BOHEMIAN BRETHREN. The Bohemian Brethren were descendants of the Hussites (q.v.). When the Taborites (q.v.), the extreme section of the Hussites, were finally conquered and dispersed, a remnant of them settled at Lititz on the borders of Moravia and Silesia. This remnant united with a remnant of the Calixtines (q.v.) in 1457 to form a religious body of Bohemian (and Moravian) Brethren, which took the name " Unitas Fratrum " or " The Unity of the Brethren." The unity they desired was that of a brotherhood of Christians (of every denomination) united on a broad basis of scrip tural doctrine, practice, and worship. In 1467 The Brethren decided to organize a ministry of their own. Stephen, a Waldensian bishop, who claimed descent from the bishops of the early Church, consented to consecrate as their first bishop Michael Bradacins. Under George Podiebrad (d. 1471) the Brethren were persecuted. Under Luke of Prague (1497-152S) the Holy Scriptures became their only rule of faith and practice. In 1500 their churches in Bohemia and Moravia already numbered two hundred. In the time of John Augusta (1531-72) they issued " Confessions." In 1505 they published a Hymn Book, and in 1593 a Bohemian version of the Bible, the Kralitz Bible. The Bohemian Brethren, in fact, made
great progress and became prosperous. But in course of time prosperity brought relaxation of discipline and excess of ambition. They had supported the Bohemian Protestants in their rising against Ferdinand II. These were routed at the Battle of the White Mountain in 1620, and the consequences were serious for the Bohemian Brethren. In 1621 their leading men were beheaded. Thousands of them afterwards fled, or were expelled, from Bohemia. A century later, when the remnant also left their native country, the refugees became known as Herruhuters or Moravlans (see MORAVIANS). The members of the Unitas Fratrum were divided into three classes: the Beginners (Incipientes), the Pro ficient (Proficientes), and the Perfect (Perfect°. The ministers also, who were chosen from the Perfect, were of three kinds: Acolytes or Deacons, Pastors or Priests, and Bishops or Presidents. At the head of the Unitas Fratrum was a Council of Elders. See J. H. Blunt: Prot. Diet.; Oath. Diet.; Brockhaus.