GERSON, zhar's66', Jean Charlier de, French theologian; b. Gerson, near Rethel, 14 Dec. 1363; d. Lyons, 12 July 1429. His parents were simple peasants of deep piety, who in fluenced 9 of their 12 children to pursue ecclesiastical careers. At the age of 14, Jean, under the patronage of the Duke of Burgundy, was sent to the College of Navarre. Here he continued his theological studies until 1384, distinguishing himself by his brilliance and diligence in his work. From 1383-84 he served as procurator of the Gallic nation, and in 1387 was sent to Pope Clement VII by the univer sity, as its representative in the dispute con cerning the doctrine of Immaculate Conception. In 1395, his teacher, Pierre d'Ailly, was ap pointed bishop of Puy, and Gerson was chosen to fill the vacancy thus caused in the chancellor ship. His occupancy was marked by the high est zeal and the greatest vigor in reforming the morals and the curriculum of the school of theology. In his letters, particularly his 'De reformatione theologin,) are set forth the vari ous reform measures which he proposed, as well as his standpoint in theological matters. Gerson avoided rationalism by accepting a form of intellectual mysticism. Subjective intimate contemplation was the means by which the reli gions mind might arrive at deep insight Into the truth and necessity of the dogmas of the Church and morality.
In the schism which followed the death of Gregory XI in 1378, Gerson took an active part in urging its conclusion. As a result of his unceasing efforts, a council was finally assem bled at Pisa and Alexander V was chosen Pope. But the much-hoped for reforms were not instituted, and the death of Alexander re sulted only in the election of an inferior ruler, John XXIII. In the meantime political influ ences began to predominate. Gerson had al ways been an adherent of the house of Bur gundy, while Pierre d'Ailly had remained faithful to the house of Orleans. In 1407, the
Duke of Orleans, brother of the king, was mur dered by Jean sans Peur, Duke of Burgundy. Jean Petit, a theologian to whom Gerson was hostile, defended the assassination in a stirring address which won the acclamation of many people. Gerson, contrary to the sympathies of the university, openly denounced the act with equal vigor. He then undertook intense literary activity in behalf of his convictions on this subject, as well as on ecclesiastical reform and the healing of the schism, urging the assembling of a council to decide the issues involved. Finally the Council of Constance (1414-18) was convened. Here Gerson's influence reached its climax. The council refused to oppose the Duke of Burgundy, made allowances for Petit and accomplished nothing further. Thereafter, Gerson's prestige vanished altogether, Unset tled national conditions made his return to the university inadvisable, and he sought refuge at Tirol, . where Albert of Bavaria offered him protection. He busied himself with an elaborate and vigorous (Apology,) and wrote four books of 'De Consolatione Theologie in imitation of the work of Boethius. After a short sojourn at Venice, he returned to France and entered the convent of the Celestins where his brother was prior. His last years were spent in conducting a school for children at Lyons, and in literary work. To him was attributed the work on 'Imitation de Jesus-Christ,' which was later assigned more correctly to Thomas a Kempis. The first edi tion of Gerson's works appeared at Cologne in 1483; the best was published by L. Ellies Du Pin (5 vols., Antwerp 1706). Consult Hundes hagen, mystische Theologie Gersons> (Leipzig 1834) ; Schmidt, C., 'Essai sur Jean Gerson, chancel:er de l'Universite de (Strassburg 1839) ; Schwab, J. B., 'Johann Gerson' (Wiirzburg 1858) ; Tschakert, P., 'Peter von Ailli> (Gotha 1877), and Jodart, 'Jean de Gerson' (Paris 1881).