another town by name Soldavia Guidzina c. were shewed to them wherein they might live quietly and one Paulus Speratus Bishop of Pomesania being very courteous and charitable unto them who in former time passing through Bohemia honoured the Church of Lytomislena and well knew the manners and doctrine of the brethren He rejoyced for that he had such guests at Borusia and recommended us to the Prince who was also very friendly to us CMAP XXXVI John Augusta James Bileck and George Israel taken I. THe third Edict that Ferdinand set forth against the brethren was concerning the taking of the Ministers of the brethren prisoners wherefore they are dispersed part into Morauia which at that time was free from troubles part that they might not forsake their auditors in private places from whence comming forth but for the most part in the night they visited the faithfull and where need required administred in houses which continued for some years 2. Three of them fel into their enemies clutches Iohn Augusta the elder with Iames Bilke his colleague George Israel pastor of the Church of Turnovia but he by the admirable help of God was freed from the deep dungeon of the Castle of Prague and followed his friends into Borussia being from above made an Apostle of the Polonians For when he had once or twice travelled from Borussia into Moravia where the Ministers forced from Bohemia did lurk had gone through Polonia the greater in some places as occasion offered it selfe hee preached the Gospell with such success that he gained many of the nobility and in these the Pallatines and Castellanes and within fewe years erected about twenty Churches in Polonia the greater and this was the first originall of Churches in Polonia which as yet retaine the Cerimonies of the Bohemian Confession 3. The enemies so rejoyced for the imprisonment of John Augusta as the Philistims did when they had taken Sampson for he was a man renowned through the whole Country not so much for that he was the chief bishop among the brethren but for his disputations both by words and writings with his adversaries the Calixtines who as Luther the Pope in Germany so he confounded his adversaries in Bohemia For he was sometimes Luther's auditor and did often afterwards receive Letters from him By which meanes the enemies laid all the blame of the disobedience of the Orders towards Ferdinand upon Augusta alone as if he with his had caused the rest of the Order cunningly being drawn into the faction that Ferdinand being driven out they might advance Iohn Frederick the Elector of Saxony unto the Kingdome which had assuredly been brought about if Caesar had been overthrown in war 4. That this cruell conspiracy might be disclosed Augusta being called forth by a feigned friend to discourse as if to advise with them concerning the allaying of that mischief he is taken carried back to Prague was by order three times miserably tortured by the hand of the hangman his colleague John Billek fared no better But no unlawfull act being known or any signe thereof appearing they are left in prison for the space of 17 years at the length after the death of Ferdinand they are dismissed in the year 1564. CHAP. XXXVII Veey many of the Ministers of the Gospell banished I. WHen it was evidently knowne that the brethren were not the authors of any conspiracy but that the Orders in regard of the ancient league with the Saxons and a new desire against the protestants had acted this Ferdinand bent all his endeavour to persecute the Lutheranes also having called a meeting in the year 1549 he caused those things which were formerly agreed upon to be confirmed and the decree for the abolishing all other sects to wit the brethren and Lutheranes to be published 2. The effect whereof was that aswell the Calixtines as Papists might have the more liberty to vexe the Gospellers with malice calumnies and injuries and untill the yeare 1555 by the Kings command the Ministers that had received orders in Germany and those that were married in Cities and Townes were removed one after another and banished the Kingdome to the number as some have affirmed of neer upon 200. These men being dispersed through Misnia and the Palatine Philip Malancthon greatly comforted with his letters For the King had promised that some of the chief of the Gospellers upon any pretence whatsoever should bee proscribed and hurried to prison among whom was Iohn Prostiborskt Baron of Schanow an eminent man not so much for his wealth as his learning and good experience Hee for a suspition of a certaine plot against Ferdinand and for that he had consulted with the Saxons after an itterated verball diligent examination being laid on the rack with an heroicall indignation cut out his tongue and cast it away being demanded why hee did so what hee could not with his tongue in those tortures very humbly with a quill set it downe on the wall for that end said hee I did it because I would not bee brought to it by any tortures to say any thing that is false against himselfe or others And here by a written parchment upbraiding the Tyrannicall proceedings against them and other innocents he cited the King and his councellors to appeare before the tribunall of God and a little after died in the same prison notwithstanding the King had taken order that a Chyrurgion and a Physitian should take care of his health CHAP. XXXVIII Jesuites brought into Bohemia FErdinand strove with might and main to suppress all those whom hee accounted heretickes hee brought Iesuites into Prague and founded a very sumptuous and rich Colledge for them as hee did a little after at Chonotowa Crolowre Hradecij which is called Henries Colledge and these pretending the education of youth after their accustomed manner sought by all means to overthrow the Churches and added fewell to that fire which had now almost inflamed the whole country CHAP. XXXIX The state of the Churches under Maximillian under one common confession are reconciled I. NEvertheles under Maximilian as afterward under Rodolphus thier sleights plots succeeded not so prosperously for Maxamilian in the year 1562 being crowned King a Prince of a peaceable disposition wel instructed in the knowledge of the truth would by no means be induced that any should suffer for their faith insomuch that the churches not only gathered breath but flourished under him 2. For he had John Fauser preacher of his court his father Ferdinand being yet alive a very Godly man wel skilled in the Evangelical doctrin who did not cease to infuse good principles into the young Prince for which he incurred very great displeasure but did not suffer martyrdome For upon a time Caesar Ferdinand alone going into his chamber sharply rebuked him for that hee had seduced his son by his erroneous so conceived by him opinions hee mildly notwithstanding answered him which no waâ—y allayed his fury which was so
