bee writ upon his chests If thou hadst not beene a wicked man thou wouldest not have disturbed the quiet of the dead 11. Yet perhaps it would not bee farre from our purpose to hint out how they did expresse their rage upon the very name of Frederick meerely for the hatred of that most pious Prince who was an Evangelicall King for an Evangelicall people in the year 1622 a Citizen of new-Prague by name Mr. Iohn Libertine because that he had given the name of Frederick to his little sonne was at first without all reason tormented with the numerous souldiery and for a punishment was commanded to pay 500 Dollars it was a most usuall thing for them to pull in pieces the pictures of Frederick to trample them under their feet to digge out their eyes and ignominiously to handle all those withwhom they were found so that it was almost a capitall offence even to think of Frederick CHAP. CVI. Examples of Prodigies and punishments whereby God sometimes affrighted his enemies I. THe Godly indeed at that time were able to deplore this whirle-wind of persecution and Apostacies but onely the Lord to stay and cease it Who although he stirreth up wicked men to chastise his Church yet neverthelesse he useth severely to punish them after his paternall premonitions to reduce them when behaving themselves obstinately exceeding the measure of cruelty they become incorrigible Wee shall touch upon some of this sort 2. The first forewarnings were diverse strange sights which appeared in heaven and earth As for example the miraculous bow seen at Prague by all about the hour of execution yea such amazement seized upon the people looking thereon before execution was ended that they fled by troops from the place of Judicature into the streets no man pursuing them or declaring the cause thereof Fiery torches also were seen in the night environing the Martyrs heads which were set upon the tower and a singing heard Certaine of the Watchmen did confidently averre it but for our parts in regard we were not eye-witnesses we leave it undetermined But this is certaine that many suns were diverse times seen in the year following the sun also was seen by a great multitude of people at Prague to dart out as it were balls of fire 3. In the year 1623. exceeding thick smoak did proceed at set times from the pinacles of the chiefe Church of the Gospellers at Joyfull Court so that men supposing it to have come from fire within ran thither to quench the burning but the Towers being well searched within they found it otherwise The Iesuites because they could not deny the truth of the miracle so often repeated did interpret it to their own advantage saying the reliques of heresies do now smoak and fly up into the air 4. In the same year when upon Corpus Christi day the first solemn circumgestation or carrying about of holy bread was celebrated at Kutterberge with the noise of Trumpets Timbrels Fiddles Gunnes and the like the Heavens the Clouds being compacted on a suddain poured out such a floud of waters that within half an hour the Marchants-shops Carts and other heavy bodies did swimme in the streets which also was mingled with so great a shower of haile that not onely the windowes of Churches and houses were broken but even the sheep in the fields and the wild beasts in the woods were knocked downe some wounded and others slain 5. In the yeare 1624. in Autumn a flying Dragon flaming horribly was seen throughout all Bohemia and Silesia And that this was no whit below a miracle we may gather from hence because in the same day and houre about Sun-setting it was observed in so many and remote places that our faith could scarce elevate it self so high to credit it if it were not confirmed by a thousand witnesses 6. In the same year at Podebrade bloud flowed out for a whole moneth together the spring neare the high-way being broken up Which some have used as a Rubrick and to beget the more credit have writ the story thereof with that very bloud Nor perhaps ought wee to omit that which these eyes have seen in the same year Vpon the City-gate of Chrudim the Armes both of the King and Queene were painted with a distich written in Golden letters These were thrice at least drawne over with Chalk since the Emperors victory and all the rest being quite blotted out onely the name Fredericke at severall times became extant and legible by all 7. In the yeare following 1625. neare Beneslow then in the Dominion of Paul Michna a Fish-pond was wholly turned into bloud for the space of three dayes as also it happened in other places at other times In the confines of Moravia and Silesia great flocks of Crowes and Dawes flutted up and down which at length by a great fight continued for a whole dayes space suffered a great distruction at the village of Bartoschowitz neare Fulnek and indeed with other successe then could bee expected for the weaker part overcame the stronger some thousands of the Crowes being fastened in the Dawes-bills fell and perished without the ruine of scarce any of the Dawes The Country-men also running to behold this spectacle filled their sackes with Crowes 8. In the yeare 1626. at Prague it rained Brimstone and not long after the Image of the Crucifixe set up at Waltave-bridge was smitten and throwne downe by a Thunder-bolt In the same place Kutterberg-gate opened of its owne accord the post being removed for two or three nights to the great astonishment of the Watch-men which they were forced to averre upon oath The like wonder was seene at Prostanne in the City of Lichtensteinium 9. It cannot be deservedly spunged out of the catalogue of miracles that which we know happened to the Bibles at Zatek in that they could not be burned For when in the year 1630 the Books long before carried out of that City by the joint authority of the Magistrates were condemned and sentenced unto the fire by the Commissaries and kindled with wood-stacks piled in order without the walls upon an hill near the water-course the sacred Bibles of Simeon Swoboda all other books being consumed suffered the flames without harm saving onely that their margins were somewhat singed as also an other book of Ecclesiasticall Psalms of an old Edition both whereof are preserved for a memoriall by the Exuls of Zateck at Friburg 10. God also the revenger of wickednesse did sometimes put forth a signe of wrath and indignation against some in the very act of their villanies Many Apostates driven and tormented by the sting of conscience cried out that they were damned others not suffering the torment of conscience did hang or drown themselves And amongst others that exceeding rich Merchant at Prague Hans de White John Campan the famous Poet who after hee had changed his religion thus said to his wife this day salvation is come to our house whereto she answered this day a curse
space of three yeares aâ—d in those bonds hee died and afterwards was ignominiously buried near the place of punishment at Raudnice 23. There was also in the reformation of Litomislen a certain Country-man of the village of Strakow his name I have heard but it is now slipt out of my memory who did endure a long imprisonment vexed with the insultings of the Priests and of three thousand Subjects for so many that Lordship did containe was alone found constant and immovâ—ble He being sick by reason of the filthinesse of the prison was visited by a Jesuite and of him admonished to whom he thus answered Get thee hence thou tempter this day shall I sup with Christ and a little after he died and was buried in that place where they were wont to behead Malefactors 24. Yet more admirable was the constancy of a certain Scribe there was not any of whom I could learne his name but the thing it selfe I have read from the hands of faithfull and worthy witnesses in the Town of Dobrzisse This Towne as many of the neighbouring places were given by Caesar to Don Martin de Huerda but he disliking the service of so hard a Master resigned and lived with a certain Miller in the territories of the Suticens took upon him the office of a Schoolmaster when Don Martin came to hear of this he sent thus that they should bring the Scribe and the Miller bound in chains to the Tower of Welhartiâ—z and commanded that both should be cast into a deep place of the Tower in the year 1623 upon the Wednesday from whence the Miller was a little while after sent but the Scribe was kept there a whole year even to his death the prison was so foul and noysome that both his feet were rotted off but he being endued with a great measure of faith past away the whole time in singing Psalms and hymns as if he were in the enjoyments of all delights And it is worthy the notice taking when a little while before his death it was reported that both his feet were rotted off and that his body was full of worms Don Martin not beleeving it commanded that he should be brought forth that he might see him he refused saying The Tyrant was unworthy to enjoy the sight of his body And so remaining immovably united unto Christ he died about the same time upon the same Wednesday following namely 1624. When he was brought forth the Tyrant forbad that he should be carried out through the gate of the City through which he entred in but commanded that he should be cast over the wall into a ditch and from thence carried away by a Sheepheard and buried CHAP. CIIII. George