Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
religion_n	new_a	old_a	testament_n	3,965	5	8.0680	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A07032	A tragicall historie of the troubles and ciuile warres of the lowe Countries, otherwise called Flanders Wherein, is sett forthe the originall and full proceedyng of the saied troubles and ciuile warres, with all the stratagemes, sieges, forceble takynges, and manlike defenses, of diuers and sondrie cities, tounes, and fortresses of the same, together, the barbarous crueltie and tyrannie of the Spaniard, and trecherous hispaniolized Wallons, [and] others of the saied lowe Countreis. And there withall, the estate and cause of religion, especially, from the yere 1559. vnto the yere 1581. Besides many letters, commissions, contractes of peace, unions, articles and agrementes, published and proclaimed in the saied prouinces. Translated out of French into Englishe, by T.S. ge[n]t.; Chronyc. historie der Nederlandtscher oorlogen, troublen enn oproeren oorspronck, anvanck enn eynde, item den standt der religien, tot desen jare 1580. English.	Stocker, Thomas, fl. 1569-1592.; Marnix van St. Aldegonde, Philips van, 1538-1598, attributed name.; Rijckewaert, Carolus, called Theophilus, fl. 1577, attributed name.; Henricpetri, Adam, fl. 1576. General historien der aller namhafftigsten unnd fürnembsten Geschichten, Thaten und Handlungen.; Le Petit, Jean François, 1546-ca. 1615, attributed name.	1583 (1583)	STC 17450.3; ESTC S111524	324,446	432

inconueniences as that they did not onelie let them alone but which is more commanded the companies of Liueries or Brotherhoods in many places to take away the Images and ornaments of theyr aulters whiche coulde not be done so hastily and confusedly but that they must needes breake some of them Which kinde of dealing when some of the people sawe they in like sort put thereto theyr helping hand thinking it to be a thing both lawfull allowed and also commaunded by the magistrate to ryd the Churches of them all Wherefore it is so farre of that they were neither at the first nor yet afterwardes stirred vp thereto by the Sermons as that contrariwise the Preachers and such as haue the gouernment of the Churche as muche as in them lay trauelled to stay them neuer hauing commaunded any such act to bee doone nor yet knowing thereof before eyther els allowyng of it after as by many reasons may wel bee verified and also namely appeare by the testimonie of a very great number of prysoners who for the same cause haue beene miserably tormented Which thing neuerthelesse wee haue to our greate griefe vnderstood that these two points to wit The preachings breaking of the Images which notwithstanding haue no waye beene any furtherance but altogether quite and cleane againste thē hauing there with no communitie at all haue been so reported of vnto your maiestie as that you being thereat greatly offended were fully determined to come hyther with force of armes for the indifferent rooting out both of the one and the other Which thing considered wee haue thought it our duetie most humbly to beseech your maiestie that it would please you moste certainely thinke that the religion beeing imprinted in the heartes and mindes of men into the which no threatninges nor outwarde forces can any way enter or pearse considering that sith the point standeth vppon the saluation or condemnation of theyr soules it is not so easie a matter to pluck away by force of armes as by that means to cause some weak soules to dissemble the same and thereby in time make them become people without religion and very Libertines and Atheists at whose hands is neyther fidelitie nor yet loyaltie of conscience to bee looked for And withall that the saying of Gamaliel may well bee weighed That if it bee of God it cannot bee ouerthrowne and therefore an hard and dangerous matter to make warre against him And that which is more when your maiestie shall see into the chiefe pointes of the enterprises that haue beene put into your head by suche as eyther through ignorance by theyr particuler affections or for feare haue giuen you that councell that none other thing will followe nor come thereon but an irrecouerable ruine and destruction of your so florishing lowe Countries and so necessary for the conseruation of your mightinesse and the increasing of the Princes your neighbours who beeynge inriched with the spoyles of these Countries may thereby bee strengthened to make warre against you And therefore wee your most humble vassals and faithfull seruauntes desiryng alwayes to liue and dye vnder your Maiesties obedience and to aduaunce the mightinesse thereof as muche as in vs lyeth both with our bodies and goods throughly consideryng and waying all these circumstances and beeyng persuaded that our humble and resonable requestes and supplycations wyll take some place with your excellencie by reason of your naturall and wonted clemencie and benignitie Beeseeche you in the name of our Lorde Iesus Christe to graunte vs that such as cannot by any meanes lyke of the Romyshe doctrine and ceremonies and yet for all that in a● other things are your very faithfull and obedient subiects may fully and wholy haue such an assured libertie openly to meete in such pla●es as your maiestie and the Magistrates vnder you shal please to assigne them for the exercise of theyr religion wherein they truely protest as before God that theyr full pretence and meanyng is to beleeue lyue and dye in the doctrine of the Prophetes and Apostles contayned within the olde and newe Testament summarily comprysed in the Creede of the said Apostles and of all Councels agreeyng with the worde of GOD submittyng themselues besides vnto whatsoeuer shall hereafter bee determined and ordeyned by a free and generall Councell Where attending and looking for the same councell which shal by the common consent of the Euāgelike Churches both of hygh and lowe Germanie Fraunce Englande and other quarters of Europe bee agreed vpon they purpose to follow keepe all such orders as shall generally bee set down by the said churches And to the end that this libertie and exercise being established and assured the traffick whereupon hangeth the whole wealth of this countrie myght haue a more ample course which as yet is and still remaineth a thing very vncertaine by way of tolleration that it woulde please your maiestie according to your wonted clemencie and benignitie to confirme this benefite by an especial graunt and grace ratified by the general estates of this Countrie for the same purpose assembled And as for your supplyants it is so farre off that by the meanes of this lybertie they entend to alter the politike gouernment as to chāge the prince to refuse the paying of taxes tollages customes tributes c. As their aduersaries openly slaunder them that contrariwise in witnes of theyr affection and loue towards you in the bestowing of that they haue in your seruice in acknowledging of your grace and fauour and as a newe homage in ratifiyng of theyr othe and fidelitie and to graunt and acknowledge that this priuilege of libertie exercise of theyr religiō whiche they requyre loke for at your maiesties hāds encreaseth their harts to dedicate and consecrate both theyr bodies and goods in your seruice and offer to giue the day of the graunt of the said fauour and grace which you your selfe shall finde to be a sufficient caucion or pledge ouer and besides the imposts customes and other extraordinary contributions the summe of three millions of Florins wherewith they will furnishe you by a reasonable daye assigned towards the defraying of your maiesties ordinarie char ges heere in these countries promising further not to come into any of the Romish Churches neither yet to trouble or let eyther by force or otherwise the seruice of theyr religion Humblie beseeching your S. to take well in woorth this offer and small present at your humble subiects handes proceeding from such heartes as desire nothing els but the establishment of Gods seruice and your maiesties with the benefite quiet and prosperitie of these countries And we trust that your maiestie will not thinke it any strange thing for subiects hauing receyued some notable fauour and rewarde from their naturall Prince to acknowledge themselues thankfull for the same according to theyr small abilitie by such a like meane As also it is no new thyng for such grace and benefite to haue beene graunted vnto subiects