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
but in regard it was found that many evills even heresies have had their rise from thence Christian order being now established it is not convenient to connive at it And therefore it cannot be granted what your people doth so earnestly but inconsiderately desire and this we forbid in the power of God and most blessed Peter exhorting thee also by the honor of the omnipotent God to withstand by all means such like vain rashnesse yea we command thee Dated at Rome anno 1079. 4. Loe here a Cover worthy the Dish for Histories do term this Gregory alias Hildebrand an ungodly man a Magician a vehement firebrand of the warres in Europe Could therefore any thing of truth or holiness be expected from him But time it was to punish the worlds ingratitude wherein the seducing power of errours should be sent into the world as the Apostle foretold 2 Thes 2. and so necessary it was that Bohemia it self but lately converted to the Faith should participate of the dimnesse which preceded the approaching darknesse and more and more be fettered with Antichristian bands Neverthelesse Bohemiâ— never committed any abominations which were visible to her through the darknesse without reluctancy and compulsion From whence it was that Rome froâ— Antiquity did often in large expressions bestow the title of Heretiques before all others upon the Bohemians 5. When in the year 1197. Peter Cardinal of Brode way being sent to Prague by Pope Celestine urgeâ— the necessity of single life and enjoyned Divorces unto those who were ordained for the Ministerie he was even upon the point of being stoned by the Priests and and Prelates Haiec. fol. 212. 6. About the year 1350. in the Reigne of Charles the fourth likewise Emperour of Rome the sacriledgious administration of the Lords Supper under one kind was first heard and seen in Bohemia under the first Arch-Bishop Ernestus of Eardubitz the Italian French and Germane Divines and Magistrates whom Charles had chosen Professors for the newly founded University of Prague very much perswading him to it Forreigners also well learned in the Arts who came thither in great troops drawing away very many by their Example 7. Certain of the Bohemians distracted by these factions apostatized and began to assert That the Custome in other places received ought not to be rejected there that the Sacrament ought not to be easily granted much lesse dailie disttibuted in both kinds and that not without the peculiar indulgence of the Arch-Bishop CHAP. VI. John Melice and Conrade Stickna 1. THese clamours increasing Mr. John Melice _____ of Prague a man descenâ—ed of a noble family and of a fervent spirit of whom â—lso menâ—ion is made in the catalogue of witnesses unâ—o the Truth whether by word or writing was theâ— first that stood out in opposition For when for his are Learning and Holinesse of life he was made Preâ—ect of the Clergy in the Cathedrall Church of _____ â—nd had a great Auditory he began to exhort the people unto a frequent communion in both kinds to comâ—lain much of spirituall desolation to rebuke divers aâ—uses abominations being much helped with the godâ—y endeavors of his faithful colleague Conrade Stickna a man eminent for Learning and Eloquence 2. These two by their zealous preaching effected amongst other things that the notorious Brothell house at Prague called Venice was throwne downe and in â—ts place Mary Magdalen church erected which perâ—dventure was a praeludium of the speedy destruction of the spirituall common Stewes 3. Neverthelesse Melicius himself hath left a writing concerning himself for some of his writings are preserved that he was pricked in conscience that he should go to Rome and there testifie that the great Antichrist was come and did then reign He prayed unto God with fasting and tears that unlesse these cogitations did proceed from his spirit he would deliver him from them but because he could find no inward quiet he went to Rome and writ upon some oâ— the cardinalls doors Antichrist is come and sittetâ— in the Church and in his conferences with many he averred the same 4. There is a Bull of Greg. the 11. now extant whereby Melice with his auditors were anathematized Hee therefore imprisoneth him but afterward perhaps for fear of the people he releaseth him iâ— the year 1366. Melice continued eight years in thâ— hatred of Antichrist and in the year 1374 and fourtâ— Nones of February he Swan like ended his life five years after the happy dissolution of his colleaguâ— Stickna CHAP. VII Mathias Janovius or the Parisian 1. MAtthias Janovius of Prague commonly called the Parisian because he continued Student in Paris nine years succeeded him he waâ— confessor unto Charles the fourth and more ferveâ—â— and zealous then his Predecessors in defending communion in both kinds He wrote many things as Oâ— the life of a Christian Of Hypocrisie Of Antichrist Of the frequent receiving of the Sacrament of the body and bloud of Christ In which booke at the end it is thus written It expresseth the work of Mr. Matthias of Paris a man famous for his admirable devotion who for his constant preaching suffered great persecution and this for the truth of the Gospell 2. Histories tell us that this Parisian together with some other learned men went to Charles promoted unto Kingly Dignity and requested him to call an Oecumenicall Councell for the churches reformation But the King returned unto them this answer That it was not in his power but belonged unto the Ghostly Father the Pope of Rome and therefore he would write in their behalfe and intreat a councell from him which after he had done the Pope was provoked and did so importune him for the punishing of those rash and hereticall men that Charles being madded with the authority of the Pope although he loved this Parisian yet commanded him to depart out of his Kingdome who though indeed he returned afterwards yet lead he the remainder of his life in private deceasing in the yeare 1394. Novemb. 30. See mention made of him in catalogo Test. Verit 3 Now Ianovius being banished the adversaries forbad and abol shed communion in both kinds not only in the Church of Aix but every where at Prague and through the whole Kingdome so that the more constant among them could not celebrate and receive the Sacrament after their accustomed manner except in private houses and after that in Woods and Caves and there not without hazzard of their lives and persecutions for they were set upon in the ways plundered beaten and drown'd in rivers so that at length they were necessitated to go together armed and in strong companies Which from that time continued untill the days of Husse 4. Letters Patents also were extorted from Charles although Hajec sayth it was sent to the Prelats of his own accord wherein an inquisition is ordained and punishment by fire determined to bee inflicted upon those who departed from the faith and ceremonies of the Church of Rome It is extant