Balthasar Martyr I. THis appendix of the former chapter shewing how the persecutors dealt with the common people will be a History famous to posterity In the year 1629. the fifth day of May two and twenty country men were brought captives from the village of Zlonice into the City of Slana singing with a pleasant voyce and triumphant hymnes about the resurrection of Christ it was brought in as a matter of charge against them that having before turned Catholicks they returned to Heresie and ministred to themselves holy things Being sent into several prisons they were forthwith brought to examination the Chieftain of these was said to be one George Balthasar an inhabitant in the village of Tmanus who had no learning and yet was a preacher among them his Master therefore Bohuchwal Walkaun having a little before turned Apostate least that he should draw upon himself Caesars anger or evill surmizes accuseth him in a letter written to the Senate of Slana and therein requires that justice should be done upon such a Rebellious fellow The Senate having summoned this man to appear causeth this writing to be read by the Solicitor and asked what he would give in by way of answer He requires time and promiseth that he would answer the writing leave being given him he frames this answer which out of the Bohemian tongue we have thus translated word for word I Have understood what charge was drawne up against me by Iames Swojanovius under the name of Mr. Bohuchwal Walkaun The first article is That I have been pernicious to God my Creator and to men in obligation in that having turned Catholick I have again fallen from the Roman Catholick faith and have violated my Oath To this I answer That heretofore being in a cruell prison I was prevailed upon to sinne against God my most righteous Judge because then I was weak in the faith not trusting God that he was able to deliver his out of the hands of men but God chastised me for this my fault holding my conscience captive for a whole year together so that I could have no hope in Gods mercy and yet I recalled to mind former sinners who did upon their repentance obtain mercy at the hands of God Thereupon I cryed to my God a whole year night and day I did water my bed with my teares because I thought my selfe damned but that true and righteous God who is not the cause of our destruction neither would that a sinner should die but rather that hee should be converted and live when he saw a fit time did not hide his mercies from me for I obtained what I did desire hee sent his Angell unto mee and mine eies saw his glory brighter than the sun and there was given to me in a moment the holy spirit and I was born again there was likewise afforded me a discerning of the Spirits so that I could distinguish between good and evill and with this great gift I did likewise receive a command of reproving the sinnes of men Nor am I deceived for the Spirit of God doth not hide himself from any man to whom he is given that he should not declare to the wicked things future but mercy to the penitents and therefore I was likewise forbid by the spirit to doe any more the workes of the flesh according to the lusts of the world which had conspired together what they might against the just Judge of the living and the dead and against the anointed ones whom he hath chosen to himselfe Nor is my Mr. Walkaun ignorant of this for they did hinder me from speaking the truth for the space of four years but by how much the more they hindred me so much the more did God confirme mee by his Spirit Likewise they may remember that I came to the Pallace of Zlonice that I might declare unto them the truth and invite them to repentance even as the Lord Jesus had commanded me by his holy Spirit and so to continue for three days together Friday Sabbath day and Munday upon which last day I had also my booke with me but where he saith I am a seducer of soules I answer and affirme that it is the certain will of the Lord that all you also should hear me neither were they so strong
in Hajec fol. 349. throughout proclaimed the 18. of September in the year 1376. where of this was the chief effect that diligent care was afterwards had that none but the Popes-creatures might beadmitted unto places of Magistracy publick Offices which might be a bridle to restraine the Commonalty And therefore Wenceslaus the King son to Charles chose 16 Germans and only 2 Bohemians in reforming of the Senates of Prague supposing that the Germans were more constant in the Pontificiall Religion as they were than the Bohemians 5. We find it also recorded that this Parisian his death approaching amongst others gave this comfort to his friends The rage of the enemies of truth hath now prevailed against us but this shall not be alwaies for an ignoble people shall arise without sword or power over whom they shall not be able to prevaile Which Prophesie where and when it hath bin fulfilled we shall hereafter acquaint you CHAP. VIII John Husse and Ierom of Prague with some other Martyrs 1. IN the year 1392. Mulhaymia called the Temple of Bethlehem was founded by a Citizen of Prague and was to be dedicated unto the Academy by the name of a Chappell whereunto Mr. Stephanus of Colon was first admitted Preacher but he dying in the year 1400. Mr. John Husse was constituted his Successour Professor in the Academy a man of an unblameable life and famous for his zeale 2. And forasmuch as he had long before that all orders were dissolute and none did his office the King Bishop Citizen Clergy Nobles onely pursuing covetousnes pride drunkennesse luxury and all manner of wickednesse having an occasion put into his hands as from above he set upon the worke publickly to oppose those publicke sins And indeed so long as he shot his darts against secular men he was highly esteemed off amongst the Divines as one out of whose mouth the Holy Ghost spake but as soone as he began to thunder against them also their minds being altered they cryed out that he was mad and the Devils Agent 3. Those that write of him tell us that the first complaints against him were put up by certain of the Nobles unto the King to wit Wenceslaus whom the Pope presented unto the German Princes as a sluggish person unprofitable unto the Empire hateful yet not infamous in Historyes because of his unwillingness to execute his Buls and his indulging the Hereticks against his will and required him to forbid Husse of his turbulent preaching But the Arch-Bishop Wolbrom denyed that it could be done because Husse had bound himself by Oath at his Ordination to speak the truth without respect of persons 4. But when in the year following this same Husse much more sharply reproved the Coveteousness Luxury and Sacriledges of Spirituall persons the Arch-bishop requested of the King the same which the Nobles did before The King answered that it could not possibly be done because Husse was obliged by oath to speak the truth without respect of persons the Lord himself thus frustrating the wicked plots contrived against this holy man as his own Instrument 5. There returned out of England the same year 1400 Ierom of Prage bringing with him the writings of Wickliffe which came into the hands of many and was received by many with good approbation some indeed approving of them among whom this Husse was chief others disliking and damning them especially the Academians who as we have formerly said did flock from divers Countries 6. In the year 1404 two English men Batchelours of Divinity one Iames and Conrade Caddelaurgh came to Prague and being entred in the Vniversity they began to move disputes concerning the Popes Supremacy and the like but shortly after were prohibited by publick command They therefore because that which was forbidden unto men was lawfull for the walls to receive caused to be painted in the Parlor where they Lodged with the consent of their Land-lord the history of Christs Passion on the one side and the pomp of the Pope and Cardinals Court on the other opposit and of this picture when Iohn Husse made mention in his preaching as of a true Antithesis betweene Christ and Antichrist great numbers of people came thither to view it 7. In the year 1408. May 24. the Articles of Wickliffe were again examined and condemned by forty Masters and an infinite number of Batchelors and it was forbid that any should teach them upon pain of banishment 8. Iohn Husse when he saw the Vniversity-men of Germany so strongly to side with the Pope deeming that something was to be done to restrain their insolency he made an Oration in a great concourse of people in Carolin Colledge asserting that the plurallity of voices belonged to the Bohemians who were natives and not to the Germans who were strangers for although Charles from the first institution granted three voices unto strangers the fourth unto the Bohemians in respect of their forcity who then studied learning in his last pattin he explicated his minde that the custome of the Parisian Vniversity should be observed Now it doth abundantly appear in France strangers have but one Suffrage but the home-bred have three the Germans being angry for this Appealed to King VVenceslaus the Bohemians do the same but the King after a yeares protraction decides the Cause for the Bohemians in the year 1409. the 27. of Sept. the Germans interpreting this a disgrace