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When this book had been printed and fully finished, we unexpectedly received several items concerning the last Swiss persecution in the districts of Zurich and Berne; chiefly, however, concerning the Berne edict of the 9th of August, in the year 1659, and what the E. E. honorable lords burgomasters of the city of Amsterdam graciously brought about and accomplished to soften it, and also to secure the release of our friends who were already imprisoned, and of their goods.

As to the edict, it must be said that what we place here is not the whole of it, but only its first part, which is really a preparation for the extract of the edict shown on page 1130, column 1; for this, added to what is placed there, makes up the whole edict.

The people of this century are very inquisitive, not so much, however, from a true hunger of souls as from a spiritual greediness. [n1278-2] This work would have stood just as well if the following had not been added, since in the previously mentioned extract, printed in the place referred to above, the execution and punishment of the imprisoned Anabaptists who held to their faith is set forth, which is the chief point to be noticed. On the other hand, in what follows here, only an address is made to the so-called spiritual and secular persons of rank, of the church, in the jurisdiction of Berne, with regard to their offices; and in connection with this, some preparation is made for the searching out and arrest of the previously mentioned people.

But in order also, if possible, to satisfy the inquisitive in this matter, and at the same time to show that we have in no way left out anything that might be necessary, we have thought it advisable to add this here.

They will put you out of the synagogues: yes, the time is coming when whoever kills you will think that he is doing God service. John 16, verse 2.

NOTE. Though this properly refers to banishing, ejecting or expelling from the Jewish synagogues, it can be applied to all banishment for the sake of religion.