so many pious men being againe demanded his advice hee said That he now had seriously observed and considered all things and could not yet find what to determine on unless there should be a separation aswell from those that used the cup in the Sacrament as from the Papists themselves for all things did abound with abominations and he found the evill irrecoverable Lupatius also delivered himselfe after the same manner when it was replied to Rokizane Let therefore a separation be made we will acknowledge thee for our Captaine we will worship thee for our Doctor we will follow thee for our Father he made answer You offer mee too great a burden to undergo You are too bold and forward it is a thing full of danger 5. In the meane time in the yeare 1453 Constantinople was taken by the Turks and two of the dispersed Grecians being come unto Prague were courteously entertained by Rokizane and suffered to celebrate the Mass after many disputations in religion Where when it jointly appeared to them that the sincerity of the faith was overwhelmed with superstition The good zealous people were more inflamed in spirit finding what they were to avoid but having none whom they might follow 6. They therefore address themselves to Rokizane again and besought him for the Glory of God to take compassion on their soules and on the seduced people and not to abandon them in so great a hazard of their salvation But he good man when forsooth hee had not so much power to preferre the Cross and â—gnominy of the people of God to the but vain hopes of an Arch-episcopall Glory in a great rage did upbraide thâ—m with their importunity and at last intreated them to let him alone and begin the separation without him and promised them that he would so prevail with the King who was George Podebrade and to enjoy the Crown did swear obedience unto the Pope to allow them a place where they might live securely and serve God with an undefiled conscience 7. He obtained for them the Territory of Liticitz one of the hilly countries neer unto Silesia whither immediately after those citizens of Prague Batchelors and Masters did address themselves and from other places not a few as well Plebeians as Nobles learned and unlearned their greatest confluence was to a Towne called Kunwald devoting themselves altogether to the reading of the Scripture to prayers and to workes of piety This was in the yeare 1459. They chose them teachers that is to â—ay from the Calixtines who used the cup in the Sacrament who throwing off superstition did compose themselves to the form of the primitive simplicity the chiefest of them was a devout pious old man by name Michael Zamburgh Aâ—l of them by the name comon to Christians and acceptable to good men did call themselves brothers and sisters which was the reason that by a remarkable distinction the Titleâ— of the Bohemian Brothers was attributed to them and so much of this CHAP. XIX The first persecution of the sayd Brothers I. THe beginning of this new Church displeased the Divell he therefore raised a sudden and a violent Tempest to overwhelme it for the fame thereof being spread abroad the Priests in every Pulpit did stirre up the hatred of the peopâ—e agâ—inst them crying out Blow out their sparkes blow them out before they grow into a flame Rokizane himself who would belive it did put on again the mind of an Enemy and did accuse them of wicked rashnesse for there were not wanting who informed the King and Consistory against them in divers accusations 2. It came to passe therefore in the year 1461. when Father Gregory with some others did come to Prague to give a visite to his friends that they were betrayed and taken in a house to which they came to supper At which time this was observeable The Officers stood on the threshold and speaking to them in the scripture phrase said all who will live godly in Jesus Christ must suffer persecution You therefore that are here come forth and follow me to Prison He was himselfe an honest man and thought not evill of the Brotherhood but being commanded by his superiors he could not but put his charge in execution 3. The King believing the slanderous accusations of these evill men that the Brothers attempted some sedition as the Thaborites before them he commanded the holy man Gregory to be tortured who being transported into an extasie did feele no sence of paine at all and being believed by the Tormentors to be dead he was taken downe from the Rack His Vnckle Rokizane comming to him for he heard he dyed on the Rack did with many teares lament him repeating againe and againe O my Gregory would I had bin in thy place but he after some houres comming againe to himselfe revealed the Vision which he had seene which was that he was brought into a most pleasant field in the middle whereof there stood a tree loaden with fruit on which divers Birds of severall kinds sitting on the branches did feed and in the middest of them there stood a young man who did so rule them with his rod that not one of them did move or stirre out of order No doubt but by this Revelation God shewed him the Image of that little Church of which he was as Patriarck He saw also three other men who seemed to be keepers of the said tree whom sixe yeares afterward when by suffrages they were chosen to be over-seers in his Church he witnessed that in this Vision he had seene and knew them to be the same by their Physiognomy and the linaments of their Countenance 4. Gregory by the intercession of Rokizane being dismissed there came forth by the Kings command Edicts from the Consistory forbidding all Pastors to administer holy things without Ceremonies and whosoever should administer to the Brothers being now notorious by the infamous Name of Piccardins the losse of life was denounced to him The Brothers therefore being brought into great extreamities and like sheepe forsaken by their shepheards wandering up and downe they at last againe and againe came to Rokizane beseeching him if he doth respect the glory of God or his owne salvation that he would not desert that cause in which the cause of God was interested and that by his owne example he would not hinder the conversion of so many men to which they were so happily prepared nor for any cause whatsoever detaine the acknowledged Truth in unrighteousnesse They told him that he was the head of all the Clergy in the Kingdome and was to give an account of them all to God and other words were used to this purpose But when they found him obstinate they bad him farewell those words being inserted to the latter end of the Epistle Thou art of the world and shalt perish with it 5. With which being much provoked he againe exasperated the King against them and new Edicts were published in the Name of
