wherewith he should bind himselfe that Mathew being alive he should meddle with none of the affarres of Bohemia much lesse Religion He is therefore crowned and presently went into Moravia and then into Silesia and Lusitania and there requested that he might be received 3 And after this time the enemies being made more confident boast themselves outragiously and began to wish ill luck to the Evangelists as also to threaten them openly And Ferdinand going into Moravia to receive homage the Jesuites erect at Olumatium a Triumphall Arche and paint upon it among the Armes of Austria with the Lion of Bohemia tied to it with a chaine and the Eagle of Moravia with a sleeping hare lying with open eyes and this Emblem written under I have practised casting a jeere upon the Orders for suffering themselves so to be bound and tied to drowsinesse but the year following a booke of Moltzarmius Alsatia from the new erected Academie of the Jesuites came forth in the dedication whereof encouraging Leopaldus to zeale they urge the example of his most peaceable Brother the founder of the Vniversitie that howsoever at his coronation in Bohemia after the usuall manner he performed his oath to the Heriticks yet first he left it in the Vestrie of the Church that he would not give way to the Heriticks whereby the Church might be defrauded 4. And it appeared most sufficiently that Ferdinand sware to the Orders with his mouth in his heart to the Pope truly from that time something hath bin attempted whereby it might not be well with the Gospelers either by passing from them their right by cosening or by overcoming their patience that by open injuries they might give them occasion to oppose them Presently after Ferdinand was gone they went about not only the Bishop and the Clergie but the Laity with those that did belong to the Pope Slawata Smeczanski and others in Moravia Olomucensis the Bishop and also the chiefe Duke Ladislaus de Lobkowitz the Lord of Holdsâ—orvia to vexe his subjects for Religion contrary to the expresse assurance of the obligation of his Majesty and then they attempt the like also even in Prague and other free cities of the King From the Chaires of the Jesuites not only the Gospellers but also that bountifull Rodolphus now dead and the Liberty of Religion granted to the Kingdome by him shamefully defamed and taunted at and threatned that their Liberty should not last long 5 They did likewise inhibite by a speciall command that they should print nothing unless perused and approved of by the Chancelour of the Kingdome divulging in the meane while their owne slanderous Pamphlets and dangerous writings against the Gospellers Also instruction was given from the same Chancery of the Citizens of Prague to the Captaines and Judges of Caesar who were Popelings to require earnestly of the parishoners the foundations of the Churches from the Originall And that they no way give nor consent to any meetings unlesse they themselves were present and to joyne with the chiefe overseeres and Parson of the said Parish vnder one kind which after was done in some Churches and at length to deny unto the defendors and those of the Consistorie any executing process of Law 6. And they dealt under hand with the Pastors whom they did believe they might reduce to Psudo-Hussitisme that they should require by presenting to the King an humble declaration that the new Consistory under both kinds after the forme of the former under the obedience of the Archbishop might be granted and about twelve of them being drawne into the net subscribed the chiefe of them being Matthew Praczuda whom they fed on with hopes that he should be promoted to the dignity of Administrator When he perceived himselfe to be very sick so that he was ready to die and calling to mind his former act detesting his perfidiousnes and dehorting his confederates from that fact their Stratagems are brought to nothing 7. Since this exploit of theirs tooke no effect they went another way to work The Church of Bethleem which from its first foundation was dedicated to the University was lately by the Reformation of the Consistory disposed of to the use of the brethren in the year 1609 after the death of the Senior of these Matthew Cirus in the year 1607. the Papists threaten to sue them at the law endeavor to deprive them of the Church but the Professor of the University making use of their own right they bring in John Cyrillus for Senior according to their solemn form these and the like they made triall of in other places but still without successe 8. The Burgrave Carelsteinensis that is to say the safeguard of the Crown and priviledges of the Kingdome is also taken away by the Count Turnensis a President never before heard of and against all the Lawes of the Kingdome not for any crime unlesse it were that in the late Parliament hee had more freely stood for the free election of a King and is delivered to Smeczanius the bitterest enemies of the Gospellers perchance that hee