The history of the Bohemian persecution, from the begining of their conversion to Christianity in the year 894. to the year 1632. Ferdinand the 2. of Austria. Reigning. In which the unheard of secrets of policy, consells, arts, and dreadfull judgements are exhibited.

CHAP. XXVI. Andrew Policka a Martyr.

HE was a Citizen of Cuttenburgh, but by reason hee had changed his Religion, he came to Lito∣missa to which place his wife being unwilling to fol∣low him, when on a certain time he came back to see her, shee betrayed him. Therefore being taken, hee so long was vexed with the Calixtine Priests, that he promised to live againe with his wife, and to obey the Priests. This he did outwardly; but his Con∣science inwardly did check him for it: therefore on a solemn day, when the Parson, his sermon being en∣ded, had brought forth the Hoste, and placed it on the Altar, and the people falling down did worship it, Andrew being not able to containe the fire bur∣ning

within him, cried out with a loud voice. Hold thy peace thou wicked Sacrificer, It is now my turn to speake. And turning to the people, he said, What doe you doe, deer Brethren, what doe you worship a God of Bread? Oh worship the living God in hea∣ven, blessed for evermore. The Parson forbad the people to return an answer to him, and willed them to lay hold on that most wicked knave the Piccardine. At the first, all were amazed, no man would lay his hand on him: at the last some were found, who fal∣ling on him, did buffet him with their fists, and bea∣ting his head against the pillar, did draw him almost covered with bloud unto the prison.

2. The next day he was brought into the Court, the Senate and the Parson being present, and being demanded whether he would speak those words again which he spake yesterday, he affirmed that he would. Being asked again, By what Instinct he durst doe it. He answered, by what Instinct did Abraham depart from the Idolaters, and worship the euerliving God. They pressing on him to tell them precisely, by whose perswasion hee durst commit so hainous a fact? hee answered, By whose perswasion did Da∣vid oppose himselfe against the worshipping of Idolls.

3. On this they cried out, Hold thy peace, we know these things better than thou, wee need

not be taught by thee; Wee know that thou hast here some accomplices, whom, since by thy owne accord thou wilt not discover, thou shalt do it by force, whereupon they commanded him to be carried back to the prison, and by and by to be put on the Racke, but not able by torment to rack any thing from him. they condemne him to the fire, as an obstinate Here∣tick the chief Officer being desired by the Priests, not to suffer him to speake as hee was going to the execu∣tion, least he should infect the people with his words, The Officer agreed with him to forbear speaking, or otherwise he would stop his mouth. Andrew promi∣sed silence, and performed what he promised, spea∣king nothing all the way, but praying softly to him∣selfe. At the last, when the fire began to sindge his head, he cried out, Iesus the son of the everliving God, be mercifull, be mercifull, be mercifull to me a sinner, which were all the words he spake. The Priests turning to the people, said, Behold at last he calleth on Iesus, in whom he living would not believe, nor reverence his Sacraments.