taken by the last verse of that Psalm where David prayes Shew some token of good upon me John Kutnaur broke out into these words Shew therefore on us some token of thy goodnesse O God whereby we thy unworthy servants may be strengthned by thy goodnesse and our enemies confounded And as it were answering for God being full of faith he saith Be of good cheare for even in this God hath heard your voyce and to morrow he will shew some wonderfull signe and will witnesse that we suffer for his cause The Minister M. Werbenius when he heard this answered They will rest satisfied herewith when they shall perceive that death which is bitter to the wicked is sweetned to you 10. Early in the morning having washed their Faces they put on clean clothes as though they were going to a wedding fitting their Dublets and jackets to their bodies and cutting their collars that being brought to the scaffold there should bee no need of a new making ready Kautnur in the meane while with others pray and earnestly desire of God that if his Majesty would bee pleased to strengthen and confirme both themselves and the people concerning their innocence And presently after the sun rising a beautifull bow appeared and compassed the heavens the Ministers the souldiers and many others go to see it But the Martyrs looked out at the window and they all see as well as those all over Prague a Rain-bow of an unusuall colour and the Heavens very clear neither was it observed that any rain had fallen for the space of two whole dayes before This sign being shewed from heaven the Martyrs lifted up their voices and hands part of them in whose company Verbenius was fell on their knees and praised God here one calls to mind the Covenant of Noah another thinketh one the Rain-bow in the Revelation about the Throne of Christs tribunall who was judge of the living and the dead and very much to comfort themselves herein 11. But as soone as this heavenly sign of grace was vanished another sign of approaching Martyrdome the noise of a gun being let off sounded in their ears which when being heard by the Ministers of the word the Champions of Christ going to each other salute one another and pray that each of them may bee strengthned they also encourage one another and exhort to fight manfully presently the Troops of horse come and some colours of footmen and encompasse the Theater wherein on their seats the Judges of Caesar with the Senators did sit the Market place the streets and al the houses are filled with numberlesse numbers of spectators 12. The Martyrs are called forth one after another and do go to their death and undergo it without daunting for whoever was called forth hastned with no lesse chearfullnesse than as if he had gone to a banquet or some other delights and it was done after the same manner by each of them as M. Rosacius doth describe speaking to the other Most loving friends farewell God give unto you the comfort of his Spirit patience and courage that what formerly with your heart your mouth and your hands ye have affirmed ye may do the like by your glorious death behold I goe before that I may see the glory of my Lord Jesus Christ ye will follow me that we may together behold the face of our Father even in this hour all sorrow departs from me and joyâ—ull eternity shall enter in And they which remained behind answered God above whether and to whom you are going prosper your journey and grant you passe happily from this vale of miseries this desart of goodnesse unto that Heavenly Country let the Lord Jesus send his Angels to meet thee Go deare Brother in thine and our Fathers house and we will follow presently we will meet in the Heavenly glory we are confident of this through him in whom we have believed 13. These and other things being accompanied by the Ministers through the yard of the Court to the Scaffold they spake with a brave resolution and with such ardency of Spirit that even the Praetors and the company of Souldiers standtng round about wept and had they not deafned the ears of the by-standers with the noise of Drums and sound of Trumpet it had been impossible but that every one had paid the tribute of one teare if not more When the Ministers returned and had reported how valiantly the one and other died the rest praysed God desiring of him the like aid of his assisting Grace 14. But it will be worth our labour to remember some thing of each of them in particular CHAP. LXI Joachâ—mus Andreas Schlik of Holeytsche Count of Assaw Lord of Swiâ—an I. HE was a man of above fifty years of age as of ancient noble family so he of very good parts For Heroicall magnâ—nimity with admirable modesty of mind a readinesse of acting businesses with a Religious care and circumspection as also with a wonderful temperature excelled in him Deservedly therfore by the Orders he was made choise of to be director of their Councels and afterwards by Fredericke he was chose chiefe Judge and made Pro-Marcio of Lusatia 2. Flying from the conquering hands of Ferdinand he went into Lusatia But the Elector of Saxony taking of him although in his youth he was his chiefe Officer and one that did deserve very well of him yet by the perswasion of I know not what Antichristian Parasite he delivered him over to the fury of the enemie With what resolution he answered the examiners is before mentioned when he had received that horred sentence of death especially that he was to be quartered and his parts to be scatered here and there he answered The losse of a sepulcher is easie when Rosatius the Minister came to him and wished to courage and fortitude he answered I thank you my Father for your good and godly wish but know that I have Gods grace and favour so that no fear of death doth trouble me once I have dared to oppose Antichrist and I shall dare to die for Christ I am now judged by the world but a more horrible judgment waits upon them 4. When on Munday morning after five of the clock he heard the report of a Gunne he said This is the signall of our death let me go first but thou O Iesus have mercy on us The Jesuits troubling him as before he resisted manfully so now when he came upon the scaffold and Seditius the Father of his sect with others called unto him saying Sir remember yet he answered pray dispatch me presently 5. When he went further on the scaffold and beheld the Sun shining very bright he said Christ thou Sonne of Righteousnesse grant that through the darknesse of death I may passe into thy eternall light then meditating he walkt about the scaffold with that gravity a countenance so composed for sober mirth that even the chief men there could scarce refrain weeping Having ended his prayers he
