step he should make to abolish the ancient Religion And on the other hand he cou'd not endure to be charg'd with the care and defence of the State while the strongest Forts which properly belong'd to the Crown and the greatest part of the Revenues of the Kingdom were in the hands of those who often imploy'd 'em only to curb the Regal Power and to favour the Enemies of the State He chose rather it seems to expose himself to the issue of a Civil War and even to venture his Crown than to Reign so precariously or rather he saw himself so potent and respected by his People that he thought it not at all hazardous to re-unite to the Crown a part of the Church-Lands under the specious pretence of a Reformation and of the publick Good In so great a Design and so very nice a Juncture Gustavus shew'd himself an able and great Politician He took great care to conceal his Thoughts as to Luther's Opinions but at the same time gave secret Instructions to Chancellor Anderson not only to protect as it were without his knowledge Olaus Petri and the other Lutheran Doctors but also to invite others from the Universities of Germany that Lutheranism might make the quicker progress thro' the Kingdom Olaus and the other Lutheran Doctors being assur'd of the Chancellor's Protection labour'd with great application to establish their Doctrin which they daily explain'd in their Sermons with unexpressible Zeal Most of these new Doctors surpalt the Swedish Clergy in Learning and Elequence to which they added a certain appearance of strictness in their Lives and Conversations which always attends the first Heats of a new-broach'd Religion These Men were heard with great satisfaction by the common People who are always greedy of Novelties that put 'em to no charge and tend to the lessening of the Power of their spiritual Governors The Credit they got insensibly among the Vulgar procured them the Attention and Favour of the Courtiers and the prime Nobility who were glad to see the Bishops humbled While these Doctors endeavor'd to propagate the Lutheran Doctrin by their Sermons Gustavus labour'd hard to find out some specious Pretences to overthrow the Temporal Power of the Bishops and Clergy Immediately he sell upon the Ecclesiasticks of the second Order and issu'd out several Declarations against the Priests and in behalf of the People that the Laity might be oblig'd by Interest to favor these encroachments upon the Clergy and that the People might be accustom'd by degrees to see the Privileges of the Clergy abrogated The Priests in that Kingdom exacted as it were a Tribute of the People upon certain publick Sins and with great rigor extorted considerable Fines from such as took the Diversion of Hunting or Fishing in the time of Divine Service or abus'd the Women to whom they were contracted before the solemn Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage By one of the King's Declarations this Right was taken away and the Priests were prohibited to exact such Impositions for the future By another Declaration the Priests were forbidden to Excommunicate either their private Enemies or their Creditors The Truth is the Bishops and their Officials had so far over-stretch'd the Ecclesiastick Jurisdiction as to appropriate to themselves all the Concerns of the Nation that had the least relation to Religion An Oath made in a Treaty the Interposition of a Clergy-man which was oftentimes begg'd the least Difference in a Contract of Marriage were Grounds sufficient to remove a Cause from the common Courts of Justice which made the Clergy powerful and formidable Gustavus therefore abrogated that Jurisdiction entirely under pretext that the Examination of Suits was not consistent with the ordinary Functions of Clergy-men and by the same Declaration commanded the Clergy that they shou'd bring their Differences before the secular Judges to whom he committed the Cognizance and Judgment of all Causes At last he publish'd a Declaration against the Bishops themselves by which they were expresly forbidden for the future to appropriate to themselves the Estates and Succession of the Clergy-men of their respective Diocesses to the prejudice of their lawful Heirs and commanded 'em to produce before the Senate the Titles by vertue of which they exacted Fines and Confiscations Thus Gustavus issu'd out Declarations one after another proportionably to the progress of Lutheranism which excited the Curiosity of all his Subjects and made 'em speak every one according to his private Interest or Inclination The Nobility and Gentry without examining the new-preach'd Doctrin applauded the King for weakning the Power of the Clergy which was become so odious and some of the most eminent Persons in the Kingdom declar'd publickly in favor of the Lutherans hoping by this new Doctrin to recover those Estates which their Ancestors had given away for the Foundation of so many rich Monasteries of which the Kingdom was full Those even among the People who had some knowledge of public Affairs were not displeas'd to see the Power of the Clergy moderated or at least part of their many Extorsions abolished the invention of which was attributed to the Court of Rome under the plausible Names of Tithes Indulgences and Alms. But that which gave 'em the greatest satisfaction was that the King had put a stop to the litigious Proceedings of the Bishops Officials and other Ministers who oppress'd the Kingdom under pretext of Correction and Ecclesiastical Judgment But both the Regular and Secular Clergy grew very uneasy at this Attempt against their Authority nor cou'd they endure to be thus disturb'd in the possession of their Rights and Priviledges The King slighting their Discontent put his Troops into Winter Quarters upon their Lands which none of his Predecessors had ever attempted to do and quarter'd his Horse in the Abbies and Monasteries pretending that the Peasants were ruin'd but in effect to keep the Monks in awe by the presence and terror of his Soldiers His Officers of Justice brought into Question by his Order the Title of the Carthusians to the rich Monastery of Griphysholm who own'd the King's Ancestors to be the Founders of it and they were oblig'd to prove the Donation or Acquisition of the Lands they injoy'd Having lost their Title they had recourse to Prescription alledging that they held the best part of their Lands from the Piety of the Lords of Vasa but had lost their Title during the Confusions and Troubles of the Civil Wars The King without regarding the Prescription re-united to his own Estate the Lands of this Monastery which belong'd originally to his Family and expell'd the Monks out of it under pretext that it was built upon his own Ground But perhaps the true Reason was because they denied him Admittance into their House when he was Persecuted by Christiern And 't is not improbable that he took this way to feel the Pulse of the People and at the same time to kindle in the Nobility a Desire to follow his Example by
accustom'd to a Boundless Liberty and was always ready to revolâ— upon the least Provocation She made it her business to gain Creatures and to form a Party in the Kingdom that might be able to maintain her Authority and baffle all the Attempts of her Enemies For the more effectual Prosecution of that design she cast her Eyes upon the Clergy who were very potent both by reason of their vast Riches and the great Number of their Vassals Nor cou'd she have taken a better way to curb the fury of a grumbling and Superstitious People who thought themselves oblig'd to be govern'd by the Maxims of their Spiritual Guides There was not a Church in Sweden that did not receive some conspicuous Marks of her Bounty She augmented the Power and confirm'd all the Priviledges of the Bishops and afterwards admitted 'em to a share in the Government that their own Interest and the Preservation of their Grandeur might oblige 'em to maintain the Authority of the Crown The Bishops gain'd by such high and distinguishing Favors devoted themselves to the Interest of the Court and the inferior Clergy follow'd their Example both by reason of their dependence upon their Superiors and because the Favor of the Court and the Queen's Recommendation to the Chapters were the most effectual means to obtain a Bishoprick The Lords and Gentlemen who were already jealous of the Riches and Power of the Clergy cou'd not without Grief and Indignation behold this new Addition to their Authority but they were forc'd to content themselves with repining in secret during the life of the Queen For that wise and powerful Princess entertain'd Private Spies among the Disafected Party and by that means was acquainted with all their Resolutions and enabl'd to break all the Measures they cou'd take to shake off the Yoke she had impos'd upon ' em After her Death King Eric succeeded in the Three Kingdoms but did neither inherit her Power nor her Prudence He retir'd to Denmark and sent Governors to Sweden who treated the People of that Kingdom rather as disarm'd Enemies than as free Subjects The Nation was over-loaded with Taxes and fill'd with Soldiers who domineer'd over the wretched Inhabitants and not only robb'd and plunder'd 'em without Controul but added scorn and Insolency to their unmanly Barbarity The Officers conniv'd at these Disorders and rather encourag'd than check'd the Offenders From whence we may reasonably conclude that either they receiv'd a share of the Booty or had secret Orders to tolerate these Abuses The Complaints of the Oppress'd did not reach the Ears of the Prince or were rejected with Disdain Nor cou'd they hope to see an End or so much as an Alleviation of their misery without an entire Alteration of their Government And therefore they resolv'd in so desperate a case to have recourse to the most violent remedies and to free themselves from a Power that seem'd unjust at its first Establishment and was now become Tyrannical and insupportable Engelbreoth a Gentleman of the Province of Dalecarlia was the first that adventur'd to appear in Arms against the Public Oppressors of his Countrey Hâ— rous'd the Courage of the Neighboring Peasants and engag'd 'em in the same design They were a rude and simple People Lovers of their Prince and Countrey but jealous of their Privileges and Enemies to Slavery and Oppression He march'd at the head of his Tumultuary Forces and cut to pieces some Danish Troops that endeavor'd to oppose his Progress His Army was quickly reinforc'd by a multitude of Peasants whom the News of his success drew from the Neighboring Provinces and noâ— long after he was join'd by the Noblemen of Westmania and Nericia He made himself master of Upland and his Presence and Fame engag'd several other Provinces in the Revolt He abrogated the Taxes that were impos'd by King Eric and raz'd all the New Forts which that Prince or his Predecessors had built to keep the People in subjection to their Authority The Senators who still acknowledg'd King Eric assembl'd at Wadestein to consult about the most proper Methods to put a stop to these Disturbances But Engelbrecth hearing of their Design was resolv'd either to perswade or fright 'em into a Sense of their Duty He march'd with all possible haste to the place appointed for their meeting at the Head of a Thousand Peasants and entering compleatly arm'd into the Assembly represented to 'em the Injustice and Cruelty of the Danish Government and swore he wou'd stab the first Man that shou'd venture to oppose the Preservation of his Countrey The pathetic violence of his Discourse and the boldness of his Words and Actions struck such a Terror into the Minds of the Senators that they publickly renounc'd the Allegiance and Fealty they had sworn to King Eric Charles Canutson Great Marechal of Sweden and Governor of Finland comply'd with the Resolutions of the Senate He was descended from the Illustrious Family of Bonde Canut Eric XI which reckons several Kings of Sweden among its Ancestors He saw with Joy that his Countrey was like to be speedily freed from the Danish Yoke but he was vex'd to think that an ordinary Gentleman such as Engelbrecth shou'd carry away all the Glory of so noble an Attempt and was even afraid least the Peasants in the Heat of their Affection to their Deliverer shou'd dispose of a Kingdom in his favor which they had almost entirely conquer'd under his Conduct He went to that Gentleman's Army and sided with his Party on purpose that he might make himself the Head and Master of 'em nor was he disappointed of his Hope for he quickly obtain'd the Authority which was due to his Birth and Dignity He took advantage of the misunderstanding that was betwixt King Eric and the Danes This Monarch seeing himself Master of Three Great Kingdoms fancy'd himself above the Laws and Privileges of those Nations He treated the Danes and Norwegians little better than the Swedes and assum'd an arbitrary Power over a People who were willing to be his Subjects but cou'd not endure to be us'd like Slaves The Tyrannical Disposition of this Prince made him so odious to his Subjects that all the three Kingdoms conspir'd against him and the Revolt was so general that there were none left to support him The Danes drove him out of the Kingdom and conferr'd the Crown upon his Nephew Christopher of Bavaria who immediately sent to the Estates of Norwey and Sweden requiring 'em to confirm his Election in pursuance of the Treaty of Calmar The Norwegians acknowledg'd him as their Sovereign but the Great Marechal of Sweden and the chief Noblemen of that Kingdom endeavour'd to oppose his Advancement They represented to the Estates that the Election of that Prince ought to be rejected because the Danes had chosen him without the knowledge and Consent of their Allies But the Bishops and Clergy made so strong an Interest for him that his Election was confirm'd by the Plurality of