one point or article that you let all officers lawiers of the principal Cities of prouince to vnderstand the same to the ende they may therein frame themselues accordingly without dissimulation or tolleration vppon paine of the punishment contained within the saide Commissions And for your better vnderstanding hereof you shall charge and depute a Councellour of your colledge who neuerthelesse may bee changed from halfe yere to halfe yere because one man should not always stand charged with the same that shall doe nothing els but haue an eye to the saide countrie in regard of the obseruing of the decrees of the said holy counsaile and alwayes aduertise you of whatsoeuer commeth to hand that you may therein make prouision according to his Maiesties said meaning And for as much as wee might alwayes vnderstand the state of the religion accordingly as hath beene before saide we beseech and will you as aforesaide that you write particulerly vnto vs from three monethes to three monethes of the successe therein hauing alwayes recourse vnto vs in any case of controuersie or to som of his maiesties priuie counsaile that may make report thereof vnto vs vnto whome also wee will giue the like charge and shall haue a perticuler care thereof and agree with you and him whom you shal put in trust in euery condition touching the same And to the end you may the better see the expres will of his saide Maiestie concerning all the thinges aforesaide wee haue caused to bee annexed vnto this the pointes of the letters of the rest of his maiesties writings touching this matter that you might according to the forme and tenure of the same order your selfe without committing of any errour therein And thus for the present right deare and welbeloued I commit you to God From Bruxelles the 18. of December 1565. and vnderneath was written Margaret And vnderneath it signed d' Oue'rloope The Superscription was To our right deare and welbeloued the Presidents and Counsellours of the king in Christ An abstract of the kings last letters and writings sent to my Ladie the Dutches with the last dispatch as touching the state of religion FIrst concerning as well the old as the new commissions and ordinances of the said state of religion his maiestie vnderstanding in what state and condition the matters of religion heere about stood it was not meete that any change should bee made of the said commissions and ordinances but that the said commissions of the late imperial maiestie and also his maiesties should be put in execution And so his maiestie might perceiue that the occasion why this mischiefe encreased and went so far was by the negligence loosenes and hypocrisie of the Iudges And that seeing there were some Iudges who either durst not or els woulde not put them in execution for feare of tumult or vprore that his maiestie might be counselled to prouide for men there that were of greater courage and more zealous to take in hād the said execution whereof could be no want in those countries where were so many catholiques that desired to serue God and his maiestie and that in so doing executing of the said commissions it was to bee hoped that the harme which grew thereby might by that meanes be the soner and better remedied then any way els For the second which concerned the Inquisitors of the faith his maiesty charged her highnes to hold such an hand on the matter as that the Inquisitors myght find fauour as touchyng the exercise administratiō of their charge in whatsoeuer was meete for the benefit and maintenance of the religion his maiestie hauing this meaning that the Inquisitors should deale with the sayde inquisition as it was wonted to bee dealt with all euen vnto that present both by the lawes of God men that this was no new or strange matter seeing it had bin alwaies so vsed frō the time of the late imperial Maiestie and his the inconueniences which they ouer much feared being mamfester neerer at hand and far greater in not foreseeing vnto those things which were behouefull for the office of the Inquisitors and for theyr assistance And sith her highnes might wel see that which this matter imported his maiestie gaue her in charge that shee shoulde as much as in her lay do that that was so necessary neuer yeeld to haue any other thing then it to be dealt in seeing her highnes knew how neere it touched his heart and what pleasure and contentation it would bring him Thirdly his maiestie willed her highnes that seeing the holy counsell of Trent was now published and that ther remained nothing els to be done but the setting vp of the new erected bishops that her highnes would put to all the possible help she could for the effectuall and conuenient proceeding thereof And that she shold also see the ordenāce of the councell of Trent executed about the reformation of the liues maners of the cleargie by which both his maiesty her hignes and all other his maiesties officers were charged to shew al their fauour help as far as was needfull in that behalf if so be it should so fall out as that his maiestie should be driuen to make prouision for the same that it shoulde foorthwith dispatch euen amongest those cleargie men whiche woulde not submit themselues to the reformation set downe by the bishops agreeing with the decree of the said councel of Trent And in the end this was the closing vp of altogether that the thing which his maiesty wrote to her highnes of as aforesaid was most conuenient for the benefite of the religion and the countries thereabout which without it were of no valure because that the religion was it that must bee the locke and key to censerue them in their right keepe them in peace rest and quietnes And seeing that her highnes saw the great importance thereof his maiesty againe required her to take that course because as hee said it would be the thing that he best liked of and would cause him to thinke the better both of her highnes and also of the Lordes that were about her whom of very right she ought to charge to bestow their paine and trauell about the same according to the trust which his maiesty reposed in them wherin they right wel knew that they shoulde not onely greatly content please him but also doe such offices duties therm as became such noble estates as they are and so acquite discharge that bonde wherein they stand bound for the seruice of God his maiestie the common weale of the lowe countries thereabout and theyr owne particuler benefite Many of the nobilitie beeing greatly abashed and amazed at The protestants abashed at this commandement this his maiesties charge and commandement and foreseeing a most assured and vtter desolation necessarily following the execution of this his excellencies and her highnes determinations so wisely dealt with the Dutches of

the suppliants were purposely determined not to make any innouation about the auncient religiō obserued in the countries here about but the same to maintaine obserue with all their power and might Giuen by her highnesse at Bruxelles the 6. of Aprill 1565. before Easter Whereunto the nobilitie replied the 8. Aprill as followeth MAdame after wee had seen read your highnes answere sēt vnto vs we could not but first of al most hūblie thank the same for the speedie dispatch thereof but especially for the contentment and good liking whiche your highnes had of this our assemblie which was for none other cause saue onely for the seruice of his Maiestie and the common good tranquillitie of the countrey And for the greater contentation and quiet of the same countrey wee woulde haue been very glad that your graces said answere had been set downe more largely and plainly neuertheles sith your highnesse as we vnderstande hath not nowe that autoritie that we would be glad you had for the which we are right sorie yet we trust vpon the hope and assurance whiche your highnes hath giuen vs that you will set suche an order therein aswel amongst the Magistrates as amongst the inquisitors as shal enioyne them to stay al suits commenced by the Inquisition or by any eyther of the old or yet of the newe Edictes or Commissions vntill suche time as his Maiestie hath taken some other order about them And seeing wee for our parte Madame desire nothing els but to followe whatsoeuer his Maiestie with the aduise and consent of the generall Estates assembled shall ordayne for the maintenance of the ancient religion wee trust so to behaue our selues as that your highnes shall haue no occasion to be displeased if any one commit any grieuous or seditious fact let your highnes and those of the counsell of the Estate appoint such chastisement as the desert of the fact requireth And we here againe protest that if any inconuenience herevpon doth arise for want of good order set herein that wee haue satisfied and perfourmed our duetie Most humblie beseeching your highnesse to haue good liking of this our bounden dutie and receiue it as our seruice for his Maiestie Offring our selues to remaine your highnes most humble obedient seruances to die at his feet in his seruice whensoeuer it shal please your highnesse to command vs. The Marques of Bergues the Baron of Mountigni were by the common aduise of the counsel of estate sent towards his Ma. into Spayne in the meane while there was some mitigation release of the accustomed sharp dealing but yet they of the reformed religion continued their assemblies in houses by small numbers attending his Maiestyes wil and pleasure Nowe a litle before that the Nobility of the countrey had exhibited this supplication her Highnes suspecting some mischiefe by reason of the assembly of the Nobility had made the woorst market of the matter that possibly she could haue deuised had it not beene that some of the counsell encouraged and comforted her emongst whom was one man especially which as it is said was the Lord of Barlaymont who sayde vnto her Tush tush The Originall or first bringing vp of the Gueses Madame bee not dismaid neither feare these Gueses for there are wayes and meanes enowe both to ouerthrow them vtterly roote them out This saying truly vttered by hym the confederates accepted and tooke it vp for a common name amongest them and thereupon cloathed themselues in whytishe or fryars gray euery man hauing hanging at his gyrdle a woodden clap dish trimmed rounde about with an hoope of siluer enamaled black wherein were engrauen these words Viue les Gueux that is God saue the Lazare or spittle man And after that one of the chiefe of that company drunke at Bruxelles the fift of Aprill in such another dishe and when he had drunke hee cryed Viue les Gueux Morouer in signe and token of their wonderfull fidelitie towardes their prince they did weare about their neckes the picture of king Phillip some grauen in golde some in siluer on the backside of the same picture