in my God that he will graciously accept my contrite spirit It was certaine that he had reposed some hope in the favour of men of which he was deprived 3. A certaine Canon with a Jesuite brought him upon the scaffold unto whose speeches exhortations comforts and the rest of their trifles hee seemed little to attend For hee turned himselfe from the kisse of peace as they call it and turned his backe to the signe of the crosse and falling downe on his face he prayed softly afterwards lifting up himselfe and looking up to heaven he cried out They can take away the body but they cannot take away the foul O Lord Jesus I commend that unto thee so hee ended his life being about fifty six yeares of age CHAP. LXIX William Konezchlumski HE was about seventy yeares of age and had been for some yeares deprived of the use of his feet They laid this crime to his charge that hee had aided the Emperors enemies with his counsell and wealth Being called to execution hee said I will go and die but I know not wherefore O Lord Iesus who being innocent didst undergo death grant that I may die the death of the righteous and receive my soul into thy hands CHAP. LXX Bohoslaus de Michalowtz Lord of Rugenice I. HE was a man excellent in abilities of the mind and zeale for God having deserved much both of the Kings and Kingdome of Bohemia 2. Being adjudged to die he said it was more welcome to him than if the Emperour had commanded him to live and restored him to all his goods with an addition of more For he knew their secret counsels and perceived what would follow The fear and griefe of Death saith he is but for a few hours and then comes the desired Rest Being asked with others by the Minister of the Word whether they did acknowledge themselves justly condemned to the death Hee answered If we did think that we were the causes of these evils we would not be ashamed to confesse and detest it But we will not fall downe and desire favour lest we give to man that honour which is due to God and betray our own innocency For God knowes the Papists did that secretly by their plots which we see now done They provoked us to take up armes and now they slanderously lay to our charge many things which never entred into our thoughts God is our witnesse that we sought for nothing but the liberty of Religion and in that we are overcome and condemned to die we acknowledge that God will not have his Truth defended by swords but by our bloud We will die therefore with an assured hope that our death will be a Martyrdome in the eyes of God therefore let us hasten to die that wee may bee numbred in the assembly of the holy Martyrs 3. Which desire of Martyrdome did demonstrate it selfe in the instant of death For when the Lord de Bile was called out by the Sheriffe he as if there were yet place for emulation said Why is de Bile preferred before me in death of whom I alwayes tookâ— place in life But yet arising hee embraced and kissed him saying Go before Brother according to Gods will and I will follow When in the mean time the Lord Otto Czervin Konez Chlumskie were called out in order Hee as if hee were afraid to be passed by said with a loud voice What is the matter my God Thou knowest that I resigne my selfe wholly to thee Ah doe not despise thy servant but make hast to take me away The Minister having espied the Sheriffe returning told him That that glory which he made such hast unto was now present for now they come to call you Hee exceedingly rejoycing said Praise be to thee my God that I shall now be taken out of the world that may be with Christ And went forward to meete hem 4. When the Minister of the word put him in mind of Christ his speech I will not leave you comfortlesse he added So our Saviour hath promised but he hath also added Father J will that where I am my servant also may bee that hee may behold that glorie which thou gavest me Because therefore our heavenly Father hath the same will with the Sonne I know that this is confirmed Therefore I make hast to die that I may be with Christ and see his glory c. And then he suffered Martyrdome couragiously CHAP. LXXI John Theodore Sextus HE was a man skilfull both in learning and experience eminent also in Religion a chiefe Citizen of the old City being brought to the Scaffold he received a grant of his life from Platesius a Canon his Nephew of his Sister who procured the pardon 2. Being then banished with others for Christ he is in banishment while we write these things and as a new-risen Martyr doth hitherto triumph in the Crosse of Christ CHAP. LXXII Valentine Kochan a Citizen of new Prague I. HE was a man well learned and a Mr. of Arts being about sixty years of age Because hee being in Rodolphus his time chosen a Governour of the Consistory and University in the year 1617. When Ferdinando was thrust upon them as their King he being the Deputy of the inhabitants of the City of Prague did protest That by no meanes a King should be chosen without the consent of the Moravians and Silesians much lesse crowned and by that meanes did draw so much hatred upon himselfe that he was first cast out of his Office of Protonotary in new Prague now the directorall dignity intervening he was thought worthy of death 2. Having called Mr. Rosacius he desired that the Eucharist might be administred unto him complaining much of those which did not sufficiently respect that Agreement which was made among the severall degrees of Protestants and who had promoted this Antichristian persecution by stirring up strife and debate because of some difference in opinions and Ceremonies 3. He discoursed very piously concerning many things in the time of his imprisonment and did exceedingly encourage both himselfe and others Among other things a little before the time that he was to suffer death he explained that place of Paul For our conversation is in heaven saying The faithfull while they live are in body on earth but in their conversation in heaven that is their shadow is onely here they themselves do reign indeed with Christ in the heavens much more their soules being separated from their bodies are immediately with Christ and it cannot be thought to be otherwise 4. Going on to the Scaffold he said Grant mee O God that J may passe through this valley of death and presently see thee in the land of the living for thou knowest my God that J have loved thy Word Then he sung the last verse of the 16 Psalme in meeter Bring me O Lord through the paths of life that J may see a fulnesse of joyes in thy presence c. and presently Now lettest thou thy servant depart in