Voices Sweden receiv'd no benefit by the Change of her Master He follow'd the Maxims of his Predecessors Denmark was his Favorite Kingdom and he left no means unattempted to bring Sweden under the Dominion of that Crown But Death prevented the Execution of his designs He was succeeded by Christiern I. Count of Oldenburg from whom the present King of Denmark is descended The Danes advanc'd him to the Throne without asking or expecting the Approbation of the Swedes and Norwegians Yet in imitation of his Predecessor he pretended that by vertue of his Election in Denmark he had a just Title to the Crowns of Sweden and Norwey â— but his Pretensions to the former were thwarted by the Great Mareschal Canutson who oppos'd his pretended right with Great Courage and Resolution That Lord had observ'd ever since Engelbrecth's Revolt that the Swedes were weary of being under the Dominion of a Foreign Power And from that very time he began secretly to aspire to the Crown and to draw a Scheme of his future Advancement His Office made him Master of the Forces and Militia of the Kingdom he govern'd a large province and was the richest Lord in Sweden The Estates being assembled at Stockholm the Great Mareschal came thither at the Head of so numerous a Company of Finlandish Lords and Gentlemen that 't was generally concluded he wou'd be Master of the Election He represented to the Assembly that the Treaty of Calmar was extreamly prejudicial to the whole Kingdom that Queen Margaret and the Kings her Successors had always made use of that pernicious Law as a Means and pretext to bring Sweden under Subjection to the Crown of Denmark that the Danes treated 'em rather like Slaves than Allies assuming a Power to impose a Sovereign upon 'em without calling 'em to his Election and that they cou'd only blame themselves for so unworthy a Treatment if they did not abrogate and disannul a Treaty that was so dishonourable to the Nation This Discourse rais'd the languid Courage of the Swedes and awaken'd their ancient Aversion against the Danish Government It put 'em in Mind of the Tyranny of King Eric and every Man began to accuse himself of Weakness and stupidity for submitting to the Prince of Bavaria The Election of the Count of Oldenburgh was rejected with a great deal of Vehemency and the Royal Dignity was conferr'd upon the Great Mareschal as a Recompence for the Zeal he had always profess'd for the Interest of his Country At the same time he manag'd the Estates of Norway so dexterously and had so great an Influence over 'em that he was chosen Sovereign of that Kingdom whither he went and was Crown'd at Drunthlin and intrusted the Government of the State to two of the Principal Lords of the Country The Swedish Bishops had been devoted to the Crown of Denmark ever since Queen Margaret preferr'd them before the Nobility in the Government of the Kingdom They only gave their Consent to the Election of the Great Mareschal because they cou'd not oppose it and were vex'd to behold the Increase of his power and Authority He was not ignorant of their Spie and Aversion against him and that they were only dissatisfied because he did not allow 'em a share in the Government If he had consider'd their temporal Authority he would have soon perceiv'd that it was his true Interest to gain 'em But he thought himself so well settl'd upon the Throne that 't was beyond the power of his most potent Adversaries to disturb the Quiet of his Reign He resolv'd to humble those lofty Prelates and concluded that the most effectual Way to make 'em harmless and submissive to the Government was to deprive 'em of part of those vast Riches which serv'd only to make 'em terrible to their Sovereign He obtain'd an Order of the Senate to make an Exact Inquiry into all the Rights of the Crown and the public Revenues which the Clergy had usurp'd and ordain'd that no person for the future shou'd erect any new Foundations under pretext that the Superstition of the People wou'd give the Clergy an Opportunity by Degrees to make themselves Masters of all the Lands in the Kingdom The Bishops and other Ecclesiasticks were extreamly incens'd at this Declaration They affirm'd publickly that the King was a Heretick and endeavour'd to perswade the people that this Invasion of their temporal Estates was only made use of as a Cloak to cover more pernicious Designs and that the Blow was aim'd at Religion it self To prevent the pretended Consequences of a Regulation that touch'd 'em in the most sensible part they resolv'd to take up Arms against the King and engag'd their Relations Vassals and Creatures in the Conspiracy To favour their design'd Revolt John de Salstat Arch-bishop of Upsal of the Illustrious Family of Bielke dispatch'd a Gentleman with secret Instructions to Christiern I. King of Denmark to invite him to Sweden in order to the Re-establishment of the Treaty of Calmar And least that Prince shou'd be discourag'd by the seeming difficulty of the Attempt he assur'd him that all the Bishops of the Kingdom wou'd second his Pretentions and that they were ready to receive him as their Sovereign into all their Cities and Forts Christiern was then in Norwey whither he went upon a like Invitation from a Party that revolted against King Canuton But notwithstanding the War in which he was engag'd in that Kingdom he sent a powerful Army to support the Intended Rebellion of the Swedish Clergy Assoon as Archbishop Salstat receiv'd advice of the Danes appearing on the Frontiers he call'd a General Assembly of the Clergy to be held at Upsal where he excommunicated the King in a solemn Mass which he said on that occasion After the Office was ended he laid his Ecclesiastical Ornaments and Habits upon the Altar swearing that he wou'd never put 'em on again till he had driven that Prince out of the Kingdom Then he took a Cuirass and Sword and went out of the Church in that warlike Equipage at the head of his Vassals to fight against his Soveraign The rest of the Bishops follow'd his Example and took up Arms for the preservation of their Privileges They joyn'd openly with the Danes and long'd to see their Country under the Dominion of Foreign Princes who during their necessary absence left the Clergy in possession of all the marks of Sovereignty and even of a large share of the Royal Authority They scrupl'd not to fight against the King at the Head of the Danes and the whole Kingdom was distracted with a dreadful Complication of Civil and Foreign Wars Yet that Prince might have easily disperst the Clouds that seem'd to threaten him with inevitable Ruin and might have triumph'd over the joint Forces of his Foreign and Domestic Enemies if he cou'd have contented himself with the Regal Dignity and the Revenues that were annex'd to the Crown But he began too soon to domineer over his new Subjects
he was not ignorant of his secret Affection and Dependence on the King of Denmark by reason of a considerable Estate which he had in that Kingdom 'T is true that Lord was a very Wise and Judicious Person but he had neither Courage nor Resolution and both his Age and Inclination made him Incapable of engaging in a War with Denmark Besides the Archbishop concluded That the Fear of losing his Estate in Denmark and the sure Prospect of a considerable Recompence wou'd have so great an Influence over him that he wou'd be easily perswaded to accept of this Dignity by way of Trust and afterwards make use of the Power it gave him to make the King of Denmark Master of the Kingdom But all these Politick Contrivances were frustrated by the unconquerable Aversion with which the Swedes were possess'd against all that were suspected to favour the Danish Interest The Lay-Senators the Nobility the Deputies of the Provinces and Consuls of Steckholm agreed unanimously to exclude Eric Trolle and at the same time declar'd for the young Prince Steno The Bishops and their Faction persisted obstinately in the Choice of Trolle and the Heat of the Two contending Parties began to occasion a terrible Disorder in the Assembly But the Noble-men and Deputies maintain'd the Interest of Prince Steno with so much Zeal and Vigor that the Bishops finding they cou'd not safely oppose his Advancement any longer submitted to the plurality of Voices and even seem'd to approve what they cou'd not prevent Thus the young Prince was at last invested with a Dignity which he ow'd to the Merit and Memory of his Father July 21. Not long after the Disaffected Party began to raise new Disâ—â—â—â—bances and to dispute the Validity of the Election pretending that it was carry'd on by indirect Methods and that the Electors were either byass'd or over-aw'd 'T is hard to divine what might have been the Event of a Contest about so consiâ—â—â—â— le a Prize as the Supreme Power But 't is probable the Animosity of the two Contending Factions might at last have occasion'd a Civil War especially in an Elective Kingdom where People are generally so unwilling to acknowledge a Man for their Sovereign whom they us'd to cousider as their Equal if the Difference had not been compos'd by the Mediation of the Common Friends of both Parties By the Articles of this Agreement the young Administrator was oblig'd to consent that the Archbishop shou'd resign his Benefice and Dignity to Eric Trolle's Son 'T was hop'd that the Son's Advancement wou'd soften the Father's Anger and make him bear his Disappointment with less Impatience And this was reckon'd the surest Expedient to establish a good Understanding betwixt the two Families and to preserve the Peace of the Nation But notwithstanding all these pretended Advantages the Promotion of young Trolle was oppos'd by the greatest part of the Nobility and Gentry who look'd upon this Agreement as a Condescention beneath their Courage and injurious to the Reputation of their Party They assur'd the Administrator that they were able to maintain his Right with their Swords in the Field against the Bishops and the Danish Faction And some ofâ—em who penetrated deeper into the Intrigues of State and were better acquainted with the Art of Government told him in private That the Fate of his Predecessors shou'd deter him from conferring the principal Dignity of the Church upon a Person that was already possest of the highest Advantages both of Birth and Fortune That since the fatal Trâ—aty of Calmar the Archbishops had bâ—â—n the Authors and Fomenters of all the Intestine Wars that had harafs'd the Kingdom under the Reign and Administration of his Predecessors That young Trolle was reputed a turbulent and daring Person That those who consider'd the Zeal with which the Clergy and Danish Faction solicited his Preferment cou'd not but suspect his Fidelity to the present Government And that 't was absolutely inconsistent with the most obvious Rules of Prudence to advance a Man that was in a manner oblig'd both by Interest and Natural Affection to hate the Person who was the only Obstacle of the Grandeur of his Family These were the principal Arguments with which these Grave Politicians endeavour'd to convince the Administrator of the Dangerous Consequences of the propos'd Agreement But in this as well as in most other cases it appear'd that the Force of Reason is not able to curb the unbridld Heat of Youth The young Prince wanted Experience and was unwilling to be govern'd by that of others He was dazl'd with the Splendor of his new Dignity and cou'd not think himself secur'd in the Possession of his beloved Grandeur so long as his Title was controverted by so powerful a Rival His mind was so taken up with the Pleasures of a present Enjoyment that he was not at leisure to think of future Dangers and perhaps he was so deluded by the seeming Generosity of the Action that he was incapable of foreseeing the Hazard to which it expos'd him But whatever were the Inducements that betray'd him into this Error 't is certain that the Archbishop resign'd with his Consent and that Trolle was elected by the Chapter upon his Recommendation He wrote to Pope Leo X. in his Favour and remitted a considerable Sum of Money to the new Prelate who was then at Rome that he might be able to appear in an Equipage suitable to his Dignity and to the Honor and Reputation of the Kingdom The old Archbishop sent a secret Message to his Successor by one of his Confidents with private Orders to pass by the Court of Denmark with which the Swedish Clergy kept an uninterrupted Correspondence The Election of the Administrator and the Advancement of Trolle to the Archbishoprick of Upsal were News of too great Importance to the King of Denmark not to be imparted to him with all possible haste King John had not long before left the Crown to his Son Christiern II. whose Temper was a sufficient Indication of his future Misfortunes He was naturally Sowre Fierce and untractable his Courage proceeded rather from Transports of Fury than from a magnanimous Desire of Glory and he seem'd only to make War that he might feed his Eyes with the Bloody Horrors of Death His Birth and the Choice of the Danes had put him in Possession of two Crowns but he cou'd not think himself Happy in a Kingdom where the Sovereign Power was restrain'd by the Laws and by the Authority of the Senate On the contrary he look'd upon Sweden as a Country where by the Success of his Arms and Right of Conquest he might one day have the Pleasure to Rule with a boundless and unbridl'd Power He waited with an extream Impatience till the Truce which his Father made with the late Administrator shou'd expire that he might put his Designs against that Kingdom in Execution The Advancement of Trolle who was descended of a Family and engag'd in a Party that
declar'd an Enemy to his Country and 't was ordain'd by the Senate that he shou'd immediately resign his Title to the Arch-Bishoprick that he shou'd retire to a Monastery to do Pennance for all the Disturbances his Ambition had rais'd in the Kingdom that the Fort of Steque which had encourag'd the Danes to invade Sweden and under the former Arch-Bishops had been always made a Sanctuary and Retiring-place for Rebels and disaffected Persons shou'd be demolish'd that publick Thanks shou'd be given to the Administrator for his Diligence in stifling the Rebellion and that the whole Kingdom shou'd unanimously concur to maintain the authority of that Prince and the Decree of the Senate in case the Pope thro' mis-information or prejudice shou'd endeavour to restore the Arch-Bishop This Decree was enter'd in the publick Registers sign'd by all the Senators Spiritual and Temporal and in execution of these Orders the Fort of Steque was demolish'd and the Arch-Bishop forc'd to renounce his Dignity He deliver'd his Resignation in full Senate to be transmitted to the Pope but at the same time he sent one of his Creatures to Rome to complain of these violent Proceedings and to beg the Protection of the Holy See The King of Denmark engag'd all his Friends at the Court of Rome to employ their Interest to support and defend that Prelate whose Abdication had blasted all his Designs and ruin'd his Party in Sweden He was rather irritated than discourag'd at the defeat of his Forces and made new Levies to invade Sweden during the next Campaign for the Estates of Denmark thought themselves oblig'd to revenge the loss they sustain'd at Wedel He sent to Muscovy to sollicite the Czar to declare against the Administrator and endeavour'd to prevail with the Pope to joyn his Ecclesiastical Thunders to the Forces with which he design'd to attack that Prince His importunity and the Arch-Bishop's Complaints made so great an impression upon the Pope that he order'd his Legate Arcemboldi who was still in Denmark to return immediately to Sweden and require the Administrator to put the Arch-Bishop in possession of his Office and Dignity upon pain of Excommunication The Legate at his arrival in Sweden employ'd all his Interest and Rhetorick to perswade that Prince to give the Pope Satisfaction He represented to him in private with an ingenuity and freedom that were not suitable to his Character but seem'd to be the effects of their former Friendship and a requital of the Administrators Kindness that the Anger and Dissatisfaction of the Court of Râ—â—â— were terrible to the greatest Monarchs that he ought to dread and avoid the fatal Consequences of an Excommunication that in such a Case the People as well as the Clergy wou'd forsake him that even his Friends and most devoted Creatures wou'd hardly venture to incur the Censure and Indignation of the Church that since both his Honour and Revenge were satisfy'd by the Arch-Bishops Resignation he had a fair opportunity to lay an Obligation upon the Holy See and that the Pope wou'd by that means be engag'd to be surety for that Prelate's good Behaviour The Administrator communicated the Pope's Message to the Senate and acquainted 'em both with his Desires and Menaces The Bishops of Lincoping Stregnez and Scara who had beenâ—forc'd to sign the Arch-Bishop's Sentence seconded the Legate's Proposal with a great deal of Vigour but were unanimously oppos'd by the Lay-Senators who were the most powerful and numerous part of the Assembly They told the Administrator that he ought not to be scar'd at the Thunders of the Vatican since their Strength and Efficacy depended meerly upon the Weakness and Credulity of those against whom they were pointed that the Contrivances and Machinations of the Court of Rome were always cover'd with a religious Disguise that Scorn and Contempt was the best security against such Menaces that the Pope was incens'd against 'em for denying his Tribute and that the King of Denmark in Conjunction with Leo X. sollicited the Restoration of a Rebel to his former Power and Dignity that he might afterwards by his Assistance make himself master of the Kingdom Steno by their Advice answer'd the Legate that he cou'd not imagine what motives shoâ—'d induce the Pope to undertake the defence of a Traytor who was seiz'd in actual Rebellion against his â—ountry and deserv'd to be punish'd with Death for holding Intelligence with the Enemies of the Nation that his Character and Dignity cou'd not be suppos'd to protect him from the just indignation of his injur'd Sovereign that his Judges thought they had pronounc'd a very favourable Sentence against him by condemning him only to perpetual Imprisonment that his Brethren of the Clergy had sign'd his Condemnation and that his Judgment cou'd not be revers'd without exposing the Kingdom to new and fatal Disorders The Experience he had formerly had of the Legate's temper made him resolve to strengthen these Reasons with a more prevailing and demonstrative Argument and therefore after he had soften'd him with several considerable Presents he offer'd him the Arch-Bishoprick of Upsal and engag'd to obtain a Decree of the Estates in his favour impowering him to hold that Benefice during his Life without being oblig'd to reside in the Kingdom The Legate was so dazl'd with the temâ—ting prospect of filling his Cossers with the Revenues of so fat a Benefice that he forgot his Commission and thought he might plead a sufficient excuse for neglecting to execute the Orders he had receiv'd from the Pope He embrac'd the alluring proposal with joy and in Testimony of his Gratitude to his Benefactor he approv'd all that he had done and publickly blam'd the Arch-Bishop He wrote to Rome against that Prelate and assur'd the Pope that he had justly drawn upon himself the Indignation of the Administrator and Estates of Sweden by rebelling against his Country At the same time he sollicited all his Friends to employ their Interest with the Holy Father to procure a Confirmation of the Sentence pronounc'd against that Prelate and leave to appear a Candidate at the aâ—proaching Election But the Pope rejected his Requeit and absolutely refus'd to grant the Permiâ—â—sion that was requir'd to qualifie him for that Dignity either out of regard to the house of Austria and the King of Denmark who declar'd in favour of the Arch-Bishop or as a mark of his just resentment for the Offence he had given by his scandalous way of distributing Indulgences in the North. Upon the Administrator's refusal to restore the Arch-Bishop the Pope discharg'd his Thunders against the whole Kingdom and particularly against the Administrator and Senate whom he Excommunicated Besides he ordain'd 'em to rebuild the Fort of Steque at their own charge and to pay a Hundred Thousand Ducats as a sine to the Arch-Bishop The Bull was directed to Theodore Arch-Bishop of Lunden in Denmark and the Bishop of Odensee in Fuenen who at King Christiern's solicitation were entrusted with the