was the figure of hande in hande with the clappe Dishe and Wallet and about it this deuise Fideles an Roy insgues a la Besace that is faythfull vnto the king euen vnto Beggers state They had also Copper Counters on the one side of which was engrauen Escu de viane that is the shielde or armes of Viane and on the other side Per feu et flammes to wit through the hoate burning fire and flamme with the armes of the house of Burgome In the moneth of May the yeere 1566. A surceasing of the Inquisition and of the commissions the Inquisition and Commissions surceased and besides all Magistrates and Officers were forbidden the exercise and execution of them against the subiectes vpon payne of the punishmentes conteyned in the Commissions But as a fire long time kept in waxeth very hoate after bursteth out into great fiery flammes euen so they of the religion hauing this aduantage and being no longer able to keepe in beganne to manifest them selues and make common and open assemblies First in lowe Flanders and soone after at Antwerp where they beganne openly to preach the 24. of Iune being S. Iohns day in the aforesayde yeere about a quarter of a myle out of the Citie Shortly after they of Tournay followed and so likewise did many other Cities of Hollande Zelande Brabant Flanders and other places The number of them came to the assemblies so dayly encreased as that a man woulde haue thought the people had come to a fayre or market when after long dearth great store of Corne had been brought thither Nowe for the first preaching that was at Antwerpe the people resorted thither without their forbidden weapons But when they were aduertised of a conspiracie entended agaynst them they beganne contrary to the Kinges and Regentes Proclamations to carry them for their defence agaynst the Inuasion and furie of the conspirators But after they were come backe into the Citie they layde them away and in the meane tyme besought the chiefe officers eyther to grannt them some guard or defence agaynst those people or els suffer them to meete together within the Citie that they might not bee thrust out into any such danger and in case they woulde so doe they woulde altogether lay away their weapons In this meane while The prince of Oranges comming to Antwerpe the Prince of Orange was entreated to come to Antwerpe to preuent the troubles that were like to ensue And when he was come for that purpose hee trauelled by verye instant Orations to cause the preachinges cease for three weekes or a moneth In which tyme hee put them in good hope that the generall Estates woulde meete togeather for purueying for the same But forsomuch as they of the religion forsaw not any good to arise by this surceasing but

that hee may bee somewhat informed of the number beseeching his Excellencie to appoynt commissioners for the viewing of the assemblies The sixt 6 You shall obey the Magistrate and giue your attendāce for the conseruation of the cōmon weale accordingly as he shall appoynt The Answeare VVE agree to that alwayes prouided that the priuiledges be kept sound and without preiudice to the Religion that now is permitted vnto vs. The seuenth 7 All such Preachers as shal preach seditiously against the Magistrate or others shalve driuen out and banished the Citie The Answeare VVE agree to that so that the reprehending of false doctrine the abuse of Ceremonies and corruption of manners bee not taken for seditious speeches and that the same which shal bee alleadged shall be duely verified by men worthy to be beleeued and vnsuspected and that al other preachers may bee subiect to the same law The eight 8 You shal not change increase nor diminishe those that are of your Consistorie without the knowledge of the Prince nor yet take in newe ministers The Answeare FOr the more assuraunce and safetie of his Excellencie wee beseeche that it woulde please him to depute one Magistrate or other that professeth our Religion vppon whose fidelitye your Excellencie may rest who may be assistant to the choosing of the mininsters Elders and Deacons and to all the affayres which shall be dealt withall amongest them for the gouernment and rule of their Church The nienth 9 You shall not trouble nor laye handes one of another by reason of the diuersitie of the religion but ayde and defend thē if any man shall seeme to offer them wrong The Answeare Wee agree to that so that they doe promise as much in our behalfe The tenth 10 You shall not hinder the proceeding of the lawe in any cause whatsoeuer but especially in the executing of the spoylers of the Churche The Answeare We agree to that alwayes prouided that we be not barred of anie lawfull meanes or wayes The eleuenth 11 You shall not sing in the streetes in companies but onely at Sermons and the exercises of your Religion The Answeare We agree that no man shall sing in the streets in companies The twelfth 12 A thousand of you shall subscribe to these poyntes aboue sayde Answeare FOrsomuche as the resolute establishement of our Religion is put to the deciding of the generall Estates we think that there are many which wil hardly subscribe neuertheles if the occurranses alwaies prouided that they be no strangers and besides they may haue other officers for their consistorie To the fourth he saith that they may not goe with nor haue at their sermons assemblies and exercises of their religion any harquebushes pistolles holbards nor anye other forbidden weapons alwayes prouided that no man shall forbid them the wearing of sword and dagger To the fifte hee saieth that hee is contented to temporize or serue the turnes of these Suppliauntes and to stay a while for the deliuering vp of this rowle for the reasons by them declared For the sixt his Excellencie accepteth of the accord hereupon agreed willing them to keepe it accordingly For the seueuth his Excellencie also accepteth of the aunsweare to this Article and it is his mind and of the magistrate likewise that all Preachers in general of what religion soeuer they be shall abstayne from all Inuectiues wronges and reproches which thing he would also haue to be giuen in commandement to the preachers of the Suppliants likewise to those of the other religions For the eighth his Excellencie accepting of the offer vppon this Article will depute and name vnto the Suppliauntes some one Officer for the purposes in this supplication conteined For the nienth his Excellencie accepteth also of the accord agreed vppon this Article and will take order with the Magistrate that all the Catholiques shall obserue it in like manner whereof they haue alreadie begun to make a good assay by the Proclamation that was yesterday made for the abstinence of wronges For the tenth his Excellencie also accepteth it agreeth to the answeare of this Article For the eleuenth he likewise accepteth of the accord had vpon this present article For the twelfth his Excellencie supposeth it to be both requisite and conuenient that the ministers Elders Deacons Officers and the rest whiche are of the Consistories with some sufficient good number of the best qualified of the Religion doe subscribe agree and promise to keepe and make effectual these presēt answeres with the articles offers in this writing agreed vpon and his Excellencie also doubteth not but to get the same to be signed by one of the Secretaries of the citie in the name of the Magistrate who as he is to command in generall and keepe in obedience all the Inhabitauntes of this citie so by that meane he shall be much better able to serue for the tuition assuraunce and quiet of these Suppliaunts and their assemblies being certayne and sure that by reason of this singing none of the suppliants shal hereafter be suspected hunted after nor troubled For the thirteenth his Excellencie accepteth the accord vpon this Article and doubteth not but that the Suppliantes will be glad of the case to come for the liberty whiche they themselues required For the fourteenth hee woulde assure these Suppliauntes as well by reason of the sayde singing as also of the proclamatiōs that al the Inhabitāts lyuing in obedience politike tranquility should be protected without regarde of Religion either of papacy or protestancy For the fifteenth his Excellencie accepteth of the answere to this present Article And as for the other pointes of the suppliants answeares his Excellency replieth as followeth For the first hee aunsweareth that the leuiyng was not for to trouble any in the exercise of his Religion But contrarywise for the safetye and quietnesse as well of the Supplyauntes as of all others insomuche as they were all Cityzens and sworne to doe nothing agaynst the Priuiledges nor agaynst anye that were of the Religions but indifferently to stande in defence agaynst all violences as they might at large see by their Articulations of whiche his Excellencie woulde not sticke to bestowe on them a Copye who also should not be burdenous to the Inhabitants nor yet hinder their trafficke but preserue the Citie from all troubles and inconueniences and assure the merchaunt againe to sette vppe and place the accustomed trade of merchandise For the seconde hee aunsweareth that it is prouyded for by the Proclamation already set foorth Agreeyng to all the rest as it were by waye of colleration vntill suche tyme as his Maiestie by the aduise of the generall Estates shall otherwise ordeyne which determination euerie man shall be bounde to follow And his Excellency willeth them foorthwith to giue knowledge to those of the religion of al these poynts cōmanding thē to hold them within the compasse before saide Giuen at Antwerpe the 30. of August 1566. From these propositions and aunsweares