leave Prague and going into Misina a neighbouring place and there give occasion to the founding of Lipsick Erphord Schools in the mean time the Bohemians created by voices Iohn Husse their Rector 9. The Monks being thus deserted of the King Vniversity instigate the Arch-bishop Shico of Hasenburgh an unlearned man obtained in the year 1410 the 16. of Iuly that the books of Iohn Husse should be condemned and burned there were therefore burned as Eneas Silvius testifies above 200 volums fairly written adorned with golden Bosses and precious covers There are extant some Bohemian Rimes composed by one of the common people in which that unlearned censor of books was wittily jerkt for being made an Arch-bishop then he studied letters but Husse in that time wrote a tract concerning the reading of Hereticall books and instituted a particular dispute for the defence of Iohn Wickliff concerning the holy Trinity which they also burnt 10. In the year 1411. when Pope Iohn the 23. sounded an alarum against the King of Naples he gave Indulgencies to those that would take up arms for the Church One that sold those toys came to Prague and publickly in the pulpit divulged those vanities It so hapned that in three Churches some opposed them asserting the Pope of Rome must bee Antichrist who brought misery upon the Christians and stirred them up to mutuall wars Those three were taken Martia Krzidelko Iohn Hudek and Stainis Lapolek a Taylor and are carried to prison although the vniversity and towne interceded for them yet they were brought forth into the market
3. Not long after a Priest Gaudentius by name carrying the head about the City laid in a Charger did incite all that met him to revenge By reason whereof the anger of the multitude being heightned and inflamed into a fury they put to death some of the Senators others saved themselves by flight The Colledges themselves were plundered the bodies of the deceased good men were brought into the Church and solemnly interred The Preacher having heard the complaint of the people and observing such a consternation in their minds that many of them fainting away did almost tremble into death he became speechlesse himself Having recovered his spirit he did read his text out of the Acts of the Apostles the words were And godly men buried Stephen At the end of his Sermon he did fervently exhort them with many words and tears and obtestations shewing the head of Zeline to the people that what they had learned from so faithfull a Master they would be mindfull of it and give no beliefe to any who should teach the contrary although he were an Angell from Heaven CHAP. XVI The Martyrdoms under the future Hussites 1. VVE are now come to declare the Schism of those men who did professe the name of Hus and how the greater part of them did by degrees degenerate and at last did persecute the faithfull They all had a zeal according to the example of Hus their Master to oppose Antichrist But when by his remarkable death they were destitute of a discreet and couragious Captain who should contain the incensed people within the bounds of rule and order it so came to passe that they were distracted into divers opinions and nourished most grievous dissentions among themselves For the Commonalty of the people and the greatest part of the Clergy being bent only upon the Cup and from thence called Cuppeirs in the Story of Security neglected the other documents of Mr. Hus. But the Thaborites amongst whom Wenceslaus Lorenda and Nicolas Episcopius two excellent men were most eminent with some few others did presse the purity and simplicity of his doctrine in all the Articles and Ceremonies thereof On the one side it was cryed up that the Rites of the Church were not essentiall on the other side all Superstition was cried down neither were there wanting some disguised men who to promote the cause of the Pope and Emperour did kindle new flames of dissention and did stir up the hatred of the people against the professors of the pure doctrine traducing them by the hatefull name of Piccardines for you are to understand that they called the Waldenses by a nick-name Piccardines who not long before being forced from France did sit down in Austria and were now famous for the infamy of the foulest of Hereticks So distractedly did disorder confusion mannage al things I told you before how zealous Zealine was made shorter by the head There were also some found who so possessed Zisca Commander in chief of the Thaborites that he should unite himself with the Calixtines who were only and altogether for the Cup and persecute the Piccardines as he did the Papists with fire and sword 2. In the year 1427 the Administrators themselves of the Consistory of Prague Mr. Przibram and Mr. Procopius de Pelsna being at that time Chancellour of the University with Peter de Mladoniowitz and Dr. Krzostan a Physitian were first imprisoned and afterward banished for the profession of the pure doctrine It was no wonder indeed if the intrests of Rome and her Agents had not utterly dissolved them so disagreeing amongst themselves but the wonderfull goodnesse of God did otherwise dispose it which knew so wisely to temper the folly of men that neither friends nor foes had any place left for the glory of Triumph for as often as Caesar taking advantage of their dissentions did grow upon the Bohemians with his Armies they alwayes a happy peace being suddenly concluded did defend the common cause with common Arms. Zisca and Procopius leading their men and managing their affairs and God giving them success and wonderfull victories 3. The Emperor therefore with the Pope finding that they could profit nothing by the sword did imploy their cunning and having called a councell at Basilea in the year of our Lord 1432. they most curteously invited the Bohemians to a peaceable transaction promising them to give them satisfaction on the publick faith as they themselves should desire Commissioners were therefore sent unto this councell amongst whom the most eminent was John Rokizane of Prague and Nicolas Episcopius of the Taborens both famous Divines Of the nobility of that Kingdome they made choice of Procopius Generall of the Taborens and William Rastka Baron of Postupicz and others who being honourably entertained and asked what their demands were they offered four articles desiring that either the Councell would grant them or allow them by argument to defend the righteousnesse of them The Articles were these 1. That the use of the Cup may be restored to the people and that the service of the Church might be in their own tongue 2. That the Clerks or Ministers might usurp no authority in secular things 3. That the word of God might be freely preached and without disturbance 4. That there may bee publicke punishment for publick offences 4. The Legate of the Pope demanding if that they had not any more articles to propound because he heard it reported that they affirmed that the Order of the Monks were from the Divells Procopius made answer from whence otherwise could they derive their Original which was instituted neither by the Patriarks nor Prophets neither by Christ nor the Apostles c. 5. After this Delegates were deputed who on both sides for forty days together disputed on the articles And when the Bohemians could not be confuted they were drawn at last to a friendly composition John Rokizane with the hope of an Arch-Bishopprick being corrupted himself and seducing others of the Commissioners the affairs were so carried that the Bohemians promised to return unto the obedience of the Church of Rome and to observe all their traditions and their rites the use of the Cup being among other demands excepted These four Articles were afterwards named the agreement and Commissioners were sent into Bohemia from the Councell and Caesar who were to declare that the Bohemians were received into the bosome of the Church and were again to be esteemed as deer children Heere a Parliament being called Rokizane Rhetorically enough did expound himself how according to his desire he obtained these things in the fighting for which such an excesse of bloud was made and the Kingdome was made so great a Ruine He was now pleased to stile the Pope and Caesar in some other language then heretofore when he called them the Whore and the Beast 6. It gave an occasion of great grief to many especially to the zealous Thaborites to depart in this manner from the Discipline of Hus and to
