The period between 1840 and 1848 was one of trial and persecution, the chief difficulties resulting from the opposition of the government, which made it unlawful for more than twenty persons to meet together for any purpose, without the written permission of the magistrates. Brethren began holding private meetings in their own houses, but very soon a law was enacted subjecting any person who opened his house for public worship to a fine of from sixteen to three hundred francs. The execution of these laws was committed to the mayors of the communes, who were generally Roman Catholics, and thoroughly under the influence of the priests, who, as ever, were not slow to avail themselves of this opportunity to persecute these Baptist brethren, with the hope of preventing further progress, and of destroying what had already been accomplished. In several places chapels were closed, one remaining unopened for thirteen years, and consequently brethren were forced to meet together secretly in private houses, or in the quiet woods. But it was not without danger that they thus assembled, for Preachers and Colporteurs were often arrested and fined, and but for the liberality of some good Baptists of New York, who willingly paid these fines in order that these faithful and courageous disciples might go forth from prison to preach the Gospel, their work would have been greatly hindered. In 1847 a famous trial took place. The pastors of Chauny and La fere (Aisne) together with a Colporteur, were sentenced each to pay a fine of three hundred francs, having been found guilty of the crime of preaching the Gospel. Many of their hearers were also subjected to fines. The case was carried to a higher court, and the sentence was somewhat modified. But feeling the injustice and illegality of the sentence, even in its modified form, it being a direct violation of the French Code, adopted in 1830, which contained a definite provision for freedom of worship for all religious denominations, an appeal was made to the highest court in the Empire. However, before the final trial, the Revolution of February 1848, overthrew the throne, and religious liberty was proclaimed throughout the whole of France.