-LIBRARY OF TIIK UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. OIKT OI Received S&$,&Wlhc T . -.188 i) . Accessions No&/($ Crto, Shelf No. db THE PROTESTANT EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL ; THE.R PERSECUTIONS AND ExpATRJATION ON S EPARATING PROM TH EMBRACING THE REFORMED FAITH. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF DR. RHEINWALD OF BERLIN. LONDON: HATCHAKO AND SON , PICCAWLLY . BERNERS STREET. 1840. HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY ABEILAIBE, QUEE^ BO WAG-JEM, IS, BY PERMISSION, MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY HER MAJESTY'S MOST OBEDIENT AND HUMBLE SERVANT, THE TRANSLATOR. ADVERTISEMENT THE SECOND EDITION. IN presenting a Second Edition of this little work, the Translator wishes to offer one observation on a criticism which has been advanced respecting his use of the term Catholic. It has been objected, that he has hereby made a concession to the claims of the Romanists. Thus one writer says, (and there are elsewhere similar instances) " We have only one obser- vation to make : the translator says in a note, quite at the commencement, that ( throughout this narrative the word Catholic must be taken as synonymous with Roman Catholic or Anti-Pro- VI ADVERTISEMENT testant ;' and so having been induced to call evil good, and to put sweet for bitter, he continues to compliment his Protestant readers by informing them in every page that they are heretics by con- ceding to Popery the term Catholic. We are resolved never to let this dangerous inconsistency pass unnoticed, and having expressed our regret that the word Romanist was not employed where Romanist was intended, we acknowledge it to be the only drawback on much gratification expe- rienced in reading the little history."* To this the translator considers it sufficient to reply, that for this error, whatever it be, he is not responsible, but the author, inasmuch as it must be granted to be a translator's principal duty faith- fully to render the words of his original. It would seem, moreover, that on the Continent the term Catholic is used rather in a conventional than in its strict and proper sense ; for which practice an adequate reason may, perhaps, be found in the * Christian Lady's Magazine, February, 1840. TO THE SECOND EDITION. Vll peculiar circumstances in which the Reformation was there necessarily effected; a practice also not without example in some of the best writers of our own country, though here not to be justified, as having no plea of custom or necessity. For these and other reasons, the translator has thought it not needful to alter his translation in this respect, deeming it sufficient to have implied his own opinion in the note referred to by the reviewer, from which it will be seen that, while he has accurately preserved the author's language, he intends no concession to the claims of Romanists. April 23, 1840. PREFACE. THE substance of the following narrative, drawn up by Dr. Rheinwald, of Berlin, was first commu- nicated to the " Repertory for Theological Litera- ture and Ecclesiastical Statistics/'* a periodical of which he is the editor. It was afterwards en- larged and published in a separate form, the fourth edition of which has been used for the present translation. The subject to which it relates was, I believe, first introduced to the English public by the Rev. Thomas Hartwell Horne, who, in a sermon preached * " Der Allgemeine Repertorium f iir Theologische Literatur und kirkliche Statistik." Juni, 1837. X PREFACE. by him before the Corporation of the City of Lon- don, on Michaelmas-day, 1837, in comparing the civil and religious privileges of our own country with those of the Continent, took occasion to ad- vert to the then recent case of the Protestant Tyrolese; and added in an appendix, printed with the sermon, a short statement of the facts, derived chiefly from the " Archives du Chris- tianisme." Subsequently, more lengthened details of the event appeared in a leading journal,* and also briefer notices in some other periodicals. But the most formal and particular notice which the subject seems hitherto to have received in this country, was an article in the Quarterly Review, No. 127, for June of the present year, containing an ex- tended analysis of Dr. Rheinwald's narrative, together with extracts, . accompanied by an able and appropriate commentary. To the present writer, however, it appeared that the story of an * The Times Newspaper. PREFACE. XI event so important in itself, and in its probable consequences, was well worthy of an entire English translation; and could not fail, in that form, to interest many classes in this Protestant kingdom. The fact, also, that our late revered Sovereign manifested so great a sympathy for the case of these poor people, and was the first to interfere on their behalf, will doubtless contribute to the interest of the narrative in the eyes of the British nation. An account of the part sustained by his late Ma- jesty in this transaction will be found recorded in its proper place ;* yet the mention of it here will scarcely be deemed superfluous, as it is pro- bable that a circumstance so much to the honour of King William IV. is far less known than it de- serves to be. With respect to the moral of the story, the lessons it teaches seem to be manifold. May we not hereby learn the still unchanged spirit of in- tolerance and persecution of the Romish Church ? * See page 73. Xll PREFACE. Some, indeed, may object to this statement, and allege, that the evidence inculpates not the Church, but only the Austrian Government. I am very far from wishing to press, without full warrant, an accusation of this kind against a communion which has assuredly no lack of such sins to answer for ; still it appears scarcely possible for any one, after having read the history with impartial atten- tion, to doubt that the persecuting acts of the secular power were instigated by the ecclesiastical that, in fact, what the State did in this respect, arose from its connexion with the Church, and as the executor of her desires. The Austrian Go- vernment seems ever to have inclined to a lenient policy, and to give effect to its Toleration-Edicts ; but there was an influence paramount to that of law and justice, and even the Imperial will, and what was that but the dominancy of the priest- hood? But leaving this as a point to be settled by private judgment, all* it is presumed, will concur in admiring the calm resignation with which these PREFACE. Xlll people sustained themselves under their severe trials. Although for many years deprived of what was to them most dear, the blessings of public worship and the holy sacraments, they yet adopted no unlawful nor unauthorized measures to supply the deficiency. Under all their maltreatments, they shewed no refractory resistance to the lawful authorities, nor intruded on the sacerdotal func- tions, but patiently waited until it pleased God to grant them their desires ; meanwhile, " they looked immediately to Himself for a supply of that grace, the external channels of which were denied to them." Yet were they not of a too soft and yielding temper, but proved by their conduct how compatible firmness is with a humble and tranquil mind. Their earnest, self-denying piety, their ardent love of truth, by which they were enabled to forsake all most dear to them for the gospel's sake, cannot but win our respect, and, one would hope, will excite in some a holy emulation. Hap- pily, we are not required to make the like sacri- XIV PREFACE. fices, but all who would be truly Christ's disciples must be partakers of the same spirit. There are also several other lessons which ap- pear fairly deducible from the narrative before us as the great value of religious instruction, and church ordinances, the superiority of scriptural education over every other; for these people, though unlettered according to the world's phrase, seem to have possessed, by virtue of their ac- quaintance with the Word of God, a clearer and more vigorous understanding, as well as a purer conscience, than many who have been most deeply taught in the learning of the schools. This is not said with a view to depreciate secular learning in its proper place, but only to urge its due subordi- nation to that which is unquestionably the highest wisdom. But these and many other inferences of great practical moment I rather leave to the reader's reflection, than detain him with any obser- vations of my own. It may be well to add, that the account here PREFACE. XV given by Dr. Rheinwald was compiled not only from the materials presented by the various journals in which, on both sides, the subject has been largely discussed on the Continent, but that it is also the result of his own personal knowledge, " for he himself visited the inhabitants in their native land, and formed his notions of their doctrine, their habits, and their conduct, from actual observation." And now the narrative is commended to the reader, with the hope that in its present form it may sub- serve the interests of truth and piety, and that its perusal may promote in all a juster appreciation and improvement of our own privileges, civil and religious. THE TRANSLATOR. December, 1839. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Situation and employments of Zillerthal Property of the In- habitants Their Religion The Saltzburg Persecution Schaitberger Protestant Movements in the Tyrol Appli- cations for dismissal from the Romish Church Audience with the Emperor Francis Catholic Reaction Prince John and the Archbishop in the Valley Petition to leave the Country Government Edict - - - - Page 1 25 CHAPTER II. Internal circumstances of the Protestants Form of their Ec- clesiastical life Treatment of the Protestant Children in the Catholic Schools Behaviour of the Priests to the sick and dying Religious conversation in the year 1832 Con- ferences of the clergy with several Dissidents Contro- versial Sermons Refusal of the marriage-tie, passports, &c. Manner of the funerals Extra-Ecclesiastical assem- xviii CONTENTS. s Adherence to the Bible among the Protestants Their freedom from extravagances and sectarianism Their leaders, Heim and Fleidl Heim's house a central point of union The books in possession of the Protestants Their want of School instruction and of the Holy Eucharist, 2657 CHAPTER III. Moral and social life of the Zillerdalers Reproaches and ac- cusations of their enemies Strifes and provocations be- tween the parties Indifference to religion among the Catholics Humble confession of the Protestants - 58 67 CHAPTER IV. Situation of the Protestants of Zillerthal with relation to other countries Fleidl's letter to his friends in Bavaria Visits of their brethren in the faith to the valley Intercourse with Munich Fleidl is deputed to Berlin, and addresses the King Audience of the deputy Admission into the Prussian dominions --------- 68 80 CHAPTER V. The emigration from Zillerthal Preparations for departure Disposition and behaviour of those who remained in the valley March of the Exiles through the country above the town of Ems Their reception by the Protestants in Riit- zenmoos and Efferding Parting scenes in Finkenberg Opinions of the Catholics concerning the Exiles Their CONTENTS. XIX performance of divine worship on the mountains Meeting of the emigrants with a priest Their reception by the Pro- testants at Thenning and Gallneukirchen, and scornful treatment at Iglau -- 81 96 CHAPTER VI. Arrival and settlement of the Zillerdalers in Silesia Entry into Michelsdorf Day of rest there Arrival in Schmiede- berg Thanksgiving-day Distribution of Bibles Schools for the old and young among the Zillerdalers Their recep- tion into the national compact, and into the established Protestant church They partake of the Holy Eucharist under both kinds Provisional committee for the strangers Bible instruction The Zillerdalers celebrate the anniver- sary of the Reformation in Fischbach They are visited by a Silesian at Schmiedeberg Joy and sorrow in the congre- gation Testimonials concerning the Emigrants Con- cluding reflections --------- 98 122 APPENDIX 123128 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. CHAPTER L Situation and employments of Zillerthal Property of the In- habitants Their Religion The Saltzburg Persecution Schaitberger Protestant Movements in the Tyrol Appli- cations for dismissal from the Romish Church Audience with the Emperor Francis Catholic Reaction Prince John and the Archbishop in the Valley Petition to leave the Countiy Government Edict. SUCH various and, in some measure, conflicting reports,* have for several years been circulated respecting the religious movement in the Tyrol, that it has become necessary to treat the matter somewhat in detail, especially as it has now taken a decisive direction. * Dr. Rheinwald here recites in a long note, which it does not appear necessary to present in full, the names of several journals and other publications, in which the matter was fully discussed both on the side of the Romanists and Protestants, and thus evinces not only the great interest which the subject B 2 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. But before proceeding to the subject itself, it will be useful to premise some particulars respect- ing the district and its local peculiarities. In journeying from Saltzburg to Innsbruck, when the traveller has proceeded fall two-thirds of the distance, not far from Rattenberg and Schwatz, on the road to the village of Strass, there opens before him, between two majestic masses of rock, a wide and lovely valley. It is watered by the clear and fertilizing Ziller, which issuing from the Southern Alps, flows into the Inn, immediately below Strass, and gives to the valley its name. The path winds along to the right of the stream, on both sides of which lie the villages of Brugg, Iming, Schlitters, Kapsing, &c.* Nearly in the middle, is the little town of Zell, the seat of a Deanery and a Landgericht,f below which the wild Gerlos unites with the Ziller. The whole has excited in Germany, but also his industry in collecting ma- terials for his own narrative. Indeed he seems not to have omitted any method by which he might make himself acquainted with all the particulars. Tr. * The villages are thus enumerated by the author : Brugg, Iming, Schlitters, Fiigen, Kapsing, Uderns, Neid, Marz, Slum, Kaltenbach, Aschack, Rohr, Hiippach, Ramsau, Unter and Oberdichl, Hollenzen, Maierhof, Brandberg, Finkenberg. f Landgericht, a kind of local court for the administration of justice, &c. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 3 extent from the Inn to the Tristenspitz, which overlooks and closes in the valley, is about five miles.* As far as Zell, the valley is of a tolerably equal breadth, but below that town it becomes narrower, ascending eastward to the steep wall of the Gerlos, southward to the Schwendauer Falls, and then again on the east, losing itself towards the Dreieckspitz.f On both sides of the valley, rich meadows alternate with heavy arable land, at little distances diversified with the villages, with their pretty white houses, some with outside gal- leries, interspersed with farms, manors, chapels, inns, penfolds, &c. ; all overlooked by the sur- mounting green-clad church-spires, which with their golden crosses form an appropriate ornament to the neighbourhood. On the right and left, be- hind the pastures, mountains arise to an immense height, some clothed with wood, and with naked summits; on others are well- cultivated meadows, parted into squares, having in the midst one or more cottages. From the commencement of the spring till the end of the Alpine season, these are the resort of herdsmen with their cattle. A refreshing wind prevails on these heights, from * A German mile is equal to 4| miles English, f i.e. Triangular Peak. B2 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. which there is a charming prospect of a region luxuriant in vegetation, and animated with indus- trious labourers, numerous flocks, and merrily sporting inhabitants. But for travellers the even- ings are generally the most attractive, when the Ave-Maria is heard resounding from the high towers,* mingled with the distant tinkling of the sheep-bells, and when at a later hour, all forms having vanished, the slopes are suddenly illumined with the lights in the scattered mountain-huts. With the exception of some small portions belong- ing to the Innthal, the valley is divided into two Landgerichts, (Fiigen and Zell,) and contains, in fourteen pastoral stations, between 15 and 16,000 inhabitants. These gain their livelihood chiefly by agriculture and the rearing of cattle. The latter, followed here in the greater proportion and with extraordinary success, occasions many to go abroad, and not unfrequently into remote parts, as Petersburg, Cracow, Odessa, and Constantinople. The less opulent endeavour to find employment in Styria and Carinthia by felling forests, &c. ; a smaller number are mechanics in the foundries and * During this while, the people say their evening prayers, and in the summer season, outside of their cottages. See the Frontispiece. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 5 manufactories of the Lower Innthal. Yet without these foreign resources, they would be well able to find subsistence, as their meadows, herds, and forests supply their necessary wants, and of ima- ginary ones, especially in the upper valley, they have few or none. In general, property is pretty equally distributed ; there is nowhere urgent want, and a street-beggar is scarcely ever to be seen. Compared with other valleys, (the Pintzgau for instance,) the farms, on account of the abundant population and plentifulness of money, fetch a high price. A farm of " three cows," which produces scarcely sufficient corn for the consumption of its possessor, costs 3000 florins. In the Upper and Lower Pintzgau, a farm of ten or twelve cows, with a proportionate quantity of arable land, might be purchased for the same money. The inhabitants are strong, healthy, and well formed, but less re- markable for regularity of features and beauty of countenance, than those in Dur and the Innthals. Both here and in the neighbouring valleys, there are still to be found many traces of the well-known Tyrolese manners,* much more frequently than in * " They are a free, lively, and resolute people, that do not belie the character of the mountain folk.' 7 The authority for this is Voelter, a deacon of Wurtemberg, who visited Ziller- thal just as the Exiles were about departing. 6 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. the south, which is inhabited by a mixed race, blending both the German and Italian character. Good-nature, frankness, and friendliness are ex- pressed in their countenances, and in their hearty greeting of the traveller, by whom these qualities are, on a closer acquaintance, further recognised. It is true that their joviality is not unfrequently mingled with a degree of rudeness and extrava- gance. This is especially exhibited in their fight- ing and wrestling matches, in their predilection for animal combats, in their free and unrestrained dances,* and in the excessive loudness of their national songs, so peculiarly characteristic of the people. It must moreover be esteemed a fortunate circumstance for these districts, that they have hitherto remained tolerably free from the intrusion of foreigners and continental idlers, though, from the example of Saltzburg, southern Bavaria, &c., it is much to be feared that they will not wholly escape such corrupting influence. According to their religious profession, the in- habitants of the valley belong to the Roman- catholic Church. The ecclesiastical jurisdiction * When modern travellers, as Lewald and others, speak of " the convulsive, cramp-like dances,'' we must not consider them as including Zillerthal. They are found indeed in Dur, its near vicinity, but are by peculiar circumstances confined to that district. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 7 is shared by the two Bishops of Brixen and Saltz- burg, the Ziller forming the boundary of their re- spective dioceses. A large proportion of the Zil- lerdalers are obedient to the Church : custom has maintained its dominion over them. They are Catholics,* because their parents, ancestors, neigh- bours, the respectable people, and the Emperor himself, are so. They also find it convenient, and have no particular reason to desire a change. Catholics, however, in the strict Roman sense of that term, such as are to be found in Dur, in southern Tyrol, and (formerly at least) in the south-east portion of the Lower Innthal, are here proportionably much rarer. This, indeed, is almost confessed by the Catholic journals them- selves, when they lament over the want of piety in the Zillerthal ; a complaint, the truth of which we also concede, though in quite another sense. In the valley, there is a very large number wholly given over to indifferency, who outwardly retain themselves to the Church and observe its ceremonies, it may be from political or from family motives, but who, when they meet with others like-minded with themselves, do not hesitate to * Throughout this narrative, the word Catholic must be taken as synonymous with Roman Catholic, or Anti-Protestant. Tr. 8 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. declare their real opinions. These are chiefly itinerant tradespeople, or roving minstrels, who, having travelled abroad by sea and land, have, by their intercourse with others in theatres and taverns, become " enlightened." Recently, how- ever, there has appeared in the valley another re- ligious party, quite distinct from those hitherto described, which, though the smallest as to num- bers, has yet, upon other grounds, the strongest claims to our attention. In order duly to comprehend its origin and cha- racter, it will be necessary to glance at the Eccle- siastical History of a neighbouring district, the archbishopric of Saltzburg. Here also was the voice heard, which, in the sixteenth century, went forth from Wittenburg. Pious men, as John Staupitz, Paul Speratus and others, awakened and cherished the love of the gospel. Everywhere in town and country the call found an echo, especially among the miners in the south and south-western parts of the diocese. The new doctrine was but little aided by the superior ranks, and sharply opposed (especially since the time of Rudolph the Second) on the Austrian frontiers ; notwithstand- ing, there arose many Lutheran congregations, which were in the most flourishing condition, when, THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 9 in the year 1729, the Archbishop, Count Firmian decreed against them that persecution from which the arm of Frederic William, with the entire body of Protestants, was able to protect them no further than by obtaining for them the right of emigration. The consequence of this event was a lasting im- pression of terror. Neither in the reign of Joseph, when the mild Hieronymus governed in Saltzburg, nor later, during the French-Bavarian period, nor afterwards (since 1815) under Austria's new gua- rantees for Liberty of Conscience and Belief, do we hear any tidings of Protestant communities in Saltzburg. Most erroneously, however, should we thence conclude that they had no existence. It is true that force and stratagem had, to an incredible degree, endeavoured to search out and extirpate all those who were disaffected to the Roman Faith ; yet a seed of Protestantism still remained. Espe- cially was this the case in the Upper Pintzgau, the frontier of the present Tyrol, and in Teffereck- enthal, which now belongs to the circle of Pus- terthal. From these places there went forth a constant and active influence upon the Tyrolean districts, which became conspicuous not only in the provinces of the interior, but also in the capital itself. The Lutherans in and about Innsbruck 10 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. were sought out and persecuted, as they were in the time of the Saltzburg emigration ; but many more remained unobserved, who secretly cherished the gospel in Zillerthal,* and the surrounding less frequented valleys. Their religious knowledge was here partly ob- tained from the visits of other inhabitants, but partly and chiefly it was derived from books. Among these, next to the Bible itself, the work of Joseph Schaitberger occupies the highest place. Schaitberger was a miner of Saltzburg, who, al- ready, before the great persecution under Firmian, had been imprisoned on account of his belief, and as he steadfastly adhered to his profession, and moreover had re-asserted it by a written statement from his prison, he was afterwards banished the country. At Niirnberg, he sent forth, among other pious writings, his "Evangelical Epistle." In this he comforts and encourages his fellow-believers who remained behind, and explains to them in brief the substance of the faith. On account of its intelli- gible style, as well as being the work of a layman, * Baron Von Moll, (as the Catholic journals relate,) whose father was, at the close of the eighteenth century, Landrichter at Zell, says in his letter concerning Zillerthal, " Many unite in the exercises of religion, but have another kind at home." THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 11 it obtained extensive circulation and regard ; and not only stimulated the joy of the faithful, but awakened many more, both in the author's birth- place, and also in the neighbouring districts. In Zillerthal especially, many copies were dispersed, which came to be regarded as family property, and had, as we shall see hereafter, a lasting influence. Other religious writings, not always indeed of the choicest kind, found their way into these regions ; the inhabitants themselves brought back to the valley many books which they had acquired during their emigrations. These journeys, undertaken for the purposes of commerce, form another parti- cular to be noted as having influenced the move- ment among the people. The Tyrolese were always accustomed, as they are at the present day, to travel on business to Franconia, Suabia, and the Rhine. In these, for the most part, Protestant countries, they formed with the inhabitants mani- fold connexions, which, by repeated visits, became closer and more important. To any one acquainted with the manner in which such circumstances originate and are developed, it cannot but appear surprising that others should have talked of an " intention to seduce," and of " proselytizing ten- dencies." The Tyroler, when he enters a house 12 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. with his wares, is accustomed to talk freely con- cerning his journey, or his native country, whence a conversation arises, which perhaps is carried on much further. Others stay overnight in the houses of the mechanics and peasants, and remain with them on the Sundays and festivals. In such a peasant's house, it is customary to have prayer before and after meals, as well as in the morning and evening. On Sundays, in the morning and afternoon, they go to church ; afterwards some one reads out a hymn or sermon, the Tyroler being present and uniting with the family. In the circles which belong more to the so-called Pietists, the people, on Sundays and Festivals, frequent the " Hours ;" when some speak, or read passages from Arndt, Steinhofer, &c., or sing chorals. The Tyroler, if he has acquired a mind for these things, is permitted to take his part therein. Should he, on his visit the next year, come again to the same house, he meets with a friendly reception, and re- ceives, if he so request, a small New Testament, a copy of "Hiller," or a little "treasury" for his pocket. In all this, the people treat the Tyroler as they are accustomed to do the inland wan- derer; they are rejoiced when a man, who, from his childhood having been taught nothing, has been THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 13 only the ever-revolving machine of priestcraft, feels himself drawn by the Word of God, and gradually awakened to a new life. It thus came to pass, that the Tyrolese returned home quite others than when they departed, bringing back with them not tem- poral goods merely, but such as abide for ever. It must not, however, be concealed, that while such beneficial consequences resulted from their intercourse with Protestants, there were instances of quite an opposite character. The writer himself is acquainted with several cases, wherein Catholic Tyrolese, on coming to Protestants' houses, received, at least for the time, great spiritual injury. When the Tyroler in the morn- ing on rising or at table, signed his cross or counted his rosary, there were not wanting men who laughed and mocked at him for so doing. With others it fared much worse. " Enlightened" peasants and mechanics who had read the Penny Magazine, shewed to the Tyroler how absurd it was to confess his sins, to believe in miracles, &c. Others went so far as to declare the " Parson's babble to be all nonsense," and to prophesy the dawning of a " new era." On the strangers this made various impressions ; some coincided, others fled back to the church. A Tyroler who still 14 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. remains a Catholic, answered such a one, " That you may hold here in this country, but with us it still remains just as it was." From the Protestant pulpits, also, there went forth a very unequal in- fluence. Some of the Tyrolese relate the deep re- ligious impressions which they received from such discourses, and which at all times since they have retained. Others of another character worked a chilling and repelling effect. So said, for example, an inhabitant of the Upper Innthal, " that he had thought with himself, that if a man speaks thus among the Protestants, where the pure Word of God ought to be, the best thing at last that can be done is, to keep away from church altogether." In this way Protestant influences had for some time been working in the Zillerthal, especially in the southern district, where, at length, in several parishes, persons simultaneously finding themselves possessed of the same sentiments, communicated one with another, and formed together a little re- ligious community. By this mutual intercourse, their Protestant impression, both in life and doctrine, became more and more refined, arid attained a firmer and more perfect form. The consequence was, that the disaffection which had long relaxed the inward bond, by which they had THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 15 been attached to the church, became now also manifested in externals. It is true that some still performed their part at sermons, sacraments, pro- cessions, the veneration of the sacred elements, &c. But if these thus acted not without reluc- tance, there were others who decisively tore themselves away, as deeming such things, accord- ing to the Word of God, to be idolatry. In short, among all, the natural desire was excited to be able to come forward publicly with their Protestant confession, and to exchange their hitherto pain- fully embarrassing situation for that of a legally recognised community. Besides, with many, their experience in the Word of God had so sharpened and purified their sensibility to the truth, that such a false position became, at length, quite into- lerable. Accordingly, a number of men, heads of families, resolved to take the legal step for pro- ceeding in the matter. Bartholomew Heim, J. Ram, Francis Steinlechner, James Kreidel, and his two grown-up sons, Matthias and Joseph, Matthias Drubmaier, James and George Hanser, from the villages of Ramsberg, Hollenzen, Maierhof, and Unterdichl, applied, in the summer of 1826, to their respective priests, for the " Six weeks' instruction." According to the law of the country, every one 16 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. who wishes to go over to another creed, is obliged to receive such a course from his confessor, and to take a certificate thereof to the magistrate.