return into the profession of the Church of Rome They indeavoured what they could to restrain them and at last they had recourse unto armes again in which the Thaborites were overthrown and their defeat was so remarkable that after this they defended themselves only by the Word of God and patience This hapned in the year of our Lord 1434. 7. In the year following at a publick convention Rokizane was solemnly chosen Arch-Bishop but when the Emperour endeavoured to hinder from the solemn Rites of consecration peradventure because he did distrust a man so deceitfull he being impatient that he was thus deluded did again make a new faction and bitterly inveighed against the unrighteousnesse of the Emperor and the domineering of the Pope of Rome for fear of Caesar he for the space of 3 years withdrew himself from Prague for Sigismund not long after died so did his successour Albertus within two years space having left his son Ladislaus behind him who had his education in the Court of Frederick the Emperor 8. In this time and intervall of Government and especially not long after the sudden death of Ladislaus when George Podebrade did succeed him whom Rokizane did infinitely possesse was that of the Prophet truly fulfilled Manasses shall devour Ephraim and Ephraim Manasses and both shall be against Juda. For the Pope did rage against George Podebrade and the Calixtines who were those that used the Cup with prohibitions censures and with curses and they as eagerly did inveigh against the Pope and Monks but the truly faithfull were on both sides oppressed CHAP. XVII The Taborites persecuted I. IN the year of our Lord 1444 the Reliques of the Thaborites were utterly oppressed by force and fraud for Rokizane by himself and others most flatteringly alluring them unto him did professe that he was ready to turne to them if they could hold out unto him a purer Truth than what he did teach neither in this cause did he intend to make either himselfe or any of his Judge but that the Assembly of Divines in their publique meeting should determine of it To this the Thaborites consented and relying on the goodnesse of their cause they appeared at the assembly where after many Debates Arbitratours being chosen that should pronounce the definitive sentence which was so to be confirmed by the Authority of the Assembly that neither part for the time to come should ever again provoke one another but forthwith should join themselves to that on which the Arbitrators should pronounce the greatest truth to be 2. It was so carried for Rokyzan had on purpose betrayed the Thaborites to this assembly that the Arbitrators did pronounce the greatest truth to be on Rokizan's part and the poor simple Thaborites found themselves circumvented by deceit but not daring to go against the Agreement promised to perform it in the Rites thereof But returning home when they delayed to reform their Church George who then exercised the Kingly power comming down with his Army did closely besiege their City and struck such a terror on it that the Citizens giving it up unto him did with it deliver their Ministers into his power who throwing them into Dungeons at the Castle of Podebrad and at Lititz he killed many of them Lupatius with some others having addressed themselves to Rokizane CHAP. XVIII The beginning of the fraternity in Bohemia I. BUt when the Bohemians for certain years did in vain desire that their Arch-bishop might be invested in his Dignity having for that purpose sent so many Legates unto Rome and the Pope refused to do it unless that Rokizane should renounce the Cup The Cardinall of Saint Angelo being also sent to Prague in the year 1448. was commanded under the pretence of Treaty to call for the Agreement on the four Articles and to bring them with him which having gotten into his hands he stole away with them but was quickly overtaken and enforced to return them Rokizane finding himselfe thus deluded re-assuming new hatred against the Pope when out of the Revelations and the Prophecy of Daniel he had shewed that the Pope was the great Antichrist and we saith he vnlesse we shall withdraw our obedience from him are but a miserable and a damned crew he proceeded and told the people that the law of Christ and not the agreement on the Articles were to be held for the rules of Religion that all things from the sea of Rome were polluted foule and to be forsaken and Religion to be taken againe from the fundamentalls of the Apostles In this way he persevered so thundering against Antichrist that many believed him to be another Husse and that the hope of the new Reformation did shine forth againe 2 But when he put no hand unto the worke the more forward amongst his Auditors amongst whom one Gregory was the formost a Nobleman and Nephew unto Rokizan having joyned in counsells together they repaire to Rokizan discover the anguishes of their Conscience and desire counsell of him Who friendly entertained them and extolled their zeale and gave them some Treatises to read against the abominations crept into the Church and in this manner he the more inflamed them but perswaded them to silence and patience But when againe and againe being now more considerable in their numbers they importuned him that he would deferre any longer to exhibit in deeds what he taught in words he replyed that it was a businesse of great importance in which nothing but with deliberation was to be câ—ncluded on â— In the mean time Rokizane did attempt what he could against the Pope and consented with the Church of Greece For when the decâ—ee of the Sinod at Florence was proclaimed in which the Bohemians were the second time to be abalienated from the Church as Hereticks There was a convension of the States at Prague and a Synod of the Divines in the yeare 1450. in which by the advice of Rokizane but by the common consent of all an appeale was made to the Greeke Church and Ambassadours sent with letters to Constantinople The Greekes received the Heads of the Doctrine from them and rejoyced in their mutuall consent and letters in the testimony thereof being returned to the Bohemians they confirmed them in the faith having made a promise that they would ordain them Ministers for their Church The Letters were ingrossed in Parchment and sealed with waxe of a red colour with the subscription of the Patriarch and the chiefest of his Bishops which being afterward committed to the presse are yet extant to be seen But when these things afforded but a lingring hope Rokizane did again incourage his and gave them new hopes of a Reformation suddenly to appear for taxing divers abuses he said We â—nly now do grow on the out-side but shortly some will appear who from the depths shall draw forth the foundation of true religion 4. When in this manner for seven long yeares hee delayed to give satisfaction to the minds of
lay hold on that most wicked knave the Piccardine At the first all were amazed no man would lay his hand on him at the last some were found who falling on him did buffet him with their fists and beating his head against the pillar did draw him almost covered with bloud unto the prison 2. The next day he was brought into the Court the Senate and the Parson being present and being demanded whether he would speak those words again which he spake yesterday he affirmed that he would Being asked again By what Instinct he durst doe it He answered by what Instinct did Abraham depart from the Idolaters and worship the euerliving God They pressing on him to tell them precisely by whose perswasion hee durst commit so hainous a fact hee answered By whose perswasion did David oppose himselfe against the worshipping of Idolls 3. On this they cried out Hold thy peace we know these things better than thou wee need not be taught by thee Wee know that thou hast here some accomplices whom since by thy owne accord thou wilt not discover thou shalt do it by force whereupon they commanded him to be carried back to the prison and by and by to be put on the Racke but not able by torment to rack any thing from him they condemne him to the fire as an obstinate Heretick the chief Officer being desired by the Priests not to suffer him to speake as hee was going to the execution least he should infect the people with his words The Officer agreed with him to forbear speaking or otherwise he would stop his mouth Andrew promised silence and performed what he promised speaking nothing all the way but praying softly to himselfe At the last when the fire began to sindge his head he cried out Iesus the son of the everliving God be mercifull be mercifull be mercifull to me a sinner which were all the words he spake The Priests turning to the people said Behold at last he calleth on Iesus in whom he living would not believe nor reverence his Sacraments CHAP. XXVII The persecutions which the more reformed of the Calixtines did endure I. IN all these times the condition of the church of the Brothers was most heavy but neither were the Calixtines free from affliction especially the purer sort of them being those who were most zealous against the Papists for in the year 1408. Mr. Michael Polach pastor of St. Ades in old Prague a man of unblemished life and an excellent preacher with three other Parsons Mr. Wenceslaus Slane Iohn Miezta and Mr. Wenceslaus Piscene were apprehended by the command of King Wladislaus because they affirmed the Pope to be Antichrist They were carried into the Castle of Calreisteine where the first of them perished by hunger and the nastinesse of the prison the other with much adoe were dismissed by the order of the States At which time many other who were more reformed in their judgements were either driven from Prague as Mr. Mathias Macheeke professor of the University or willingly departed as Lucas Pragene Batchelour of Art an excellent man who afterwards as before I have recited was a Bishop amongst the Brothers there also forsooke the Vniversity of their own accord Mr. Iohn Snow a Physitian and others 2. On the same year the King forbad the singing of the ballads made against the abominations of the Church of Rome and because they would not refrain many of the best rank of the Citizens were apprehended and a long time detained in prison One or