Page:The History of the Bohemian Persecution (1650).djvu/361

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The Bohemian Perſecution.
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ſed obedience, if time would permit them. When the Senatours of Fermanno Meſtecia, a Town hard by Chruda, refuſed to be made examples to others of apoſtaſie, they were thrown in a ſcurvy priſon, the preſident of them being forced to ride the wooden horſe in the Market-place (uſed formerly to puniſh mutinous ſouldiers) although he was very ancient, yet indured this ignominie, and contempt, and pain, for above ſix hours, but at evening after the Jeſuites had continually ſolicited him with their ſuggeſtions, and his wife and children with their lamentation, he yielded, and was taken off the wooden-horſe halfe dead for he could neither go, nor make uſe of any member, & ſo he was carried by other men to a Confeſſor.

13. When ſome deſired rather to die, then to be forced to Apoſtaſie, it was anſwered, That the Emperour did not thirſt after their blood, but onely the welfare of their ſoule; ſome others put queſtions, and they were thus anſwered in a ſcoffing manner, O you affect the glory of Martyrdome, but ye are baſe knaves, and are unworthy to have any thing to glory in: this Anſwer had John Polacicus of (Franiſium in Moravia) who being ſolicited by the Souldiers and Jeſuites ſeverally to Apoſtaſie, he fell down upon his knees, & held up his hands, and intreated, That they would cut off his head, rather then force his Conſcience: And this Anſwer

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