first Words he utter'd to that Effect dampt the Joy of the whole Assembly There was nothing to be seen or heard among 'em but Tears and Supplications and so deep a Sorrow sate upon every Face that one wou'd have thought the Danes had still been at the Gates of the City At last he was prevail'd with to submit to the pleasing violence and consented to an Advancement which was both a Reward and an Effect of his Valour and Prudence He was solemnly acknowledg'd as King and Sovereign of Sweden and the two Gothlands and receiv'd an Oath of Fidelity from the Senate and the Deputies of the Provinces The Estates wou'd have immediately proceeded to his Coronation but he cunningly avoided that Ceremony under pretext that he was oblig'd to return instantly to the Siege of Stockholm The true Reason why he refus'd to be Crown'd so soon was that he was not yet sufficiently Establish'd upon the Throne to refuse the Oaths which the Clergy exacted upon such Occasions for the preservation of their Rights and Privileges He invited the Senate and the greatest part of the Deputies to accompany him to the Army that they might be present at the Surrendring of their Capital City He knew the place cou'd not hold out longer for the Garrison was so pinch'd with Famine and so afraid of the Burghers who began openly to threaten 'em that they desir'd several times to Capitulate but the Generals had Orders to prolong the Treaty during the Meeting of the Estates at Stregnez As soon as the news of his Election and of his return to the Camp was divulg'd in the City new Deputies were sent to him and the Governor yielded up the Place submitting all the Articles of the Câ—piâ—ulation to his Pleasure and Discretion He requir'd the Governour to deliver up to his Officers all the Mony Papers Furnitâ—re and other Effects that belong'd to King Christren the Vice-Roy Arch-Bishop Trolle and Admiral Norâ—i He permitted the Garrison to march out with their Arms and Baggage upon condition that for the space of Six Months they shou'd not bear Arms against the Crown of Sweden or its Allies He oblig'd himself to provide Vessels to Transport â—em to Wismar or Lubeck and promis'd with a great deal of chearsulness to preserve inviolably all the Privileges of the City As soon as the King's Forces had taken Possession of the Town he made his public Entry accompany'd with all the Senators and follow'd by a vast Number of Lords Gentlemen and Military Officers â—ll magnisicently Cloath'd The Prince himself â—â—gmented the Splendor of the Cavalcade by his graceful Mien and his Noble and Majestic Air which was very advantageoully set off by the Lustre â—f his Youth He was receiv'd at the Gate by the â—onsuls and Magistrates who preserted the Keys â—f the City on their Knces And the People minging with the Soldiers without either Fâ—â—r or Order â—ade the Air resound with a thousand joyâ—â—â— Acclaâ—ations The King went stâ—ight to the Church 〈◊〉 gave Thanks to God for the â—â—ccess of his Arms 〈◊〉 which he gave a splendid Enterâ—â—inment to all the Seantors and the principal Officers of his Army Thus Gustavus became Master of the Capital City of his Kingdom and began the publick Exercise oâ— the Regal Authority He sent orders to notify his Election to all the Provinces that the People might accknowledge him as Sovereign and commanded all the Governours of Places and the principal Officers of his Troops to repair with all diligence to their respective Posts He gave Audience at all Hours receiving Persons of Quality with Civility and Marks of Honour and Persons of Merâ—â— with Demonstrations of Kindness and Esteem Thâ— People began to breath after so many terrible Diâ—afters Trade was restor'd and the Swedes had thâ— picasure to contemplate the unwonted Prospect 〈◊〉 a lasting Peace The whole Kingdom was freeâ— from the Tyrannical Dominion of its Old Enemics and subject to a Prince that was able to prâ—tect and defend it He introduc'd a Politeness 〈◊〉 Manners and Magnificence of Habit into the Courâ— that were not known or at least not so remarkable in the preceeding Reigns For there was a certaâ— rough wildness in the Temper of most of that Nâ—tion which stood very much in need of Polishinâ— and Resining And perhaps he us'd these Arts oâ— purpose to allure the Nobility from their Countâ— Seats and Castles and to oblige 'em to depenâ— upon the Court for Places or Pensions to defraâ— the Charge of that Expensive way of Living He had not forgotten the danger to which he wâ—â— expos'd by Peterson the Dalecarlâ—an but a good Offiâ—â— he receiv'd from the Wife aton'd for the Treacher of the Hasband He remember'd also and design'd 〈◊〉 reward the Kindness and Hospitality of the Curaâ— of Saâ—â—rdsio who receiv'd him into his House aâ—â— enterâ—â—iâ—'d him in his lowest Condition And heaâ—ing 〈◊〉 his Benefactor was dead he order'd Crown of Copper Gilt to be plac'd on the top of the Parish-Church as a Monument of his Gratitude The King sent the two Flemings with a strong Body of Soldiers to drive out the Danes who were still Masters of some Places in Finland And the Arrival of these two Lords at the Head of a Victorious Army struck their dishearten'd Fnemies with such a Terror that they obey'd the first Summons and Surrender'd the Places without Firing a Gâ—n They desir'd no other conditions but that they should be safely conducted to Denmark and were even glad to shelter themselves in the Swâ—â—sh Arm◠〈◊〉 the Fury of an incens'd Rabble who 〈…〉 ing the Articles of their Capitualtion would 〈◊〉 taken a full and Bloody Revenge for all the â—â—â—â—â—ties and Robberies they had committed in the Corntry during the Reign of Christiern But Gusha is took care to send 'em under the protection of a strong Convoy to Denmark where they sill'd the whole Country with the News of his Conquests and Election The Officers extoll'd his Power and the Numbers and Valour of his Armies that they might not be Censur'd for sabmitting to the unequal Force of so potent an Enemy Arch-Bishop Trolle was extremely mortifi'd with the report of Gustavus's Advancement which lest him no hope of returning to Sweden and recovering his former Dignity He stay'd in Denmark after his Masters slight where he liv'd obscurely contemn'd by the Danes and forgotten by the Court He saw himself expos'd to the usual Fate of Traitors who are always slighted and abhor'd as soon as they become uscless and unserviceable but his Temper was so little after'd by his Misfortunes that he endeavour'd to regain his Credit and Interest by new Treasons and bâ— rekindling the slame that seem'd to be almost extinguish'd He address'd himself to the new King of Denmark and told him in a private Audience that he had an undoubted Right to Sweden as he was the Son of King Christiern I. and that the Danes themselves wou'd despise him if he shou'd tamely suffer that
of the Church as the greatest Bulwark of the ancient Religion and the other considering Luther's Doctrin as a problematical and indifferent Opinion till the Church shou'd decide the Controversy in a general Council were for an intire submission to the King 's Will. The Chancellor omitted nothing to make the chief Deputies sensible that Kingdoms ought not to be Rul'd by the Maxims of Priests and Monks who have a separate Interest from that of the State owning a Foreign Prince the Pope for their Sovereign That the safety of the State upon all Occasions and in all Emergencies ought to be the prime and over-ruling Law and all other humane Constitutions being made only for the Preservation of Civil Society the Prince and supream Magistrate ought to be vested with a Power to alter 'em according to the Exigencies and Temper of every Nation That the greatest part of the Ecclesiasticks and Monks had seiz'd on the whole Wealth of the Kingdom under different Pretences of Devotion That the Bishops by the Claim they assum'd of being the sole Heirs of the Priests ruin'd daily some of the best Families and by that Title as well as their pretended Right to Penalties and Consiscations incroach'd insensibly upon all the Estates that they secur'd their unjust Acquisitiones from all Attempts of Recovery under the Name of Church Lands terrifying with the Bâ—g-bear of Excommunication all that shou'd â—â—ser just Complaines against their Oppression and branding with Heresy any Opinion condemned by the Pope as Heretical tho' they deem'd him no otherwise Infallible than so far as his Infallibility consisted with their Interests By such Discourses and other secret Ways the Chancellor brought over most of the Deputies to the King's Party and gain'd many of the Clergy themselves to yield to his Arguments under pretext that Religion was not the Thing aimed at but meerly a Temporal Concern besides that they were over-aw'd by the Power and the Anger of the King and terrify'd with this Notion That too obstinate a Resistance was next to down-right Treason and Rebellion The King had already made sure of the best part of the Assembly when Tureiohanson flattering himself with the imaginary Strength of his Party talkt of nothing but burning the Hereticks and urg'd the Estates with a great deal of Earnestness to make a Law to declare Lutherans incapable of possessing the Crown with a secret Design to exclude the King and that he might have a sufficient Ground to oppose the Solemnity of his Coronation This Point was debated with a great deal of heat in the Assembly every one speaking according to his Interest or Inclination when the Bishop of Stregnez who had been secretly gain'd by the Court desir'd leave to speak As soon as that Prelate had obtain'd liberty to be heard Loc. l. 6. p. 270. he told the Estates That he was surpriz'd to see Men in that Assembly who had the considence to speak so publickly of the King's Abdication almost within his hearing or at least under the Canon of his Castle That Matters of such vast Importance were not to be decided by Caballing or Plurality of Voices That there were many in that Assembly who cou'd signalize their Courage against his as in a Field of Battel and yet perhaps cou'd hardly bear the very Looks and Presence of their King if he shou'd appear in Arms. He ask'd 'em what Forces they had to oppose a Prince who had the sole Command of all the Troops And in case he were willing to Abdicate whether they had a sufficient Fund to repay him the vast Charge he had been at for the Defence of the State He added That 't was not an easy matter to reckon with a great Captain at the Head of a considerable Army who might as long as he pleas'd retain the Sovereign Power for a Pledge of Payment That they were grosly mistaken if they thought that Sweden under another Prince or another Form of Government was able to make a long Resistance against so many Enemies with which the Kingdom was surrounded That all intelligent Persons were sensible that the Power and Strength of the Kingdom lay more in the King's Person than Dignity that his Majesty cou'd never make a step to quit the Throne but what wou'd make way for the Kings of Denmark Christiern or Frederick to ascend it and that 't was only his Courage and Valor that kept all the Enemies of the Nation in awe The same Prelate added That tho' the King did not appear a Friend to the Clergy yet the prevailing Power of Truth and the cordial Affection he bore to the State oblig'd him to own that the safety of the Kingdom depended entirely upon his Royal Person That he acknowledg'd the Great Marshal's Zeal was to be commended by which he had laid eternal Obligations upon both the Regular and Secular Clergy but that a violent and unlimited Zeal had often occasion'd great Mischiefs That for his part he thought it more expedient for 'em to quit some Rights and to give up some of their Priviledges at a time when their Compliance was so necessary for the preservation of the Kingdom than by too great a Stiffness and Self-interessedness to exasperate a Prince who was equally powerful and necessary That however it was unreasonable to suspect that the King had chang'd his Religion meerly because he wou'd not burn all those who said their Prayers in their Mother Tongue That the King had often declar'd he was resolv'd to persist in the Religion of his Ancestors That after all they cou'd not but own that the Monks had under the pretence of Devotion introduc'd into the Church many Superstitions which utterly defac'd the Christian Religion That the King with the help of the ablest Men of the Kingdom might correct those Abuses without giving any occasion to accuse or suspect him of a Design to incroach upon Religion and that he might shake off the Yoak of the Court of Rome without separating from the Communion of the Roman Church This Prelate's Discourse made the greater Impression upon the Estates because 't was not expected from one of his Character The Bishops and the whole Clergy were full of Rage and Indignation but he receiv'd a loud and general Applause from almost all the rest of the Assembly In short his Discourse seem'd at once to have dispers'd all those Inchantments which had made 'em so long oppose the King's Designs They lookt upon his Absence both as their Fault and Misfortune Their Heat against their Prince was chang'd to an Emulation among 'em to give him what satisfaction he demanded that they might have the Happiness to see him sooner at the Head of the Assembly Immediately they made a Declaration sutable to his Intentions notwithstanding the clamorous opposition of the Clergy and notice was given to the Great Marshal that it was not safe for him to make so great a noise in the Assembly Pafendorf The Deputies of the Commonalty believing
