nged for having supported the protestant
cause, and the election of Frederic to the crown of Bohemia. At the
gallows, the Jesuits did all in their power to induce him to renounce
his faith. Finding their endeavours ineffectual, one of them said, If
you will not abjure your heresy, at least repent of your rebellion! To
which Wodnianskey replied, "You take away our lives under a pretended
charge of rebellion; and, not content with that, seek to destroy our
souls; glut yourselves with blood, and be satisfied; but tamper not with
our consciences."

Wodnianskey's own son then approached the gallows, and said to his
father, "Sir, if life should be offered to you on condition of apostacy,
I entreat you to remember Christ, and reject such pernicious overtures."
To this the father replied, "It is very acceptable, my son, to be
exhorted to constancy by you; but suspect me not; rather endeavour to
confirm in their faith your brothers, sisters, and children, and teach
them to imitate that constancy of which I shall leave them an example."
He had no sooner concluded these words than he was turned off, receiving
the crown of martyrdom with great fortitude.

Winceslaus Gisbitzkey, during his whole confinement, had great hopes of
life given him, which made his friends fear for the safety of his soul.
He, however, continued steadfast in his faith, prayed fervently at the
gallows, and met his fate with singular resignation.

Martin Foster was an ancient cripple; the accusations against whom were,
being charitable to heretics, and lending money to the elector Frederic.
His great wealth, however, seems to have been his principal crime; and
that he might be plundered of his treasures, was the occasion of his
being ranked in this illustrious list of martyrs.

CHAPTER VIII.

GENERAL PERSECUTIONS IN GERMANY.

The general persecutions in Germany were principally occasioned by the
doctrines and ministry of Martin Luther. Indeed, the pope was so
terrified at the success of that courageous reformer, that he determined
to engage the emperor, Charles the Fifth, at any rate, in the scheme to
attempt their extirpation.

To this end;

1. He gave the emperor two hundred thousand crowns in ready money.

2. He promised to maintain twelve thousand foot, and five thousand
horse, for the space of six months, or during a campaign.

3. He allowed the emperor to receive one-half the revenues of the clergy
of the empire during the war.

4.