Page:The History of the Bohemian Persecution (1650).djvu/32

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18
The Hiſtory of

Prague, and through the whole Kingdome: ſo that the more conſtant among them, could not celebrate and receive the Sacrament after their accuſtomed manner, except in private houſes, and after that in Woods and Caves; and there not without hazzard of their lives, and perſecutions: for they were ſet upon in the ways, plundered, beaten, and drown’d in rivers, ſo that at length they were neceſſitated to go together armed, and in ſtrong companies. Which from that time continued until the days of Huſſe.

4. Letters Patents alſo were extorted from Charles (although Hajec. ſayth, it was ſent to the Prelats of his own accord) wherein an inquiſition is ordained, and puniſhment by fire determined to bee inflicted upon thoſe, who departed from the faith and ceremonies of the Church of Rome. It is extant in Hajec. fol. 349. throughout proclaimed the 18. of September in the year 1376. where of this was the chief effect, that diligent care was afterwards had, that none but the Popes-creatures, might beadmitted unto places of Magiſtracy, & publick Offices, which might be a bridle to reſtraine the Commonalty. And therefore Wenceſlaus the King son to Charles, choſe 16 Germans, and only 2 Bohemians, in reforming of the Senates of Prague, ſuppoſing that the Germans were more conſtant in the Pontificiall Religion (as they were) than the Bohemians.

5. We