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 aged themselves with the hope of gaining honor and distinction without effort, either through wealth or family connection, made great threats against it. Rumors were circulated that the Brethren formed intrigues against the government; that they were dangerous knaves; and on the ground of these accusations they were persecuted, tormented and martyred. But they did not give up their faith; as true martyrs they preferred “the rack for breakfast and the stake for dinner.” Seeing at last that their destruction and the extinction of their religion was desired, they arose to defend their faith, and were defeated, partly because of their inefficiency as soldiers and partly because of the treason of those whom they trusted as leaders. Then followed a great religious war which lasted for centuries; and on account of this unyielding adherence of the Bohemians to their faith there was stirred up the most cruel hatred and opposition against everything Bohemian.

The meeting-houses in the settlements were destroyed; the Brethren were driven into