and Lord of us all will rest satisfied c. Charles Prince of Lichtenstein But these were general things and common to all we shall now adde some particular examples whereby a thousand of Satans stratagems will perchance more clearly appeare CHAP. XCII SHortly after the taking of Prague the Catholique Citizens were cited by the Kings Judges and examined upon oath to declare if any of them knew that the Evangelists had stubbornely spoke or done any thing which as every one answered for truth or affection-sake were received as Oracles and afterwards became the cause of death to many even alltogether innocent 2. An Act or Decree was published unto the rest of the Citizens who thought themselves received into favour in the year 1624. Febr. 23. That they had forfeited their Estates by their Rebellion neverthelesse Caesar desired not that they should be altogether sequestred but that every one should contribute part of his fortunes to support the warres And here an exact estimate of their possessions was required of every one of them upon oath And according to this confession or also by a suspition or guess which they had from their ready money a ransome of favour was imposed upon each of them for the obtaining of Pardon as they called it but indeed that they might undoe him a hundred two hundred a thousand two three four six c. thousand florences were straightwayes or at certain dayes to be paid 3. Afterwards all Non-Catholiques were April 15. forbid to be enrolled in the City-Catalogue As for those which were inscribed since the yeare 1618. all trading and negotiation was prohibited them By which Thunderbolt some were brought to faint heartednesse and others to poverty 4. Shortly after to wit May 29. Letters were hung upon the doores of the Common Halls in all Cities the tenour whereof was thus The most illustrious Prince Lord Charles of Lichtenstein c. hath understood by credible persons that certain of the late exiled Preachers do not onely lurk privily in the Cities belonging to the people of Prague but also exercise divine service about the Houses Gardens and Vineyards and thereby do draw away the People from their lawful obedience unto the Magistrate Which thing since it can be no way agreeable to his illustrious Highnesse for the dangerous example of Rebellion lately raised he therefore strictly chargeth the Judges of his sacred Majesty that they be most diligently watchfull and whensoever they find any Conventicles straightwaies taking with them publicke officers to breake into those houses without respect of persons and having apprehended the persons to arrest them whether Predicants Readers or Singers Hee hath also understood that Piccardy Songs and Rimes composed under the name of Psalmes are sung up and down not onely privatly but even publickly in Villages and streets They are therefore diligently to observe that it be amended and that nothing but what is allowed by the Catholicke church bee said or sung by any man And as great circumspection is to be used that all Schoole-masters not Catholick be expelled out of the houses in all Cities and if they shall be taught for the future that they be hailed to prison and punishment c. 5. Another Edict succeeded Sept. 13. yet somwhat more moderate whereby the Kings benevolence and all their priviledges were declared to be performed unto the people of Prague after payment of the Tax with both of which notwithstanding they rejoiced not long for that I speake not of continuall vexations for Religion sake there issued forth in the year following from the Officers of the Kingdom unto the Counsells at Prague this same Decree The supreame Officers and Judges of the Kingdome in the name and place of his Sacred Majesty doe command by their Commissioners chosen for this purpose the Consul and Senate of Prague the lesse and also of old and new c. that they perfectly instruct all Non-catholick Citizens called into the Court of the finall will and pleasure of the Kings Majesty which is no other than that all men renouncing their heresie doe betake themselves unto the Church But if any shal be found refractorily obstinate they shall signifie unto them that they are to be not onely cashiered the City but also deprived of all means of getting their livelihood Decreed in the Chancellors Court in Bohemia in the yeare 1626. Feb. 13. 6. In the yeare beginning 1627. There were supream Commissaries for Religion chosen by the Emperour whose names wee have before recited These therefore entring upon their Commission from those at Prague do send a decree to the Chieftaines of the Cities of Prague wherein after a large commendation of the Kings fatherly care for the good of his subjects as also of the Learning Godlinesse zeale and watchfulnesse of the Spirituall Pastors whereof there was such abundance at Prague and throughout the whole Kingdome and lastly of his wonderfull clemency and forbearance heretofore used toward hereticks and on the contrary lamenting the hereticks great obstinacy do now seriously protest to act for the Kings sacred Majesty and for him onely They do therefore command that each of them do cause the citizens in the Cities committed to them to be catalogued and carefully sent unto them and distributed into four rancks In the first order the native Catholicks are to be inscribed in the second those that were lately converted in the third those that have given good hopes of their conversion and in the last the obstinate c. Given as above said 7. These chief Officers give the commands unto the Kings Judges they to the Tribuns of the people and Senators and these walking from doore to doore examin the father and mother of the family the man and maide-servants and all other the Inhabitants in every house and aske them in what order they would be placed and so did accordingly These Catalogues thus made are brought to the Commissaries who when they find but few of the first second or third Order they consult with great anxiety what is necessary to be done to such a troupe of Heretickes that all tumults may be prevented At length they conclude that the heads should bee removed viz. That those men which were of any rule and authority with the people should be expelled 8. The beginning was effected upon four venerable grave Citizens of Old Prague the thundering Edict against them ommitting Court complements runs thus VVHereas with grief of heart we have observed certaine persons of Prague to be of such incorrigible obstinacy as that the Kings Majesties most indulgent care and all his fatherly admonitions for their good being nothing set by they proudly refuse good and wholsom instruction and as men incurable admit of no counsell thereby giving a dangerous example unto others which would suffer themselves more willingly to be amended In which number since these are noted Iohn Theodore Sixtus Iohn Peldrzimowsky Abraham Angel and Iohn Iacob Heydon We give command to the worthy Ioachim Salwate