* By the clergy this step was not unexpected ; they al- ready knew some to have outwardly separated from the church, and of others, because they had de- clared it at confession, that they read the Scrip- tures to their edification. For the rest, who were regarded as confirmed heretics, there was, on the part of the hierarchy, nothing further to be done. To these their applications some of the ecclesiastics opposed themselves with moderation. Gottsamer, since dead, at that time Dean of Zell, behaved to them with great kindness ; he entered into their objections, replying to them with mildness, and ex- pressed the hope that the matter would be amicably terminated. In other parishes, on the contrary, both sides obstinately defended their own views, and, instead of uniting, were only driven further apart. From one of their priests the Protestants * And then " the magistrate gives the so-called ' Melde- zettel/ that is, a written permission to frequent Protestant wor- ship. Without the priest's certificate, the magistrate cannot grant the permission, and without this written permission no one bred a Roman Catholic dare be present at Protestant wor- ship, or be received into a Protestant community." Quar. Rev. vol. Ixiv. p. 123. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 17 separated with the declaration that they, accord- ing to the example of Josiah, (2 Chron. xxxiv. 2,) would turn neither to the right hand nor to the left. As in the meanwhile new applications for the " In- struction" continued to come in, the clergy unani- mously resolved for the present to refuse them, and to apply to Innsbruck for further directions. The government communicated the matter to the two ordinaries, who approved of the measures adopted by the chapter of Zell, and protested against any establishment of a Protestant worship in the country. Thereupon the government at Innsbruck referred the matter to the Imperial Court. Five years elapsed without any decision ; during which period the number of applicants for the instruction had increased more than tenfold. Already, in the beginning of the year 1832, there might have been named two hundred and forty in- dividuals inclined to Protestantism, being, for the most part, shepherds, mechanics, labourers, &c. ; a few of them farmers and freeholders. In the sum- mer of that year, the Emperor Francis visited the Tyrol. The Protestants sent from their midst a deputation of three men, John Fleidl, Bartholomew Heim, and Christian Brucker, to Innsbruck. There the Imperial Councillor Sondermann, to whom 18 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. their cause was referred by the local government, sent them an advocate, who drew up a petition, in which they expressed their decided wish to erect a filial congregation, which, at certain times in the year, should be visited by a Protestant pastor. The Emperor received them with his usual courtesy, read their petition, and then questioned them in the following manner : " Well, who, then, disturbs you in your belief ?" The Deputies. " The Clergy." Emp. " What, then, do you be- lieve ?" Dep. " We believe the words of Holy Scripture, according to the principles of the Augs- burg Confession." Emp. " You believe in Christ, even as I, do you not? But in Italy there are people who do not believe in Christ at all ; that grieves me." Dep. " Yes, we believe in Christ as our Lord and Saviour, and only Redeemer ; but they will not suffer us in the Zillerthal to say this." Emp. " It is not permitted for the Catho- lics to oppress and insult you, any more than for you to insult them. Formerly, over there in Saltz- burg, the Lutherans were not tolerated ; but it is now no longer so ; I oppress no one on account of his belief. But how, then, did you come by your present opinions ?" One of the Deputies. " We have had the Holy Scriptures among us longer than we can ascertain. We have Bibles which are THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 19 more than two hundred years old. My grandfather was aged ninety-eight years, and died only three years ago, and he had read the Scriptures from his childhood, and so has my father, and so have I, and many others ; the doctrine was instilled by their parents." Emp. " Indeed ; there is perhaps a remnant of the Saltzburgers remaining : were you Saltzburgers ?" Dep. " Yes, we belonged to the Saltzburg territory sixteen years ago." Emp. " So, then, you are not willing to remain in the Catholic Church." Dep. " Our conscience does not permit us ; we should otherwise be hypocrites." Emp. " No, that I do not wish ; I will see what can be done for you." As the people, on depart- ing, again urged their request, and assured the Emperor " that they were brave people, who had suffered no punishment, and begged that he would not forget them, nor believe anything which might be said against them ; he replied, " I will not forget you, nor believe anything bad of you." The news of this interview excited great attention in the Valley. Their protestations were declared to be " lies ;" yet it was deemed advisable that some counter-steps should be taken. Several congrega- tions of the Landgericht of Zell likewise sent a deputation to the Emperor, who deprecated any c 2 20 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. religious divisions in the country, and prayed, lest the bond of the nationality should thereby be loosened, that the petition of the Protestants might not be granted. The matter was soon after discussed at the Tyrolese Diet, at which several in the rank of burghers and farmers shewed a disposition towards toleration. Dr. Maurer, the burgomaster, a distinguished and esteemed inhabi- tant of the capital, urgently expressed his opinion that the people should be allowed to live according to their own belief. In the meanwhile, the clergy and nobility sent a petition to the local govern- ment, in which it was asserted that the Toleration Edict had never been published in these districts, and could not now have an ex post facto applica- tion.* Towards the middle of the year 1834, the Protestants received from Vienna the following * " A pretence which could deceive no one acquainted with the facts of the case. When the Emperor Joseph published his edicts, he sent them to the sovereign prelates, the Prince Arch- bishop of Saltzburg and the Bishop of Brixen. It is true that they quietly deposited them in the archievs ; but that does not at all alter the state of the case. The fact that the Emperor sent them to these two prelates for publication and execution is quite sufficient to shew that his Imperial will was that they should serve as law in their respective dioceses ; and more is not needful to prove that the Zillerdalians were entitled to the full enjoyment of all the liberty which they conferred." Quar. liev.vol.lxiv.p. 127. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 21 decision, dated April 2 : " We find it impossible to accede to your request. If, however, you are desirous to leave the Catholic Church, you are at liberty to settle in another province of the empire, where there are already Protestant congregations." To such a transportation, however, the greater number shewed no disposition. They had already directed their eyes to a foreign country, and ac- cordingly, in the summer of this year, some of them requested a passport. The next spring they received the following answer : " It is hereby notified to those persons who on the 30th of August of the last year applied for a passport to go into foreign parts, that in pursuance of the official intimation of the 15th, received in the present month, that application, according to the high Government decree of Feb. 6, must be refused, on the ground that the granting of a passport for the purpose of their future emigration is neither necessary nor allowable, inas- much as, conformably to the Imperial Resolution of April 2, 1834, if they cannot alter their religious views, and so can- not, or will not, remain in the Tyrol, they have only to trans- port themselves over into another Austrian province, where there are already Protestants ; on the other hand, by a state- ment of good conduct and property qualification, even their foreign reception for the purpose of a formal emigration can be effected without cost, through the authorities, and then a per- sonal appearance for buying into the foreign country will be necessary." " Given at the Imperial Landgericht of Zell on the Ziller, March 7, 1835. (Signed) " SCHLECHTER." " To the applicants B. Heim and J. Fankhauser." 22 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. Not long after this, the Archduke John, the brother of the deceased Emperor, visited the Tyrol. The Zillerdalers were requested by their Land- gericht to seek an audience with him ; whereupon three of them appeared before the Prince. They told him how often they had requested a passport ; that they were as sheep without a shepherd, and yet that the deceased Emperor had promised them every good. In reply, it was intimated to them that they had misunderstood the Emperor ; that he had promised them toleration, not in the Tyrol, but only generally in the Imperial States. The Depu- ties. "No, we well understood him, because he spoke to us so distinctly. We prayed him to grant us toleration in our own family circles." As they now were warned to make no further stir about the matter, and to take care lest, in the end, it should cost some of them their heads, they repeated their wish to see personally their Emperor Ferdinand. The Archduke. Ct To orderly subjects it is permitted to go to the Emperor. Give in your request at the bailiwick ; you will not be refused a passport to Vienna." Dep. " Ah ! if we could do that, then we should have hope. The late Emperor Francis was a good emperor and a brave man ; and after a good father, as the proverb says, there comes a good son." As there were present at this audience THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 23 several nobles of the province, and among them the Captain of the Circle* from Schwatz, one of the Deputies thought this a fair opportunity to de- monstrate their moral conduct and good deport- ment as citizens. " Indeed," said he to the Prince, " I think we are orderly subjects ; my lord the Captain cast all kinds of bad accusations against me when I went to Schwatz ; but to-day the superin- tendent of our parish is in Zell, whom I can fetch, and here is the Landgericht, and there are also three witnesses present; if now any one knows anything wrong of me, though it be only a little point, I will suffer double punishment, and so also will the others ; nothing shall be concealed." On this declaration, there followed no accusation from the other side. In the summer of 1836, the Archbishop of Saltz- burg, Prince Schwartzenberg, came into the valley. He ordered several of those inclined to Protestant- ism to be brought before him, and represented to them that they ought to remain in the church. His mild demeanour inspired them with confidence ; they laid before him the authors according to which they thought themselves bound to belong to * Kreishauptmann ; an officer whose powers resemble those of our county lords lieutenant. 24 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. the Protestant communion, and begged that they might be permitted to attach themselves to that church. Whereupon he observed, " That would be as if you wished to throw yourselves into the fire ; to that I cannot consent." Relying on the fore-named promises, they re- newed their applications for a passport to Vienna. Meanwhile, these were disregarded ; the only reply to them was a repetition of what had been said before, " that it would be a great affront to the Emperor if they were again so to trouble him." Hereupon, in the course of the year 1836, these people formed the resolution, which also they communicated to the authorities, to forsake the Valley, and to seek an asylum in foreign parts. In January, 1837, a resolution was taken in Vienna, which in the month of March was published by the Captain of the Circle in the various districts, by which, as they preferred foreign emigration, they were directed to leave the country. A term of four months from the date of publication was granted for settling their affairs. For the further- ance of their purposes in a foreign land, one of their leaders obtained, on application, the following official certificate : " According to the express will of his Majesty the Emperor, those inhabitants of the Zillerthal who have declared their in- THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 25 tention of forsaking the Catholic Church are desired to leave the Tyrol, and either to emigrate into a foreign land, or to find a domicile in another Austrian province, where there are com- munities of the same religious creed that they themselves pro- fess. John Fleidl, and those his companions who have declared their preference for an entire emigration, are hereby authorized to take such measures for the rinding a convenient place of settlement as may be necessary in consequence of the official order of the 8th instant. " From the Imperial Landgericht of Zell on the Ziller, " llth of May, 1837. (Signed) " SCHLECHTER." 26 CHAPTER II. Internal circumstances of the Protestants Form of their Ec- clesiastical life Treatment of the Protestant Children in the Catholic Schools Behaviour of the Priests to the sick and dying Religious conversation in the year 1832 Con- ferences of the Clergy with several Dissidents Contro- versial Sermons Refusal of the marriage-tie, passports, &c. Manner of the funerals Extra-ecclesiastical assem- blies Adherence to the Bible among the Protestants Their freedom from extravagances and sectarianism Their leaders Heim and Fleidl Heim's house a central point of union The books in possession of the Protestants Their want of School instruction and of the Holy Eucharist. BEFORE we further pursue the course of events, let us contemplate more closely the circumstances in which these people were placed by those which have been already narrated. If their former situa- tion was a painful one, it was now, since the re- fusal of the six- weeks' instruction, doubly unsettled THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 27 and embarrassing. They saw themselves, indeed, in an unhappy dilemma. Devoted in heart to the Protestant church, they yet could not, and dared not, turn to it, though they willingly would have contributed to a church and school-system all needful support. From the Catholic church in- wardly separated, they yet formally belonged to it, as not having received their dismissal, and because their civil relationships were manifoldly implicated with the ecclesiastical. It thus occurred that their religious life assumed the following forms : (1.) The new-born children of those inclined to Protest- antism were brought into the Catholic churches and there baptized ; the parents not being present, and the sponsors belonging to the church. (2.) The grown-up children, so soon as they had at- tained the age prescribed by law, were constrained, as having been baptized in the church, to attend the local schools. They were likewise required to partake of the Holy Communion, which, in these countries, is administered to children at the age of eight or nine years. (3.) The Catholic rite of marriage was refused to those disposed to Protestantism. (4.) Both in sermons and the confessional, the Catholics were warned against all intercourse with them, and the poor were for- 28 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. bidden to ask any alms or shelter from the " Evan- gelicals;"* neither were domestics and labourers to receive from them any service or employment. (5.) The priests came to the sick, admonishing them to recant and to be reconciled to the church, promising them, on this condition, the Holy Viati- cum. (6.) Those who died holding sentiments opposed to the church were not received into the Catholic burial-ground. It is evident from what has been hitherto de- scribed, that the clergy had not overstepped their authority, and even if they did somewhat encroach, their instructions and discipline were designed as well to preserve their own flocks from the infec- tion, as to arrest those who had gone astray. But when, as a reason for the first and second of the above-mentioned procedures, it is further alleged that the parents were deluded that the poor children ought not to suffer on that account by having the sacramental blessing withheld from them that rather, since they had properly no * Two poor Protestants had their habitation under the roof of a Catholic peasant. When the priest at M dis- covered this, he desired the peasant no longer to give them shelter. They, in consequence, would have been destitute of any home, had not the Protestant J. K., though in needy cir- cumstances, taken them under his roof." Appelius. THE EXILES OF ZILLE. parents of their own, the obligttibh was greater tc provide for their salvation by n|j^^ of Christian sponsors and school instruction, ^ogk jjmst then not only deny the proposition to be strictly appli- cable, but must also inquire how such a tender care for the children of Protestants, introduced and retained by the clergy in Catholic schools, was realized in practice. Since the period of this se- paration of the Protestants, the clergy had deemed it necessary to keep a stricter watch over the edu- cation of the people, and even to put a hand thereto in respect of their religious instruction.