two of them were stead alive as Matthew Serling Martin of the golden wheele Scheynohin who was also a Citizen of Prague through the violence of the torment did break asunder 3. On this the Monks having taken new courage began more freely to inveigh against those that tooke the Sacrament in both kinds and condemned the Hussites the people variously but vainly murmuring at it The Senators also of Prague and many Papists and Germanes abusing the clemency of the King did grow so intollerably bold that some noble men who were adversaries to the Religion conspired together and on the 24 of December at night intended to put to death the chiefest of the Citizens who received the Sacrament under both kinds But they were deceived of their expectation and hope God so ordaining it that the evill returned vpon the heads of the contrivers of it For their treachery being betrayed their was a mighty Tumult in which the places of â—ustice of the three Cities and all the Monasteries were pulled downe and many of the Senators and Monks were slain This was done in the year 1413. at which though Wladislaus was much afflicted yet inquiry being made and it being found that the Papists gave the cause thereof he pardoned the inhabitants of Prague And in the year 1485 he established by Parliament an agreement betwixt the communicants under one and both kinds howsoever the hatred betwixt them and the reproachfull words did still continue 4. In the yeare 1491 on the 28 of Ianuary at Laeta Curia a chiefe Temple of the Hussites The Eucharist being administred under both kinds a German comming behind a Gentlewoman as she was drinking of the cup hee strooke her head so violently that her mouth being cleaved bloud issued forth abundantly for which notorious offence hee was apprehended and thrown into prison but not long after dismissed 5. But in the Vacation of the Arch-Bishopprick the Calixtine Priests could not receive their Ordinations but in Italy where most of them were bound to renounce the articles under both kinds and to performe obedience unto the sea of Rome which was very grievous to the Bohemians therefore in the yeare 1482. there Sanctuarensis a Bishop came into Bohemia from Italy for the love as hee said of the pure Religion whom when Augustinus Lucian and others had received with much joy and honour he died iâ— the yeare of our Lord 1493 whom whom after eleven yeares Philip Bishop of Sidon and Mutina did succeed Hee being resident sometimes at Prague sometimes at Cuttenburge did for three yeares space ordaine Calixtine Ministers which being passed they were againe enforced to flatter the Pope and Bishops of Rome so miserable was their slavery that willing to seem to have forsaken Antichrist yet they did not stick to fight under his standards 6. But some of the schollers amongst whom was Iohn Bezhink so truly hated the Pope that having received letters of commendation from the University they went as farre as Armenia to be ordained Ministers And because that there the fame had arrived of the Heresie of the Bohemians they were the more strictly examined and it being found that they agreed with them in the chiefest Articles of Religion and also in the language they were ordained Ministers in the yeare 1499. Two of those did afterwards suffer the flames of Martyrdome by the Romanes to wit Martin a Taborite with his Deacon who were both burned at Radnice CHAP. XXVIII The Persecution of the
but approve of your Christian prudence and temperance Therefore we willingly advise you publickly that however opinions may arise from other places that you adhere to this and suffer not your selfe to bee led away from this holy and pure truth For this is certaine that the church is very well provided for and is then chiefly built up and kept in unity and unanimity when the pure doctrin of the Gospell without far-fetched subtilities and emergent contentions is propounded to Christian people in simplicity of truth as it is in Psalm the 25. Let integrity and uprightnesse preserve me Dated at Wittenbergh 3. Novemb. 1575. CHAP. XL. Vnder Rodolphus the Gospellers had full liberty I. IN the year after 1576 Maximilianus being dead his sonne Rudolphus succeeded him who trod in his fathers steps hee reigned peaceably untill the year on thousand six hundred and two no persecution being in all that time concerning religion In this year it was so brought about by the private practises of the Jesuites and their instruments that Rodolphus should subscribe to and cause to be published an Edict drawne by them concerning the renewing of a Decree of Wladislaus against the Piccardines for noe other end but that their Churches might be shut up for a time the Patrons of the Brethren the Noblemen protested that it did no way concern them since these men are not such as the Piccardines are described to be and therefore Caesar did connive and looked not so narrowly after them as that they should so strictly observe his decrees herein neither was it lawfull for the enemy to presse the Orders so farre and it was related by a man of credit that the evening before the 22. of July when newes was brought to the King that Alba Regia was taken being the chiefe City of Hungary in great astonishment said I looked for some such thingâ— since this day I began to usurp the Government of God which is of consciences 2. Neither intended hee any thing else than to make good the promise of his father and to settle liberty of conscience as he declared afterwards when in the year 1609 to the Orders of the Kingdome under both kinds the Pope the Spanish faction and their counsellors not consenting thereto he committed the lower consistory and the university to be reformed at the pleasure of the Orders giving them Patents whereby this donation was confirmed to them and gave leave that the churches and schools should be inhabited or if need be should be built and forbad that any of his subjects whether Catholick or Spirituall should bee punished for his religion and obliged those Kings that should succeed him religiously to observe these things and also gave power to the Orders to make choise of some among them to bee defendors of this liberty 3. The Orders therefore reform the consistory and for quietnesse sake they chuse 3 Hussites 3 Brethren and 3 Gospellers to these they adde the 3 Professours of the University and command these twelve chosen men to order all affaires concerning Church Government throughout the Kingdome And because it was generally agreed that the confederates should bee cashiered and Church government bee according to the rule of Gods law Elias Shudim of Semanin a Hussite is chosen first Administrator and afterward to bee elected out of the ordinary sort of Ministers But concerning the brethren it is concluded the order of whose discipline was granted for the better reconciliation that they should have their Seniour being the next Colleague of the Administrator so long as the diversity of this order yet in a friendly concord should endure To whom at Prague a Church is given by the Vniversity as it were to the true off-spring of Hus called Bethlehem famous for the preaching of Hus. All which things were done with the publick acclamation of all good people and all things rung out with divine praises and were fastned to the doors of the church these lines The Temples ope'd the Lion joyes that Raph To Maxamillian kept his promised faith c. 4 The orders under both kinds made a friendly agreement with the orders under one kind for the consideration of peace and mutuall concord among them which having digested into articles they promised to enter into the Registrie of the kingdome but to be confirmed by the subscription of Caesar his Councellors But three were found who did refuse being two or three times solicited having some scruple of conscience Zaenko Adalbertus Popel de Lobkowitz Chancellor of the kingdome William Slawata â—e Chlum and Iaroslaus de Martinitz Smeczanskie Therefore they solemnely protest against the orders under both kinds that if hereafter they shall attempt any thing against this liberty granted to the whole kingdome by Caesar that then they would punish them as disturbers of the publique peace which protestation of the orders Rodolphus assenting to it is entered into the Registrie of the Kingdome and kept among the priviledges and confirmed by the same oath with other priviledges of the Kingdome by Rodolphus and his successors 5. False Hussitisme being taken away a more pure Religion flourished throughout the whole kingdome so that there was scarce one among a hundred who hid not professe the Evangelicall doctrine But alas with the liberty of Religion as usually it happens by little and little two much liberty of life began to increase and learning even among whom formerly it flourished began after a strange manner to be dissolved Wherefore this liberty bringing along with it carnall security did not please all godly men and some began to presage ill that so a horrible tempest from some Ferdinand should againe overwhelme them It was a Propheticall speech in peace my bitternesse is most bitter and fullfilled of which it followeth CHAP. XLI New stratagems of the enemies under Matthias I. I Must begin higher that the bottom of our calamity may be more apparent The occasion of the grant of this ample Religious Liberty by Rodolphus to the Bohemians and Silesians was because the Hungarians with Austrians and Moravians forsaking Rodolphus for some civile causes had created his brother Matthew Archduke King Duke and Marquis and with a great army in the year 1608. entring into Bohemia even unto Prague did not only demand the Crowne of Hungarie which was there kept but courted the Bohemians to a revolting but they with the Silesians were faithfull to him and Mathew with the Crowne of Hungarie and hope for succession in the Kingdome of Bohemia after the death of Rodolphus being sent away they asked and obtained for that they had sworne fealty to Rodolphus the former promised favour of Religious liberty and the power of the Consistorie and Vniversitie 2. In the meane time for this affront put upon him by his Brother he was very much vexed and the more because foreseeing the Spanish plots began to boad no good luck to his Bohemians and all Germanie he began to enter into new consultation with himselfe and he was