the Deputies culled out certaine Articles whiche shoulde serue for a full resolution which his Excellencie hauing receiued digested them in order as followeth Articles agreed vpon and signed Articles digested into forme and order TO the ende that all troubles and discordes which haue fallen out within this Citie of Antwerpe by reasō of religion might cease be for euer stayed and that all the Citizens Inhabitauntes thereof might from hencefoorth liue soberlye and peaceablye in all loue and amitte together and the negotiation or traffique bee brought againe vnto the olde trade and this Citie be defended from all further inconueniences So it is that after diuers communications and deliberations heereuppon had and holden and diuers poyntes and Articles propounded both on the one side and on the other my Lorde the Prince of Orange Vicount of this Citie and the appoynted Gouernour thereof in his Maiesties name and the right woorshipfull the Scowte or Marshall Boroughmaisters and Sheriffes of the same haue as it were by way of tolleration vntill suche time as his Maiestie with the aduise of the Generall Estates of these lowe Countries shal bee able otherwise to dispose and ordeyne agreed with those of the new Religion and permitted and tollerated these poyntes and Articles hereafter written which they of the Religion haue also promised and are bounde to keepe and follow 1 First of all they maye no way hinder nor trouble the Seruice Sermons nor other Church matters nor yet any of the Catholique religiō nor cause them to be hindred troubled nor indamaged by any manner of meanes soeuer 2 Also they maye not occupie nor yet keepe their Sermons or other exercises of their religion in anye Churches Monasteries or other hallowed places but onelye in some of the three places vndernamed to witte in the voyde or waste grounde of Paule van Gamer in the horse market In the voyde or waste grounde of Maister Lyekercke in Wapper or in the whiting garden in the Hospitall medowes harde by the Garden of the Archers and Arbalisters Prouided alwayes that if they canne gette none of these places aforesaide that then by the consent of his Excellencye they maye in steede of them vse some other places of the like bignesse and scituation and for so many vse those places in the newe Towne whiche heretofore they ware woonted to haue their Sermons in 3 At which places they may all at one time preach on the Sunday and vppon festiuall or holie dayes but vppon none other daies except it be on the Wednesday when there falleth not an holy daye in that weeke And they may haue for euerie preaching place a Minister and another to be ioyned with him who by reason of sicknes absence or other let may supply the others place as an assistaunt 4 Also that all these Preachers and Ministers muste bee borne in the Countries Subiecte to his Maiestie or els bee Citizens of some good Citie or Towne of those lowe Countries And thereuppon shall sweare vnto his Excellencye or in his absence to the Magistrate to bee obedient and faithfull in all matters of pollicie so longe as they shal remayne there 5 They may not haue nor beare to nor fro vnto the Sermons and of assemblie any Harquebusses Pistolles Holbardes or other forbidden weapons Alwayes prouided that no manne shall trouble anye of them for wearing either sworde or dagger 6 Item they shall in all matters of pollicie bee obetient vnto the Superiors and Magistrates and bee contributories to all the common charges of the Citie euen as all the reste of the Inhabitauntes and imploye them selues for the conseruation tranquilitie and common weale therof as wel as they 7 Item that all Preachers of what Religion soeuer they bee shall take heede howe they vtter anye despitefull rayling and iniurious wordes and generally all seditious speeches whether it be against anthority or the magistrate or against those of another religion Alwaies prouided that any thing cōcerning doctrine or the exercise of religion the reprehending of manners and disordered kind of life shall not be taken for seditious wordes 8 Item that his Excellencie may depute any Magistrate to be present at the choosing of any ministers Elders or deacons of their Churches or at their meetings together for the handling of any other cause concerning their Religion to that end he might alwaies make a true and faithful reporte both to his Excellency and to the Magistrate 9 Item that one of them maye not mocke another ueyther yet hinder hurte nor doe violence one to another anye manner of way by reason of the diuersitie of Religion but shal be bound to helpe one another if so be any violence or wrong be done vnto them 10 Item that no person whatsoeuer he be of the one religion or the other may stop the law either in apprchēding punishing or executing of Churchrobbers or offenders either yet in any other cause whatsoeuer but that the malefactors may bee dealte withall according to iustice 11 Item that none may sing in the streets where any people shall assemble or may be assembled 12 Item that his excellency the Magistrate of this citie shal not onely protect those of the religion but also generally all the inhabitants of this citie liuing in obedience peace and politike vnitie without regard whether they be of the Catholike or of this religion 13 All which poynts articles the ministers preachers of their Religion shal in al their sermons declare againe vnto the people admonish them with al speed to order and behaue them selues accordingly 14 Item that all the poyntes heeretofore mentioned shal as it were by way of tolleration bee inuiolably obserued and kepte vntill suche time as his Maiesty with the aduise of the generall estates of this countrey haue otherwise ordeined vnto the whiche ordinaunce those of the religion from thencefoorth shal be subiect and from this present promise to folow and keepe Alwaies prouided that if herein any thing shal bee established contrary to their conscience and religion that in this case there shal be a fit time agreed vpō that they may without impeachmēt freely get them away out of the countrey with their goods whethersoeuer they please 15 Item that the Preachers ministers elders deacons and other seruitours in their Churches with a good number of the best qualified in their Religion shal agree to these articles promise to keepe cause thē to be kept to thevttermost of their power subscribe also for the greater assuraunce of this present act Prouided alwayes that they shall not by reason of this subscribing in time to come be suspected troubled nor hunted after And his Excellencie with a secretary in the name of the Magistrate of this citie shall subscribe also for their safetie vnto this present Acte of whiche two shall bee expedient the one for his Excellency and the Magistrate and the other for those of the religion In witnes wherof this present act is

concluded vpon and subscribed as aforesaid the 12. of September 1566. And signed by William of Nassau Mandato commissorum Polities AND although there were two or three poyntes heerein whiche the Deputies woulde gladlye haue altered or at the leaste haue hadde them more playnely sette downe yet neuerthelesse beeyng satisfied with the woordes of his Excellencies owne mouth this accorde was signed by the Ministers and Gouernors of the Church with a good number of the beste qualified and other members thereof The first day of the said conference and communication with his Excellencie the saide deputies hauing vnderstood of the slaunders that they of the religion were still more and more charged with and that the chiefe Officers made shew to beleeue them First that the people had beene excited and stirred vppe by the Sermons to pull downe Idolles as hauing beene taught to thrust out all Idolles not onelie from their heartes but from their eyes also and not onelye to breake them in peeres but also to burne them to ashes that the memorye of them might cleane bee quenched out Moreouer that the say●e Suppliantes had hyred certaine people to pull downe the Images Item that the ministers had also taught that they were no more bounde to paye the Assyses or custome or at the least not so greate as heeretofore they had done Item that they had concluded to take the Towne house chaunge the Magistrate and expulse all such out of the citie as were not of their religion Item that they should bragge that they would not once suffer any exercise of the Romish religion in this Citie and many such other like leasings whereupon they were inforced for the purging and iustifiyng of them selues to exhibite a supplication as well to his Excellencie as also to the Magistrate and Counsell of the Citie of Antwerpe conteyning ouer and beside the saide Iustification a graunt of certayne Churches built within the sayde Citie so greate and so manye as shoulde bee thought necessarie for the greatnesse and multitude of the people Moreouer the saide Suppliants of the religion prayed to haue a good answere vnto their supplication of euery act with a copie therof foorthwith a graunt that they might cause the same to bee imprinted for the benefite vnity and quiet of the citie of Antwerpe Now there was no answere vnto their supplication because the chiefe Officers presupposed that the Articles whiche were ready to be concluded vppon shoulde bee a sufficient prouiso for the whole And as for that poynt of the burying of the dead it was sayde vnto them that they might bury them in the publique churchyardes of the Citie There was also at that time published the abolition of the Spanishe Inquisition and commissions in manner and forme as followeth A