Oldenburg a Younger Son of that Family with a design to release Christiern II. who was still a Prisoner in the Castle of Sunderberg In order to which that Prelate levi'd Forces and scrupl'd not once more to prophane the sanctity of his Character He was wounded and taken Prisoner in a Battel fought in Funen betwixt the Forces of Christiern III. and those of Lubeck and was carri'd to Sleswick in Holstein where he di'd of his Wounds Gustavus being thus happily deliver'd from all his Enemies Reign'd afterwards without any Disturbance or Molestation and with as much Authority as if the Crown had been his Birth-right All the Princes of Europe that had no dependency upon the House of Austria gave him extraordinary marks of the singular Esteem they had for his Personal Merit and Valour Francis I. King of France notwithstanding their Difference in Point of Religion sent him the order of St. Michael the only Order that was then establish'd in France A desensive League was made betwixt these two Princes against the Emperor and the House of Anstria by which they were both engag'd to Assist each other in case of War with 6000 Men to be paid by the Assistant and if Occasion requir'd to Assist the Invaded Prince with 25000 Men and Fifty Ships Gushavus was the first King of Sweden who rais'd the Reputation of the Crown and made it appear to the World what Insurence it might have upon the general Affairs of hurope The Princes of the League of Smalcalden invited him to joyn with them for the common Desence of their Religion and thought themselves happy to have so great a King on their side To compleat his Happiness there was nothing wanting but the fixing of the Succession upon his Royal Issue This was a very nice and difficult Point for the Nobility was extreamly Jealous of that Priviledge well knowing that Arbritary Power do's commonly attend a Hereditary Succession and that it wou'd by degrees destroy the Liberty of the Nation However the King call'd a meeting of the Estates of the Kingdom at Westeras to abrogate the Right and Custom of Election He put 'em in mind of the great Services his Family had done to Sweden and of the fatal Consequences of the Division and Contests of opposite parties at Elections His Anchority was already so well Establish'd that there was not one in the Assembly who durst oppose his Designs The Heads of the Principal Families and the Ancient Senators were kill'd in the Massacre of Stockholm and the young Lords that came into the World since his Accession to the Crown were accustom'd to a blind Obedience There was not the least Foot-step left of their former Liberty or of the Ancient constitution of their Government so that the Deputies consented with great Submission to the abrogating of the Right of Election in behalf of Prince Eric and the other Princes his Children and Successors both in the direct and collateral Line This Resignation was solemnly entred as a Fundamental Law call'd the Hereditary Vnion by which the Crown with an absolute Power was made sure to his Children and Successors This was a very mortifying peace of News to Christiern III. King of Denmark who still pretended a Right to the Crown of Sweden for by this Hereditary Vnion the Treaty of Calmar was entirely disannuli'd and abrogated Christiern quarter'd the Three Crowns in his Coat Armorial which are the Royal Arms of Sweden as a publick Claim and Mark of his Right to that Kingdom under pretext that Queen Margaret the Daughter of Waldemar Reign'd over the three Kingdoms of the North tho' 't was probably a like reason that made the Kings of Sweden take these Three Crowns for their Arms since they are found in the Shields and Seals of the Kings Steric and Birger II. about the middle of the Twelfth Age. King Gustavus sent an Embassy to Christiern to complain of his Attempt but cou'd obtain no satisfaction from a Young and Ambitious Prince who was puff'd up with some Advantages he had gotten over the Hanse-Towns and obstinately resolv'd to pursue his Ancient Claim Gustavus finding himself weakn'd and spent with Age and the Fatigues of War conceal'd his Resentment and did not think it convenient to ingage in a new War or to hazard his Fortune and that of his Children at a time when he maintain'd his Authority rather by his Reputation than by his Valour He was so far from dreading the opposition of a pretended Claim against the actual Possession of a Crown which had lately been Intail'd upon his Issue by a Solemn Act that he contented himself with procuring a Treaty to be set on foot at Bromsebroo by which 't was mutually agreed to leave the difference undecided for the space of Fifty Years Gustavus having thus settl'd a solid and durable Peace in his Dominions apply'd himself wholly to the Improvement of Trade in order to which he receiv'd into his Ports all Merchant Ships from France and Holland that his Subjects might be free'd from their dependence on the Lubeckers who were possest of the whole Trade of Sweden He erected Citadels on the Frontiers of his Kingdom and built Royal Palaces in several Places with a Magnificence that till then was unknown to the Swedes He never stay'd long in one place but travell'd successively from Province to Province always attended with a numerous Train of Courtiers who stir'd up the Curiosity and Admiration of his People and accustom'd 'em by their Example to respect his Authority He sign'd all Orders and Dispatches with his own Hand took Cognizance of all Affairs gave Audience to all Men and Admininistred Justice with great strictness and severity All Controversies and Suits about Religion Revenues and Buildings and even Differences and Law-Suits betwixt Noble Men were pleaded before him and decided by him As he had manag'd his Wars without Generals so he rul'd in Peace without Ministers He reign'd alone without either Favourites or Mistresses and the only object of all his Passions and Designs was his own Glory and the Happiness of his Subjects Some time before his Death he began to apply his mind to the finding out of a suitable Match for his Eldest Son Prince Eric that his Family might be supported by a considerable Alliance In pursuance of this design he cast his Eyes upon Elizabeth Queen of England who was then Courted with great Assiduity by the greatest Princes of Europe But that Politick Queen had the dexterity to manage her Lovers as she pleas'd and to feed 'em all with hopes according to her own Inclination and the posture of her Affairs by which it appear'd that she had taken a secret Resolution never to Marry any of ' em Gustavus sent an Embassy to her to propose a strict Alliance betwixt both Nations and the chief Embassador was charg'd to feel her Pulse as to this Match Denis Beure the Prince's Governour had that particular Commission from the King He was a Frenchman born but
Government in Sweden and 't is probable the Crown was only Hereditary when the Sons of the deceast King were strong enough to maintain themselves in that station nor were they advanc'd to it before they had signaliz'd themselves by some bold and extraordinary exploit Suibdager King of Norway Conquer'd Denmark from Gram King of Cepers The Swedes charm'd with his Valour or aw'd by his Power chose him for their Sovereign by which Election he saw himself at the same time absolute Lord of the three Northern Kingdoms This Prince according to the Swedish History is the first Foreigner upon whom the Crown was conferr'd Hasinund Son and Successor of Suibdager was slain in a Battle against the Danes Vffo Son and Successor of Hasinund carry'd on a War against the Danes with success but at last Hading King of Denmark under colour of an Interview for a Treaty of Peace drew him into a place where he caus'd him to be Assassiinated Huning Vffo's Brother and Successor after a Bloody War which he undertook against the King of Denmark to revenge the Death of his Brother chang'd of a sudden his violent hatred against his Enemy into an excess of Friendship A Solemn Peace was concluded betwixt these two Princes with a Solemn Oath on both sides that upon the Death of either the other shou'd not survive him It happen'd not long after that Hading was salsly reported to have been Assassinated by his own Daughter which Huning believing resolv'd to die according to his promise In pusuance of this design he regal'd his Friends and the chief Persons of the Kingdom with a sumptuous Entertainment and at the conclusion of the Feast being Drunk he threw himself into a deep Tub full of Mead and so drown'd himself Hading was vext at the News but resolving to imitate the Generosity of his Friend he very coâ—â—ageously Hang'd himself in the sight of all his People if there be any credit to be given to those ancient Histories or rather to the Histories of those Ancient Ages Regner The Son and Successor of Huning was made King of Sweden notwithstanding all the opposition of his Mother-in-Law Torilla He Govern'd his Subjects with much Equity and Moderation But these peaceful Virtues were so far from procuring him the Love and Esteem of a Cruel and Barbarous People that he was slighted and contemn'd because he wou'd not gratify their savage Humour by Plundering the Neighbouring Countries and perhaps also because he was too generous to cause his private Enemies to be Assassinated Hothebrod The Son and Successor of Regner was a warlike and daring Prince and undertook several fortunate Expeditions against the Finlanders Russes Esthonians and Curlandians After which he Attack'd Roe King of Denmark whom he kill'd at the Head of his Army He pursu'd this Victory with so much vigor that he made himself Master of the whole Kingdom But he did not long injoy his Conquest for the Danes revolting at the instigation of Helgo Roe's Brother Hothebrod was routed and kill'd and by this means the Swedes were expell'd out of Denmark These pretended Conquests of Kingdoms were only Inrodes made by the victorious party into the Enemies Country For since there were no places of strength where Garrisons cou'd be left to secure the Conquest as soon as the Victorious Army retir'd with their Booty the Conquer'd Nation took up Arms and chose a new King or Captain to Command ' em Attila I. Succeeded his Father Hothebrod and Marri'd the Mother of Rool King of Denmark But that Match instead of producing a lasting Peace between the two Kingdoms and a good Understanding betwixt the Kings serv'd only to re-kindle the War with greater fury than ever The Queen of Sweden having seiz'd upon the Treasury of the King her Husband fled to her Son in Denmark Attila incens'd at her persidiousness invaded Denmark with his Forces and routed the Danes Rool was defeated and kill'd by one of the Swedish Generals and Hother Attila's Brother was made King of Denmark Hother King of Sweden and Denmark routed the Danes who revolted at the instigation of Balder a Prince of that Nation after which he march'd against the Russes but lost his Life in that Expedition Rodric This Victorious Prince reveng'd his Father's Death by the defeat of the Russes and subdu'd the Finlanders Wendi and Slavonians Attila II The Son and Successor of Rotherick he fought a single Combat at the Head of his Army with Frovia General of the Danish Forces and kill'd him Frovia left two Sons who as soon as they were grown up to Age went to Sweden and offer'd their service to Attila pretending to be Soldiers of Fortune They were receiv'd into the King's House whom they afterwards Assassinated to revenge the Death of their Father Botwil Charles II Grimmer Lordon Gothar Adolphus Algot Eric II. Lindorp The Fabulous Chronology mentions only the names of those Nine Princes without relating their Adventures or so much as the length of their Reigns Alaric Under this Prince's Reign the Swedish Monarchy was divided into two Kingdoms Alaric reigning in Sweden and Gestiblind in both the Gothlands This Division and the Neighbourhood of two Barbarous Nations occasion'd Bloody Wars betwixt ' em Alaric according to the custom of those Times challeng'd Gestiblind to a single Combat who declin'd it by reason of his Age but offer'd in his stead Eric Prince of Norway who was come to his Assistance These two Champions fought with all the Fury and Obstinacy that Men are capable of when they resolve either to vanquish or die Alaric was slain and Gestiblind to reward Eric's Valour not only gave him the Crown of Sweden but appointed him his Successor in the Kingdom of Gothland by which means these two Crowns were not long after reunited upon the Head of that Prince Eric III. surnam'd the Wise This Prince liv'd in a profound Peace and apply'd himself wholly to the Administration of Justice and Execution of the Laws This got him the surname of Wise which he preferr'd to that of Brave and Courageous tho' he really deserv'd it by the Valour he shew'd in the Combat he fought with King Alaric Halden I. The Son and Successor of Eric the Wise A. C. 43. he signaliz'd himself in the Wars of Norway and restor'd Fricdelef King of Denmark to his Fathers Throne from which he had been expell'd by an Usurper Returning to Sweden at the Head of a Victorious Army he resolv'd to make his Will the only Standard and Rule of his Government Upon which his Subjects revolted his Officers and Soldiers forsook him and he was at last put to Death by the Malecontents Siward Haldan's Son was own'd for his Successor upon condition that none shou'd be molested about the Death of his Father Under this Prince's reign the Goths were again separated from the Swedish Monarchy and chose for their King a Prince call'd Charles of the Family of their Ancient Kings who to establish his Authority made a League with
An Account of the Religion Civil Government and Art of War with the Remarkable Customs and Ceremonies publick and private With Copper Cuts of the principal Buildings c. To which are prefixed two Essays concerning the Roman Learning and the Roman Education By Basil Kennet of C. C. C. Oxon. Dedicated to the Duke of Glocester Octavo The Evangelical History Or The Life of our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ Comprehensively and plainly related With Practical Inferences and Discourses thereupon Adorned with Copper Cuts Octavo The Evangelical History Part the Second Being the Lives and Acts of the Holy Apostles comprehensively and plainly related according to the Holy Scriptures and the Writings of the Primitive Fathers of most approved Authority Illustrated with the Effigies of the Apostles and a Map of their Travels fairly Engraven on Copper Octavo A new History of Ecclesiastical Writers Containing an Account of the Lives and an Abridgment of the Works of the Primitive Fathers and other Ecclesiastical Writers from the Time of our Saviour to the End of the Ninth Century Written in French by L. E. du Pin Englished In Seven small Volumes in Folio The Seventh Volume of Monsieur du Pins Ecclesiastical History Containing the History of all Transactions in the Church during the Ninth Century Englished in Folio may be had alone CAMDEN'S BRITANNIA Newly Translated into English With large Additions and Improvements and Maps of every County newly Engraven according to the latest and best Surveys Published by Edmund Gibson of Queen's Colledge in Oxford Folio Now in the PRESS THE Antiquities of Greece Or An Account of the Religion Civil Government Magistrates Laws Customs Military Discipline Arms Publick Buildings Exercises Sports c. of the Ancient Grecians With a Description of the City of Athens c. Octavo The History of the Revolutions in Portugal Done out of French The Memoirs of the Imprisoned Mareschal de Boufflers Important Meâ—nâ—â—â— A Continuation of the Voyage to the World of Descartes All 〈◊〉 from the French will be speedily 〈◊〉 A TABLE Of the Principal Matters Contained in the First Part. A. ADministrators of Sweden what the Dignity was 29 Albert second Son of the Duke of Meckelburg King of Sweden his Reign 9 his Subjects deposed him 10 13 he is defeated by Margaret and taken Prisoner 14 Joannes Angelus Arcemboldi Legate of Pope Leo. X. in the Northern Kingdoms 49 his good and bad qualities 50 his Covetousness in heaping up Treasure ib. he distributes Indulgences ib. he holds a Conference with Christiern King of Denmark ibid. he promiseth to maintain his Interest against the Administrator of Sweden 52 he departs for the Court of Sweden ibid. his Negociation in Sweden with the Administrator ibid. seq by his discourse he gives occasion to the Administrator to suspect that he was brought over to take part with his Enemies 53 The Administrator permits him to distribute his Indulgencies in Sweden 54 he gathers together vast summs of Money in Sweden and the Administrator lets him export them out of the Kingdom 55 He discovers to the Administrator the designs of the King of Denmark his correspondence