they promised that upon the payment of the mony the Souldiers should bee removed therefore every one brought in his part more willingly and some readily bringing in their plate and Jewells 4. A little while after other Commissioners sent to require certain Cities of the Nobility to maintain the standing forces of the Kingdome for the greatest part of the Army was drawn into Moravia and Hungaria and to contribute Corn wherein also publick Granaries might be erected This businesse cost them much mony and pains 5. In the meane time all were fed with a vaine hope of the removall of the Souldiers but none were removed but rather more were lifted which increased new pressures and raised the taxes so high as was impossible for people to pay even in those places which had revolted to them For when some who were allured to deny the truth from a vaine hope of freedome from taxes and quarterings of Souldiers complained that promises were not performed the Jesuites answered That they had no cause to wonder for that this proceeding was safe for them For they were to deal with Hereticks as with children and madmen to whom if you would get a knife from them you must shew and promise some other things though you do not give them They might be content that they had provided for their soules and therefore to testifie their thankfulnesse might more chearfully help the Emperour by contribution and quartering of Souldiers CHAP. XLVII The horrible adulterating of Money I. VVHilst the Kingdome is emptied of gold and silver the Emperour commands that Cijpris money should be made and silvered over of severall values and that with such abundance that the common people not perceiving the deceite might imagine their great abundance in the mean time the souldiers extort onely good mony the value of golde and silver rise to ten times the price of it so that an Imperiall Shilling was worth ten Bohemian Florences But in the year 1624. the Emperour unexpectedly did diminish the vallue of that money and commanded that every piece of that mony should be worth onely the tenth part by which thing it is incredible into what streights all were brought they report that Paul Michna the chiefe politician did bragge that the Bohemians were more compendiously thus impoverisht than if they had layne under the burthen of a continuall army for tenne yeares and those that were understanding did assert that the losse was more than if half the Kingdome had bin consumed in ashes 2. After they were exhausted of their money it was ordered for the debtors sake that the creditor should loose the whole summe that he lent in the time of the Rebellion he should loose the use and part of that summe which was lent before the Rebellion the payment of the rest was deferred for tenne yeares this was proclaimed by the Edict of Caesar the Emperour in the year 1628. the 18. of August CHAP. XLVIII The cruelty of their mockings I. THe first way whereby we were brought to desparation was poverty the other was various insolencies whereby they did insult over our affaires as absolutely lost I shall not speake of those applauses and Jubiles wherewith the Churches Courts and markets did ring I shall not speake of those infamous bookes insolent pictures and proud words wherewith they did incourage themselves and arme themselves against us this was matter of griefe to godly spirits but did deject the hearts of those that were inconstant because they promised to themselves in words and actions an uninterupted course of victories to us an inevitable destruction those whom they saw to be more constant and prepared for banishment they mocked as fooles who fancied they should obtaine security which could not be had but under the obedience of the Emperour and Pope Whither madmen saith he hast ye so speedily where wil ye hope to fly from Caesars hands that which you see done here will be done every where Ye will by experience find that within these few yeares the whole world will be Catholick why will yee rather some where else abide even with great fear and the hazard of your estates rather than here chearfully undergo it Our Native soile is sweet unto us because yee cannot subject your selfe unto their desires will ye wast your selves with discontent or return with greater confusion it is not certain whether the Gates of Caesars mercies will hereafter as now they do stand open unto you 2. For they promised in their own Caesars name as well in publicke as private conferences that if there be any error in the Catholicke Faith or any danger in this conversion that the blame shall lie upon them and that they will answer it to God and with the hazard of their owne soules free you from all danger With these and the like sometime flattering and inticing words sometimes with threats and menaces the hearts of the simpler sort did begin to faile them And many because of the removall of the Ministers of the word and debarring them the reading of profitable bookes were so besotted that as it were lulled asleepe with the charming of the Syrens they suffer themselves to be ingulfed in the abyss of all abomination 3. These are the first fruites of Apostates who before they had suffered the least crosse forsooke Christ their Captaine and entered into the Camp of Antichrist Those who were found to be more stiffe and harder to be brought to their bow having changed their flattering alurements into Savage cruelty they goe about to torment with threates proscriptions woundings fines and imprisonments and other kinds of afflictions of which heareafter CHAP. XLIX I. IN the meane while they appointed the Jesuites Monks to be comissaries of the Reformation joining unto them some one Nobleman or more or Baron who passing through Towns and Villages used their best endeavour to bring Heresie into disgrace and highly to magnifie and set abroach the Roman Cause The chief and most eminent men both for honour and estates are invited to Apostacy the meaner and inferior sort either are fooled by their examples or compelled by threatnings At length the Thunderbolt of Proscription is cast with great violence against the former Orders and the chiefe Commissaries of the Reformation are nominated and appointed namely the Arch-Bishop of Prague Cardinall de Harach the Abbot of Strohavia Parislaw Borzita Count of Matromitz most commonly called Smeczanski Frederick de Fallenbergh and Christophâ—r Wrotislaus This Bark of the Universal Apostacy in this Kingdome was committed to these Pilots but through the perswasion of Smeczanius they refused to undertake the Government thereof except they may have absolute power of determining any thing against any man without the compulsion of any man or the contradiction or alteration of their sentence even by Caesar himself so that now in stead of the Counsell of Inquisition in Spain a High Court of Reformers is set up from which if they did depart being required to have a testimony
fell upon a cloth that was spread there for that purpose and so received the blow of the sword After that his right hand was cut off and was hung up with his head on an iron speare upon the high Tower of the Bridge but his carcase was wrapt in a cloth and conveyed away by some in mourning habits to a cave and a fresh cloth is spread which is observed to be done for all of them that none of those that suffered might see the Corps or bloud of those that suffered before them CHAP. LXII Wenceslaus Baron of Budowa a Monke of Graetium Lord of Klastericke and Zazadka I. THis man had an incomparable wit famous for his learning as appeareth by his writings renouned for his travels through Germany Italie France England and Turkie where he lived seven years he was very zealous deserving reverence even for his age for he was seventy years old eminent also in regard of his places of preferment For under Rodolphus he was a Counsellor and was called to the place of one of the Directors of the reformed Consistory and Academie By Matthias he was made a Counsellor and by the Order Director of the Kingdome in the vacancy until a King was elected Lastly he was President of the Court of Appeales the glory of his Country and the bright shining starre of the Church he was none that Lorded it over his inferiors but was rather a Father to them In a word he was right deare both to God and man 2. After the Victory of Ferdinand he accompanied