Proclamation proclaymed and set foorth by Syr Iohn of Imersele knight Lorde of Bowdrie the Scoute or Marshall the Boroughmaisters Sheriffes and Counsell of the Citie of Antwerpe the last of August 1566. BE it knowen vnto all men on the behalfe of my Lorde the Prince of Orange The abolishing of the inquisition and commissions as geuernor and chiefe of thie Citie of Antwerpe appointed thereto by his maiestie and also on the behalfe of the Lordes of the saide citie First that our soueraigne Lorde the kings most excellent maiestie according to his greate clemencie and natur all goodnes tender affection hauing had regard and consideration to and of the quiet benefit and prosperitie of the lowe countries his true and lawfull inheritance hath expresly agreed declared and consented that the inhabitants and citizens of this citie and of all the lowe countries shall bee deliuered and for euer continue acquited discharged and vtterly disburdened of the Inquisition which not manie monethes sithence hath beene so muche spoken of and muttered at through out al the sayde lowe Countreys And hencefoorth shall bee and so still continue franke and free vtterly discharged of all the ordinaunces and Commissions sette downe and graunted about the cause of heresies and controuersies in religion which haue any way heretofore been had and published And that for and vntill such time as by newe and generall Commissions which by his Maiestie with the aduise of the generall Estates of the said countreys about the state of religion shall bee ordeyned and established it bee generally otherwise purueyed for and ordeyned according to which from that tyme forwarde euery man oughte to behaue and gouerne himselfe and whereon they must relie and be assured A Grapheus AND to the ende that they of either the religion might bee more assured and rest the quietlier there was another edict published by which the chiefe Magistrates tooke vppon them to procect both the one and the other forbidding eyther of them not to seeke to wronge and deale cruelly one with another as by the tenure hereof ensuing may appeare A Proclamation made and sette foorth before the Towne howse by the Lorde Diericke Vander Meeren vnder the Scowte or Marshall the Boroughmaisters and the Sheriffes and councell of the citie of Antwerpe the 3. of September 1566. TO the end that all troubles and diuisions within this Citie might be preuented withstood therewithall in like sor● that the negotiation and trafficke might be restored to his olde trade and that euery man might vnderstand knowe that hence foorth hee may assuredly without any doubt or feare of empeachment or disturbance most peaceably exercise his negociation and so eftsones the exercise of his religion Bee it knowne and by my Lorde the Prince of Orange c. The appointed gouernour in the name of his maiestie and likewise of the chiefe officers of the citie it is commaunded First That no man whatsoeuer hee bee doe take in hande or vppon him to empeache or trouble the seruice of the Churches Monasteries and of the olde Catholike Religion neyther yet missay or wronge any eyther in woorde or deede in whatsoeuer matter vpon payne of the losse both of bodie and goodes or otherwise to bee punished by arbytrement according to the merite of the facte for an example to all others Item That no man of what Estate and condition soeuer hee bee shall empeach nor trouble the exercise of the other religion at this present permitted by waye of tolleration neyther ill or wronge anye man anye kinde of way eyther in worde or deede for the same vpon the like payne and punishment Ouer and besides declaring that his Excellencie and the Citie doe take in hande to protect and saue harmelesse all the enhabitannts and dwellers of the same in general without respect whether they bee of the Catholike or of the other religion whiche as before is suffered by way of tolleration and hath alredie been treated of and agreed vppon with condition notwithstanding that euery man shall liue peaceabile and quietly and obediently to the Magistrate in all matters of policie without charging huntyng after and molesting anye man eyther of the one religion or the other

for the exercise of the same Wee enioyne also and commaunde euery enhabitaunt of which of the sayde religions soeuer hee bee so to acquite and gouerne him selfe that with all his power hee ayde succoure and defende euery one althoughe hee bee of a sundrie Religion agaynst all suche as woulde violently and cruelly vse him as for the quiet of the publique weale and assuraunce of the enhabitauntes is most requisite According to which they of the newe religion haue promised to beehaue them selues and followe the same and with all their power and force ayde and make it effectuall All which is graunted by the way of tolleration and vntill suche tyme as his Maiestie with the aduise of the generall Estates shall otherwise ordeine according to which euery man from thenceforth shal be hounde to be ordered The Articulations whereof mention is made in the ende of the Articles agreed vppon ARticulations for the Citizens and enhabitauntes of the Citie of Antwerpe whiche my Lorde the Prince of Orange Vicount of the sayde Citie c. As Collonnel and Gouernour of the sayde ordeined by his Maiestie hath caused to be enrolled in the name and behalfe of the saide Citie with the Armoure and weapon for the sauetie guarde and sure defence thereof for the easing of the Citizens and enhabitauntes who hitherto haue been ouer charged with watch and warde 1 First They shall be sworne and promise to be good and faythfull vnto the kings Maiestie as Duke of Brabant Marques of the holy Empire c. And also vnto his excellencie Vicount of this Citie and well and faythfully serue this Citie and as much as in them lieth keepe and conserue the same with all careful diligence Likwise defende conserue for his Maiefties seruice the welfare and publike quiet thereof for the saftie of the citizens marchants and enhabitantes of the said citie and in like maner countergarde and looke wel to it that no outrage spoile sacking nor any other inconueniences come to passe therein 2 Item That they shall be obedient vnto his excellencie as also to his Lieutenant and to the Captaines Seriaunts of hands Diseners and others that haue charge committed or to be committed therunto by his excellencie in whatsoeuer shall be set downe or commanded vnto them for the assurance quiet and prosperitie of the said citie 3 Item That at al tide tymes whensoeuer they shall be commaunded they shall be bound to be readie furnished and armed with their ordinarie weapons at such gate streete or place whereunto they shal be appointed 4 Item That when the alarme Bell or Dromme shall sounde to the alarme euery man shall foorthwith bee readie furnished with his armour and weapon vnder his ensigne although it be not then his ordinarie watche or warde and therefore it is meete that euery man should at all times haue his armoure and weapon readie at hande 5 Item That they shall be bounde to serue in proper person without substituting any other in their steade 6 Item That they must not be absent or depart from their watche or warde where they are appointed but at the ordinarie houre or with the leaue of their Captaine 7 Item That during the time of the watch or warde they shall not drinke nor sleepe neither yet drawe any weapon or discharge any pystoll nor be droonke when they come to watch or ward neither shall they make any noyse eyther by singing and hollowing or otherwise 8 Item That they shall not refuse nor shewe themselues disobedient to doe what so euer his Excellencie the Captaynes or Corporalles shall commaunde them tending to his Maiesties seruice the prosperitie of the sayde Citte and the quiet of the inhabitauntes 9 Prouided alwayes that they shall not bee employed against any in the cause of the religion neither yet about the empeaching of any of the religious here as yet for a time tolerated But contrary wise if so bee that any by reason of the olde Catholique or of the other religion aforesayde bee wronged empeached or assaulted that they shall bee bounde to ayde defende and protecte them so farre foorth as they are able 10 Item That they shall be bounde to abide to be appointed in such places in such number with demies or whole dizaines or otherwise whither they be moe or fewer and for such a time as often and at all times so euer as they shall be commaunded and enioyned 11 Item That they shal be bounde to come to the musters as often as they shal be commanded without refusall 12 At which musters none of them shall cause him selfe to bee enrolled or bylled by any other name but by the same that was giuen him at the Font nor weare any other armour nor take and carrie any other weapons but his owne or suche as that during the tyme of his seruice hee will serue withall 13 Item That no man that hath once taken wages or pay shall departe or forsake his seruice without leaue or consent nor yet goe from one Captayne to another without passeporte 14 Item That they shall not make any controuersie dissention and stirre amongst them selues neither yet with any other but especially with the Archers of the Citie or with the ordinarie towne watch or warde 15 Item That they shall not wrong force or threaten any Citizen Marchant nor enhabitant of the Citie neyther Ecclesiasticall person or others whither it be man or woman or of what religion so euer hee or shee bee nor doe them any scathe any maner of way 16 Item That they shall not make any common assembly or alarme without the consent and knowledge of his excellencie or his Lieutenant 17 Item That they shall not take in hande any quarell neither yet contende one with another nor with any els for any cause soeuer but make their Captayne 's priuie of the harde dealing who shal agree them and if so be the case so standeth as that they be not able to do it that then his excellencie to be made priuie to the controuersie 18 Item They shal be bound to suffer iustice to be ministred betweene and against suche as haue offended and besides they shal be bounde to ayde and assist their prouost Alwayes prouided that punishment of all offences and transgressions by them committed in the watch or ward which touch the said seruice whereon neither life nor limme dependeth shal be at the discretion of his Excellencie the rest at the discretion of the scoute or Marshall the Borroughmasters Sherifes vnder whose gouernment also in al matters els not concerning the said seruice they shall remayne as all the rest of the Citizens 19 Ouer and besides this they shall be wholly bound well and faithfully to discharge them selues as becommeth good and loyall subiectes and Citizens of this Citie as in deede they are of right bounde to do 20 Neither shall they doe or attempt any thing which may any way be against the ioyfull entraunce the

