The theologians had advised it.

The Duchess had proclaimed it.

It was supposed that without the axe, the fire, and the rack, the Catholic religion would be extinguished, and that the whole population of the Netherlands would embrace the Reformed Faith.

This was the distinct declaration of Viglius, in a private letter to Granvelle.

"Many seek to abolish the chastisement of heresy," said he; "if they gain this point, actum est de religione Catholica; for as most of the people are ignorant fools, the heretics will soon be the great majority, if by fear of punishment they are not kept in the true path." The uneasiness, the terror, the wrath of the people seemed rapidly culminating to a crisis.