to suffer these things for his glory for I know whom I have believed I have fought a fight and finished my course c. He went couragiously to the place designed for his execution as though he would wrestle with death to which when he came he stood up and said Must I dye here Well I shall not dye but live and declare the workes of the Lord in the land of the living Then pulling off his cloaths praying into thy hands Lord I commend my spirit he received the Crown of Martyrdom CHAP. 76. John Shultis Primate of Kutteberg BEing about h to come on the Scaffold he comforted himself with the words of the Psalme Why art thou so sad O my soule Hope thou in God for I shall yet praise him for his salvation given to me When that he was gone a little further he said The righteous seem to dye in the eyes of fools but indeede they go to their rest and a little after Lord Jesus Christ thou hast promised that who so comes unto thee thou wilt not cast him off Behold I now come look upon me have pitty on me pardon my sinnes receive my soul to thy self then he threw himselfe upon his face stretching out his hands and crying with a loud voice Come come Lord Iesus and do not tarry and lifting himself upon his knees he received the stroke of the sword his head was carryed to Kutteberg and was fixed on a stake before the Gate CHAP. 77. Maximillian Hostialek HE was the chief Consul of _____ a learned and pious man therefore he was admitted into the number of the directors being condemn'd to death he appeared sadder then the rest being asked the reason by the ministry of the word answered The sinnes of my youth do now come into my mind For although he knew there was nothing did remaine to condemn them which were in Christ Jesus yet that God did exercise justice as well as mercy towards his own And being called to death he said Look upon me O Lord my God and enlighten mine eyes least I sleep in death and least my enemies say I have prevailed At last he repeated the words of Simeon Now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace for mine eyes have seene thy salvation And so he was beheaded and his head put in the Market-place at _____ at the Crosse for a spectacle CHAP. 78. John Kutnaur Senator of old Prague HE was younger then all for he had scarce finished his fortieth year but yet almost superior to all in courage when the Jesuites coming to him began to speak he interrupted them said my Fathers we pray you that you would not trouble our consciences we are sufficiently furnished with comforts against the fear of death we need none of your helpe When they proceeded to speak he said we will not hear you hold your peace Why do you create unprofitable labours to your selves and trouble to us A Jesuite speaking to his companion that they were hard rocks and would not suffer themselves to be removed he answered You say right Father for Christ is a hard rock and we are firmly fixed in him 2. It is above mentioned 60. S. 9. how he did by a certaine speciall full perswasion of faith prophesie of a certaine miracle about the houre of his martyrdom and that did happen he said unto his companions I understand I am designed to be hanged but whether by the neck feet or middle I know not but howsoever it be done I care not this only is my griefe that my blood may not be mingled with yours that we may be made one Sacrifice to God 3. Being called out to die he was sprinkled with the tears of his friends between their imbraces and kisses especially at the prisons of those that were preserved Abraham Angelus Jyprechtus and Hoslawrus he did not onely not shed a teare but did couragiously speak unto them Play the men Brethren and refraine from weeping I indeed go before but it is but a short time and we shall meete in the heavenly glory And then with a Lyons face as if he were to wrestle with some body and hopeing for victory he went forward singing in his own tongue Behold the houre drawes neare c. 4. When he had finished his prayer and the Hangman coming to him and asked him pardon he gave him his purse with some mony and presently reached out his hand to be bound he did admonish him that he would do his office in a Christian manner When he went up the Ladder to be tyed to the beame that was fasten'd to the Court-window he cryed with a loud voice as if it were a certain roaring I have plotted no Treason I have committed no murther I have done no deed worthy of death but I die because I have been faithfull to the Gospell and my Country O God pardon my enemies for they know not what they do but thou Christ Jesus have pitty on me for I commit my soul unto thee Being thrown off the Ladder gave up the Ghost CHAP. 79. Simeon Sussickey HE was Kutnaurs Father in law being otherwise not much elder when he saw thorough his window the Jesuites coming turning to his coÌ„panions he said the Birds of prey are flying hither but they shall not feed on these carkases but they shall fly away hungry For God hath promised a faithfull care of his own as the apples of his eyes and therefore he will not suffer them to be seduced 2. The last night he had a great conflict with the flesh because the Scripture pronounced every one that hung upon the Crosse accursed but when that the Minister Werbenius told him that that curse was taken away by the death of Christ and ceased in him he was satisfied 3. When he heard the noise of the Ordnance he said This is a token of our approaching death let us prepâ—re our selves that we may give place to our enemies that cannot indure us We hope that we shall couragiously undergo this death but an eternall death waits for them unlesse they repent 4. Being called afterwards praying and singing he went to execution and was hanged upon the Gebbit next to his Sonne in law and after he had given up the Ghost he turning unto him which was a wonderfull thing to behold so near that their mouths touched each other Which their enemies did cavill at saying that they were such obstinate Rebels that they did not cease to plot after death CHAP. 80. Nathaniel Wodniansky WHen the Jesuites solicited him to Apostacy he said you take away our lives under a pretence of Rebellion and not content with that Do you seeke our souls Glut your selves with the sight of our bloud and be at rest But we shall leave stings in your consciences 2. When the day before his execution his son Iohn Wodniansky a married man and a Citizen of Prague bidding him farewell wept and said My father if hope of life should be offered you upon conditioon