as by the example of that mightie Emperour Alexander surnamed Seuere well appeareth who beeing an Heathen Prince an Idolater gaue leaue to the Christians whom hee tooke to bee heretikes to haue Churches in Rome beyng the chiefe citie within his dominion and also of the Emperour Constantine surnamed Constantine the great because that contrarie to the order of his Predecessors hee licensed the Christians to haue certain places for theyr meetings euen as the Heathen had theyr Temples In doing whereof he surpressed an infinite number of quarrels staied the apparant effusion of blood ruled his Empyre peaceably and by mean of this accord his authoritie prospered and hee dayly encreased And if any man shall put into your maiesties head that it is another thing to suffer christians to haue the exercise of theyr religion then heretikes as it pleaseth some to esteeme of vs first of all our preachings prayers and exercise of religion doe right well shewe vs to bee Christians and neither Heretikes nor yet Idolaters which we are readie more at large to verifie if it shall please your maiestie to giue gentle and safe audience Moreouer if so bee that we were as notable heretikes as the Iewes Arrians and Nouatians yet the present example of the Pope who callyng hymselfe the head of the Churche and sayth he cannot erre doeth not only mayntaine the lewes the very professed and sworne enemies vnto our Lorde Iesus Christe but also suffereth them to haue theyr Synagogues and the exercise of theyr religion within his own citie of Rome and in diuers other places vnder his subiection And besides all this the examples of the Catholique and wel instructed Emperours which haue graunted Churches to the Arrians and Nouatians may bee a great quieting to your conscience And chiefly your late father of most hygh and inumcible memory the Emperour Charles the fifth wh● by the aduise of the Estates of the Empire graunted the like to the Protestants in Germa nie notwithstanding that hee tooke them to bee heretikes as also the Frenche king not long sithence hath doone vnto his subiects All which doynges ought to quiet and content your maiestie to graunt vnto vs this grace vntill suche tyme as by the consent of all christendome wee might all agree in one and the selfe same religion and manner of diuine seruice By meane whereof both your maiestie and also these countries shall without all doubt receiue great blessing and prosperitie for so much as God vndoubtedly shall bee serued through the auoyding of a very great most apparant and pitifull effusion of blood and that your Countries shal be peaceably maintained wtout beyng thrust out as a pray vnto your neere neighors the merchaunts and in habitants of the Countrie remaine in suche safetie as that all suche and many others as are gone out of the Countrie for the selfe same cause shall haue occasion to reforte thyther agayne with theyr goods tytles and trades Lastly all these matters by this meane beeing brought to a quietnesse and contentation both to one and other the countries shall floryshe more then euer they did with an increase of your crowne and dignities and all men shall bee so muche the more bound continually to pray vnto the Lorde for the prosperitie and high estate of your maiestie Subscribed by your maiesties humble subiectes the Citizens and inhabitants of your Citie of Antwerpe professing the Gospel so farre foorth as they are therein permitted for somuch as it toucheth and apperteineth vnto them as members of the supplyants in this behalfe THis Supplication was exhibited by the handes of Marke Peres with the assistance of Giles de Graue Charles de Bombergue Giles Vander Banderies Francis Godin Henrie Vander Broecke Cornill de Bombergue Thomas van Geer Iohn Carlier Nicholas de Vmier Nicholas Sellyn as deputies and in the name of the supplyants of the member of Antwerpe vnto my Lorde the Count of Hoogstrate gouernour for his maiestie and to the right worshipfull the Burroughmasters and Shierifs of the saide Citie of Antwerp assembled in the colledge of the same Citie in the presences of the right worshipful the Margraue Allemman the 27 of October 1566 betwixt 12. and 1. in the afternoone When the Counte Hoogstrate had seene this supplication The suppil● on sent to the Lady regent hee sent it to the Ladie Regent and to the councell that were with her that it might bee sent to the king with conuement and meete commendation to the ende the fame myght take good effect A thyng so necessary ●ouing Reader as thou in thy wisdome and discretion maiest iudge and vnderstand But so soone as the Regent and Gouernours of the lowe Countries had seen ●he contents thereof they thought it to bee but a proude and arrogant bragge of theyr riches and great treasure euen to engen der in the hearts of man●e honorable personages some sinister and lewde suspition as if the Protestants had made this supplication to drawe vnto them thereby strange princes and great potentates to the end they might haue aide and succour of souldiers Howbeit notwithstanding all this the people gaue not ouer to deuise bethink thēselues of all the meanes possible they could not only with the Dutches who was not to be intreated but also with the no●ilitie who had promised although they were in the selfe same predicament and danger that the people was as may appeare by the ende of this tragedie to accomplish new promises and to forsake theyr fayth for the libertie of consctence protestyng notwithstanding that for the exercise of the religion they woulde doe all possible duetie that might bee for the obtayning thereof But sith that shee had not giuen her promise the subiects should bee founde giltie of all the mischiefes that shoulde come in the lowe countries about that cause Wherefore the Lorde Heury Brederode The L. of Brederode exhibiteth the supplication by the nobilitie appointed for that purpose required the 15. of Februarie 1567. the Lady Dutches that hee might haue audience albeit shee had forbidden him to come within the citie of Bruxelles notwithstanding he so behaued hym in his businesse as that the supplication was deliuered vp into her own hands wherin was shewed to her highnes that the people could no longer abide and suffer the great contempt and horrible persecutiō which the catholiks vsed towards them and therfore had implored and lamentably besought the assistāce of the nobilitie that by them they might obtaine the performance of that which was agreed vpon And therefore seeing they sawe that no contract could take effect but by the consent of both parties and that the one party making default the other had great reason to complaine Duer and besides this sith they were appointed vnto her highnes as pledges and answerable for the Protestāts who at that present by reason of the catholikes breaches of promise they found themselues greatly greeued they could do no lesse then speake vnto

her that their contracte and promises might be sure sound seeing that she seemed by maner of an ordinari way to shake make void the contracts insomuch that it brought all the countries in an vprore trouble notwithstanding the great diligence pain which they had taken about the establishing of a good peace publike vnitie which by reasō of the merueilous lightnes of their enemies is spurned at wherfore they beseech your highnes to suffer the people to haue their preachings and to surcease and abolish the new commissions ordeyned against them and withal likewise that all the ministers and the rest of the religion which are nowe prisoners may bee released and deliuered Moreouer that all the men of warre which are alredie and hereafter to be lcuied aswell without as within the countries together the garnisons in euery citie be cast and euery man licensed to returne home to his house and abiding place To the end the prouinces of the low countries may bee gouerned after their own liberties and priuileges and therfore do beseech your highnes to make them a short resolute answere therto The Lady 〈◊〉 gents answeate vnto the supp● cation The 16. of Februarie 1567 the Ladie Regent answered the said supplication in maner and forme following I cannot a little maruel ne yet thinke what noble men or people these are which exhibite vnto vs this supplication seeing that many of the Lords confedered are contented that not only the inquisition and commissions should hee obserued but are also well