with the Clergy of Sweden and the Treachery of the two Governours of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicoping 56 he returns to Denmark and seems concern'd at the ill Success of his Negotiation ibie the Pope enjoyns him to take another journey to Sweden and to threaten the Administrator with Excommunication in his name 66 he used all possible means to engage that Prince to give Satisfaction to the Pope ibid. the Administrator offers him the Archbishoprick of Upsal 68 he blames the Archbishops conduct contrary to the Orders he had receiv'd from the Pope to maintain his Authority ibid. he imploys his Friends to perswade his Holiness to confirm the deposition of that Prelate ibid. he returns from Sweden to Denmark 70 Arwide a Noble-man of great note in West Gothland he declares for Gustavus against the Danes and by his order lays Siege to the Castle of Wadestene Augustin the Court of Rome usually employ'd Augustin Moâ—ks iâ— Savony to publish the Indulgences they were supplanted by the Jacobins the mischiefs that ersu'd B. ERic Banner a Danish Lord asks leave to keep his Kinsman Gustavus upon his parole 76 he obtains his request upon condition that he should cause Gustavus to be conducted to the Castle of Calo whereof he was Governour and that he should pay six thousand Crowns of Gold for his Ransom if he suffer'd him to make his escape 76 77 the kind entertainment which Banner show'd to Gustavus 77 Banner being inform'd of the Flight of Gustavus his Prisoner pursues and overtakes him 89 he taxeth him with ingratitude ibid. he is convinc'd at last of the equity of his Reasons 90 Bishops of Sweden their Authority and Riches See Clergy Olaus Bonde Lord of Nericia riseth up in Arms against the Danes and besiegeth Orebro the Capital City of Nericia The Bull of Leo X. which suspends the Kingdom of Sweden from divine Service and excommunicates the Administrator with the whole Senate 69 The Burghers and other Inhabitants of the Maritime Towns of Sweden 6 why their Deputies had little Authority in the Diets ib. C. CAlmar the union of Calmar 16 the statutes and conditions of it ibid. It was the Foundation and Original of the Wars that continued above an Age between Sweden and Denmark 16 Christiern makes himself Master of Calmar 95 he gives the Government of it to Severinus of Norby a Danish Lord ibid. Canutson Grand Marshal of Sweden acknowledg'd King of Sweden and Norway by the Estates 23 he goes about to infringe the Authority and Fower of the Bishops 24 they compel him to leave the Kingdom 26 he is set on the Throne again after seven years of Exile 27 he is detained and taken Prisoner 28 he was constrained to renounce the title of King ibid. and was sent away to a Castle in Finland ibid. he gets possession of the Throne a third time 29 Charles V. his aspiring to an universal Monarchy It is reported that he gave his Sister in Marriage to Christiern only on condition that he should acknowledg him for his Successor to the three Northern Kingdoms in case he should die without issue Christiern the first Count of Oldenburg Progenitor of the Royal Family that now Reigns in Denmark 22 Canutson hinders him from being own'd as a Soveraign Prince by the Estates of Sweden 23 For what reason ibid. after the deposing of Canutson he was proclaimed King of Sweden and Norway 26 he was expell'd seven years after 27 Christiern II. King of Denmark his good and bad qualities 37 he aspires to the Throne of Sweden ibid. what he did in order to get possession of it ibid. sequ he is offended at the Mission of the Legate Arcemboldi and why 50 he endeavours to make use of him to prosecute his designs against Sweden with greater success 51 sequ he communicates his designs to him 52
he tells him that he was assur'd of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicoping ibid. he gives private orders to his Admiral to affront upon some pretence the first Swedish Vessels that he should meet 57 Pope Leo X. publishes a Bull of Excommunication against the Kingdom of Sweden and intrusts Christiern King rf Denmark with the execution of it 69 that Prince having receiv'd the Bull from the Pope enters Sweden at the head of his Army and immediately destroyed the Country with Fire and Sword 70 to give a colour of Justice and a shew of Religion to these Cruelties he caus'd the Popes Bull to be posted up in all places where he committed these outrages ibid. he besiegeth Stockholm ibid. Christiern is obstinately resolved to continue the Siege contrary to the advice of his Generals 71 he raiseth the Siege for fear of being hemm'd in between the Town and the Swedish Army ib. his Rear Guard is beat and routed ibid. the whole Baggage of his Army is taken ibid. and three hundred of his Men are made Prisoners ibid. the wind prov'd so contrary that he staid three Months without being able to set Sail out of the Road of Stockholm ibid. the miserable condition which his Fleâ—t was reduc'd to for want of Water and Provision ibid. Christiern sends to propose a Truce for some days to the Administrator ibid. it was accepted and for what reason 73 he forms a design to make himself Master of the Administrators Person by treachery ibid. after what manner ibid. Christiern being disappointed of his design against the Administrator he endeavours that it may succeed better with respect to Gustavus and six other Lords in the Swedish Army 74 he proposes an interview in the City of Stockholm ib. and offers to appear there in Person provided Gustavus were given as a Hostage with six other noble men to be chosen at his pleasure ibid. Gustavus and the other Lords being come to salute the King Christiern caused them to be arrested and disarmed contrary to the publick Faith and the Law of Nations 75 he strives to bring over Gustavus to his party but to no purpose 76 he privately commands him to be dispatched ibid. upon the remonstrance of a Danish Offâ—er he contents himself with a confining him to the Castle of Copenhagen ibid. Christiern tâ—kes a resolution to make so great efforts the next Campaign as to be able entirely to oppress the Administrator 78 he gives orders to his Officers to seize on the Treasure of the Legare Arcemboldi and for what reason ibid. he caused the Legate himself to be arrested with all his effects 78 79 he makes new Levies 79 he raiseth extraâ—rdinary Taxes in his Kingdom without the knowledg or advice of the States ibid. he obtains four thousand Foot of Francis I. King of France 80 he makes Otho Crumpein General of his Forces not daring to leave Copenhagen ibid. this General gives him notice of the success of his Arms 87 Christiern appears much concern'd at the news and why ibid. he fears lest Otho should make himself Master in his name of the King Kingdom of Sweden ibid. or least he should suffer himself to be prevail'd upon by the enemies to take their part ib. he writes Letters full of gratitude to Otho ib. he sends him word to keep him in awe that he intended to march in Person to Sweden in the Spring at the head of a numerous Army ib. he sends several Vessels laden with Salt which was scarce and very dear in Sweden and appoints it to be distributed gratis to the principal inhabitants of every Village ib. Christiern being inform'd of the flight of Gustavus dispatcheth orders to General Otho to cause him to be apprehended 90 he enters Sweden in the Spring 95 he is receiv'd and entertain'd by the Archbishop and the other Prelates with extraordinary marks of joy ib. he solemnly ratifieth the Treaty of Upsal ib. he summons the Administrators Relict who had shut up her self in Stockholm and the Governour of Calmar to surrender these two places ib. he buys the last of these places ibid. he gives the Government of it to Severinus de Norby ib. he carrieth on the siege of Stockholm with all imaginable vigour 96 he caus'd the Aâ—ministrator's widow to be summon'd a second time 97 she is forc'd to capitulate 98 he is receiv'd into the City at the head of four thousand men whom he leaves in Garrison ibid. he calls a Meeting of the Estates of Sweden on the fourth of November and appoints on the same day the Ceremony of his Coronation 98 he leaves the command of his Forces to Severinus de Norby 99 he intrusts the Archbishop of Upsal with the Government of the State ibid. he sends General Otho to Denmark whom he suspected by reason of his victories he returns to Denmark upon the advice he had received that his presence was necessary at Copenhagen ibid. the Senate and principal Lords of the Kingdom murmur against the augmentation of Christiern's authority ibid. he takes a Resolution for the security of his conquest to destroy the whole Senate of Sweden and the principal Noble-men of the Realm 102 he resolves for this purpose to make use of the pretences of excommunication and to revive the affair of the Archbishop of Upsal 103 he disbands the French Forces which he had in his Service ibid. the bad usage he shew 'em he makes preparations to repass into Sweden in order to be present at the Assembly of the States which he had call'd together â—o assist at the ceremony of his Coronation ibid. he causeth himself to be attended with two Ecclesiastical Senators 104 for what reason ibid. he imbarks for Sweden accompanied with the Queen his Wife ibid. the Ambassador of the Emperor Charles V. brings him the Order of the Golden Fleece and congratulates him upon the happy success of all his enterprizes 105 he defers the receiving of the Golden Fleece to the day of his Coronation ibid. he takes measures in secret with the Archbishop of Upsal to put to death their common enemies 106 he is acknowledg'd in the Assembly as the Lawful Soveraign Prince of Sweden ibid. he invites the Senators and Swedish Nobility to a magnificent Feast to express joy for his accession to the Crown ibid he affects a very courteous familiar deportment ibid. Trollius Archbishop of Upsal demands justice of of him against the Senators that had depos'd him 107 Christiern seemingly declines to take any cognizance of the matter and referrs it to Theodore Archbishop of Lunden and the Bishop of Oldensee ibid. he causes the Administrator's Widow and all the other Lords who had been invited to the Feast which he made in the Castle of Stockholm to be arrested 108 he sends executioners to them to warn 'em to prepare for death 109 On the eight day of Nov. 1520. he puts to death by the hand of the common Hang-man a great number of Senators as well Ecclesiastical as Secular the
him ibid. Gustavus retires from Upsal with precipitation 149 his infantry being terrifi'd left the main body of his Army ibid. his Gentleman being hurry'd on with an unruly Horse fell upon him and threw him backward in the water ibid. he sustains as it were alone the whole shock of the Danish Forces ibid. he forms a design to surprize the Archbishop ibid. he receives the German Troops commanded by Colonel Sassi 150 he defeats the Archbishop's Army and re-enters into Upsal with his victorious Troops ibid. he marches directly to Stockholm 152 he obliges the Vice-Roy and the Archbishop to leave the City he is inform'd by a Courtier of the reducing of the Castles of Wadestene Hora and Sceninc in Ostro-Gothland 154 the Towns of Lincoping Norcoping and Sudercoping at the first approach of his Forces take up Arms and expel the Danes ibid. Gustavus receives the sad news of the death of his Mother and Sister who were cast into the Sea wrapt up in a Sack by the command of Christiern ib. he give orders cut in pieces all the Danes that could be taken ibid. he marches to Ostro-Gothland putting Garrisons and Governours into the Towns that adher'd to his party ibid. he advances to besiege the Bishop of Lincoping in his Castle 156 That Prelate opens his Gates and goes out to meet him with his principal Clergy ib. he calls a Meeting of the Estates of the Realm at Wadestene few Deputies of the Provinces are present and for what reason ibid. The Assembly earnestly entreats him to take upon himself the Administration of the Government 157 they are also desirous to confer on him the quality of King ibid. he positively refuses this Title and contents himself with that of Administrator ib. he is ackowledg'd by the Estates and in the Army as General Governour and Soveraign Administrator 〈◊〉 Sweden 158 H. HAquin King of Norway 9 I. INdulgences the Augustin Monks were usually employ'd to publish the Indulgences in Saxony 134 The Jacobins under Pope Leo X. take this Commission from them ibid. They amplifie the Virtue and Efficacy of Indulgences ib. They spend in Feasts and Riotous Excesses the Money so gather'd ibid. Luther preacheth at first against the Scandalous way of Publishing Indulgences ibid. Afterwards being exasperated with the Threats and Injuries he receiv'd from the Jacobins he inquires into the Origin and Foundation of Indulgences 135 He maintains the Indulgences were neither grounded on Advice nor Precept and that they were equally unprofitable both in this and the other World ibid. Jonas of Nerderby a Swedish Gentleman outlaw'd by Christiern retires to Gustavus's Army 131 K KIngs of Sweden their limited Power and Authority seq Many have attempted at several times to make themselves Masters of the Government 8 but in vain 9 c. see see Sweden L LAurentius Petria Lord of Sudermani declares in favour of Gustavus 143 he besieged the Town of Nicoping ibid. Leo X. Trolle Archbishop of Upsal receives the Pallium from the hands of Pope Leo X. 38 The Administrator of Sweden writes to the same Pope complaining of the Archbishops Misdemeanours 47 Leo X. answers him in obliging and favourable Terms ibid. However he only blames that Prelate in appearance ibid. for what reason ibid. He orders his Legate endeavour to procure an accommodation betwixt the Archbishop and the Administrator 53 The Archbishop being constrain'd to renounce his Dignity in a full Senate makes a complaint to the Pope of the Violence that was offer'd to him 66 Leo X. threatens to Excommunicate the Administrator of he doth not forthwith re-establish the Archbishop ibid. The Administrator Steno complains to the Legate of the Pope's partiality ibid Pope Leo X. upon the Administrators vsâ—sal to restere Trolle Archbishop of Upsal 〈…〉 former diâ—uity suspends the whole Kingdom of Sweden from Divine Service and Excommunicates the Prince and Senate 69 He commits the execution of this Bull to the King of Denmark the profess'd Enemy of the Swedes ibid. Lincoping The Bishops of Lincoping and Stregnez privy to the Secrets of the Archbishop of Upsal 83 They boldly declare for Christiern II. King of Denmark ibid. They hinder'd the Nobility from taking up arms to defend their Country ibid. They magnify the power of the Danes 84 They oppose the Election of a new Administrator ibid These two Prelates bring over to their Party three Senators and some Lords ibid. They engage these Noble-men to demand a Truce of Otho in the name of the whole Nation ibid. The Bishop of Lincoping is condemn'd to death by the order of Christiern 110 However he causes him to be set at Liberty and for what rea-son 110. 111 This Prelate durst not declare for Gustavus against Christiern but shuts himself up in his Castle 155 The Bishop of Lincoping being inform'd of his displeasure and approach goes forth to meet him with some of the chief of his Clergy in order to appease his Anger and to make a Submission 156 Lords of Sweden their Authority and Power 6 see Sweden 6 Luther Martin an Augustin Monk Doctor and Professor in the University of Wirtemburg 134 He Preaches against the abuse the Jacobins made of their power in publishing of Indulgences ibid. He publish'd his Opinions concerning the Remission of Sins Repentance and Purgatory He calls in question the Popes Authority 136 Luther is condemned at Rome as a Heretick 135 He engageth the Secular Princes in his defence against the Court of Rome ibid. Laurentius and Olaus Petri propagate his Doctrin in Sweden 151 Olaus Petri publickly Preaches it in the Cathedral Church at Stregnes ibid. He prevails upon the Professors and Scholars of the University to profess the same Dostrin 152 The Bishops of Sweden neglect to take notice of the rise and progress of Lutheranism ibid. M. MAgnus Smeck his Reign Wife and Children 9 He attempts to render himself an absolute Monarch in Sweden and entirely to abolish the Senate ibid. He is driven out of Sweden by his Subjects ibid. Margaret The Estates of Norway confer upon her the Regency of the Kingdom and the Guardianship of the Young Prince Olaus her Son After the death of Prince Olaus she is elected by the Estates for their Soveraign Princess ibid. Her Father Waldemar King of Denmark dying without Issue she sends Deputies to the Estates of that Kingdom to sollicit her Election in their Assembly She is proclaim'd Queen of Denmark ibid. The Swedes offer their Crown to the Queen Margaret ibid. 13 She accepts it and for what reason 13 The Treaty which she made with the Swedes ibid. She is acknowledg'd as the Soveraign Princess of Sweden ibid. The Character of this Princess 12 Having no Children and not being willing to Marry she appoints her a Successor at the request of the Swedes 14. 15 She proposes the Union of the 3 Kingdoms under the same Monarch to the Deputies of the 3 Nations Assembled at Calmar 15 she obtain'd her desire 16 by what means she made