because lately hee could not inhibite the priviledge of Religion might by cunning now begin to do it He therefore began to disturb them by inhibiting the subjects of that dominion baptism and buriall 9. The same enemies go forward elsewhere and destroy the Churches of the Gospellers in the Arch-Bishops Town Grob and by vertue of the Kings Patents the new built Church Braumow of the Abbot Braumow Also in Krumloviana they beginn the persecution of the Gospellers being Subjects the government belonging to the King CHAA. XLIII The Bohemians being often provoked take up armes I. THe Governors of the University and consistory in communion under both kinds being warned of these and other matters which were published in the States Remonstrance were assembled together at Prague about the beginning of the yeare 1618 and having power formerly given them by the States and confirmed by Rodolphus his letters Patents they chose sixe persons out of severall Lordships two Barons with as many Knights and Citizens to consult jointly what was best to be done in this tiâ—e of their enemies insolence But presently there arrived an injunction in Caesars name that neither the Governours should attempt to call any together neither should any man who was called dare to appear and if any did contrary to this command they should bee guilty of high treason and that Caesar would not acknowledge any man the Governour of his Kingdome but himself 2. Notwithstanding the Major part of the States met and when as new prohibitions and threatnings were spread abroad and those States were certified by sufficient proofs that the thunderbolts were not brought from Vienna where Caesar had his residence but forg'd in and shot from the Castle of Prague by the Deputies Their wronged patience was suddenly changed into severity and being guarded with a great troup they go up to the Castle and apprehending Smeczanius and Slawata the chiefe authours
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
the constant and fatheâ—ly admonition of our clement Lord and King his Imperiall Majesty as also to the friendly Church inquisitors and they do despise the sacred wholesome and Catholick Religion but that especially there be two to wit George Kezelius and Henry Semanaina who do persist to oppose the will and command of his sacred Imperiall Majesty to the scandall and evill examples of the Non-Catholicks wherefore in the name and lieu of his sacred and Imperiall Majesty our most clement Lord and King we command you that you seriously advise those your two fellow Citizens arch-sectarieâ— and schismaticks that they do not corrupt others with their errors but that they abjure their erronious opinions and at length imbrace the true Religion and so return into the bosome of the Catholick Church and that they do this by the feast of the Ascention or at utmost by Whitsontide under paine of banishment from the City and ejection from the Kingdome of Bohemia but since you have been certified concerning the late Edict made by P. Lichtenstein of blessed memory Vice-roy of Bohemia in the name and lieu of his sacred Imperiall Majesty that all priviledge and trade be denied to all your Citizens and Burgers who are schismaticks non-Catholicks and not agreeing in religions with his most Imperiall Majesty as disturbers of peace and concord And as yet we are not satisfied whether this hath been by you put into execution If th refere hitherto it hath not we command you in the name of his Imperiall Majesty that you do execute it timely and seriously admonish all your Citizens and inhabitants inmates or servants of other sects elder or younger who are non-Catholickes or hold schismaâ—icall opinions that they so farre consult both for their temporall and eternall advantage as to return into the bosome of the holy Catholick Church under pain of severest and inevitable punishment in which businesse you shall in good time inform us what hâ—th been by you done that so by this means you may fulfill the will of his Imperiall Majesty Given at Prague 17 of April An. Dom. 1627. N. N. N. Appointed Commissioners by his Imperial Majesty for the Reformation of Religion in Bohemia 7. Others of their letters sent the same year to the same persons Grave trusty and well-beloved friends we did expect that you would in obedience to us have executed our late Edict delivered unto you in the name of our most clement Lord his sacred Imperial Majesty that your fellow Citizens who are Non-Catholicks would have forsaken their schismaticall opinions and have returned to the holy Catholick religion but especially that those two obstinate Hereticks George Kezelius and Henricus Seminina would hâ—ve made auricular confession have received the Sacrament of the Altar in one species according to the institution of the holy Catholick Church within the time by us alloâ—ted but we perceive that the two sectaries before mentioned and the rest of your Citizens still continue in their inbred obstinacy and despise