pleased with the assurance that is promised them and therfore doe daily offer vp vnto his maiestie their humble seruices and obedience And she herselfe also thinketh it very strange that they can perswade themselues that it was euer her highnes wyl meaning to graunt vnto the exercise of the religion seeing she had giuen it out sufficiently enough to be other wise vnderstoode by the article of the agreement although it was contrary to the promise that some of the nobilitie made to the people touching the faide exercise which was plainely against her well and intent And whereas the L. L. desired that all leuiyng of souldiers shoulde cease and be cast so likewise ought they to bee contented to haue the auncient religion without bringing in any new whereunto she neuer agreed Ouer and besides this if they did well remember themselues with what grudging and griefe of minde the preachings were in diuers places suffered without taking of offences and giuing of blowes they might easily ghesse what small pleasure she tooke in fauouring the preachings I will not speake of the rest of the exercises of the religion But so much as concerned the liberty of conscience I agreed onely to that and graunted the same that was conteyned in their supplication exhibited the fifth of Aprill the yeere last past howbeit at that time was no mention made of the cause of religion which they contrary to theyr conscience and duetie suffered longe before to enter Wherefore I haue iuste occasion to be grieued seeing they haue of their owne authoritie taken vpon them a matter preiudiciall and hurefull vnto his maiestie And therefore had his maiestie also great reason to be moued and angry when as hee was aduertised that his subiects vsed an other exercise of religion and that by theyr newe magistrates they had inforced his maiesties officers The Regent refecteth the demaund of the Gueses the doyng whereof they shoulde shortly feele and for answere thereof the Dutches dyd them to wit That they had not obserued the conditions promised and that these speeches are false and fained For many of the magistrates woulde neuer graunt to any such thing and also that shee neuer went against her promises although they had by her appointmēt imprisoned certain for their faults offences For she was neuer of the minde to deliuer the Church robbers and pullers downe and breakers of Images especially suche as were put in prison sithence the argreemēt made with som of the nobles confedered Besides all this they yet continue theyr preachinges in some Cities where were neuer any before Moreouer that they had taken certaine Churches Monasteries and Gentlemens houses dryuen out thence the knightes of the order threatened the Cleargie men preached in places where in tyme past were neuer any yea that the people is styrred vp encouraged by the confederates and doe keepe certaine Cities and places belonging to his matestie brynging in Artillerie and munition depose and expulse his maiesties officers are come in open field in armes and haue not onely threatened all the Catholikes but her highnes also And by the intercepting of letters and the men of warre of Valencia theyr purpose is founde out and knowen to wit if god had not prouided for it euen to haue depriued his maiestie of all his countries And as for their request about the casting of the souldiers that are leuied and the commissions newly published thereby their meaning is to take away the sword which GOD hath giuen vs. Lastly her highnes intent is that the Lord of Brederode and his confederates doe admonishe the people of theyr vprore and rebellion giue them warning that they take heed they pul not his maiesties wrath more and more vpon their heads After that these complaintes and answeres were made euery man on either side prouided for him selfe as much as was possible but especially the Catholiques who had the winde in the poupe insomuche that the confederates feared them by reason of the great number of souldiers that were leuied and the kinge taking their part The Count of Megue was come with certaine ensignes of footemen Bolsteduke b●sieged by the count of Megus and companies of horemen before the Towne of Boisleduke who helde it for the confederates After that the sayde Count sent twelue ensignes about Vtryght to surprese the souldiers and Towne of Vyane And as manye as were taken prysoners in all the Countreys were condemned and punished as rebels and seditious persons and the destroyers of the images were hanged and their goodes confisked and forfayted Ouer and besides all those that were of the reformed religion or that had frequented the Sermons were holden for Rebelles Wherefore a great number of them conueied themselues away into straunge Countreys and chiefely into Englande But some that were of courage assembled thē selues in companies In this meane while the Lordes and Knightes of the golden Fleese were newely sworne The league of the knightes of the order to keepe inuiolably the Catholique fayth emongest whome a secrete league was made by the counsell of the Count Egmount who traueyling through the Cities of Flanders and Artois where remayned as yet some Protestauntes did his best to cause the Sermous to bee left Euen as the Prince of Orange and the Count of Hoogstrate had done at Antwerpe And about Antwerpe the Lorde of Tolonse caused men of warre to be leuied in the name and behalfe of

king to vse Iustice and true mercie vnto his subiects In doing whereof he hath been most happie and blessed and is a figne of a true testimonie of that name which the Pope gaue vnto him and to his successors kings of Spaine to wit the title of most Catholike king which Pope Gregory the thirde of that name graunted the yeere 1230. To Alfonse king of Galice who also hath giuen to all Spaniardes the tytles of double Catholike Nowe this thing was the cause that all the Mores Sarazins and the Iewes them selues who as the Histories witnesse fithens the sacking and destruction of Ierusalem hauing by the appoyntment of the Emperour Titus continued in these Countreys haue withdrawne them selues out of Spayn because they were enforced to beleeue confesse Iesus Christ to be the sonne of God and therefore forsooke they the Countrey sought out for themselues some other better place to dwell in Insomuch that many thousandes haue gotten them away vnto the borders of Gibalter and from thence into Affricque into diuers other places But the rest who like well of Spayne continue there still and both themselues and their children are baptised Neuertheles not long after when the spaniards perceiued how greatly the opinion of the Godhead whether it be good or bad taking once impression in mens imaginations preuayled and what force it hath in mens harts when it is once rooted therin especially when in long processe of time it is successiuely learned from one to another for then they will become obstinate and neuer forgoe it Then was the exercise of the Iewish Religion forbidden them and as they coulde not in trueth forgette and forgoe the sayde exercise the Spaniardes fell to persecuting of them and yet by a certayne kinde of Iustice meaning vtterly to roote them out But it was impossible to roote out suche a people so obstinately bent and setteled in their Infidelitie A little before this there was a newe order of Fryers instituted by a Spaniarde The beginning of the order of the Iacopins borne within the Dyocesse of Lexonie to witte in Caliroga named Dominicke whiche was called the order of the lacopins and authorized by Pope Honorius the thirde of that name the yeere 1216. And this was brought in by reason of a vision that appeared to him as hee lay a sleepe by which was shewed him that the Churche being shaken and readie to fall was helde vp by Saint Dominicke onely albeeit Pope Innocente the thyrde his predecessor had no will to yeelde to the Institution and exection of that order of Fryers This Religious order is growen into suche credite and so highly esteemed of as that the king of Spaine hath committed vnto the Iacopins all the affayres concerning conscience and religion and although there was before tyme a certayne forme and manner of Inquisition instituted yet was it by this order of the Iacopins whiche was thought to be the most holy of all the rest confirmed and established For when they sawe that the Iewes coulde neyther by the prayers preachings and admonitions of the Iacopins bee conuerted they then proceeded with them after a rigorous maner and tooke vpon them the swoorde to force them to the religion if so bee they woulde not depart and gette them out of the countrey This rodde or swoorde whereof I heere intende to speake whiche the Iacopins vnto this present haue vsurped agaynste these poore people hath been the cause as it is sayde that the Inquisition beganne in the dayes of King Ferdinand whilest hee raigned Because that this manner and fourme of Inquisition is more rigorous then the first was against those herefies and heretiques which they called Marans The originall of the marans which name is ●sed amongst many Christian nations against such as of a singuler desire wishe to haue a newe religion forsaking and reiecting the olde whereupon the originall of the Marans was but a litle before that knowne For as the Iewes looked for the promised Messias and had alwayes in their mouthes this name Maran to witte Our Lorde Euen so the Iewes which had receyued the Christian fayth sayde Maranathi that is to say The Lorde is come Shortly after there arose a dissention and ennemitie amongst the Christians to witte betweene the true Christians and those which denied that the sayde