It is time that we begin to give some account of this matter, lest some should doubt what we have said.
OF A BLOODY DECREE, PUBLISHED IN ENGLAND AGAINST THE CONFESSORS OF THE HOLY GOS PEL; IN CONSEQUENCE OF WHICH MUCH BLOOD WAS SHED AMONG THEM, A. D. 1401 Tyrants generally find a reason for their tyranny, in the orders which they have received from their superiors in authority; this is for them a wide cloak, which can cover much evil. In the meantime they vent their anger, yea, rejoice in their wickedness, while the unoffending and innocent have to suffer. Now, if this would obtain only with the worldly, what would it matter, knowing that they are worldlyminded; but even the so-called ecclesiastics or clergy, who are credited with everything good, are guilty in this matter. All this is briefly shown, in the beginning of the fifteenth book of the Chronijk van den Ondergang der Tyrannen, with these words, "In the year 1401 a decree was issued in England, against the confessors of the Gospel, or those who gave them assistance or showed them favor; in consequence of which much innocent blood was shed by the ecclesiastical prelates, priests, and monks of anti- *"Anglia," England; others, however, are of the opinion, that it comet from 'Ango,' that is, to strangle, torment, distress, oppress, etc.; or from Anguatia," hat is, a narrow and straitened place. Christ." See above-mentioned chronicle, page 753, Col. 1, from Hist. Adrian., fol. 85, Henr. Boxh., fol. 27.
|