the Catholick Religion and all wholesome doctrine and that none of them hitherto have imbraced the Catholick Religion whâ—refore since his sacred Imperiall Majesty will not afford hâ—s royall favour nor allow any to abide or trade in the Kingdome of Bohemia who shall refuse to imbrace the same religion with him but follow the fancies of their own brain and thereby become incendiaries and brochers of sundry heresies whence arise for the most part severall factions and disturbances of the Common-wealth and the whole Kingdome therefore we seriously command you that those two Schismaticks be not onely out-lawed and disfranchâ—sed but that they be presently banished from the City and whole Kingdome of Bohâ—mia without any respect of persons or conditions and that the very day allotted for their banishment or the day after they go out of the City by sun-set and for the future that they never returne into the City or any part of the Kingdome of Bohemia upon pain of severe punishment if at any time they shall returne and bee apprehended Likewise we do seriously and strictly command you in his sacred Imperial Majesties name that you deny to al the Citizens or inhabitants of the city of new Bolislavia who are not Catholicks the benefit of the law or their revenews or to buâ— or sel or any other civil contract that you strictly forbid that none of them for the future do attempt to do the things forbidden without our privity unlesse they do desist from their obstinacy and hereticall opinions and submit to the fatherly commands of his sacred Imperiall Majesty and imbrace the holy Catholick Religion and produce a testimony of their doing so from their confessour And again seriously advise them in our name and strictly command them that without any delay they imbrace the holy Catholick Religion by the last day of June this present year Let every one of thâ—m make confession to their ordinary Catholick Priest and receive the Sacrament of the Altar devoutlie reverentlie according to the custome of the Roman-Catholick Church undâ—r pain of banishment from the City and the whole Kingdome of Bohâ—mia We will deligentlie promote your Petition concerning the removing of the souldiery from your citie onely you shal endeavour that all your fellow Citizens so much the sooner professe the Catholick faith for by this meanes things will better suceeed with you all in this life and the life to come and the wil of his sacred Imperiall Majestie will be fulfilled Given at Prague the 15. June Anno. 1627. N. N. Commissioners in ordinary from his sacred Imperiall Majesty King of Bohemia Hungary for Reformation of Religion in the said Kingdom of Bohemia 8. These Edicts were executed those two were banished with some others Some of the City of their own accord departed for better security or rather secretly run away others were denied traffique the Capuchians went about the Market and from house to house they shut up all the Mercers Shops Taverns and Ale-houses and from those that notwithstanding this Edict sould any thing they tooke away their cloth and linnen and other commodities no man daring to gaine say them the greater part therefore of the Citizens took the mark of the beast that so they might buy and sell CHAP. XCV The Reformation of Litomeric IN the yeare 1517. the 21. of August the Town of Litomeric did ordaine by the comand and unanimous consent of all the Citizens which order they had regestred in their publique bookes and kept in their severall Companies which order runne that none should be inrouled into their catalogue of Citizens _____ no though he were borne in the City and this Edict they made for their better agreement and if at any time any man should move that this order should be nulled he should be disfranchised and depart the City within a moneth This law was ratified and observed inviolable for a hundred yeares untill the time of Ferdinand for in the yeare 1617. two
accustomed manner the Kings Treasurer was at hand for all things were stuft with Traytors and Treasons who protesting that the Emperour had need of it to defray the charges of the Warre took it away giving to the Creditor a written note to testifie that such a summe was due to him from the Emperour 8. So the ancient inhabitants being commanded to depart those that were addicted to the Popish Religion divided the confiscated goods among themselves as it was commodious for any of them to add this or that Village Towne Castle or other Lordship to their owne bounds and as they could obtaine it from the Emperour as a gift or upon any other account The greatest part fell to the share of strangers Spaniards Italians Germans the Commanders of the Imperiall Army instead of their pay 9. If there remained any goods of Widdowes or Wards that were not taken away by colour of Law there scarce wanted Ahabs to covet Naboths vineyard For if any one was pleased with anothers mans ground bordering on him he would circumvent him by craft or allure him by promise as