* * This demonstration on the part of the Protestants appears also, in other respects, to have worked a beneficial influence on the Catholic Church, and especially by enlivening the zeal of the clergy. At least, the Catholic journals report, " That in consequence of the increase in the population dwelling at great distances on the steep mountains, the number of helping priests was increased, and more filial schools were erected. The as- sailed doctrines became, of necessity, more the subjects of dis- cussion and proof in sermons and discourses than heretofore. On the mountains, the so-called house-lectures were more fre- quently held in spacious rooms, or, in fine weather, in the open air, followed by certain prayers on the Sundays and festivals. It thereby happened, that among the inhabitants of the valleys the Catholic religion received a new impulse, which was espe- cially exhibited by the rising youth, who became in all respects much improved, more modest, and better conducted. They now no longer resorted so frequently to the dances ; and even the national costume of the other sex, so little corresponding to 30 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. Some schoolmasters who, with a well-meant inten- tion, had kept back their instructions on the points of difference, were, for so doing, degraded and dis- placed, while that method of teaching was brought forward in the most marked and prominent man- ner. Not only were the adverse doctrines con- demned, but their adherents were anathematized, and so individually and minutely described, that the children could not fail to perceive that a father, brother, or neighbour, was intended. The Protestant children now became confused; their schoolfellows laughed at them; and on going home there were many disputes and provocations. The children, in consequence, would not any longer go to the school, and this was imputed to their parents, female delicacy, began to be changed essentially for the better. The service of God was more diligently attended, the holy Sa- crament received with greater zeal, and good books of prayer and edification were diffused among the people. Where, for example, in former years, two priests went on Sundays to the confessional at five o'clock in the morning, and had finished by seven or half-past seven, there are now generally three who give themselves to the work at the hour of four, and at the later service are occupied with it until nine or ten. The last Jubilee appointed by Gregory XVI. was observed with great zeal, and the many general confessions afforded no uncertain signs of a moral reformation. And, in general, the instructions in the churches have been more edifying, since the separatists have ceased to visit them." THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 31 and alleged as proof of their ungovernable obsti- nacy and rudeness. Children of other parents, as, for instance, those of Farmer Heim, did not wish to neglect their school, but went again by the direction of their father, and gave such excellent answers to their teacher, and proposed to the latter such questions in return, as were no less astonishing to the other children than embarrassing to the master. Scholars of such sort were expelled the schools, " because they were pert and unman- nerly, resembled their parents, wished to be cleverer than their priests, did not come to the communion," &c. In other schools, different means were resorted to in order to get rid of the children. " But I shall still send both mine to the school," said a mother to the author, full of noble scorn ; " yet a month ago George came home and said, ' Now the schoolmaster has made two tables ; at one he places the Christian children, at the other the devil's children ; at this we sit, I and Mary and Hanser's three.' "* Not less extraordinary, and as little befitting the * Another instance is given in the " Auserlesene Erzah- lungen." " The clergy said to the children, * You will neither go to heaven, nor to the churchyard.' The children, ' We are content if we go to the same place as our parents.'" 32 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. dignity of their office, as well as contrary to their " Instruction," * was the conduct of the clergy to the sick among the Protestants. At the com- mencement of their visits, they commonly made gentler or stronger reproaches concerning their apostasy. If the sick man answered nothing, he was offered reconciliation with the church by means of the Sacrament. But if he expressed any objections, he was immediately assured by the ecclesiastic, that in case of his refusal he could be granted no place in God's acre,f no prayers, no masses for his soul. Still worse it fared with others. Long had a priest wearied himself with a countryman named Simon Hanser. When he saw him approaching his end, he called out to him, " Hanser, thou art going straight to the devil." A wood- cutter was struck down by the fall of a tree ; his wound was thought incurable. While he was * According to this, the priest is obliged, even though not called in, to visit the sick man once. Should he omit, the local authorities are to make a representation thereof. But it is expressly said that " the priest shall proceed with all possible moderation, kindness, and Christian love, forbear from all com- pulsion ; and if the sick person will not receive his assistance, then to withdraw without any further ado." f " GottesaclserJ' an expressive term for a consecrated burial-ground. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 33 in a state of insensibility, he received the Host from a priest who was called in by the others. When he recovered, he shewed great surprise at the circumstance, and retained his connexion, as formerly, with his Protestant brethren. Can one now wonder if there also occurred scenes of another kind which bordered on fana- ticism ? A shepherd on his death-bed fell into great mental anguish, and longed most earnestly to re- ceive the Holy Eucharist. As none of those who had hitherto been his religious associates ventured to administer the Sacrament, he at last resolved to request it at the hand of the priest ; to his wife, however, this appeared as nothing less than a de- cisive recantation, and she accordingly used every effort to prevent it. When all would not avail, she lay down on the bed by her husband's side, and with her hand presented to his mouth what ap- peared to him to be offered by the priest. But we must now pass on to another important point, to examine how the Catholic clergy behaved towards the Protestants, in respect of their teach- ing and instruction, as to their Catholic errors. In the summer of 1832, a religious conference took place at Unterdichl, in the house of Joseph Hanser. The dissidents assembled in great numbers: among D 34 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. the clergy who were present was P. Sander, Dean of Zell. Before the colloquy began, one of the priests asked John Fleidl, how it came to pass that the Jews were averse to know anything about the New Testament. FleidL " Rather this asto- nishes me, that many Christians who have the Scripture, and say they believe in it, do neverthe- less not read therein. We cannot take it so much amiss in the Jews, because they, through money, were once deceived by the watchers at the grave." The Protestants now desired that the Bible might be made the ground of the discussion. This was conceded ; but the matter soon became again perplexed, in consequence of the clergy introduc- ing such points as, the number of the Sacraments, Indulgences, the Sacred Elements, and making them the chief subjects of discourse. When on the doctrine of the Sacraments, the conversation turned on the Unction, and the pas- sage in St. James, chap, v., being alleged for it, one of the priests read out the 14th verse. He then asked some of those present, whether they did not apprehend that, seeing that it was com- manded by the holy Apostle with the clearness of a sunbeam. Thereupon a voice came out of the midst, " Very right, Mr. Co-operator ; but you have THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 35 forgotten to read the 15th verse ; there stands the main point." A singular incident occurred also during the dispute on Purification. The passage in 2 Maccab. xii. 34, &c., which is usually adduced for this doctrine of the church, was mentioned, and was required to be referred to in the Bible. What was the astonishment of the Protestants, when a learned student sought for this Apocrypha near the book of Joshua ! In the meantime, in the handling of such subjects, there was a continual failure through shifts and evasions, while the chief and fundamental doctrines on which the Protes- tants at the beginning had so urgently insisted, remained altogether undiscussed. An entire after- noon was thus spent in vain : in the evening, the clergy complained of the people's obstinacy, rooted prejudices, want of clearness, &c. "It is, and will remain," they said, " a useless labour to con- tend with them so long as they retain their own caprices in the interpretation of texts, and will not abandon their private views." Not much happier effects resulted from the Pas- toral Conferences, which in several parishes were held with equal frequency as zeal. In the midst of a Protestant family, for a whole year, no pains were spared to bring them back into the bosom of D2 36 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. the church. On one occasion, the Vicar declared, because they would believe nothing but what was contained in the Bible, that he would shew them a passage in which the holy Apostle speaks of such people as they were, and from whence they might see what, after long patience, ought, in the end, to be done. Upon this, he held forth to them the words, 2 Tim. iii. 1 9. The owners of the house kept silence ; but one of the neighbours present remarked, that he also held that chapter in high respect ; that a few weeks ago he had heard it read in a house at Maierhof, where all had found the 12th verse, and not less verse 14th to the end, to be very important. Thereupon, another person added, that the prophecy occurred to him in which it is said, " There shall come priests and bishops, who know not the commandments of God." A Conference at Hiippach, which lasted several hours, and at which the people had behaved very boldly, was concluded by the priest with these words : " I only wish that the Lord Jesus Christ himself would come into the room, that I might say to him, See, these are the people, destroy them at once, by casting them into hell fire !" Still more important was a conversation held by the parish priest with Bartholomew Heim at Hollen- THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 37 zen. Just as the latter had recovered from a severe sickness, the priest came to him one day while he was in the field. " Bartholomew," said he to him, "you look very ill; there is no great while longer for you." "At this moment," as Heim related it, " I felt so strong and well, that I instinctively replied, with a loud voice, God be praised and thanked, Reverend Pastor, it is not yet so bad ; the wife and children at home have still too much need of me." After this, their discourse turned upon the Holy Communion, and on the double form. The pastor repeated emphatically what had formerly been said " That there is as much contained under one form as under the other, that there can be no body without blood, &c. As the countryman now be- gan to appeal to the Scriptures, the priest re- marked, " There is no Bible here, nor is there any need of one." In the meantime they had arrived at the house, where the pastor was requested to stay a while. Heim proposed to continue the dis- cussion by making a careful comparison of Bible texts. The pastor consented, and began by refer- ring to the passage, 1 Samuel, ii. 36, as in favour of the doctrine of only one kind. Heim was of opinion that he did not understand the text aright, 38 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. and that when the question regarded the Holy Communion, it would be better to abide by the New Testament. He therefore looked out and read in succession. Matt. xxvi. 26, John, vi. 54, 1 Cor. xi. &c., according to the text of Luther. After each passage the ecclesiastic said, "Very well," and added, when the former had ended, " Yes, it is even again the old error ; you obsti- nately adhere to what is written, and will hear no- thing of the traditions and ordinances of the church." Helm. " The church to which I in heart belong acknowledges Christ as the Law- giver, and honours his institution of the Supper. Therefore, also, is it contained in the Augsburg Confession." Priest. " It is not proper for thy wife, and children who still go to school, to be sitting around while there is a dispute about sacred things. Either it must be given up, or we must go further into another room." The housekeeper took up the large Bible under his arm, and, as there was no other place, conducted the priest into the kitchen. On the hearth* he again opened his book, and with a loud voice read the 10th Article * The hearths in these countries are built breast high, in the middle of the rooms. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 39 from the Confession ; whereupon the priest said, "There again the proof fails." Heim now was silent a moment, because he did not immediately know what he ought to say. As he kept turning over the leaves, the priest remarked, " When you once get to your books, as I always say. On my coming in, I perceived that the wood was not yet made,* and " Heim now suddenly exclaimed, " I have it, Reverend Pastor," and recited the 22nd Article " concerning the Communion under both kinds." He might here have mispronounced several Latin names of doctors of the church, which occasioned the priest to say, " It really pains one to hear the holy names so distorted." This, however, did not embarrass Heim, who now came to the words, " Therefore Pope Gelasius himself forbids the Sacrament to be divided." From these he inferred that there was a Papal General Church- Law against the opinion of the ecclesiastic, be- cause he could not read the word " Gelasius," printed in the Roman type,f and so was obliged to * An expression, the force of which will be perceived by re- membering that these districts abound with wood, and that the people are much employed in felling timber. f The Germans print only the books written in their own tongue (and not all of these) in the Gothic type, all other lan- guages with the Roman letter. 