Protestantism in Poland and Bohemia - James Aitken Wylie

them was a numerous body of Jesuits, who bore the
chief burden of this new Reformation. After the
executions, which we have described, were over, it
was resolved to proceed by kindness and
persuasion. If the Reformation could not be
completed without the axe and the halter, these
would not be wanting; meanwhile, mild measures,
it was thought, would best succeed. The monks
who dispersed themselves among the people
assured them of the emperor's favor should they
embrace the emperor's religion. The times were
hard, and such as had fallen into straits were
assisted with money or with seed-corn. The
Protestant poor were, on the other hand, refused
alms, and at times could not even buy bread with
money. Husbands were separated from their wives,
and children from their parents. Disfranchisement,
expulsion from corporations and offices, the denial
of burial, and similar oppressions were inflicted on
those who evinced a disposition to remain steadfast
in their Protestant profession. If any one declared
that he would exile himself rather than apostatize,
he was laughed at for his folly. "To what land will
you go," he was asked, "where you shall find the
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