of Apostacy I pray you be mindfull of keeping your faith to Christ He answersd It is very acceptable to me my sonne to be exhorted to constancy by you but what hath come into your mind that you should suspect such a thing of me I rather advise and exhort you that you would follow your fathers steps and exhort your brethren sisters and children to that constancy whereof I leave them an example 3. He was condemned to be hang'd but he knew not that a peculiar gibebt was set up for him in the midle of the Market-place When he was cōmanded to go from the Stage he turning himself to Kutnaur Sussickg hanging out of the window he said O my dear fellow-Souldiers how do I grieve that I am separated from you and carried to a place more abominable But when the Minister of the word said The greater the disgrace is for Christ the greater should be the glory with Christ he tooke courage and patiently under-went the disgrace of the Gallowes CHAP. 81. Wenceslaw Gisbitsky alias Masterooussky HE being a Kinsman of Playteysuy first Canon of Olmitz afterward Bishop he was nourish'd with a great hope of life therefore the rest at their farewells congratulating his life commended to him their Wives and Children But the Minister of the word fearing Satans stratagems advised him to take heed of security and notwithstanding to prepare himself for the encounter He coming on the Scaffold looked about to receive the Newes of his life And when a youth came to take his cloake he prick'd up his care to him hoping that some joyfull newes was brought him 2. When he saw there was no hope left he desired a Cantionall and having found a certain song he fell on his knees and sung the foure last verses with a loud voice in this sence Therefore we are prostrate before thee O eternall Father Do not forsake us have pitty on us through Jesus Christ We would say more but we are not able to expresse it Into thy hands we commend our selve do thou perfect that which thou hast begun to work in us Render to us our inheritance that we may sing Holy holy holy c. Laying aside his Cantionall he arose and put off his doublet he fell down again and in the midst of his prayers offer'd himself up a Sacrifice to God CHAP. 82. Henry Kozel with others AFterwards the Citizens of new Prague were called out in their order Henry Kozel Andrew Kaeaur George Rzetschius Michaell Wittman Simon Wockacz which were all beheaded Of whom we canot write any thing in particular because Mr. Adam Clemens Pastor of Wenceslaus his Church was their companion at their deaths and nothing of his observation hath come to our hands 2. The execution continued from 5 of the clocke in the morning to ten Their bodies except Jessenius his were delivered to their friends to be buried Twelve heads were put in two Coffins by the Executioners and carried to the Bridge-tower and exposed to publick view through Iron-grates only the head of Ripelius a Citizen of old Prague was set up with his right hand on the Court-wal Those that were hang'd were buried by night privately 3. The following day Nicholas Dyonisius town-Clerk of old Prague who had welcomed Frederick at his entrance into Prague in the peoples name and had wish'd well to him upon his departure from the City had his tongue fasten'd with an awle to the Gallowes while three other Lawyers Joseph Kubin John Swehla and Wenceslaus Bezjeaus being whipt were brought out of the Gates and kept there for two houres afterwards imprisoned and 4 yeares after sent into banishment 4. Upon this sad tragedy followed the lamentations of the godly many being grieved that it had not been their priviledge to die with the rest In the mean time the enemies insulted over the poor oppressed Protestants But Martin Fruweyn de Podoli is not to be passed over in silence CHAP. 83. Martin Fruweyn de Podoli AN eminent Citizen of Prague and famous for pleading in the Courts of the Kingdom whose Councell the States had used for many yeares He upon the taking of Prague was taken at his own house and scoffed at by the Souldiers who had the possession of the whole house beaten with their fists and at length by an unheard of and exquisite kind of torture he was so cruelly burnt even to the privy parts that for six moneths being troubled with most grievous pains he could neither live nor die When the rest were imprisoned the 21. of February he was brought from his own house first into the Court of the old City and from thence carried into a Tower of the Castle which they call the White-Tower and there shut up from all company Lastly the 7. of June he was found dead in the Castle-Ditch under that Tower 2. The enemies reported that being driven into despaire by the remembrance of his wickedness he had thrown himself down headlong therefore they commanded that he should be taken by the Executioner carried into the White-mountain and there beheaded and quartered his entrailes to be buried and the other parts to be set upon staves in the four quarters of the world before the City and his head to be fastned to a Gibbet in the Horse-market But it seemed doubtfull to many how he could throw himself down being always guarded by Souldiers It is most likely that he was cast down by some privily design'd to that purpose which God knowes 3. This one thing is not unknown to us that he was troubled with great temptations all that time For when being confin'd to his house the Minister of the word Adam Hartman with Dr. Erasmus a Physician then with him did visit him he heard these words proceed from him O my brother Adam I hoped that in these late transactions I was serviceable to God and the Church Now seeing the event contrary and considering how great a slaughter of many thousand men there hath been I think that we have done something erroneously which hath displeased God The coming of the Souldiers interrupted him being about to speak more and he desiring them to visit him againe before that could be done he was removed into the aforesaid Tower of the Castle none being afterwards admitted to him but his Wife sometimes Who visiting him the day before his death being the 6. of June which she often afterwards related found him very sad and troubled by the Monkes which did infest him as he complain'd and desiring comfort there lay by chance upon the Table a great Cantionall of the Brethrens to which reaching out his hand Seeke saith he comforts for my soul She not being able presently to satisfie his desire he opened it himself and sung these verses with weeping out of the penitentiall song which is under the letter G. XVIII where God is brought in speaking to the contrite soule out of 30. Jer. 15. Why cryest thou for thine affliction Thy sorrow is incurable there