40 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. take the words collectively. Thereupon the priest went away, lamenting over Heim's " very wise want of understanding," while the goodman of the house ran some distance by his side, reading out after him, " Therefore it is not permitted to burden those consciences that desire the Holy Sacrament according to Christ's institution of it, nor to force them to partake it against the ordinance of Christ our Lord." From this may be seen what credit is due to the reports of the Catholic Journals, when they say, " These people cannot properly be reckoned among any of the acknowledged religious sects ; they have but little in common with the peculiar Protestant (Lutheran) Symbols ; and even scarcely know the first among the Confessions of that church (the Augsburg Confession) by its name ;" and when the same report, partly in contradiction to that just cited, proceeds to make itself merry over the ignorance of these people. "A Clergyman went to a house where none but the ' Awakened' were. He asked them what then properly was their belief. Immediately the mother exclaimed with earnestness, ' We believe in the Holy Trinity, and in the Augsburg Convinion ; ( Yes,' repeated two children, ' in the Most Holy Trinity, and the THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 41 Augsburg Confiction.' At length the father also observed, ( in the unaltered Augsburg Confession.'" So far as any attempts to lead them back to the church were exhibited in sermons, they were neither unauthorized, nor, for the pulpit, unsuitable. The author himself has heard several sermons in the Catholic churches of these districts. Polemics were not as of purpose introduced ; and even when they did appear, they were not obtruded. Several, especially of the younger clergy, shewed them- selves, by their statements and discourses, beyond all expectation to great advantage. Only one ser- mon contained anything extravagant. This was delivered on a St. Mary's day, when the lecturer took occasion to speak of Spain and Portugal. He vividly described the horrors in those countries the burning of the monks, the destruction of the churches, the insulting of the nuns, &c., and con- cluded by declaring, " And all this has been per- petrated by the Protestants, therefore God preserve us from these people ; it would be a pretty thing if such were to happen to us." Other particulars relating to this point were communicated by the Protestants themselves. If one of the Separatists attended at a sermon, he was remarked ; nor was it uncommon for the preacher immediately to advert 42 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. to the 6 Awakening ;' in other instances the pre- sence of such a e Listener' was pointed out to the congregation. Indeed, the matter did not stop here ; invective, mockery, &c., concerning the Protestant church and its dogmas, interchanged with stories about the Reformers, the preachers, their wives, and children, and the like. Such unseasonable controversial discourses must not only have driven the Protestants still further from the church, but, much more, must have caused the weapons to be turned against itself. Of those who remained Catholics, some became fanatics, hatred was ex- cited, and the peace of the neighbourhood dis- turbed. To others of a better spirit, already stimulated to inquiry, such sermons became as more certain way-marks. The Protestants, how- ever, were by both these manifestations only the more strengthened and confirmed in the truth which they had previously apprehended. " Now is fulfilled," said one of the Protestants, " what the apostle says, ' We have a more sure word of pro- phecy.' Others have begun to search into the Scriptures, while the priests abused, and the more they clamoured, the more came the people to the Bible." With regard to their municipal relationships, it THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 43 is first and before all others to be observed, that the disturbances and misunderstandings which oc- curred in that respect, took place in connexion with the church, and as a consequence of the dismissal not having been granted to the Protestants. What- ever the secular power did and ordered in this behalf was done with reference to the existing ordinances of the church, or as the executor of the same. Let us take, first, the case of the marriage- contract. " Matrimony," so the Catholic Journals explain the matter, "was refused to them, it is true," (according to another report, however, " the case scarcely ever happened,") " and could not well be otherwise, on the simple ground that the government does not permit among people who do not yet belong to any of the tolerated creeds a merely civil or Protestant contract, at which the Catholic priest must be present to wit- ness the declaration that the parties take each other in marriage, and because it is not required of the Catholic clergy, from regard to their liberty of conscience, that they, to people who do not, or will not, belong entirely to the Catholic church, should give the nuptial blessing." The next particular to be considered is, their extra-ecclesiastical assemblies. These had by the 44 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. police authorities been partly prohibited and partly rendered impracticable. They, in fact, performed all that the church did and legally could require. Otherwise it must not be suppressed, that the Protestants themselves describe this procedure of the magistracy as a mild one. It was, for the most part, only admonitory, never strictly penal. The Protestants also express their great satisfaction that, on the part of the Landgericht, they were not deprived of their Bibles and other books of edifica- tion,* although the authorities knew that they had such, and were still adding to their store. On every occasion, they celebrate in an especial man- ner the personal treatment they received from their Landrichter. " He is the best," said one ; "we would rather a thousand times speak with him than with the clergy, for he lets one come to the Word." * Very different was the conduct of the clergy : " A Zillerdaler had obtained from Munich a Catholic New Testament, a Lutheran Catechism, and several books of devo- tion which he left at Innsbruck to be bound. A priest there, when he heard of this, took them away and sent them back over the borders. From the children of a deceased Protestant, a priest took the Bible and other books of edification left them by their father, declaring that the deceased had gone to hell, and that he had said a mass for his soul." Appelius. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 45 On the procedures of the church, also, depended the form and manner of burial among the Pro- testants. As the clergy would not admit the de- ceased into the Christian burial-ground, and in general did not at all concern themselves with the subject, it naturally lay upon the magistracy, who could not compel the former, themselves to order and superintend the interment. The practice was this: the Protestants made known the case of death to the local inspector, who sent an official, as the beadle, &c., to the house of mourning. The place of burial was then discussed. If the deceased person had no property, leave was requested to bury him by another Protestant ; if this could not be, a piece of common ground, as in a wood, was selected. The policeman attended the funeral, and was rewarded with a florin. In this way the Protestants were protected from those disorders and disturbances which otherwise would have hap- pened. Such protection they thankfully acknow- ledged ; nevertheless, they complained bitterly of the procedure ; for at the grave they were never permitted to say aloud any prayers, nor, as they once wished, to sing Luther's Hymn,* and then * From a Catholic report : " Of any kind of tender regard for the bodies of the dead they know nothing. They use no prayers on such occasions, and only care to put the corpse 46 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. the policeman generally brought his dog with him into the funeral procession. We indeed behold in this, the most simple rights of humanity, in a re- volting manner, trampled under foot, but cannot so easily see what was meant by the presence of the dog. Was it intended by the authorities as a sarcasm, or, as the people thought, an intimation of sepultura canina ? Still less intelligible are other ordinances of a purely civil character, which were by the autho- rities put in operation against these people ; as, for instance, the prohibition against their acquiring any property. Although occasionally certain con- cessions were made, the matter was yet sufficiently irksome, inasmuch as it lay with the parish to make the decision. They thus became a prey to the caprices, intrigues, and rudeness of individuals, and, unhappily, the clergy did not keep themselves free from such unseemly interferences. More than once, the Pastor of Finkenberg took this method in order to rid his parish of persons in- clined to Protestantism. With many also this refusal was attended with other disadvantageous consequences. A youth, on inheriting a freehold, under ground. Neither do they place any, the least, memorial on the grave, but level it, and let it serve for pasturage as before." THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 47 becomes thereby exempt from the conscription. But the inclinant,* John Strasser, " because, on account of his religious principles, he was not qualified to take possession of his estates," was obliged to draw his lots for the conscription ; how- ever, he succeeded. Under this head also may be classed the diffi- culties which were laid in the way of the Protes- tants whenever they requested passports. Had these been desired for the purpose of going into a foreign country we could understand the reason of these obstacles. But, against all analogy, we find them employed to prevent the subject from visiting the capital, in order to see the father of his country. But the more these and other burdens pressed upon the people, the more was their Protestant feeling in its truth and reality manifested. They consoled themselves, suppressing all bitterness, by saying, "Yet much worse befel our Lord; why, then, should we complain ?" From such a refined sentiment under oppression, it must be evident that no case occurred of purposed disobedience * Inclinant a term employed, in a technical sense, to de- signate those who were inclined from the Romish church towards Protestantism. 48 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. and resistance to the authorities. At all times, and under all circumstances, they discharged their duty as subjects, and preserved their fidelity and allegiance to the reigning house. Even the last decision, which commanded them to leave their native soil, wrought no alteration in this respect. Nor was it concealed from those among them who possessed the most insight, that the government so acted, as a regard to its circumstances and difficult position rendered unavoidable. More interesting, however, will it be for our readers to take a glance at the religious state of these people. The author has had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with only a small number of them, and with but a few individuals so inti- mately as to be able to form a precise judgment concerning them. This, however, is not so difficult with a people so simple, open, and unpractised in any arts of dissimulation. As one of the ablest, and most penetrated with the character of the gospel, the already-mentioned Bartholomew Heim, of the village of Hollenzen, deserves, undoubtedly, to be distinguished. In him the creative power of God's Word has approved itself in a visible manner. Helm's father was a Catholic, and remained so to the end of his days. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 49 In his youth, Heim was in the service of a rich farmer, in whose house he found Schaitberger's .Epistle, which he took with him upon the Alps, and read while keeping his flock. From Schait- berger he went to the Scriptures; afterwards he read Luther's Catechisms ; and some years later, the Confession, and other edifying works. Heim shewed a rare acquaintance with every part of the Bible, as also with the Augsburg Confession, an accurate understanding even of difficult passages, a fine clearness in discriminating between essentials and non-essentials. It is undoubtedly due to his discretion that his community were preserved from fanaticism of a prophetical or other kind, which under such circumstances so easily attaches itself* This will be evidenced by the following * (i Among the Zillerdalers I perceived no appeal to any one as their chief, nor any fanatical opinions indicating a sectarian tendency. On the contrary, they ever sustained their faith by a diligent perusal of the Bible according to Luther's Version, and the older Protestant formularies by which they were guided to the right use of the former. They are also well versed in the Augsburg Confession, which they hold in high esteem. It is not, indeed, to be expected from country people, who, by this method, and without pastoral aid, had embraced the Protestant faith, that they should possess a perfect knowledge and insight in the theological system. Yet it were to be wished that all members of the Protestant church had the words of holy scrip- 50 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. incident : It had been told the author by a bene- ficed ecclesiastic, that "these people were distin- guished by their gross Chiliasm and expectation of a speedy advent."* This induced him, on an occasion when several Protestants were assembled at Heim's, to ask them, among other questions, whether they read the Revelation of St. John. " Why not ?" exclaimed one of those present, somewhat surprised. Heim. " Thou dost not understand the gentleman he has nothing against the Revelation; and you know well that 1 have always said that a man ought to read the New Testament in the order in which it stands written, first Matthew, then Mark, &c. Our gracious God well knows wherefore it was so given to us." He ture so firm in their memories, and so ready for the vindication of their belief, as the Protestant Zillerdalers with whom I con- versed." Dr. Petri, of Bautzen, in Saxony, who communicated to the author notes of his visit to the Zillerthal, in August, 1837. " To my surprise and joy, several individuals shewed an ac- quaintance with the holy scriptures, and a distinct apprehension of the passages for the proof of this or that doctrine, which would ashame many a theologian." Appelius. * I suppose that the author here refers to attempts to fix dates, &c., ever the fatal rock to interpreters of prophecy ; for assuredly it is not fanatical and extravagant, but most scriptural and accordant with the apostolical injunctions, and of the very essence of the Christian life, not only to be looking for, but even hastening the coming of the day of God. (2 Peter, iii. 12.) Tr. