may easily have been the case, it is all outweighed by his virtue and learning. Even so, we could not defend errors, neither in him nor in others. Our love must never be so blind that it keeps us from seeing a blemish (if there is any) in what we love. But anyone who has not lived in such a way that his errors are plain should in this matter be borne with, if he is otherwise well disposed; and all the more when he has to live among such a disorderly people as popery was then made up of, and can obtain no other liberty. Such was John Tauler, and as such we will recognize him. Our love will and shall bear his weakness. So, leaving this, we will turn to the pious witnesses of the Lord, who laid down their dear lives for the truth which they confessed.

AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY