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 Republic, and thence departed to establish the American Republic.

The difference was that the Netherlanders were exposed to a longer persecution and a far more intense martyrdom.
Towards the end of the year (1565) which was closing in such universal gloom; the contemporary chronicles are enlivened with a fitful gleam of sunshine.