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History of Protestantism in the Netherlands - James Aitken Wylie

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Chapter 7<br />

Retirement <strong>of</strong> Granvelle<br />

Belgic Confession <strong>of</strong> Faith<br />

THE murmurs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> popular discontent grew<br />

louder every day. In that land <strong>the</strong> storm is heard<br />

long to mutter before <strong>the</strong> sky blackens and <strong>the</strong><br />

tempest bursts; but now <strong>the</strong>re came, not <strong>in</strong>deed <strong>the</strong><br />

hurricane -- that was deferred for a few years -- but<br />

a premonitory burst like <strong>the</strong> sudden wave which,<br />

while all as yet is calm, <strong>the</strong> ocean sends as <strong>the</strong><br />

herald <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> storm. At Valenciennes were two<br />

m<strong>in</strong>isters, Faveau and Mallart, whose preach<strong>in</strong>g<br />

attracted large congregations. They were<br />

condemned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> autumn <strong>of</strong> 1561 to be burned.<br />

When <strong>the</strong> news spread <strong>in</strong> Valenciennes that <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

favourite preachers had been ordered for execution,<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>habitants turned out upon <strong>the</strong> street, now<br />

chant<strong>in</strong>g Clement Marot's psalms, and now hurl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

menaces at <strong>the</strong> magistrates should <strong>the</strong>y dare to<br />

touch <strong>the</strong>ir preachers. The citizens crowded round<br />

<strong>the</strong> prison, encourag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>isters, and<br />

106

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