The History of the Bohemian Persecution/Chapter 51

by Johan Amos Comenius

CHAP. LI.

 

The first compelling the Ministers of Prague to to Apostacy.

 

I. ABout the beginning of the year 1627. George Dicastus Administrator of the Consistory of the Gospellers being called forth to a certaine place, sixe Articles are exhibited, which he should exhibite to the Parishes of Prague (Germans and Bohemians) to consider upon: take them from the Crowner being lately made the Kings Mr. of Requests.

 

1.

That by course money being gathered, they should lend unto Cæsar some certain thousands of pounds for the Souldiers pay.

2.

That they should revoke publikely the comming of Frederick.

3.

That they should bring into the Church the ancient Rites and Ceremonies.

4.

That they should reiterate the Ordination of Ministers by their Arch-Bishops.

5.

They should depart from wedlocke, or else should require a tolleration of wedlock from the Arch-Bishop.

6.

If any leaving Ecclesiastick functions, would turne ta politicke functions, that they should have publicke promotions and the favour of Cæsar.

 

2. But they unanimously answered, that they would do nothing against their conscience, and as this first assault of Sathan was in vain, he went afterwards another way to work working by force, and violence, that which he could not effect by craft and subtilty.