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and sixteenth centuries, and gave to the language and literature of Bohemia an extraordinary impulse. Of all the passions which agitate masses of men, the religious are the most extensive in their operation, and the most irresistible in their demands—because they are grounded on strong moral convictions, and associated with the sublimest sentiments and sanctions which can operate on the mind; with duty—with God—and with eternity. A slight portion of light and knowledge teaches the absurdity and the danger of consenting to see with the eyes of other men, and to submit to the will of other men in matters which are believed to regard our own personal salvation; and it is equally hopeless for a banefully established authority to contend against, or to submit to, the demand for discussion and inquiry, when that demand becomes many-voiced and mighty. Opposed, it sweeps away opposition, and assumes a more terrible character—and yielded to, it fortifies itself in its new conquests, and goes forward with its requirements as it increases in power. In Bohemia, "the bible, the bible for the people,"
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