Senate 66 Steno marcheth directly against the King of Denmark who had invested Stockholm deseats his Rear-guard carrieth away whole Baggage and takes many Prisoners 71 The King of Denmark proposes a Truce for some dayes 72 Steno consents to the Truce and sends Provisions to the King and to his whole Flect 73 Christiern by a Stratagem determines to make himself Master of Stenio's Person ibid. Christiern having Arrested Gustavus contrary to the Law of Nations Steno Arms all he can meet with resolving either to rescue him or to perish in the Attempt 75 He marches at the head of his Army being follow'd by ten thousand Peasants of West Gothland to oppose Otho General of the Danish Troops 80 81 He Attacks Otho with an undaunted Courage is most desperately engag'd amidst the Enemies and even keeps the Victory doubtful notwithstanding the inequality of his Forces 81 Steno is wounded with a Cannon-ball which carry'd away one of his Legs ibid. He looses both the Battel and his Life ibid. The Virtues and Faults of that Prince ibid. His Widow retires to the Citadel of Stockholm with her two young Children 83 Steque Castle it 's Situation 49 'T is dismantled by the Order of the Senate of Sweden 65 Stockholm Besieg'd by the Danes 70 Christiern is forc'd to raise the Siege 81 He demands of the Administrator of Sweden an interview in the City of Stockholm in order to terminate all their Differences 74 Stockholm and Calmar after the death of the Administrator remain only in the possession of his Widow 87 Otho investeth Stockholm ibid. Christiern summons the Administrator's Widow to Surrender it 95 He carries on the Siege with Vigor 96 He enters by Capitulation into the City at the head of four Thousand Men He abandons it to the Fury of his Souldiers 111 Suanto-Sturius Administrator of Sweden 30 his admirable Endowments 31 32 Sweden The Kingdom of Sweden was still elective in the middle of the XIV Century 1 The nearest Relations of the deceasâ—d King usually succeeded but alwayes by Virtue of Election idid of the Power of the King of Sweden ibid. How it was limited ibid. The Revenue of the Crown wherein it is consisted 2 Of the Senate of it's Authority of the Lords of whom it was compos'd 3 and sequ The Archbishop of Upsal Primate of Sweden was a Senator by his Office ibid. The other Senators were at the King's Nomination ibid. Of the Clergy of Sweden their Revenues and Power 4 and sequ Of the Lords and Gentlemen of Sweden 6 hey made use of their Vassals as Domestick Servants without Wages to cultivate their Lands ibid. The Titles of Baron Count and Marrquiss were not known among the Nobility in Sweden ibid. The Gentleman maintain'd their Interests and reveng'd Iujuries offer'd to them by Force of Arms ibid. Of the Burghers of the Towns and the little Authority their Deputies had in the Diets Of the Peasants ibid their Manners and Religion ibid. they have a particular priviledge to send Deputies out of their Body to the States General ibid Divers attempts that the Kings of Sweden have made to recover their Authority 8 and sequ The Wars that laid waste Sweden du-ring seven Years 13 ibid. The cause of these Wars The Union of Sweden Denmark and Norway under one Monarch 16 The several Wars which that Union occasion'd between Sweden and Denmark ibid. and sequ After the deposing of Christiern Sweden fall into a kind of lamentable Anarchy 19 Sweden depopulated by Civil Wars ibid. Steno-Sturius Administrator of Sweden ibid What that Dignity was 30 The Foundation of the Swedish Monarchy and the Original of the Grandeur of the Family which at prefent pessesseth the Throne 31 Otho the Danish General ravageth Sweden 80 and sequ The Swedish Lords and Gentlemen are forc'd to submit to the Danish Yoke 86 Of all the Cities of Sweden only Calmar and Stockholm refus'd to open their Grates to the Danes 87 Christiern takes a Resolution to destroy the greatest Noble-men of Sweden and to abolish the Senate 100 c. He executes his Barbarous Design on the 8th day of Novemb. 1520. 199 The desolation of Sweden 111 114 T THeodore Archbishop of Lunden what he was 104 to whom he was beholding for his advancement to this Dignity ibid. He is advane'd upon Segebrite's Recommendation from the Function of the Princes Barber to the Dignity of an Archbishop ibid. Christiern refer'd to him and to the Bishop of Odensee his Suffragan the complaint of Trolle Archbishop of Upsal against those that had fore'd him to renounce his dignity 107 These two Prelates cause the Administrator's Widow to â—ppear before them to give an account of the proceedings of Prince Steno hee Husband ibid. Christiern nominates Theodore Archbishop of Lunden to be Vice-Roy in his absence 114 This Archbishop asspaâ—cheth a Courier to Christiern to give him notice of the Revolt of the Northern Provinces 133 He recalls all the Troops that were dispers'd thro' the Kingdom ibid. The Auxiliary Forces refuse to obey ibid. Christiern Writes to him to march with his Army to reduce the Rebels to their Obedience Theodore advanceth at the head of his Forces as far as the River Brunebec with a design to give Battel to Gustavus in the passage of this River 137 138 He abandons that Post where he might have engag'd with considerable Advantage 158 He retires to the Castle of Westeras not believing himself to be safe there ibid. he shuts himself up in the Castle of Stockholm ibid. He leaâ—ves Stockholm and 〈◊〉 Denmirk 15â— Trolle nominated by the Archbishop of Upsal and the Bishop to the dignity of Administrator of Sweden 33 The Secular Senators Deputies of the Provinces c. exclude him 34 The Tumults occasion'd by the heat of the contending Parties ibid. His agreement with the young Prince Steno 35 Young Trolle his Son is ordain'd at Rome Archbishop of Upsal 38 A Character of that Prelate 41 His carriage toward the Administrator of Sweden ibid. The Projects which he contriv'd with Christiern II. King of Denmark to depose the Administrator Young Trolle indiscretion and want of Policy 41 He entertains the Administrator with extraordinary Magnificence 46 Upon what account ibid. He reproacheth him for aspiring to a Dignity that was by no means due to him ibid. He Corrupts the Governors of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicoping 48 He exherts Christiern King of Denmark to break the Truce which he had made with Sweden and to march to the Frontiers ibid. He is cited to take an Oath of fidelity to the Estates Assembled at Tellia 49 58 He shuts himself up in the Castle of Steque 49 He holds an Assembly of the Bishops of the Kingdom and the rest of his Party ibid. He complains of the slowness of the King of Denmark in entring the Kingdom 58 He requires the Senate to call a new Meeting of the Estates ibid. The Estates resolve to seize upon his Person and to bring him to his Tryal
and to execute their Decrees The Public Authority was almost entirely lodg'd in the Senate which was usually compos'd of Twelve Lords who for the most part were Governors of Provinces or Principal Officers of State These Lords attended the King at Stockholm the Capital City of the Kingdom when any Important Affairs were to be transacted The Archbishop of Upsal Primate of Sweden Lincepinc Seregnez Vesteras Seara Abeo and Vexio was a Senator by his Office and the six Bishops of the Kingdom bore a great Sway in the Meeting of the Estates tho' they had no right to sit in the Senate unless they were nominated by the King or chosen by the Estates during an Interregnum The Dignity of a Senator was not Hereditary for the Nomination of those Officers was a Branch of the Royal Prerogative and some of the Bishops or principal Lords of the Kingdom were chosen by the King to supply the vacant Places who by this means had a fair Opportunity to introduce his Friends and Creatures into the Senate But he was frequently disappointed in his Choice and for the most part lost a Friend when he made him a Senator For the nearer a Favorite was advanc'd to his Master's Power and Authority he was the farther remov'd from his Interest And besides the Love of Liberty and Affection to their Country were in those days the predominant Passions of the Swedes nor could any Engagement or Obligation weaken the Biass of so powerful an Inclination The Senate which at first was only instituted as a Council to advise the King had by degrees assum'd an Authority over his Actions The eldest Senator pretended a Right to admonish and check the Prince when he transgress'd the Limits of his Prerogative The People look'd upon the Senators as the Protectors of the Liberty and Privileges of the Nation The Sovereign Power and Majesty of the State was properly lodg'd in that Body There Justice was administer'd Independently and without Appeal and both War and Peace depended on their Deliberations 'T is true they acted joyntly with the King but he was oftentimes oblig'd to content himself with the Honour of executing their Resolutions The Clergy were postest of greater Riches than the King and all the other Estates of the Kingdom The Archbishop of Upsal and his six Suffragans maintain'd their Dignity with all the Splendor that a vast Treasure cou'd enable 'em to display They were for the most part the Temporal Lords of their Episcopal Sees And besides the Possessions that were annex'd to their Bishopricks which consisted in several considerable Signiories or Lordships they had made themselves Heirs to all the Ecclesiasticks that died Intestate in their respective Diocesses which by degrees had extreamly augmented their Revenues They enjoy'd the Prosits of Fines and Forfeitures which formerly belong'd to the Crown and by several Foundations and Pious Legacies had made themselves Masters of a considerable number of the King's Mannors and Fees The Patrimony of the Church was daily augmented by Donations but cou'd never be diminish'd by Sale or Alienation for such Practises were forbidden by express Laws which were as prejudicial to the Laity as advantageous to the Clergy and serv'd only to establish the Grandeur of the latter upon the Ruins of the former The Bishops made so good Use of the Influence they had over the People at Elections and of the Need a Pretender had of their Votes and Interest that they obtain'd on such Occasions several Privileges which did very considerably diminish both the Revenue and Authority of the Prince They exacted what Conditions they pleas'd of the King before they wou'd own him to be their Sovereign And before they wou'd perform the Ceremony of his Coronation they oblig'd him to Swear That he wou'd inviolably preserve 'em in the Possession 〈◊〉 their Rights and Privileges That he wou'd never attempt to put a Garrison into any of their Castles or Forts That the Lands and Mannors which they enjoy'd by what Means soever they had come to the Possession of 'em shou'd not be re-united to the Crown and at the same time they made him Sign a Paper declaring that he consented to his own Deposition if ever he shou'd violate his Oath by incroaching upon their Privileges These Prelates grew so proud of their Riches and of the number of their Vassals that they began by degrees to act like so many little Sovereigns They fortify'd their Castles and kept Garrisons in 'em They never appear'd without a numerous Attendance of Gentlemen and Soldiers and were still at the Head of all Factions and Intrigues They frequently took up Arms against their Neighbours for Differences relating to their Vassals or about the Limits of their Estates and even sometimes scrupl'd not to march at the Head of an Army against their Sovereign especially when they suspected him of a Design to recover the Duties and Lands that belong'd to the Crown The Lords and Gentlemen fortify'd their Castles and made 'em the Seats of their petty Empires They treated their Vassals like menial Servants tho' they allow'd 'em no Wages they made 'em Till their Lands and oftentimes put 'em in Arms to make Incursions into the Territories of their Neighbours The Swedish Nobility was not then distinguish'd by the Titles of Baron Count or Marquess or by Hereditary Names of Families They were only known by the respective Arms of their Houses and by their Fathers Name Gustavus Ericson i. e. Gustavus the Son of Eric which they bore joyntly with their own and were noted only for their Valour and for the numerous Train of Vassals that follow'd 'em to the War They defended their Rights and reveng'd the Injuries they receiv'd by Force of Arms and neither sought nor expected Redress from the publick Justice because there was no Power in the Government to put the Laws in Execution Force was the Standard of Law and Justice and the Supream Decider of all sorts of Controversies The Burghers of Stockholm and the Inhabitants of other Maritime Towns who subsisted merely by Trading were more submissive to the King and better affected to the Government The Merchants especially were so dishearten'd by that Lawless Liberty which expos'd 'em to the Insolency of every Potent Oppressor that they wou'd have willingly consented to invest the Prince with a sufficient Authority to restore the Publick Quiet and establish the Trade of the Nation in a flourishing Condition But there were so few Cities in the Kingdom that their Deputies had no great Interest and were not much regarded in the Diets The Peasants on the contrary who in this Kingdom have the peculiar Privilege to send Deputies of their own Body to the Estates out of a blind Obedience to their Lords were obstinate Assertors of the Liberties and Privileges of their Provinces Those who liv'd in fertile Countries apply'd themselves to Husbandry but in Helfingland Cuestricland Angermeland and other Northern Provinces they spent their time in Hunting Fallow Deer
