Page:The History of the Bohemian Persecution (1650).djvu/352

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318
The Hiſtory of

We ſhall adde ſome examples how they handled the mixt multitude.

Chap. 103.

The Proceedings againſt the Common-People.

WHen the Shepheards are removed, and the dogs fled, how eaſie is it for the Wolves to aſſault the flock; but yet Satan here found ſome obſtructions that he was not able (as he hoped) to blow away all by one breath; we will relate ſome of theſe things briefly, and by degrees intermixing ſome particular examples for the credit of the hiſtory.

2. Firſt, They removed every where the Miniſters of the Word, even when they had not any of their own to ſucceed, then they endeavoured to take the Bibles, and other profitable books from the hands of the Lay-men, both for this end, that hereſie (as they called it) might grow out of faſhion, and the heat of Religion might grow cold.

3. The Monks being afterwards brought in, did not preſently thunder, but did deal very fairly, beſeeching and confirming the truth of their religion with oaths, and dreadfull curſings of themſelves, promiſing a firm peace, the ſucceſſe

of