a favour or compell him by quartering Souldiers on him to sell it Whereas the buyers for the most part performed the part of pricers cheapners and contractors obtruding such a price on them as they themselves listed and afterwards not paying it 10. The Emperour commanded the Charter of the Kingdome granted by ancient Kings to bee brougbt to him at Vienna which when hee received he said Are these the Papers which have procured so much trouble to our Ancestors And viewing the severall Parchments seals and subscriptions he rent them and threw them into the fire Adam de Waldstein Burgrave of Prague and supream Officiall of the Kingdome who brought them standing by astonished and secretly sighing CHAP. LXXXVIII The Protestants are prohibited from the exercise of Religion and the benefit of the Law even those that had not offended the Emperor I. IN the mean time the Ministers as is spoken of in this place were banished and thrust out of the Kingdome and a great charge published that none should receive any of them upon any pretence whatsoever Which when they who had in no kind broken their allegiance to Caesar or whom Caesar had already pardoned boasted not to belong to them they were charged by reitterated commands to dismisse them Neither were the most part disobedient to those commands 2. Charles de Zerotine alone as we formerly mentioned dared to oppose himself against this cruelty and did not onely withstand Cardinall of Ditrichstein Governour of Moravia and his Commissioners but when he found no help here went to Vienna complaining to the Emperour of the wrongs of the Cardinall that he extended that punishment to him who was innocent which was inflicted on perjured persons as they pleased to call them and desired that right might be done to him But he received this answer of the Emperours Counsellors who excused this proceeding That this businesse of Reformation was badly undâ—rstood as if it were instituted meerly for the imposition of punishment when it was rather a fatherly care which the Emperor bare for the salvation of his Kingdomes and Provinces and that the Emperor was bound though no crime was intervened to provide as well for the eternall salvation of his subjects as for their outward tranquillity At this the Baron was astonished when hee saw those plots which had been covered with darknesse so openly manifested and Tyranny over consciences cloaked with an appearance of piety He went forward yet to expostulate with the Emperour himself The Emperour answered That he would grant him nothing for his conscience The Baron replied That in his conscience he was obliged to God and that he desired that Caesar would not oppresse it The Emperour answered That he did not oppress it but that Preachers could in no wise bee granted The Baron replied That he could not want the holy worship of God and that this could not be done without a Minister of the Word And with this Protestation he departed from the Emperour not onely openly retaining Paul Hronovius his houshold Chaplain but like pious Obadiah sustaining the most religious old man Iohn Lanctius above 70 years of age George Drastus superintendent among the brethren in Moravia and many others privately in their Caves with bread and water And setting aside all fear of men he doubted not to give liberty to his own subjects but to others out of the neighbouring places of what degree soever to come to his holy exercises which were performed in his own Castle Namesch by Hronovius In which thing hee had in Bohemia the Baron of Slaupna George Sadorius and some few others his pious imitators untill themselves as shall afterward be related were commanded into banishment 2. In the mean time when wicked men are like Euripus neither can bee quiet but cast out mire and dirt as the Prophet speaks it came to pass that they invented a new kind of rage By banishing the instruments of the truth by a peculiar writ that whosoever of the Barons Noblemen or Citizens did keep a Non-Catholick Tutor for their Children should presently dismiss him otherwise he should bee taken and punished 4. And that all might understand that this was done seriously and that Caesar could endure none but Roman-Catholicks a decree was published in the year 1625. 