The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

suppose that commerce and manufactures would
make their escape out of a doomed land with the
utmost possible despatch.
But neither edict, nor famine, nor persecutions
could shake the purpose of the sturdy Hollanders.
They were determined to do as they pleased in
things religious, and not to be oppressed in their
civil rights so to do. In the early summer of 1566,
“many thousands of burghers, merchants, peasants,
and gentlemen were seen mustering and marching
through the fields of every province, armed with
arquebus, javelin, pike, and broadsword. For what
purpose were these gatherings?--Only to hear
sermons and sing hymns in the open air, as it was
unlawful to profane the churches with such rites.
This was the first great popular phase of the
Netherland rebellion. Notwithstanding the edicts
and the inquisitions with their hecatombs,
notwithstanding the special publication at this time
throughout the country by the duchess regent that
all the sanguinary statutes concerning religion were
in as great vigor as ever, notwithstanding that
Margaret offered a reward of seven hundred
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