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History of Protestantism in the Netherlands - James Aitken Wylie

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which had been constructed for carry<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m out -<br />

- <strong>the</strong> new bishops, <strong>the</strong> Inquisition, and <strong>the</strong> Spanish<br />

soldiers. The idea refused to quit <strong>the</strong> popular m<strong>in</strong>d,<br />

and as grievance followed grievance, and <strong>the</strong><br />

nation saw one after ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> its libraries<br />

<strong>in</strong>vaded, <strong>the</strong> storm <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dignation and wrath which<br />

was daily grow<strong>in</strong>g fiercer took at first <strong>the</strong> direction<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bishop ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>of</strong> Philip.<br />

The new changes began to take effect. The<br />

bishops created by <strong>the</strong> recent bull for <strong>the</strong> extension<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> hierarchy, began to arrive <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country, and<br />

claim possession <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir several sees. Noble,<br />

abbot, and commoner with one consent opposed<br />

<strong>the</strong> entrance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se new dignitaries; <strong>the</strong><br />

commoners because <strong>the</strong>y were foreigners, <strong>the</strong><br />

abbots because <strong>the</strong>ir abbacies had been partially<br />

despoiled to provide liv<strong>in</strong>gs for <strong>the</strong>m, and <strong>the</strong><br />

nobles because <strong>the</strong>y regarded <strong>the</strong>m as rivals <strong>in</strong><br />

power and <strong>in</strong>fluence. The regent Margaret,<br />

however, know<strong>in</strong>g how unalterable was Philip's<br />

will <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> matter, braved <strong>the</strong> storm, and <strong>in</strong>stalled<br />

<strong>the</strong> new bishops. In one case she was compelled to<br />

yield. The populous and wealthy city <strong>of</strong> Antwerp<br />

87

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