22. of June whereby Non-Catholicks were for ever prohibited the use of the laws of the Kingdome 5. The good Protestants understanding that the laws were not serviceable to them and that nothing was remaining in which they might appeale when they were wronged besides Heaven did this one thing those that were capable to understand this mistery of iniquity viz. Solicite God with sighs and groans to be the revenger of such malice otherwise there was no help left CHAP. LXXXIX The Protestant Nobility are banished out of the Kingdome I. THe enemies being every day puft up with the successe of their victories set upon an action unlooked for that all the Protestant stocks of whom the Kingdom did partly consist should altogether and at once be banished the Kingdome For they hoped that when the Provinces of Germany round about were subdued and the King of Denmark with Mansfeild and Winariensis and others were overcome and upon that the hearts of many faint it would come to passe that at length being struck with this thunderbolt most would forsake Religion which happened accordingly In the year therefore 1627. July 31. a day consecrated to Ignatius Loyola to witnesse that it was coined by the Loyolites as the first inventers a solemne Mandate of the Emperours came forth wherein he affirming heresie to be the sole cause of the so many miseries of the sometime flourishing Kingdome of Bohemia whereby the minds of the inhabitants were as well divided among themselves as from their Magistrates and diverse judgements of God drawn upon them declares his will thus We therefore our conscience urging us neither
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
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
of these troubles they throw them headlong out of the Castle windowes together with their secretary Philip Fabricius who was privy to all their designs This indeed was done rashly and without mature deliberation but they were engag'd to it by a protestation made against the disturbers of the peace in the yeare 1609 for Pope Lewis was then absent The enemies look't upon it as a miracle that none of those that were throwne downe lost their lives but truly it was not so strange that men falling on the soft ground strewed with papers under the Chancery window should remain without any hurt It was rather a signe that God would have them preserved to be the Bohemians scourges 3 Having begun to put their intent in practise against these men and appeasing the tumult which was upon this occasion raised through all the cities of Prague They banished the Jesuites out of the Kingdome as the chiefe contrivers of these mischiefs whose instruments onely these men were in the yeare 1618. 23 day of May which act administred a welcome occasion to the enemies of kindling the War about Religion wherewith all Europe is in a flame at this day And although the Bohemians by Embassadours did protest to Caesar that they had no intentions against his royall Majesty but onely to bring to punishment the disturbers of the publicke peace being thereunto authorized not onely by his Majesties letters but engaged also by their protestation made at that time humbly beseeching Caesar that hee would not otherwise interpret the action Yet Caesar by the instigations of Ferdinand and those of the league resolved to revenge this treason as they called it or by the force of arms and the Bohemians on the other side resolved to defend themselves by armes and therefore chose in that Interregnum 30 directors the Moravians and Silesians in the mean time taking the Bohemians parts when they perceived Religion to be the cause of the quarrell 4. It did appeare that this was that which the enemies laboured for and that to this purpose they divers wayes provoked the Bohemians because the Jesuites applauded themselves in this fit occasion of a totall conquest of the Bohemians as the States declared in their Apology of some out of their intercepted letters 5. Those of Caesars counsellors which did advise them to use more moderation were not regarded The Cardinall Cleselius Bishop of Vienna was accused by the Spanish Embassador before Caesar as a traitor to the house of Austria and imprisoned because that hee was against the War They report that when Cleselius affirmed that the destruction of that flourishing Kingdome would undoubtedly follow if they were forced to a desperate defence of their liberties Ferdinand should answer We would rather have the Kingdome destroyed then damned An Imperiall Army presently rushed into Bohemia under Generall Dampier afterwards a Spanish under Generall Bucquoy 6. In the mean time Matthias Dies and the Bohemians with the Moravians Silesians and Lusations consult whether Ferdinand who wa so open an enemy both of their Religion and Liberties and rather obtruded on them by subtilty than chosen by their free consent and who had intermedled with their affaires while Matthias was yet living contrary to his own Letters Patents should bee admitted to the Crown and at last conclude that hee should not succeed Whereupon they send Embassadors to Franckford where the Electors were assembled for the choice of a new Emperour to signifie this and to desire that Ferdinand might not bee admitted among them by the name of King of Bohemia whom they would not acknowledge for their King But this was in vaine for hee was admitted and afterward chosen Emperour the Bohemians in the meane time electing Fredericke Count Palatine for their King CHAP. XLIV The Bohemians being overcome undergoe a terrible storme I. THose of the League being provoked by this are hurried into furie and raising greater forces rush againe into Bohemia under Maximilian of Bavaria and taking by storme