his family out of Prague his Wife his Sonne Nurse Nephews and least he should seeme to have forsaken the Crowne whereof with one Otto he was appointed keeper he returned His house not long after was plundred even to his wearing apparell he onely saying that the Lord hath given and the Lord hath taken 3. Paulus Aretinus being Secretary of the Tribunalls talking with him for he was now kept under arrest in his owne house and being demanded that since he had b n once in the deeps why he would trust himsâ—lfe to those tempestuous storms he did answer his conscience pressed him to what he did It was Religion that perswaded him to forsake his Countrey and a good cause But I know not Gods pleasures whether he will that I should seale it with my bloud And rising up he said I am here my God dispose of me thy servant as it seemeth good in thine eyes I am full of years take from me my life that I may not see those evils which I see are now comming on my Country Being another day visited by the same party and being before acquainted of the report that went on him that for very griefe he died smiling he answered What me I had never had he happinesse to injoy so much pleasure as now bâ—hold my Paradise shewing his Bible it never yeelded me so much Nectar and Ambrosia as now I live and will live as long as God please neither I hope shal any man see that day wherein good old Budowecius was said to die with greif Being examined of the Inquisitors often he stifly maintained the equity of the cause and being condemned he said to the Judges Yee have long time thirsted after my bloud but know withall ye will find God a revenger of innocent bloud for whose cause we suffer 4. The third day before the execution hee told his dreame to his servant Zidnowskie He dreamed that he thought he saw himselfe walking in a pleasant field and thinking of the event of these things with a heavie heart when behold one comming to me offered me a booke which when I looked into I saw silken white leaves and nothing therein written but the fift verse of the thirty seven Psalme Commit thy way unto the Lord and put thy trust in him and he shall bring it to passe when he began againe to thinke what that meant another came and brought a white Robe which he cast upon him The old man awaking told it presently to his servant and as hee went on the Scaffold hee said to him Now I goe covered with the cloth of Righteousnesse that I may appeare before God in whom I hope 5. After the pronunciation of the sentence as he was going into the Crosse two Capuchins met him and told him the cause of their comming which was to afford him mercy in these straits he demanded of them what that mercy was They did answer that they might shew him the way of the Lord. He replied again I know that by the mercy of my God They again said Sir you are deceived in your opinion Unto whom hee answered I rely not on opinion on but the infallible truth for I have no other way but him who said I am the way the truth and life But they replied there is no salvation out of the Church and here they fall into discourse of the authority of the Church to trifle away the time and would gladly confine it to the Pope and Cardinals in which discourse they use vaine repetition in desiring their principles to be granted whereat the Martyr incensed said but I think your Pope is a Divel and Antichrist and the son of perdition and that Beast that was made red with the bloud of Saints depart with him to the place ye have deserved and let me alone yet if ye will learn from me the way of truth stay ye it will not be tedious to me to spend some time and pains to save your soules Here they beating their breasts and signing themselves with the sign of the Crosse they departed complaining that they never met with such a blasphemous Heretick 6. In like manner on the day of Martyrdome very early in the morning two Jesuites came into the Court and began again to trouble these holy men and when some slighted them they came to the Baron and said We perceive that this Baron is very learned we doe desire to gaine his soule and afford unto him the worke of mercy to whom he said What! would ye gaine my soule Would ye were assertained of your salvation as I am of mine the Lord be praised who by his holy spirit hath assured me of my salvation by the bloud of the Lambe The Jesuite replyed Good sir do not presume too much and assume that to your selfe whereof no man can promise to himselfe any certainty For doth not the Scripture say No man knowes whether hee have deserved grace To whom the Baron answered Is it therefore that I have need of your mercy Yee unhappy gainers of soules yee rather infuse desparation into me but ye erre not knowing the Scriptures And here hee expounded and gave them the sense of this place and brought other portions of Scripture which prove the infallibility of the salvation of beleevers Amongst others that of Saint Paul I know in whom I have believed also I know that a crown is laid up for me The Jesuit interrupting him said This Paul
had no desire to return into their Countrey and give up themselves to such dangerous snares but commended their and the Churches cause with sighes to God 14. The Emperour in the mean time that he might preserve his Kingdome in a flourishing condition or else increase his glory fill'd the empty places of those that departed with spirituall persons to whom being advanced to the dignity of State he assign'd the first place and commanded that they should go and sit before Princes Counts and Barons which thing was never till that day heard of in Bohemia 15. He also abrogated the ancient Statutes of the Kingdom and established new ones which were printed declaring that he did confirme all the priviledges of the Kingdom except those Concerning Religion Of the free election of a King Of the use of the Bohemian language in publick Courts that he might by little little extinguish the language with the Nation Of the goods of persons that can make no wils _____ falling to the Common-wealth Of not alienating the lands from the male-stock by marriage That by the marriages of Bohemian maides with forraigners or new persons the ancient families might be thrust from their possessions or else more easily rooted out which was manifest by the effect when some were thrust out by others from fine inheritances whether they would or not As if it had been on purpose desired to oppresse every where the Kingdoms priviledges and to appoint a Government not over men but over beasts CHAP. XC Their Proceedings against the Free Cities IT followeth how tyrannically they used the free Cities Especially for that instead of an halter they placed Chief-Officers and Judges in the Cities without whose licence no man could move himself those of the Order of Knights these of Citizens But what such men even such as in the great scarcety of home-bred Romanes they were able to procure Bannites Italians or Germanes or else apostate Bohemians covetous muck-wormes who drove their own designes infamous homicides base-begotten persons Spirits such as sell persons free born Fidlers Stage players Smiths certain also not so much as A. B. C. darians without estate without any certain abode without Conscience all this we could easily demonstrate in particular and pertinent examples so that projecting villany with all impudency they obliged their faith to Antichrist under the name of Cesar for to invent treachery and lay snares for others men unworthy to have place in our writings 2. To such as these were all businesses in Cities committed upon their determination the City-Councells were commanded to depend Nor could the publick complaints of the ataxie and confusion of affaires prevaile any thing to the contrary but onely that they being unable to bear it in the yeare 1624. did afterwards displace the Capitanes or head-Officers and referred all to the Judges onely which neverthelesse were assisted by the chief of the Souldiery as a super-attendant lest the Kings affaires should suffer dammage 3. Their care in the next place was to suck juice and bloud out of the Cities which they notably effected by Taxes and Contributions for some yeares continued and extorted by the Souldiers power 4. Then the Ministers of the Churches being removed and Masse-Priests for the most part by force of Armes introduc'd they begun to compell people to frequent the Masse Marriages also were prohibited except amongst the Catholiques by which stratagem of Satan very many in every place carnally affected were brought to Apostasie and afterwards promoted to the dignity of Senators even men of no judgement or experience 5. The number of Apostates being thus augmented the Popish Senate began to be enraged against the rest of the Citizens diverse wayes which will not seem tedious particularly to describe how their proceedings were contrived onely we shall in the interim set down the generall instructions given to the Capitanes of Distresses in the yeare 1624. CHAP. XCI Articles gathered out of the Instructions given to the Capitanes of Distresses July 1624. 