Viglius, with his associates in the privy council, were extremely angry
at the conclusion. The concession was, however, made, notwithstanding
the bad example which, according to some persons, the victory thus
obtained by so important a province would afford to the people in the
other parts of the country. Brabant was declared free of the
inquisition. Meanwhile the pamphlets, handbills, pasquils, and other
popular productions were multiplied. To use a Flemish expression, they
"snowed in the streets." They were nailed nightly on all the great
houses in Brussels. Patriots were called upon to strike, speak, redress.
Pungent lampoons, impassioned invectives, and earnest remonstrances, were
thrust into the hands of the Duchess. The publications, as they
appeared; were greedily devoured by the people. "We are willing," it was
said, in a remarkable letter to the King, "to die for the Gospel, but we
read therein 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God
that which is God's.' We thank God that our enemies themselves are
compelled to bear witness to our piety and patience; so that it is a
common saying--'He swears not; he is a Protestant; he is neither a
fornicator nor a drunkard; he is of the new sect.' Yet, notwithstanding
these testimonials to our character, no manner of punishment has been
forgotten by which we can possibly be Chastised." This statement of the
morality of the Puritans of the Netherlands was the justification of
martyrs--not the self-glorification of Pharisees. The fact was
incontrovertible. Their tenets were rigid, but their lives were pure.
They belonged generally to the middling and lower classes. They were
industrious artisans, who desired to live in the fear of God and in honor
of their King. They were protected by nobles and gentlemen of high
position, very many of whom came afterwards warmly to espouse the creed
which at first they had only generously defended. Their whole character
and position resembled, in many features, those of the English Puritans,
who, three quarters of a century afterwards, fled for refuge to the Dutch