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 51 afterwards related that some of them had preferred reading in the Revelation, and he had told them that the Apostle Paul must be first understood, otherwise they would not profit. " So/' said he, " it happened to me, therefore I know it ; with the Apostle Paul lies the kernel. He speaks of the old and new man, of Christ the one Mediator and Intercessor, of the only ground of our salvation, of faith, and justification through faith alone, and not by works, and exercises, and man's wisdom." When, on a subsequent day, the discourse again turned on the Apocalypse, Helm remarked that the Revelation was too high for him, that he could not bring out all the visions. The author consoled him by saying that the same also happened to learned men. To which Heim replied, " Yet can I not deny that I believe these to be the last days. For what Paul writes, 1 Tim. iv. 1 5, and 2 Tim. iii. 1, &c., is all coming to pass now, and may be seen amongst us." From expressions of this kind it may be that the above-mentioned reproach was framed by evil minds. With what correctness in other respects, and in what sense the Zillerdalers beheld these apostolic words fulfilled in their own experience, the reader himself may judge. We, at least, believe, from the impression which these E 2 52 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. people made on us, that if, when the future lay darkly before them, any crude or unsound notions insinuated themselves, they would be wholly re- moved when a happier lot should be their portion. Next to Heim, the mechanic John Fleidl de- serves especial attention. He received a Protestant education. His grandfather, whose youth extended to the time of the Saltzburg Persecution, he having died at the age of ninety-eight, was devoted to the gospel. He also possesses an uncommon know- ledge of the Holy Scriptures. The texts cited by him he can give in the exact words of Luther's Version, and even with chapter and verse. For other reading, as tracts, &c., he shewed, during his stay in Berlin, little inclination ; he always took the Bible in his hand, or the " Threefold Clover-leaf," which he carried with him on his journeys. Fleidl has a remarkable faculty of discourse, both in speak- ing and writing, rarely met with among people of his grade, and which Heim himself possesses not. He is also more tranquil and diffident than the lat- ter. Without reason has his way of life been sus- pected by the adverse party. These two humble men are they whom we have to contemplate as properly the heads of this Pro- testant community. Both had, in consequence of THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 53 their having for a series of years taken the lead in all affairs, won to themselves great respect, and enjoyed a paternal authority over the rest. To this also, in the case of Helm, it contributed not a little that he was the father of a family, and pos- sessed a house of his own. To him the Protestants came to hear whatever was new regarding the affairs of their society, and to ask his counsel in things relating both to the body and the soul. In his house also there was a kind of central library, containing the following books: 1. A Bible in folio, Niirnberg edition, with the Augsburg Confession ; 2. Several New Testaments; 3. Luther's Little Catechism, and Collection of Texts, Niirnberg, 1829 ; 4. Luther's Little Treasury for the New Testament, Stettin, 1738 ; 5. Federhaff's Fifty-two Bible Histories for home and school; 6. Trea- sury of Hymns, the Psalm Book of Augsburg; 7. Schmolke's Communion Book, with Morning and Evening Lessons, 1758 ; 8. The Singing Mouth, a Niirnberg Hymn Book, 1753; 9. Schait- berger's New Evangelical Epistle to the Saltz- burgers ; 10. The Rose of Prayer and Penitence, 1783; 11. The Heavenly Table of Grace; 12. Buchner's Scripture Concordance ; 13. Storr's Confession and Communion Book, fifth edition, 54 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 1771 ; 14. Burk's Little Book for the Communion and Confession, Stuttgart, 1835 ; 15. Seller's Sys- tem of Protestant Doctrine, Erlangen, 1778. A central library we have called this little collec- tion, as from hence those who belonged to it fetched the books for use, and afterwards carried them back. It was also designed by this arrangement to protect the inexperienced from being misled by improper publications, or such as might be put forward with a Jesuitical intention. Other pious writings were also found scattered in several houses ; as, for in- stance, Arndt's True Christianity, and his Ser- mons; Luther's New Testament, with marginal observations ; the Munich Protestant Hymn-book ; Hiller's Little Treasury ; Spangenberg's Homilies ; Muller's Soul's Treasury; Rezendorf's Extract of the Threefold Clover-leaf, (Dreifache Kleeblatt,) containing a history of the Reformation, and of the delivery of the Augsburg Confession. Some fathers of families brought home with them similar works from their journeys. " Yes," said a youth, " our deceased father brought from Suabia this beautiful book, and we children know it all by heart." These books also further served for the instruc- tion and cultivation of the youth. It is true, that THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 55 they were so available only among such as had ac- quired the elements of reading and writing in the Catholic schools. Since the separation had taken place, the education of the children who were ready for school was undertaken by the elder mem- bers of the families, and partly by the parents. But they well perceived that this was an inade- quate substitute. " The children learn even no- thing at all," said a father. " I would gladly teach them myself, were I not so bad a scholar." Another complained, " This causes me the most pain, that when on a Sunday the children hear us read out of the little book, they always say afterwards, that they also should like to learn." A third, who through the winter had used all his efforts to edu- cate his children, related, that " in the previous spring, when the boys were sent to the meadows to keep the flocks, they began to weep, and said, 6 Now we shah 1 never learn any more.' " To which the father replied, " Go forth in God's name ; he will instruct you ; only be diligent in your prayers." In former times, those who were inclined to Pro- testantism were accustomed to hold great meetings, under the guidance and direction of the more ad- vanced and eminent in their community. For the 56 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. reasons already mentioned, these had latterly been discontinued, so that there remained to them only the service of God in their families. To prevent the evil consequences incidental to such a divided state, some individuals felt strongly impelled to exercise a kind of pastoral care over the others. These visited the brethren, instructed, admonished, warned ; and especially brought comfort to the sick and dying. Yet, notwithstanding their ex- tensive influence in this respect, and their deep insight and experience in spiritual subjects, they ever forbore from what must in their circum- stances have been a strong temptation all intrusion on the sacramental functions. This deprivation of the sacraments was attended with still other evil consequences. Many mothers were offended that their new-born children were brought into the Catholic churches, where none of their own senti- ments could be admitted as sponsors, " because it would have endangered the child's salvation if a Lutheran had been its godfather." Add to this, it frequently occurred that as many of the Catholics refused, it being against their conscience, one of the clergy resolved at last to undertake the office. In former years, several had expressed doubts as to the validity of such a baptism, which ceased, THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 57 however, when the initiated had explained what was essential to it.* Still more critical was the matter with regard to the holy sacrament of the altar. That they could not partake of it in the Catholic church is evident ; since, in order to this, they must first have purged themselves by penance, and have submitted to the withholding of the cup, which had always been to them an especial grievance. But even if they had so desired, it would not have been possible, as they would thus have declared their return to the church, and been involved in further consequences that would not have failed to follow. The want of this sacrament was indeed acutely felt by many, especially by females, the aged, and the sick. Their complaints at the season of Easter, when all the people flock to the communion, were loud, and caused much grief and anxiety to their leaders and the heads of families. The embarrassment was greatest when the dying languished for this last consolation. Nevertheless, there occurred among them no contempt of the * In order the more firmly to attach the baptized to the church, and to render their departure from it more difficult, every means was resorted to, to bring the children to confirm- ation ; not unfrequently by persuading the mothers, bribing the relations, &c. Contrary to the custom of the church, this rite was administered to infants before they were a month old. 58 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. visible sacrament, after the manner of the pseudo- mystics ;* still less, as their adversaries admit, any self-willed administration of the sacred office. " No man shall administer the sacrament without a re- gular call," they said, with a knowledge as accurate, as their observance was conscientious, of the Augs- burg Confession. (Art. 14.) Under these circumstances, among all the wishes expressed by these people, that for a regular church and school system was the loudest and most urgent. When asked, whether they could support a clergy- man and schoolmaster, they replied, " Why not ? Butter, and cheese, and bread, he shall have as much as he needs ; we can also build him a little house ; but indeed we have not much money." * Even the Catholic journals acknowledge, " There was in no instance any the least trace of a false mysticism among the people." 59 CHAPTER III. Moral and social life of the Zillerdalers Reproaches and ac- cusations of their enemies Strifes and provocations between the parties Indifference to religion among the Catholics Humble confession of the Protestants. WITH respect now to the moral and social life of these people, there were not wanting, as may be supposed, reproaches of the most various kinds from the opposite party. They were charged with having in many ways offended against both civil and ecclesiastical order, and also against the general morality. Accusations of the former kind, the Catholic journals report in a more general way. Thus they say " They derided the mys- teries of the Catholic religion, disturbed proces- sions, crucifixes and images openly profaned, heaped insults against the Catholics and their priests, and even threatened them with death ; the 60 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. tokens of the Catholic church, which their chil- dren received from the priests, they trod under foot ; at home, in the presence of their Catholic servants, they read to their children the most violent of the Protestant controversial writings, those edifying books which they had brought with them from abroad, laughing out aloud at the passages which contained the coarsest invec- tives against the Catholic church, and exclaim- ing to the reader, ' That is fine, read that again.' They said, when any one, in order not to be a partaker in others' sins, called the attention of his priest to what occurred in such houses, that he was a ' parson's beadle ;' and if any female in such a house or neighbourhood refused to coincide in their revilings, but behaved quietly, and diligently attended church, that she was a c parson's wife.'" For the forming of a right judgment on such ac- cusations, one finds a hint in these reports them- selves, as they acknowledge that "such calumnies were wholly disapproved of by other members of the sect ;" thus making the same distinction which has been already occasionally intimated.* Not all * " In general, the impression made upon me by these peo- ple was, that they were of a vigorous, powerful, and discerning nature; that if sanctified by grace, and duly initiated in the THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 61 those inclined to Protestantism observed, indeed, that quietness and moderation, that propriety of demeanour and foresight, which were evinced by the individuals who have been before described. Many suffered themselves to be carried away by their forward and vehement zeal against the gaudy appendages of the Catholic worship. This oc- curred more frequently in the earlier years, and with many, who neither by a Protestant education nor intercourse had been humanized, not seldom bordered upon rudeness. Unhappily, inconve- nient discussions relating to religion and the church occurred, which were carried on without becoming prudence, and were even sought after, to the aban- donment of all discretion and propriety. When- ever they happened on public occasions, as in taverns, &c., they almost invariably led to bad results. Men irritated and provoked one another, took opposite sides, and both Catholics and Pro- testants employed a coarse expression,* which is spirit of the gospel, they would be capable of great achieve- ments. For the present, among many, especially the youth, a polemical anti-Catholic tendency appeared to predominate, which in their situation is very natural." Voelter. * Even the better and more earnest among the Protestants employed the phrase " gluttonous parson," as a common form of speech, without intending anything especially offensive. 62 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. natural to the Tyrolese. The news of such events ran rapidly through the valley. That there were much perversion and distortion of the real facts will surprise no one. A case, the report of which was attended by many consequences, was thus related by a person of undoubted veracity A smith, Joseph Hohenleitner by name, went one day to Maierhof for the purposes of his occupa- tion. While he was drinking a glass of beer in an ale-house, a priest passed by, carrying the holy communion to a person that was sick. Several Catholics who were present left the room and went into the street, falling on their knees, according to their custom, in order to receive the priest's bless- ing. Hohenleitner, however, kept his seat. There- upon, one asked him, why he also did not go. Others were more urgent, until at last he broke out with these words, " I am not going to that Baal's work." For this expression he was after- wards condemned to eighteen weeks' imprison- ment at Rattenberg ; since which period he has been sickly, as the water of that place is said not to agree with the Zillerdalers. Contentions of this nature occurred very fre- quently, especially since such wonderful things happened in the country, which were told the THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 63 people by the priests in their sermons, and adduced in proof of their religion. Such, for instance, were the story of the Holy Maid of Caldera,* the miracle at the bone-house of Zell ;f and, lastly, the report of a dead body recomposed from the bones in the catacombs, that was sent by the holy father to an inhabitant of Zillerthal. The Catholic journals also contain other crimi- nations against the social and moral conduct of the Protestants. The author willingly declines the task of investigating and discussing all such accu- sations, for the purpose of being able to refute them. Many of them are so general and unde- fined, that a minute acquaintance with localities * The holy maid of Kaldern is properly a young lady named Maria von Moerl, of Kaldern, in Etschthal. Her visions and ecstasies have many things in common with those of the devout Anna Catharina von Emmerich, at Diilmen. Every Thursday at noon she suffers the agony in the garden ; on Friday morn- ing she accompanies Jesus on his path of suffering, expiring at mid-day in the most violent convulsions ; on Christmas and Epiphany she is in the train of shepherds, kings, &c. At the season of her transformations, she hovers,with hands folded, over her bed, bears in her hands the marks of the wounds, which on Friday evening gush forth. She is in her twenty-fourth year, and for three years has taken scarcely any food. f A withered lily in the hand of the Virgin's image at that place, which suddenly put forth new blossoms. 