1. WHosoever do refuse to joyne with the Kings Majesty in point of Religion all traffick and commerce shall be debarr'd him 2. Whosoever shall permit private Preaching Baptisme or Matrimony in his house shall pay an hundred taleres or if he be not able shall suffer imprisonment six moneths But he that shall be found to harbour a Preacher in his house shall loose both goods and life 3. The ordinary Catholique Pastor of a place may not accompany any dead person which was not Catholique with ceremonies to his grave neverthelesse the funerall duties shall be paid him 4. If any shall follow his work upon Catholique holy-dayes he shall be imprisoned and shall not be dismist till after payment of ten florences 5. If any shall be caught in a victualling-house in time of Masse he shall pay ten florences and the Victualler double 6. Whosoever shall laugh at the Catholique Priest or his Sermon his words gestures and so at the Catholique rites he shall be banished and his goods confiscated 7. Whosoever shall eat flesh upon dayes prohibited without an indulgence from the Pope shall pay ten florences 8. If at any time the Master of the Family shall be absent upon the Lords day or upon festivall Masse-dayes if he be of the richer sort he shall pay four pounds of wax toties quoties if of the meaner sort two 9. Let the youth be taken notice of throughout all Cities Towns and Villages those that place their Sonnes in non-Catholique Schooles let them call them thence by the feast of All-saints under paine of 50. florences for the wealthy and of 25. for the poorer sort 10. If any bring up youth privily in his house all shall be taken from him and himself cast out of the City by the common Catch-pole 11. It shall not be lawfull for any non-Catholique to make a will but if he shall it shall be null 12. No young men whether at home with their Parents or Prentices may be admitted unto any Arts or Trades as Masters unlesse they first have learned the Catholique Religion 13. If any shall speak unbeseemingly of God the blessed Virgin the Mother of God of the Saints Ecclesiasticall rites or the famous house of Austria he shall loose his head without all pardon or favour 14. Whatsoever any Citizen painteth in his house within or without to the dishonour of the Catholique Religion he shall be carefull that it be blotted out forthwith under paine of 30. florences In like manner whatsoever shall be ingraven or painted upon Gates Temples or other publique places that they cause it to be broken in peeces or blotted out and the memorial of Christ crucified or something else set up in its place 15. The poor people in Hospitalls unlesse they shall be converted before the feast of All saints this present yeare let them be cashiered and not re-admitted unlesse they turn Catholiques c. The conclusion was this Herein the constant and unalterable will of his sacred Majesty
him with their suggestions and his wife and children with their lamentation he yielded and was taken off the wooden-horse halfe dead for he could neither go nor make use of any member so he was carried by other men to a Confessor 13. When some desired rather to die then to be forced to Apostasie it was answered That the Emperour did not thirst after their blood but onely the welfare of their soule some others put questions and they were thus answered in a scoffing manner O you affect the glory of Martyrdome but ye are base knaves and are unworthy to have any thing to glory in this Answer had John Polacicus of Franisium in Moravia who being solicited by the Souldiers and Jesuites severally to Apostasie he fell down upon his knees held up his hands and intreated That they would cut off his head rather then force his Conscience And this Answer had John Elius of Stubnecimus and others in other places and this was the true cause why in all these daily persecutions of Ferdinand Bohemia as also all Germany did not produce more Martyrs there were not wanting who would have died in maintenance of the Christian faith but there were none who would inflict death upon bare account for it was determined by these cruel Tyrants brought up in the Devills Schoole not to kill the body but the soule and therefore they had rather by lingring and continued punishments render men unstable and wavering in the truth then by their patiently maintaining the faith make them victorious they onely put them to death upon whom they had any colour of a civil crime as is manifest in these Martyrs of Prague Andreas Chebdovius a sweet and hopefull young man was thus dealt with whom they apprehended at Dorbusta as he was in his journey from Podebradium his native Countrey going to the Court of Inowen into his service he had ingaged himself at Faradissium they fastened him to a sharpe stake because he was a Messenger to carry about severall treasonable designes when neverthelesse they found nothing about him but a few Letters written from friends to friends nor by any tortures could they force him to confesse any thing and this was done in the year 1622. 14. They likewise took another course which was both tyrannical over the Consciences of men and dishonourable to God that because they see they could neither convince nor convert any one by the word of God therefore they resolved with themselves to make no use of any argument from Scripture especially to the vulgar multitude but by Authority of their Church and by force compell'd them to obedience wherefore if any man did appeal unto the Scriptures they were answered with scoffes and jeeres and taunts they accused the Scripture of imperfection of obscurity of ambiguity that it was the fountain of heresie the sanctuary of Hereticks and that Lay-men had nothing to do with it this was nothing with them nay these blasphemous wretches were not afraid with their foule mouthes to nick-name the Bible Wiblia that is in our Language vomit and so they spit in the very face of God himself wherefore they took away all religious bookes from the people that so the blind leading the blind they might over-spread the Kingdom with darknes also they perceived that the people by this meanes being deprived of all light from the word of God might more easily be overspread with the darknesse of error 15. Some of the Nobles after they had forced their Tenants into their Church and shut the doores compell them to receive the Eucharist in one kind as Severinus Talho in the village of Andercze in the County of Pilsnen in the year 1628. with his sword drawn went about in the Church and solicited those that refused to fall down and worship John Adams Czeyka in Newcitz a Town of the same County did beat the joynts of their leggs with Clubs and so forced them to fall down which was also done by William of Klenow Lord of Rupovia John Stepkenick being sent for by his Lord George Metrowsky at Mautina when he perceived that he was to be fettered and chained leapt through the window into the trench of the Castle indeavouring to scape Apostasie by his flight but he being pursued by the Guard was brought back again wounded and was therefore sent to prison at Pilsna not to be released before he had abjured his Religion the same Metrowksy kept another man of his own Ambrose Sterpothus a skinner by trade in prison a whole yeare because he continued firm in his Religion and thrice he sent the Hangman to him and commanded him to be racked and by the torments of his rack forced him to confession at length he was let go and was fined 100. Imperials the Townsmen of Knesovesia upon Slana pursued with drawn Swords the poor Countrey people that fled into the fields and brought them back again some of them wounded some they brought from the Victualling houses and forced them to confession and received the Sacrament in one kind Baron Kolowrat set Muskets to the mouthes of those that refused to receive the Sacrament after the same manner or else by gags forced their mouths open and commanded the Hoast to be thrust down perhaps in imitation of Smeczanius who was used to do so before At Ronspurg in Tosta and in certain other places these wicked reformers are reported to have gone so farre in their wickednesse as to force some of the people not only meerly to abjure the Cup but also to throwe it upon the ground and spit upon it and tread it under their feete and this was the usuall forme of abjuring the Cup and swearing to the Catholique Religion I sweare before God Almighty and the Virgin Mary and all the Saints that I am not forced but do voluntarily return to the holy Roman Catholique faith and I do professe that it alone is true ancient saving faith I do abjure the Cup neither will I partake of the Cup for ever Yea moreover I will by all possible meanes diswade my Children and those that are committed to my trust from partaking of the Cup I do also promise that I will constantly persevere in this Religion and that I will oppose men of contrary Religion so God help and the Virgin his Mother and all the Saints 17. It is not alike provided how those that were now made Catholiques should for the future behave themselves some being content that they had not once filled their lusts upon these heriticall Subjects let them alone and molested them no more yet these poor miserable Creatures when ever they had opportunity to see an Evangelicall Minister did bewaile their Apostasie and did again communicate in both kindes but others were a second time compelled especially when it was suspected that they did not in their hearts return to the Popish Church concerning which certain Edicts of the Emperour and Commissioners came forth to compell them again and again a certain