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History of Protestantism in the Netherlands - James Aitken Wylie

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Inquisition, "that most pernicious tribunal, which is<br />

not only contrary to all human and div<strong>in</strong>e laws, but<br />

exceeds <strong>in</strong> cruelty <strong>the</strong> most barbarous <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most savage tyrants <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hea<strong>the</strong>n world."<br />

"For <strong>the</strong>se reasons," say <strong>the</strong>y, "we whose names<br />

are here subscribed have resolved to provide for<br />

<strong>the</strong> security <strong>of</strong> our families, goods, and persons;<br />

and for this purpose we hereby enter <strong>in</strong>to a secret<br />

league with one ano<strong>the</strong>r, promis<strong>in</strong>g with a solemn<br />

oath to oppose with all our power <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduction<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> above-mentioned Inquisition <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>se<br />

Prov<strong>in</strong>ces, whe<strong>the</strong>r it shall be attempted secretly or<br />

openly, or by whatever name it shall be called...<br />

We likewise promise and swear mutually to<br />

defend one ano<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>in</strong> all places, and on all<br />

occasions, aga<strong>in</strong>st every attack that shall be made,<br />

or prosecution that shall be raised, aga<strong>in</strong>st any<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividual among us on account <strong>of</strong> his concern <strong>in</strong><br />

this Confederacy."[3] The first three who took <strong>the</strong><br />

pen to sign this document were Count Brederode,<br />

Charles de Mansfeld, and Louis <strong>of</strong> Nassau. Copies<br />

were circulated over <strong>the</strong> country, and <strong>the</strong><br />

subscribers rapidly multiplied. In <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> two<br />

155

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