which furnish'd 'em with Meat for their Subsistence and Skins for the Prince's Tribute They were mere Savages for the most part bred in Woods jealous of their Customs and having little to lose were ready upon the least Occasion to rise up in Arms and revolt against the Government Idolatry was still openly profess'd in some of their Villages and Christianity prevail'd in others but their Religion was so disfigur'd by a Mixture of their Ancient Superstitions that they scarce retain'd more of it than the bare Name of Christians The Peasants were the most numerous and potent Body of the State Some of 'em held immediately of the Crown and sent Deputies to the Diets and the rest were Vassals to the Clergy and Nobility Tho' the Tribute they paid to the King was very easy and inconsiderable he was oftentimes oblig'd to levy it by Force and to send some regulated Troops to the Forrests and Mountains for the Security of those who were appointed to collect his Duties They seldom or never contributed their Assistance to the Preservation of the State but in the Quality of Soldiers and even in that Case they thought themselves oblig'd only to defend the Frontiers of their respective Provinces and always claim'd the Privilege of chusing their own Leaders In all other Respects they liv'd almost without any Dependence upon the Court and ev'n without any Union or Concord among themselves being equally incapable of Society and Submission and affecting rather an untractable Wildness than a generous Liberâ—y If we reflect upon the Independency of the Subjects the limited Authority of the Sovereign and the different Interests of the several Orders that compos'd the State 't will not appear Strange that the Kingdom was almost perpetually harass'd with Insurrections and Civil Wars Most of the Kings aspir'd at a more absolute Authority and some of 'em by the Assistance of their Friends and Creatures endeavour'd to make themselves Masters of the Government and to shake off their Dependence on the Senate But the People were so far from being unconcern'd Spectators of an open Violation of the Liberties and Privileges of the Nation that the very Shadow and least Appearance of Arbitrary Power occasion'd an universal Revolt and re-united all the States against the King The Bishops were afraid of Reprizals under too powerful a Prince who might seize upon his alienated Revenues and perhaps confine the Clergy within the Limits of their Profession The Noblemen took up Arms to defend the Privileges that made 'em in a manner Independent and the Peasants without comprehending their true Interest fought with the utmost Vigor and Obstinacy for the Preservation of certain Customs that were useless to the Public but agreeable to their Savage Temper The whole Kingdom was a perpetual Scene of Seditions Desolations and Revolts The Fate of the King seem'd to be in the Hands of his Subjects and to depend on their Capricious Humour and several Princes were driven out of the Kingdom for attempting to make themselves Absolute The Jealousy that reign'd among the principal Families of the Kingdom made 'em willing to retain the Title and Dignity of a King But at the same Time they resolv'd to bestow that Honour only upon a Foreign Prince that having no private Estate in the Kingdom and being wholly destitute of Relations and Creatures they might oblige him to content himself with as much Authority as they thought fit to allow him About the year 1363. Magnus Smock reign'd in Sweden he had two Sons Eric and Haquin by his Wife Blanch Daughter to the Count of Namur The Elder of these Princes being dead the People of Norway bestow'd the Crown of that Kingdom upon the Younger who by his Father's Advice had marry'd Margaret Daughter to Valdemar IV. King of Denmark Magnus having secur'd Norway and being supported by his Danish Aliance wou'd not let slip so favourable an Opportunity to make himself absolute in Sweden by abolishing the Senate of that Kingdom And perhaps that Project was concerted by all the Three Kings and design'd to be put in Execution in their respective Kingdoms to rid themselves of that dreaded Assembly which check'd their growing Authority and controul'd all their ambitious Designs But as soon as the Swedes discover'd the Intentions and Correspondence of these three Princes they took up Arms immediately and Sweden became the Theatre of a cruel and bloody War Valdemar during his Life was very diligent in assisting his Ally and Haquin sent a considerable Body of Men to re-inforce his Father's Army But the Swedes alone who were always strong enough when they fought for the Defence of their Liberty routed the Joynt-Forces of these three Monarchs and at last drove Magnus out of the Kingdom esteeming themselves sufficiently rewarded for all the Blood they had spent in the Cause by the Liberty they had to chuse a new Sovereign They proceeded immediately to an Election and the Choice fell upon Prince Albert second Son to the Duke of Meckelburgh and Nephew to the late King Magnus excluding King Haquin and Henry Albert's Elder Brother whom they hated and suspected as persons who had always promoted the Interest of the Prince whom they had lately dethron'd Thus Albert ow'd his Advancement to the impatient Humour of the Swedes which cou'd not bear the Yoke of too absolute a power Before his Accession to the Crown that he might promote his own Interest he seem'd to embrace that of the People but as soon as he found himself fix'd upon the Throne he began to follow the Maxims of his Predecessors and study'd the most promising Methods by which he might make himself the absolute Master of his Subjects The Senate was the object both of his Jealousy and Aversion but the Fate of King Magnus deterr'd him from attempting to abolish that powerful Body much less cou'd he hope either to gain or over-aw those rich and potent Lords that look'd upon themselves rather as his Tutors than Councellors And therefore to ballance their Authority he sent for some Princes of his Family and several German Lords and Captains whom he intrusted with the Command of the Troops and principal Forts of the Kingdom He introduc'd some of these Strangers into the Senate against the fundamental Laws of the State and under various pretexts brought into Sweden a considerable Number of Foreign Troops who began to render him terrible to his own Subjects Then he proceeded to impose exorbitant Taxes upon the People for the payment of his Army But this politic Contrivance to establish his Authority being push'd on too far serv'd only to hasten his Destruction for the Swedes grew jealous of their Privileges and resolv'd to shake off that rigorous Yoke which they were not accustom'd to bear Margaret the Daughter of Valdemar King of Denmark and Widow of Haquin King of Norwey was at the same time possess'd of the Crowns of both these Kingdoms For after the Death of the King her Husband who did not long Survive
the Defeat and ABDICATION of his Father King Magnus the States of Norwey intrusted her with the Regency of the Kingdom and the Guardianship of her Son Olaus And during her Administration of the Government she made so good Use of her Time and manag'd her designs with so much Dexterity and Success that when the young Prince dyed the Norwegians found they were not at liberty to proceed to a new Choice She was Mistress of the Army and of the Forts or places of Strength so that the Principal Lords of the Kingdom who were not gain'd to her party durst not seem dissatisfi'd nor so much as indifferent at a Time when they cou'd not without Danger discover their true Sentiments Thus Margaret was elected by the Estates and exchang'd the Quality of a Regent for that of a Sovereign Queen having already born the same Title as the Wife of King Haquin King Valdemar her Father dying the same Year without leaving any Prince of his Blood whom the Danes might chuse for his Successor she sent Deputies to the States General of the Kingdom to Solicite her Election to that Crown Henry of Mackelburgh the Elder brother of Albert King of Sweden and Husband of her Elder Sister the Princess Ingelburge employ'd his interest to obtain the same Dignity and flattering himself with the advantage he had of being a Son-in-Law to the deceas'd King thought he might easily contend with a Female Competitor But the Queen's Agents drew such convincing Arguments from the Merit and perhaps also from the Money of their Mistress that she was unanimously elected by the whole Assembly and proclam'd Queen of Denmark in the Meeting of the Estates As soon as she receiv'd the News of her Advancement she left Norwey and went immediately to Copenhagen where she fixt the Seat of her Empire This Princess who by some is call'd the Semiramis of the North besides the usual Ambition of her Sex was Mistress of a Dexterity in the Management of Affairs and of a Capacity to form a long Series of coherent Projects that are rarely observ'd in a Woman Her Inclinations to Love were sutable to her Character and Dignity that is she was not really in love with any thing but Glory or sensible of any Passion but her Ambition to extend the limits of her Empire and advance her Authority She rejoyc'd in secret at the Dissatisfaction of the Swedes and endeavour'd to gain some of the Leading Men of that Nation She bestow'd Pensions and an honourable Entertainment on those that were ill treated by King Albert and openly blam'd his injustice in violating the Liberty and Privileges of his Subjects That Prince was daily laying new Impositions upon his People without the consent either of the Estates or Senat and had already Squeez'd considerable Sums out of the Clergy by way of Loans But nothing render'd him more odious both to the Bishops and Nobility than his Reuniting to the Crown the third part of those Fees or Estates to which the Clergy and Gentry claim'd a right by vertue of so long a Possession This was the fatal signal of an universal Revolt the Swedes conspir'd unanimously against him resolving to drive him out of the Kingdom and to offer the Crown to Queen Margaret They imagin'd that she had already so much business in Denmark that she wou'd content her self with almost the bare Title of Queen of Sweden And tho' she shou'd endeavour to stretch the Prerogative too far they concluded that the Danes and Norwegians wou'd unite all their Forces to keep their common Soveraign in a dependence on the Estates and Senate of each Kingdom In pursuance of this Design they secretly deputed some of the most considerable Lords of the Kingdom to offer her the Crown and she receiv'd the Proposal with joy as the most probable means to secure the Peace of Denmark For the violent Animosity that reign'd betwixt the Subjects of both Nations was of as ancient a date as the Foundation of the two Kingdoms and that Antipathy which is usually observ'd betwixt Neighbouring States had all along been a perpetual source of War which had oftentimes prov'd fatal to Denmark And besides this prudent Princess concluded that her new Advancement might one day furnish her with an opportunity to unite Sweden to Denmark These considerations made her resolve to give a favourable answer to the Proposals of the Male contents She agreed with their Deputies that the Nobility shou'd rise up in Arms that they shou'd acquaint King Albert with his Deposition that the Army and Estates shou'd publickly acknowledge her to be their Soveraign and that after her Election she shou'd be oblig'd to send a considerable Body of Troops to support and defend ' em The Treaty being sign'd the Swedes immediately took up arms against the King and sent a Herald to intimate and declare that they renounc'd the Allegiance they had sworn to him At the same time they proclaim'd Margaret de Valdemar Queen of Sweden and assoon as they had receiv'd the Reinforcement which they expected from that Princess the united Armies march'd towards West-Gothland where King Albert was drawing his Forces together to oppose ' em That Prince had taken all possible care to put himself in a posture of defence he had rais'd a considerable Body of Troops obtain'd the Assistance of several German Princes who were either his Relations or Allies and engag'd the Isle of Gothland for the payment of twenty Thousand Rose-Nobles of the Coin of England which he borrow'd of the Knights of the Teutonick Order to maintain the Charge of the War But all these preparations could not divert his impending Fate The two Armies met near Falcopinc and Albert was not only defeated but had the Misfortune to fall into the Hands of his Enemies with his Son Prince Eric and the principal Lords of his Party The Princes of the House of Meckelburgh and Gerard Count of Holstein endeavour'd to revive the drooping Hopes of this unfortunate Prince They levy'd new Troops and obtain'd considerable Succours from the Hans-Towns who were jealous of the Queen's Power and dreaded the successful progress of her Arms. Thus Sweden was made a prey to several different and Jarring Nations who seem'd only to agree in a Design to ruin that Kingdom and amid'st so many Disasters the poor Inhabitants cou'd not distinguish their Friends from their Enemies The War lasted almost seven Years with extraordinary Fury and a vast expence of Blood And the Peace that succeeded was rather an effect of the Weariness of the two contending Parties than of any Abatement of the Rage that animated ' em Albert was at last constrain'd to exchange his Crown for his Liberty and retir'd to his Native Country after which Queen Margaret's Title to the Crowns of the Three Kingdoms of the North was universally own'd and acknowledg'd The Swedes seeing themselves subject to a Princess that had no Children and fearing that after her Death King Albert or the Prince
his Son might renew their pretensions to the Crown intreated her to secure the happiness of the Kingdom by an advantageous Match This Proposal however intended was not at all welcome to the Queen She was too fond of the Sovereign Power to share it with a Husband Yet that she might not seem to slight the Petition of her new Subjects she consented to appoint her Successor But at the same Time she resolv'd to chuse a Prince whose tender Age might secure the quiet of her Government and keep him from attempting to mount the Throne during her Life In pursuance of this Resolution she sent for Prince Henry of Pomerania the Son of Wartislas VII and of Mary of Meckelburgh the Daughter of Henry of Meckelburgh and of Ingelburge the Queen's Elder Sister She order'd him to be call'd Eric a Name which Twelve Kings of Sweden had already born resolving to educate him at her Court and to make him the Heir of the Three Northern Crowns The Form of Government in these Kingdoms was almost the same All three were Elective and every Nation had its Senate without whose advice or the consent of the Estates the Prince cou'd not undertake any important Affair In order to the Accomplishment of her great Design the Queen spent some time in gaining Creatures and securing the interest of some of the Leading Men of each Nation And assoon as she found her Project ripe for Execution she call'd a Meeting or Convention of the Estates of her Three Kingdoms to be held at Calmar in Sweden whither Forty Deputies of each Nation repair'd to establish a Fundamental Law for the uniting of the Three Kingdoms under one Monarch The Queen presented the young Duke of Pomerania to the Convention and entreated 'em to confirm her Choice She endeavour'd with a great deal of Eloquence to make 'em sensible of the advantages they might expect by obeying the same Sovereign and put 'em in mind of the happy consequences of her Election which had establish'd the public Tranquillity and compos'd all those fatal Animosities that are wont to disturb the quiet of Neighbouring States She represented to 'em the inviting prospect they had of making themselves Masters of all the Trade of the Baltic Sea and that the Hanse-Towns cou'd never afterwards enrich themselves by their Divisions adding that the only way to perpetuate these advantages and to make the Union solid and durable was to unite the Three Kingdoms into one Monarchy by a solemn and Fundamental Law The Presence of so great a Princess the solidity of her Arguments the Applauses and Interest of her Creatures either gain'd or commanded the Consent of all the Deputies The Election of the Duke of Pomerania was unanimously approv'd and the Three Kingdoms of the North were united under that Prince and his Successors by a Fundamental Law which was receiv'd by the Three Nations and confirm'd by the most solemn Oaths This Celebrated Union of Calmar instead of establishing a lasting Concord betwixt the Northern Kingdoms was the fatal occasion of those bloody Wars that kept Sweden and Denmark in a perpetual Flame for above a hundred Years It consisted of Three Main Articles which seem'd to have been fram'd on purpose to secure the liberty and Independence of each Nation By the First 't was ordain'd that these three Kingdoms which by the constitution of their Government were Elective shou'd afterwards be Subject to one King who shou'd be elected by turns in each Kingdom and that the Royal Dignity shou'd not be appropriated to any one Nation to the prejudice or Exclusion of the rest unless the deceast Prince shou'd leave Children or Relations whom the Convention of the three Estates shou'd judge worthy to succeed him The Second oblig'd the Soveraign to share his Presence betwixt the three Realms and to spend the Revenue of each Crown in the respective Kingdom without exporting the Money he receiv'd or applying it to any other use than the particular advantage and benefit of