64 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. and statistical details would be requisite in order to arrive at any certainty ; others, again, are so special, that a complete investigation by examina- tions, confrontations, &c., would be necessary ; and, after all, it might appear doubtful whether the facts could be truly ascertained, especially if relating to events long since past. Among the accusations of this class may be reckoned the following report, contained in the Catholic journals: " Scandalous," says the Journal for Catholic Theology, " is their course of life ; illegitimate births happen very frequently among them ; and it is a common occurrence for them to live together in contempt of the marriage bond, and by their corrupting example to mislead the thoughtless youth." It is, however, remarkable that "The Catholic," which otherwise omits no- thing prejudicial in its description of the Protes- tants, says nothing of such an especial irregularity ; nor is it less surprising that the Catholic inha- bitants of the valley are ignorant of such flagrant offences. At the same time, it cannot be denied that there were instances among the Protestants of children being born out of wedlock : this they themselves have admitted, referring, as some pal- liation, to the refusal of the rite of marriage. A THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 65 case, concerning which the Journal for Catholic Theology says, " It is one unknown even among the heathen," resolves itself, to the astonishment of the reader, into this, that a man from Rams- berg, on account of a misdemeanour committed while in a state of inebriation, had suffered four- teen days' imprisonment. When this story is ac- companied by " The Catholic" with the fine phrase, " Such uncivilized men the little en- lightened church carries in its bosom," it is to be remembered that the Protestants at no time re- joiced in such an acquisition. To all these movements against the Catholic Church, the religious indifference among the Ca- tholics themselves, as we have already noticed, forms the dark back-ground. " It is no wonder" such was the expression of one of this tendency "that the people (the Protestants) run away from the belief and practice of things which are no longer to be believed in the present day." Yet to join themselves to the Protestants was far enough from the design of these daring spirits. " What folly so to rack one's brains with fanaticism and prayers, and the everlasting reading of little books !" For expressions of this nature, the Pro- testants had not unfrequently to answer, as when F bb THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. the Catholic journals report that " One who had passed for a great light, and had turned many to his views, said to a Catholic, 6 1 have read the Holy Scriptures from my youth, yet have I found nothing therein concerning the Godhead of Jesus, and that men should pay him adoration, nor con- cerning his presence in the Eucharist; you are only adorers of bread and idol- worshippers.' " That men of such a purely negative way of thinking should, by common report, be classed among the Protestants, may be easily conceived. Among these, however, at least such as formed the main body, not the slightest trace has been met with by the author. They have, from the beginning, with their guides and leaders, belonged to quite another school. With wonderful delicacy of the moral sense, they at all times perceived, and openly acknowledged, in how many things they were still deficient, being in this respect much more keen- sighted than even their enemies. Thus, with grief, they confessed to 'the author, that during this course of years many things had taken place which ought not to have occurred, and which were espe- cially unbecoming in Protestant Christians. Not only have they lamented over the above-mentioned points, but also over their negligence in spiritual THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 67 matters, over the fear of man which had kept so many from avowing their profession,* and their actual denial of known truth, f All, it was their opinion, would have happened far otherwise, and more favourably, had they been able to attain a regular church communion ; that rather one must wonder that no worse evil had befallen them, nor (f can they sufficiently thank God, w T ho hitherto has holpen them by preserving their minds one towards another, and preventing them by His grace from so many dangers." * " They told me that there were numbers who only feigned being Catholics, but who would immediately fall away on their attaining liberty of faith, held back by the dread of losing their worldly substance, and of incurring the animosity of the priests, by which their life would have been embittered." Appelius. " They assured us that there were many in the Tyrol secretly inclined to Protestantism, as the Protestant leaven could never be wholly extirpated." Voelter. \ Appelius mentions several cases of betrothed persons not being able to obtain a legitimate marriage, except by returning to the Church, and depositing a sum of money as a pledge for their fidelity. F 2 68 CHAPTER IV. Situation of the Protestants of Zillerthal with relation to other countries Fleidl's letter to his friends in Bavaria Visits of their brethren in the faith to the valley Intercourse with Munich Fleidl is deputed to Berlin, and addresses the King Audience of the deputy Admission into the Prussian dominions. THE circumstances and situation of the Protes- tants in Zillerthal had been, in the main points, for several years, not entirely unknown in other countries. Early in the year 1837, Fleidl com- municated the following letter, which he sent to some friends in Bavaria.* es Most worthy Friends and Brethren in the Lord, " We, your Protestant brethren in Zillerthal, inform you of the situation in which we are at pre- * Quarterly Review, vol. Ixiv. p. 131. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 69 ent placed, and of which we were not aware when we sent to you Joseph Gruber. The matter stands thus : On the 12t,h of March the district-captain came to Zillerthal, and summoned us all, the first on the 13th and the last on the 17th of March, to appear before him, and we did so with all due obedience. Thereupon he stood up, and said that to-day he appeared not as district-captain, but as the Emperor himself, to declare to us the Imperial decision of January 11, 1837, as to the following points : " 1st. That we must return to the Roman Ca- tholic Church, or leave our fatherland; that he will not tolerate any Protestant community in the Tyrol. " 2nd. That we might have the choice either to be translocated into Austrian provinces, where there are Protestant congregations, or to emigrate into foreign parts. " 3rd. That we must declare within fourteen days which we prefer. " 4th. That from the date of our declaration, a term of four months should be granted us to pre- pare for translocation or emigration. " 5th. If in four months ye are not ready for either one or the other, your freedom of choice 70 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. will be at an end, the official authorities will sum- mon you to move, and the Emperor will locate you where he pleases. " Thereupon we requested passports, that we might look about for some place to go to ; to which the answer was, c When you have made your declaration you shall have passports, but not before.' We then considered, from all that we knew of old, and that we had just heard, that our brethren in the faith suffer oppression in Austria. W r e thought also of the 30,000 Saltzburgers, who, for religion's sake, were obliged to tread the same path, and how the King of Prussia graciously re- ceived them. We have heard that the present King too is a good and a pious King, and a friend of the Protestant Church ; and so, excepting eight persons who go into Austria, we ventured, in de- pendence upon God and the good King, to declare for foreign parts. Many now declared, of whom we knew nothing before : the number of those who have declared for emigration is between 400 and 500 souls, and we intended, as soon as we could get a passport, to send one of the number to Prussia to pray and secure a gracious reception for all. But now they refuse the passport, and we do not know what is to be the end of it. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTI -rrf/f Now we remember the 5th pon^i^hich says, ' If you are not ready within this term, the Emperor will locate you/ and think that they delay with the passport that the time may pass away, and so the last state be worse than the first. We there- fore pray you one and all, most worthy friends, to intercede for us with the King, and to inform him of our condition ; and as soon as one of us can get a passport, he shall go himself to Prussia, and we will look for you to give us information : but, should it happen that they will not give us a passport to Prussia, inform the bearer whether he could not enter Prussia with his labourer's passport : he will return home at Whitsuntide. If it be possible for this man with his labourer's passport to get into Bavaria and Prussia, we should wish to send him. If we only knew that the King of Prussia would receive us, we would serve him faithfully and up- rightly, as we have hitherto served the Emperor, who now persecutes us and drives us from our fatherland. " We greet you one and all, and pray for all things possible. "JoHN FLEIDL." 72 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. In Munich especially, the state of things was pretty accurately understood. Zillerdalers who trafficked with precious stones, and such like articles, were in the constant habit of going to and from that city. They were treated by several of their brethren with that reception which Chris- tian love is ever accustomed to grant to the needy and oppressed. Yet were there no attempts at proselytizing ; for the new-comers were already acquainted with the Gospel, and rejoiced in the opportunity of uniting with Protestants in the public worship of God, the holy sacraments, &c. In like manner the Zillerdalers received visits of sympathy from their fellow-believers in Bavaria and other places.* The Austrian policy permitted this, and, even when it might have had ground for interference, it placed no difficulties in the * Unfortunately, freebooters and other worthless characters, under the assumed name of Protestants, also paid them visits. One of these, pretending to have come from Russia in the spring of 1835, made known to Heim his pecuniary embarrassments. The latter offered him the greatest part of his ready money ; but as this was asserted not to be sufficient, Heim borrowed of his brother-in-law. In this way he was beguiled of twelve crowns, with the promise that they should be returned by the next St. James' day. A similar case occurred again in the following year. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 73 way.* Now, after the decision already mentioned had been made known to these Zillerdalers, and they had been joined by a hundred and twenty- two other inhabitants of the valley, they appointed John Fleidl their deputy, who, on behalf of the Protestants, should look around for help, and seek a reception in a foreign country. As the granting of his passport was delayed for some months, so that nearly half of the allotted term had passed away, they obtained, upon petition, a prolongation of their sojourn until the llth of September. At the end of May, Fleidl appeared in Berlin, and delivered to the King the following address, drawn up chiefly by himself: f * The ordinance mentioned by Voelter, that "not only tra- vellers who remained over night, but such as only stopped an hour, should enter their names in the stranger's book," was not in existence till after the year 1836. f " The good King of Prussia had, however, heard already the tidings of this oppression in Austria ; and another good King, our own late Sovereign, had heard also the tale of cruelty and injustice. To the eternal honour of William IV. be it recorded, that he was the first who moved in the matter. Again and again, in February and March, 1837, he called upon the King of Prussia to interfere. They had both been parties to the Act of Confederation they had both guaranteed its observance : they could not see its provisions trampled under foot, to the oppression and ruin of the Protestants of the Tyrol, without sacrificing every principle of self-respect, humanity, veracity, 74 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. " To the most Illustrious, most mighty King. " Most Gracious King and Lord, "In my own name, and in the name of my companions in the faith, whose number amounts to from 430 to 440, I venture a cry of distress on the magnanimity and grace of your Majesty, as the august defender of the pure Gospel. With my whole soul I had desired to lay this prayer honour, and religion. The King of England and Hanover found no want of sympathy on the part of his Prussian brother, a worthy descendant of those sovereigns who opened their arms to receive the victims of Popery flying from France, from Saltz- burg, and Bohemia. He was as determined as King William, but desired to act as gently as possible to the Emperor of Austria ; and therefore, instead of adopting the form of diplo- matic reclamation, which must have been attended with a public exposure of political delinquency and breach of faith, he quietly commissioned his chaplain, Dr. Strauss, who was going to Vienna, to intercede with Prince Metternich, that, to such families as preferred emigration into Prussia, permission and time for preparation might be granted, as he was willing to receive them all. A revocation or alteration of the decree of banishment was not asked for for this reason amongst others, that a longer stay in the Tyrol under such circumstances could not have been desirable to the Protestants themselves. In fact, immediately after the departure of the King's chaplain from Berlin, on the 23rd of May, 1837, the Zillerdalian deputy to the King of Prussia arrived to solicit a quiet habitation for the victims of intolerance: this was the already mentioned John Fleidl." Quarterly Review, vol. Ixiv. pp. 132, 133. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 75 personally and orally before your Majesty, yet I am content, if permitted, to do so only in writing. After more than a hundred years, another act of persecution and banishment has been repeated in our fatherland. Not for any crimes or misde- meanours on our part, but on account of our religion, we are compelled to leave our native soil, as the annexed certificate from the Land- gericht of Zell, dated llth of this month, will shew. It is true that we have the choice between a translocation into another Austrian province and an entire emigration ; but we prefer the latter, in order to spare ourselves and children all further animosities. Already once, Prussia gave to our persecuted forefathers a secure asylum. We, too, have placed all our trust in God and the good King of Prussia. We shall find help, and not be ashamed. We therefore most humbly beseech your Majesty for a favourable reception into your royal dominions, and for a gracious assistance on our settlement. We pray your Majesty to receive us paternally, that so we may live according to our faith. Our belief is grounded entirely on the doctrine of Holy Scripture and the Augsburg Confession; we have read both with diligence, and well know the difference between the Word 76 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. of God and man's additions. From this faith we neither can nor will ever deviate ; for its sake we leave house and home, and also our fatherland. May your Majesty graciously permit us to remain together in one community; that will increase our mutual help, our mutual comfort. May your Majesty graciously place us in a region whose circumstances have some resemblance to our own Alpine land ; wherein agriculture, and the rear- ing of cattle, have formed our occupations. About two-thirds of us have property; a third support themselves by day-labour; only eighteen are tradespeople, of whom thirteen are weavers. "May it please your Majesty to give us a faithful pastor, and a zealous schoolmaster, though at first we shall probably not be in a condition to afford much for their support. The j ourney will be very expensive, and we do not yet know what we shall be able to bring to our new home ; and we have long been deprived of the consolations of religion and school instruction. Should any want shew itself among us, especially among the poor, to whom the more opulent may not be able to give sufficient assistance, as they will be obliged to begin life anew, so may your Majesty be a father to us all. But especially will your Majesty THE EXILES OF Z1LLERTHAL. 