sauyour was come who were called Marans and condemned for a pernitious and wicked sect This is the cause why the Iewes had alwayes that name in their mouthes and that the Spaniardes on the other side called them Apostates and heretiques which woorde they also vsed againste all suche as helde not the true doctrine of the Romishe Church And therefore the Iacopins were the authours of the Inquisition who deuised a better forme thereof then that that was before The king foorth with ratified this forme and Pope Sextus the Genoway confirmed it Without all doubt the king had great occasion to doe this for the rooting out of the wicked and reprobate doctrine of the Mahometistes and Iewes who went about none other thing but to burden mens consciences with the looking for the promised Messias and besides the Sarazins and Arabians whiche the Mores had sent into Spayne committed great mischiefe Yea and the Iewes themselues were condemned by Pope Sextus the yeere 1475. Because they had crucified a childe of two yeeres of age cutting off his genitories and ryght pappe The Iewes put to death a child of two yeeres 〈◊〉 and afterwarde persed him vnto death and then cast hun into the riuer which thing they did vpon palme Sunday in despite and mockery of Iesus Christ and to the dishonour and shame of all christians which Iewes were punished and executed after they had by torture sharp examination and proofe confessed the fact These Iacopins by reason of the reputation whiche they had gotten by the setting vp of their newe order of Religion called them selues the defenders of the Christian doctrine and Religion not onely in Spayne but also in Italy and in other places of Christendome where they had brought in and planted their order The first commission they had was graunted them against the Iewes and Mahometists but after when their authoritie encreased and extended it selfe further then they called themselues the Inquisitors of Heretikes for the persecuting of all such as woulde not obserue the ordinaunces and institutions of the Catholike religion Nowe that we might knowe what kynde of men these Inquisitors haue beene Experience hath shewed vnto vs to wit such mē as through their wickednes haue peruerted all thinges For these good Gentlemen proceede euen as they are affected against the accused whiche is the cause that all men bate them especially sithence the agreement whiche the Pope made betweene the foure orders of begging Fryers And the cause of this controuersie was by reason that the inquisitors had examined certain diuines of the order of the Carmelites vpō some articles of the faith of which number was Iulian

saied 25 And for the due execution as well of matters of life and death as ciuile and the reasonable satis●yng of euery man It is ordeined that all Lawes and Magistrates of perticuler Cities Castles Tounes and Manors of all the Countreis hereabout shall be chosen to be suche men as are best qualified and louers of their Countrey without difference of Religion 26 Which Lawes and Magistrates shall entermeddle them selues onely and altogether in the state of Iustice Pollicie or Gouernement of those Cities and places where thei are chosen 27 That no man shall herein any waie hinder trouble or let them nor by any meanes haue to doe with them in any matter or vnder any colour whatsoeuer 28 And seeyng that in this behalfe there haue of late newe Magistrates been chosen thei whiche are called the eighteene or others whiche are appointed in their steades whether thei bee moe or fewer shall fully and wholie be deposed and forbidden to thrust them selues in about any dealynges of the publique affaires nor yet with the fortefiyng and guardyng of any of the Cities except thei bee especially chosen and deputed thereto by the saied Magistrates 29 And as concernyng this point thei maie not set doime any order of importaunce without thei first talke thereof with those Magistrates of the Cities where thei are appointed to deale and that by their expresse appointment vpon the paines aforesaied 30 And to the cude that this our ordenaunce might the better bee obserued the Commissioners and the rest of the Deputies or suche as haue auchoritie to chose newe Magistrates shal substitute fower notable vertuous and well qualified persones who vppon all occasions without exception maie by vertue of their Office make inquisition of the infringyng and crossyng of the saied Ordenaunce and the same so made to sett it doune in writyng and three of their handes at the least to be at it and immediatly to bee deliuered vp into the handes of the Magistrate and he hauyng taken a sommary knowledge thereof to proceede against the transgressors with speedie execution vpon the paines aforesaied 31 Prouided alwaies that the Office of the said notable and vertuous men shall last but one yeare and bee newe chosen and chaunged with the Magistrate 32 And by reason that the disobedience of certaine Cities hereabout against their Magistrate giueth occasion of greate distrust hauyng partly euen vnto this present hindred the permission of the libertie of the Religion and that without the sinceritie of the saied obedience there can no good grounde of any assueraunce be looked for It is therefore enacted ordeined and accorded that not onely all Magistrates but also all others of what estate qualitie or condition soeuer thei are shall from henceforth be bounde to obeye and followe all the Ordenaunces Commissions Letters and Commaundementes aswell of the said Archduke his hignesse beyng Gouernour and Captaine Generall as also of the saied Lordes the generall Estates bothe for the leuiyng dischargyng entertainyng and wagyng of men of Warre and Garmsons and shall also accordyng to the custome and maner of a Gouernour and Captaine receiue and paie out all suche sommes of money as are meere for the maintenaunce of this present Warre and generally for all thynges els 33 And all Prisoners without exception of any of what qualitie or condition soeuer thei bee and where soeuer thei are kept shall forthwith bee brought to the Lawe before their ordenarie Iudge or for want hereof to be released vnder suche conditions as for the Common wealth the sauetie bothe of them selues and Countrey shall be thought conuement vpon paine that the offenders bothe in generall and perticuler shall be left to them selues as enemies and disturbers of the Common wealthe and their goodes to be bestowed vpon the necessitie of the rest in generall 34 Prouided alwaies that if so bee any reasonable causes maie be shewed why menne should not forthwith be bound to obeye the aforesaied Ordenaunces Letters and Commaundementes that then the execution of theim to bee deferred in case the matter be able to abide any delaye vntill suche tyme as vppon the receipt of a gentle and reuerend aunswere backe again some other order be taken therein 35 And the same seconde Ordenaunce and Commaundement euery man shall bee bounde to obeye without further repliyng or delaye 36 All this to bee doen without hurt to the Priuiledged and laudable Customes or Orders of euery of the saied Prouinces whiche are still in their full force and strength notwithstanding this Ordenaunce by whiche wee meane not any waie to derogate from the saied Priuileges Alwaies reseruyng to his highnesse and the generall Estates and to either of theim the interpretation declaration diminution augmentation or chaunge of this ordenaunce and euery parte and parcell of the same as to the welfare and peace of the Countrey hereafter shall be founde to appertaine And for a full confirmation and assuraunce of all that hath been before saied the high and mightie Princes willingly and in good earnest haue comprised themselues within this treatie whiche Princes and either of theim haue as a warraunt and pledge of their fidelitie as well on the one part as the other and for a full accomplishment and setled obseruation of whatsoeuer hath been abouesaied promised and sworne in the woordes of a Prince and by the faithe and Religion whiche thei receiued at their Baptisme to defend warraunt make restitution both on the one side and on the other vnto him whosoeuer he be that shal finde hymself hereafter to bee endomaged in what maner soeuer either in parte or in all by the breakyng or crossyng of that whiche heretofore hath been saied And will also if it be possible singulerly protecte the Prelates and all other Ecclesiasticall persones so that thei shall not any waie be molested or troubled either in their persones exercises of their said Religion neither yet in the peaceable possessyng and entoiyng either of their Tithes or whatsocuer gooddes and possessions els And this is bothe by the Counsell of Estate and also of the general Estates of the Countreis hereabout assembled at Antwerpe deuised and decreed the 12. of Iuly 1578. After the publication of this peace of the Religion Publicke preachyng throughout all the towe Couutreis the reformed Religion was publickly vsed in many Cities of the low Countreis but especially at Leeward in Friselande was the first Sermon that was openly preached the 13 of August 1578 in the Iacopines Churche euen by the consent of the Friers themselues that were owners of the saied Churche The Cities of Quesnoy and Landercy whiche the Estates had promised to Monsieur Duke of Aniowe would not receiue in the Frenche but refused theim And therevpon the Abbot of Marolles was sent to see if he could cause theim to graunt vnto it howbeit it was to no purpose And therefore the said Duke required to haue some other places The Emperour beeyng greeued in weighyng and consideryng of the miserie and warre