Pracatice and Pisek Protestant townes put the Citizens to the sword for a terror to others and every where make great slaughters of the Protestants At length they came as farre as Prague the Metropolis of the Kingdome which being struck with a Pannicke feare after the overthrow of their forces in a set battell before the Walls in 1620. the 8 of November and the flight of their new King is delivered unto them and all Bohemia Moravia and Silesia The Conquerour promising to keep articles but afterwards performing them according to the manner of the Councell at Constance 2. And now began the face of the Bohemian Church to appeare in sadnesse at the raysing that most cruell persecution which hath brought an utter ruine and destruction of the Protestants They now carried on their designes otherwise than they formerly did in England the Low-Countries and France doing more mischiefe by their milde as they would have it seem proceedings than lately by their outragious furie when the sword and fire and wheele were the instruments of their rage against the faithfull Which was a new policy of the Whore of Babylon to appear couretous that she might scare fear from her by her cruellty For that their Privie Councel is open and manifest wherein when it was debated at Rome about the time of the preparation for the war in the year 1617. how they should deale with the Bohemians and other Germanes after the Conquest it was agreed That seeing those strong purges which had bin administred for the expelling hereticall humors had wrought weakely they would try whether they could be cured by a temperate dâ—et And therefore it was not commodious to put the Hereticikes to death wherein they did glory as in Martyrdome but to use some other meanes whereby to weary them and reduce them to their obedience And to change the hatefull and rigid name of Inquisition into the milder name of Ref rmations 3. And according to this decree they proceeded aganist the Moravians Bohemians and Silesians so that all that professed the pure doctrine of the Gospell were oppressed and had onely the favour of not being utterly extinguished few among them obtaining the glory of Martyrdome Don Martine de Huerda by Nation a Spaniard by trade a Taylor but being brought up from his youth in Bohemia had enobled himselfe by the stealing away the Countesse of Serivia of the house of Kolowrat and afterwards for hs valour advanced to a Barons degree and enriched with a great estate was often heard to boast to the Protestants faces that when he brought the newes of the victory to Vienna standing at Caesars side he advised him to command them to be slaughtred without distinction of sex or age that there might not be any remainders of so rebellious and Hereticall a Nation To whom Caesar answered that hope of favour was given them by the Duke of Bavaria but there would not afterwards want meanes whereby to quell the Haeresie and rebelious desires of so barbarous
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
Baron of Chlum c. Chieftaine of the old City Prague that he give Commission to the Kings Judge for the aforesaid City the Consul and Senat to call the foure fore-mentioned persons before them and to set a peremptory term of time before the last day of that moneth if peradventure they will repent But if they will persist in their blindnes and obstinacy Wee will and straightly command that they depart before the seting of the Sun the same day not onely from Prague but forthwith out of the whole Kingdome Neverthelesse before they depart they shall pay their debts and also their fine for Rebellion to the Kings Majesty if they have not before fully payed it Finally wee command that the aforesaid Chieftain the Kings Judge and the Senate sworne by Catholicks do tax all their goods moveable and immoveable and accordingly deduct a part thereof for the payment of the publicke Faith and to send the other part with the residue of the fines As for the rest of the Inhabitants of the Cities of Prague wee will that they be seriously admonished that they by these mens example may at length learne wisdome and prevent the like punishment as knowing that the good will and pleasure of his most Sacred Majesty will bee thereby satisfied Dated at Prague by the Commissioners for Reformation July 12. 1627. 