77 graciously intercede for us, that the prescribed term of four months, from the llth of May to the llth of September, may be prolonged till the next spring ? The sale of our farms, which already has begun, but which cannot, in so short a time, be well ended without disadvantage ; the setting in of winter ; the helplessness of the old people and children, are considerations which make such a prolongation in the highest degree desirable. May God reward your Majesty for all the kindness which your Majesty may shew to us. Faithful, honest, and thankful, will we remain in Prussia, and will not lay aside the good qualities of our Tyrolese nature. We shall only increase the number of your Majesty's brave subjects, and stand in history as a lasting monument, that misfortune, when it dwells near compassion, ceases to be misfortune ; and that the Gospel, when obliged to fly from the Papacy, ever finds protection from the magnanimous King of Prussia. "THE TYROLESE OF ZILLERTHAL, " By their spokesman, " JOHN FLEIDL, of ZillerthaL " Berlin, 27th May, 1837." 78 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. The petitioner was graciously received in the highest quarters, and his suit was answered to the entire satisfaction both of the deputy and his constituents. The King declared himself ready to accede to the request in its full extent ; which he, in his own name and in that of his associates, had presented, with the knowledge and consent of his country's government. At the same time that Fleidl was gone to Berlin, the government had repeatedly received authentic information respecting the affairs of the Ziller- dalers. Dr. Strauss,* the president of the Con- sistory, was, in consequence, sent to Vienna, in order to negotiate the particulars, and to request for them a prolongation of the term for their emi- gration ; in which application he was successful. The Austrian government acceded, with all rea- diness, to the proposals of the Prussian, shewing a disposition to avoid everything that might give to the affair the odious colour of a religious per- secution. Dr. Strauss met deputies from Zillerthal at Kreuth. There he ascertained that their faith was in strict accordance with the principles of * Carefully to be distinguished from D. F. Strauss, author of the too celebrated neological work entitled " The Life of Jesus Christ." THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 79 Scripture and the Church, and that they were desirous to unite themselves as well to the Pro- testant Church as to all the institutions therewith connected. Subsequently, the privy-councillor Jacobi was commissioned to acquaint them with the civil institutions of the state, that so no cir- cumstance, as that of the general military duty, might come upon them unawares. The news of these transactions awakened great joy among the Protestants. They immediately set about preparing for their emigration, by build- ing wagons for their journey, disposing of their houses, estates, &c. The majority of those who had farms, and other property, soon found good and profitable purchasers. The others, also, who possessed only houses and cattle, were in no em- barrassment, as all kinds of saleable commodities find in the valley a ready purchase.* The officials were not negligent in laying before them the * That an assurance upon oath was required of the pur- chasers, "that they would never more betake themselves to the Bible," is a mistake, and originated probably from the circum- stance that married persons, children, and members of families who remained behind, were compelled to swear that " they would never know anything more of those who were taking their departure." This custom is indeed nothing new ; it oc- curred, with more oppressive conditions, in the time of Count Finnian. 80 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. hypothecary books, in order that the emigrants might have security upon the property of the buyers. But the Protestants declared that they were not disposed to make sales of that kind; that indeed, for them, their countrymen were of themselves sufficient security. It was in vain that Schlechter, their landrichter, explained to them the advantages of this right; they remained by their declaration. Neither did the government require of them the emigration tax, but furnished the poorest among them with the necessary means for their journey. 81 CHAPTER V. The emigration from Zillerthal Preparations for departure Disposition and behaviour of those who remained in the valley March of the Exiles through the country above the town of Ems Their reception by the Protestants in Riit- zenmoos and Efferding Parting scenes in Finkenberg Opinions of the Catholics concerning the Exiles Their per- formance of divine worship on the mountains Meeting of the emigrants with a priest Their reception by the Pro- testants at Thenning and Gallneukirchen, and scornful treatment at Iglau. FOURTEEN days earlier than the expiration of the set term, they began their departure. Their part- ing from those whom they left in the valley must have been so much the more bitter, as even many who had hitherto been their enemies, moved with sympathy, now declared that " they never thought their opposition would have led to such a sad result ; that they only intended to effect a change in their resolution." Others also, of a more in- G 82 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. different character, assumed towards them a milder tone, especially since they had taken the pains to acquaint themselves more precisely with the facts. Urgent were the entreaties that " they yet would remain in the valley, lest otherwise they should cause a scandal to the people abroad ; what would be said in the empire about the Tyrolese?" It was probably from similar feelings that some were induced to promise their relations and acquaintance worldly advantages, if they would stay in the valley and remain by the Church. The family of L , with seven children, had packed up their scanty effects upon a small cart, which, in the evening, was standing before the door, ready to depart the next morning. At this moment a female relative came and offered the husband the freehold of a rich farm, if he would consent to adhere to the Church. "I do not sell my reli- gion," he calmly replied. Some priests also per- formed their part, for the purpose of directing attention and sympathy to the Exiles: but they did it in their own way. On the borders of the valley of Kiitzen, one chose for the subject of his discourse " the judgment of God upon the Luthe- rans;" in which he alleged, "It is too bad that the people should be allowed to take so much THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 83 money with them a,s two hundred thousand im- perial florins ; * however, they will need the greater part on their journey, and the remainder will soon be gone. But, my hearers," he continued, " Prussia is a poor country ; the means of life are all dear there ; even mouse-flesh is sold for money, &c." Notwithstanding, the Exiles experienced much kindness on their way. In Maierhof many came forward to give them a friendly farewell, and to express their sorrow "that matters had come to such a pass." Even in Catholic Fiigen, females stood under their houses weeping at their de- parture, and presented, unasked, refreshments to the women and children. According to the wish of the Austrian Govern- ment, they took their way through the Imperial States, Saltzburg, the Archduchy, Moravia, and Bohemia ; and in small divisions. The first, con- sisting of one hundred and fifty souls, passed, on the 7th of September, through Linz. Some of the more advanced, availed themselves of the op- * " The fact is, that they brought into Prussia 50,000 reichs- dollars, and about as much more remained due to them in their native valley. This sermon, however, shews that the impression on their Romanist neighbours was not, that want had compelled them to emigrate.'* Quarterly Review, voL Ixiv. p. 136. G 2 84 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. portunity to visit a Protestant weekly service at Wels. No sooner had the congregation at R'ut- zenmoos heard that a second division was to follow, than they sent deputies on the high road as far as Boeklabrug to meet the Emigrants, and to invite them to take up their quarters with them for the night, and to attend divine service on the 8th of September, the festival of the Nativity of the Virgin. Here many, for the first time, entered a Protestant church. Pastor Trautberger preached on the twenty-third Psalm, commencing his dis- course with the words, " This day is salvation come to my house." Immediately after, the com- missary of the march directed them to proceed forward over Maria- Scherten. This train was more considerable than the first, consisting of two hundred persons. Every two or three families had, in common, a wagon drawn by horses. Many of the poorer dragged along a small two-wheeled cart, carrying their goods and children. In this manner Fleidl conveyed his mother and four little children. On the Saturday they arrived in Wels and in Scharten, the seat of the Protestant super- intendent; where the inhabitants opened their houses to them, and where also, for the first time, they met with unkindness from the adverse party. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 85 Even a priest suffered himself to do them this wrong. After accosting the Zillerdalers with a certain show of kindness, he proceeded to harsh words, and concluded : " Now you are going to the place you belong to, even the desolate Rie- sengebirg ; few of you, however, will arrive there, most will perish on the way through Bohemia," " That does not trouble us," replied an artisan ; " if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord." On Sunday, the 10th of Sep- tember, they distributed themselves in the chapels (Bethauser) at Scharten, Wallen, and Efferding ; but the greater number remained at Efferding. There the congregation devoted the front seats around the altar to the strangers. The service began with the hymn, " Christ says, Come, follow me," &c. After this, Pastor Kotschy commenced his dis- course with those lines of Terstegen's : " Forget not God's free grace and love, Nor from Him e'er depart ; While many thousands hardened prove, His mercy won thy heart." He then acquainted the congregation with the fortunes of the Zillerdalers, and strikingly re- 86 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. minded them of the banishment, a century before, of the Saltzburgers, who then sang, "A wandering exile here I roam, No other name is mine ; For God's truth driv'n from land and home : Yet I will not repine, Since Thou, my Saviour, didst for me The path of grief not shun; So that I may but follow Thee, Let all Thy will be done."* The sermon was founded especially on the epistle for the day, Ephesians iii. 13, &c. After which the congregation sang the hymn, com- mencing " Glory and praise to God most High." This ended, there followed a baptism, then a confession, and the holy eucharist. As it was all * As the original is in the Tyrolese dialect, which differs from the High German, I thought it would be an interesting specimen to some readers. " I bin a armer Exulant A so thue i mi schreiba, Ma thuet mi aus em Vaterland Um Gottes Wort vertreiba, Dess weiss i wohl Herr Jesu Christ Es ist dir au so ganga, Itzt will i dein Nachfolger sin Herr, machs nach dein verlanga." IV. THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 87 new to the Tyrolese, they remained silent specta- tors in the church. At noon they were hospitably entertained by the members of the congregation. Many now, lifting up their hearts and voices, said, " God be thanked, it has happened quite otherwise than was foretold us. It was said, 'If indeed you reach Hausriick, no one will regard you as fellow-be- lievers. They will sweep you out as with a besom, and, least of all, will permit you to enter their chapels.' " In the afternoon, they attended the catechising of the children, which that day was held on the 41st chapter of the book of Genesis. To this the pastor added, with reference to the case of the Emigrants, a discourse on the llth verse of the 8th chapter of the Prophecy of Amos. At the conclusion, he directed his address especially to them, admonished them to be faithful, and, com- mending them to the divine protection, imparted to them the blessing. Afterw r ards, several of them visited the clergyman at his own house, conversed with him on several passages of Scripture, and ex- pressed their thankfulness at the wonderful lead- ings of God's providence. Especially joyful were 88 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. a blind old man of eighty-three years, and a still more aged widow, for having lived to attain the privilege of worshipping their Lord in a Protestant church, and hearing his word without distraction. The Protestant congregations also afforded the travellers considerable assistance in all things ne- cessary for their journey. On the same day a third division, consisting of sixty persons, arrived from the Lower Innthal, on the high road to Reichenhall. With several of these the fore-mentioned clergyman from Fran- conia had been already acquainted in the valley. " I found in Finkenberg," he writes, " Q , and his family busily occupied in preparing for their emigration. A deeply interesting picture ! The man with his brothers was standing in the en- trance, filling baskets for the journey. The gray- headed father was within the house, surveying with a keen eye every corner of the place still so dear to him, lest anything should be forgotten. The wife, with an infant eight days old at her breast, was, with Christian resignation, sitting by a cradle wherein a sick boy was lying. At the door stood the sister in tears, lamenting the sepa- ration from her kindred, whom she would gladly THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. 89 have accompanied, had she not been held back by her love to the children of her rigidly Catholic husband. " They invited me to their noonday meal, the last they were to partake of in the paternal home. At table, the father of the family of whom I may not think it evil that he did not bear this trial with the patience of his Lord confessed that ( he felt the flesh still to struggle against the spirit; but/ he added, ' I hope, by God's help, it will soon be overcome.' Among other questions, I asked him if he was going to take his religious books with him, as the Bible, Schaitberger's Epistle, &c., or whether he had sold them. He replied, smiling, ' I do not sell the Word of God, that I have be- stowed upon people by whom it will be duly valued, as others also have done, because many have earnestly besought us to leave them some of our little books. Besides, the good king will not fail to give us others when we arrive in Prussia.' The next day I proceeded on the Saltzburg road as far as Rattenberg. Here, among the inhabit- ants, I met with various some of them strange opinions concerning the Zillerdalers. One man insisted, that the people were desirous of becoming Jews; on my asking why, he replied, c because 90 THE EXILES OF ZILLERTHAL. they do not make the sign of the cross in their prayers, which the Jews also refuse to do.' The hostess of the brewery at Wiesgrund thus expressed her opinion: / / V 02887 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA UBRARY