9. The Exiles in a small Petition complaining of the too short time allotted them for to dispose of their Goods earnestly requested the terme might bee lengthened But it was answered them by another decree 23 of July that this their request was a meer cousenage that nothing indeed might be granted Nevertheless lest there should remaine any cause of complaint the terme appointed should bee prolonged 14 dayes yet with this condition that in the interim they promise seriously to study and bee taught the Catholick Religion or if they shall not have perfectly learned it within the space of 14 dayes limited that they prepare themselves for prison They being affrighted with this edict and seeing all hopes of mercy gone made hast to depart leaving their Wives to order their businesses Howbeit against them also they shot their darts for a new Edict is proclaimed August 28. to this effect Whereas it was never the Kings Majesties pleasure to institute a divorce between man and wife therefore it is ordered that every woman follow her owne husband unlesse she be minded to turn Catholick 10. After the same method having banished other Citizens of chiefest note and esteeme sometimes fewer at other times more sometimes seventy together contained in the same act after they had expelled some hundreds they desisted supposing that the rest might be more easily compelled even as it came to passe For by these imprisonments other pressures such as we shall speak of happening to other Cities were brought to universall Apostacy some few onely excepted which fled of their owne accord And thus the three-fold City Prague most populous and alwayes hating and disdaining the Pope is now though most unwillingly and with great reluctancy made Antichrists harlot CHAP. XCIII The Reformation at Kutterberg I. THis harsh dealing with the people of Prague might neverthelesse have been coloured over with the paint of justice and equity for they had licence to enjoy the benefit of departure as they mollified and minced their tyranny with this specious name those goods which were unmoveables they were permitted to take in sunder and the moveables to truss up and freely carry them away But lest others should do the like both the fury of the Kings Officers in the Cities and the insolency of the Monks and souldiers appointed to keep ward did greatly withstand them for those miserable men when almost all for feare of those harpies fled from their houses they were plundered most ravenously and permitted to carry nothing away of their goods and houshold stuffe but what they removed away privily Their houses and grounds were left destitute and forsaken yet afterwards found those that also possessed them some few that were expelled their possessions received the same favour which those at Prague had formerly This will be more fully manifested in that which followeth 2. Kutterberg is a City of Bâ—hemia and nex unto Prague most eminent very famous for abundance of silver Mines multitudes of citizens and zealous Professors This City by the Kings appointment hath in it a chiefe President the Master of the Mint a Baron or Knight and an Arch-Deacon the chief Prelat of the Church with other Pastors and Collegiats in number seven So soone as it began to be molested by the mony-master Wresowecius under the pretence of Religion the Incomes of the Kings Revenue began also to be diminished their Mettall-Artists most of them being Germans failing them in most places This inconvenience being well observed the King covenanted with the Citizens that they should be Masters of the Mettalls for ten years paying unto him a certaine summe of money yearely they in the interim being safe from the Souldiers violence and quietly injoying their Religion The King Subscribed and confirmed the Covenant by setting thereto his Seale Iune 24. 1625. Which was received by the Citizens with incredâ—ble joy many others there promising to themselves Sarepta and the Cave of Abdia 3. But it grieved Satan that any receptacle remained for the faithfull he therefore prevailed by the buzzing Iesuits that the King moved with I know not what feare of some new Rebellion having scarce stood five monethes to his Covenant he tooke care to have the souldiery brought in againe who December the sixt entering the City the business of Religion is taken up againe The Citizens astonished with the newes hereof against such manifest Covenants they again humbly petition that so much favour might be granted them to keepe the Workers in Mettall that no violence be offered them But in stead of an Answer a command is given to the Captaine December 22. that for Hlawse the Consul Paul Screte Iohn Schreyter Iohn Agathon Sigismund Kosel and M. Peter Capo Senators and chiefe Citizens the abettors of the hereticall obstinacy to place twenty Musquetiers in their houses upon free quarter untill he had received a Schedule from the Confessour as a testimony of their Confession made before him The Souldiers domineering by reason of the licence given them did not onely suck out and exhaust good men by their profuse living upon them but did also abuse them diverse other wayes after their own pleasure whose patient constancy notwithstanding overcame their tyrannicall behaviour For so long as they were able they afforded them provision but this failing part of them wihdrew themselves by flight to further danger others resigned the Government of their goods at home delivering the Keyes to their land-lords 4. When they see their designe could not well proceed this way the taske of reforming Kutterberg is committed to Don Martin of Hursa who guarded with a troup of Curasiers armed from top to toe and