the Kingdom where 't was levy'd And by the Third and most important Article 't was provided that each Kingdom shou'd retain its Senate Laws Customs and Privileges that the Governors Magistrates Generals Bishops Soldiers and Garrisons shou'd be Natives of the Kingdom where they were employ'd and that the King shou'd never dispose of any of these Posts to Foreigners or to the Subjects of his other Kingdoms who shou'd be reputed Foreigners and Aliens to the Government of the Countrey where they were not born The Swedes were extremely pleas'd to think that the Royal Prerogative was so effectually restrain'd by this Treaty that the Soveraign cou'd never afterwards invade the liberties of the Subject But they were soon convinc'd of their Error and both saw and felt the fatal Consequences of their mistaken Policy The Queen was too Powerful and Ambitious to content her self with so limited an Authority She was scarce settl'd upon the Throne of Sweden when she began to extend her Power and endeavour'd with an extraordinary Application to make her self the Absolute Mistress of the Kingdom She seiz'd on all the Principal Forts which she cunningly got out of the Hands of the Gentry by proposing some tempting Exchange that might enrich their Families but lessen their Power and augment their Dependance on the Court She bestow'd most of the Vacant Governments on Danish Lords against the Proviso expresly mention'd in the Treaty of Calmar and by degrees remov'd the Swedish Nobility from all the considerable Places of Honour and Trust in the Kingdom Abraham Broderson a young Swedish Lord who had a very graceful Mien and was admirably well shap'd had the peculiar honour of her Favor She gave him the Government of Haland and made him her only Confident But her extraordinary kindness to a Man whose Handsomeness was his only Merit instead of obliging the rest of his Countrimen furnish'd the disaffected party with a new pretext to censure her Behaviour and murmur against the Government At last they adventur'd to express their dissatisfaction to the Queen her self They went in a Body to attend her and laid before her the Titles by which they held their Priviledges and a Copy of the Treaty of Calmar the Violation of which gaul'd 'em extreamly But that cunning and imperious Princess was too well acquainted with her own Power to dread the Effects of their Impotent Rage and instead of returning a Satisfactory Answer to their Address she told 'em in a slighting and disdainful Manner That she wou'd advise 'em to keep their Charters and Titles as carefully as she intended to keep the Forts of the Kingdom She govern'd ever afterwards with an absolute Power and endeavour'd to secure and confirm her Authority by keeping the Nobility at a distance from the management of State-Affairs and empoverishing the Common People that they might not be able to carry on a design against the Government But since these Politic cautions were not sufficient to restrain a Nation that had been
and not only impos'd unusual Taxes upon the People but invaded the Privileges of the Nobility without reflecting on the fatal consequences of disobliging those to whom he ow'd his Crown and Authority By these violent proceedings he lost several of his best Friends and the most considerable Lords of the Kingdom The Arch-Bishop taking advantage of this Misunderstanding routed the King's Army which was already weaken'd by the Desertion of the Nobility and pursu'd him to Stockholm whither he retir'd after the Loss of the Battle That unfortunate Prince perceiving that the Nobility had forsaken him and that he had neither Forces nor provisions to undergo a Siege was so afraid of falling into the Hands of his Enemies that he left the Kingdom and retir'd to Dantsick with a Design to raise Forces in Prussia and Germany and to appear once again in Sweden at the Head of an Army In the mean Time the Arch-Bishop was receiv'd into Stockholm where he caus'd Christiern I. to be proclam'd King of Sweden That Prince was still in Norway but as soon as he had settl'd his Affairs there he march'd immediately to Sweden and was receiv'd as Sovereign of the Kingdom The Arch-bishop flatter'd himself with the Expectation of Governing the Kingdom and imagin'd that Christiern wou'd in imitation of his Predecessors content himself with the Title of King but that Prince declar'd openly that he was resolv'd to keep the power in his own Hands and did not think fit to gratify the Ambition of his Benefactor The haughty Prelate finding himself so unexpectedly slighted and as he thought ungratefully treated express'd his Dissatisfaction in Terms that were not much different from a positive Menace But Christiern knowing him to be a Person of a turbulent and daring Temper was so far from complying with his Humor or endeavouring to appease his Passion that he order'd him to be apprehended and sent him under a strong Guard to Denmark Catil Bishop of Lincopinc the Arch-bishop's Nephew took up Arms immediately to revenge the Affront that was put upon his Uncle and having in a little time rais'd a considerable Body of Soldiers had the good fortune to obtain several Victories over that Prince's Army Christiern perceiving that his Army was not strong enough to keep the Field in opposition to that Prelate disperst his Forces into the Places that were in his Possession and return'd to Denmark to Levy a sufficient Number of Men to recruit and augment his Army Bishop Catil remain'd Master of the Government during the War which lasted almost seven Years He offer'd several times to receive the King of Denmark into the Kingdom if he wou'd set the Archbishop at liberty But that Monarch was too proud to submit to a forc'd compliance and scorn'd to own the Reduction of Sweden to any but himself Canutson's Friends perceiving that the Breach grew-still wider took advantage of so favourable a Juncture and prevail'd with Catil to consent to the King's Restoration Assoon as that Prince receiv'd the welcome News he return'd to Sweden and re-mounted the Throne after he had liv'd seven Years in Exile but he saw himself quickly reduc'd to his former Condition This unexpected Revolution open'd the King of Denmark's Eyes and convinc'd him of the Error he had committed in disobliging the Clergy He endeavor'd to regain their Favor by setting the Arch-bishop at liberty and that Prelate assur'd him that he wou'd raise a new Insurrection against King Canutson Christiern was engag'd in a War with the Count of Holstein who had invaded Jutland so that he cou'd not at present spare any Soldiers but he furnish'd the Arch-bishop with a considerable sum to â—â—â—y Forces in Sweden and order'd a Company of his Guards to wait upon him that he might enter the Kingdom with an honourable attendance The Arch-bishop was met and receiv'd on the Frontiers by Bishop Catin and all his Followers He blam'd 'em for contributing to King Canutson's Restoration and 't was resolv'd by all that were present to Dethrone him a second time The War broke forth again with more fury than ever and not long after there was a bloody Battle fought on the Lake Meler which was then frozen where the King was so entirely defeated that he had not Men enough lest to secure his Retreat so that he was forc'd to put himself into the Hands of his Enemies The Arch-bishop made him renounce the Title of King and afterwards confin'd him to a Castle in Finland which he allow'd him for his Subsistence This Prelat was not so fond of King Christiern as before nor to forward to acknowledge him as King of Sweden His Imprisonment had given him a clearer view of the Policy and Temper of that Prince and he had found by experience that 't is sometimes dangerous for a Subject to put too great obligations on his Soveraign He resolv'd to enjoy the Fruit of his Victory and to share the Supreme Authority with the principal Lords of his Party Thus Sweden had the Misfortune to be made the Scene of a confus'd and fatal Anarchy and to groan under the Tyrannical Dominion of as many Sovereigns as there were Lords that cou'd raise any Forces or were Masters of a Castle or Fort. Every private Quarrel was the occasion of a War and the contending Parties made use of the Names of King Canutson or King Christiern to cover their rising up in Arms with a Pretence of Authority tho' at the bottom they did not own the Right or Interest of either of these Princes This Scene of Disorder lasted four Years during which Time the Kingdom was perpetually distracted with intestine Wars and the people were so weary of a liberty that expos'd 'em to so many and such terrible Miseries that they demanded the Restauration of King Canutson with extraordinary Eagerness and Importunity preferring an easy Subjection to a wild and troublesom Freedom Thus after so many Revolutions that Prince had the good Fortune to mount the Throne a third Time He was solemnly invested with the Title and Quality of a King and was put in possession of the Capital City but the Bishops and Lords retain'd their Authority over the Provinces He did not long survive this happy turn of his Fortune and was so sensible at his Death of the Difficulties with which the Sovereign of an elective State must resolve to encounter that he advis'd his Nephew Steno Sture whom he appointed to succeed him to content himself with the Quality of Administrator of Sweden for fear of provoking the Jealousy of the Lords by assuming a more elevated Title The Estates after his Death approv'd the choice he had made and the advice he had given his Successor The Bishops and the Nobility fearing that if he were invested with the Royal Dignity he wou'd re-demand the Tributes Revenues and Forts which they had seiz'd confirm'd the Title of Administrator and in that Quality intrusted him with the Command of the Army and the Government of the State The
Dignity of Administrator was properly a Commission during the Inter-Regnum or Vacancy of the Throne which might be revok'd and made void by the Estates He was by his Office the General of the Kingdom and had a more immediate Authority over the Soldiers and Officers who took an Oath of Fidelity to him The Arch-Bishop of Upsal as Chief Senator which was a Dignity annex'd to his Office had the Precedency in publick Solemnities and on Days of Ceremony but in Time of War the Sovereign Power was lodg'd in the Person of the Administrator and he enjoy'd all the Authority of a King tho' he durst not assume the Title The Swedes were so afraid of absolute Power that they dreaded the very Name of a King and imagin'd that they enjoy'd a greater Liberty under an Administrator tho' his Authority was not Inferior to that of a King and might be advanc'd as high as he had the Courage and Dexterity to raise it Christiern the First endeavour'd sometimes by Treaties and sometimes by Force to abolish that Dignity and re-establish the Union of Calmar The Bishops were still devoted to his Interest and declar'd in his Favour as often as they cou'd discover their Inclinations without Danger During the space of Four and Forty Years that Monarch and King John the Second his Son govern'd Sweden by Turns with the Administrator Steno and Suanto Sture For it happen'd not unfrequently that the King of Denmark and the Administrator were at the same Time Masters of several Provinces according as the Faction of the Bishops or the Party of the Nobility prevail'd In the mean time neither of 'em cou'd make themselves Absolute in a Kingdom where the Sovereigns were oftentimes oblig'd to part with some Branch of their Prerogative to purchase the Obedience of their Subjects Such was the State of Sweden when it began to be made the Theatre of the most memorable Revolutions that ever happen'd in the North which may be justly reckon'd the Foundations of the Swedish Monarchy Charles XI King of Sweden of the Palatine Branch of Deuxponts is the Grand-son of Catherine de Vasa the Daughter of Charles of Sudermania and Wife of Casimir Count Palatine of the Rhine and of the Grandeur of that Family which at present possesses the Throne After the Death of Swanto Sture the last Administrator of Sweden the Factions and Parties which by his Power and Policy he had broken and disperst began to break forth with fresh Violence He ow'd his Advancement to his own Merit and to the need the Kingdom had of his Protection For he was chosen Administrator at a time when that Dignity seem'd to be instituted on purpose to oppose the Attempts of the Danes His Victories over the Muscovites rais'd his Glory and Reputation and made his Memory Illustrious His Power was almost equal to the Authority of the most Absolute Monarchs He was Fortunate in War and respected in Peace he oblig'd John II. King of Denmark by the Terror of his Arms to make a Truce with Sweden and establish'd Peace and Plenty among his People The Nobility and Peasants look'd upon him as the Protector of the Publick Liberty and his Merit procur'd him the Friendship of some of the Bishops whom he had perswaded to disingage themselves from the Danish Faction He never undertook any important Affair without imparting his Designs to James Ulfonis Archbishop of Upsal and Heming Gadde Bishop of Lincopine For tho' those Prelates were Enemies to his Dignity they cou'd not forbear loving and esteeming his Person He shew'd an extraordinary Respect to the Senate and affected so little Superiority over the Noble men that he seem'd only to excel 'em in Merit tho' he was willing that People shou'd know that this was rather an Effect of his Moderation than of Weakness and Meanness of Spirit He kept always a considerable Body of Standing Forces that his Enemies might never find an Opportunity to Surprize him before he was prepar'd to receive ' em His Court and Houshold were compos'd of the Officers of his Army he maintain'd 'em with his own Revenues in time of Peace and made 'em his Ministers and Favorites These prudent Maxims which he observ'd in the Management of all his Affairs made him the Terror of the Danes and their Faction who durst never engage in any Attempt against Sweden during his Government After his Death the Senate call'd a Meeting or Convention of the Estates at Arboga to proceed to the Choice of a Successor The Bishops led by the Consideration of their private Interest endeavour'd to support the Claim of the Kings of Denmark under whose Reign they had always the largest Share in the Government and lest no Means unattempted to revive the Union of Calmar They represented to the Estates that Plenty and a flourishing Trade were the happy Effects of the Observance of that Treaty in Norway that this was the only Way to change the present Truce with Denmark to a solid Peace which cou'd not but be extreamly Advantageous to Sweden and that on the contrary the Election of an Administrator wou'd make the Kingdom the Seat of a bloody and pernicious War so long as there were any Kings in Denmark able to maintain the Justice of their Pretensions to the Crown of Sweden But these Arguments were not much regarded by the rest of the Assembly who were convinc'd that these designing Prelates wou'd for their own Interest bring the Nation under a Yoak that was Grievous and Insupportable to all the other Estates of the Kingdom The greatest part of the Deputies declar'd aloud That they wou'd have an Administrator and the Bishops were forc'd to comply with the prevailing Opinion The Archbishop of Upsal was the first that gave his Vote and declar'd in Favour of the Senator Eric Trolle who was a prudent and deserving Person and besides recommended by his Age Birth Riches and Alliance to the late Administrator The Archbishop to prevent any Opposition that might be made against that Senator's Advancement assur'd the Friends and Relations of the late Administrator that 't was only the Respect he had for the Memory of that Great Man which made him name Trolle for his Successor adding That by this means Swanto's Son who by reason of his Youth cou'd not be suppos'd to be yet Master of so much Skill and Experience as was requir'd for the Discharge of so great a Trust wou'd have an Excellent Opportunity to fit himself for the Management of Affairs and to learn the Art of War under the Inspection of his Kinsman who by reason of his old Age cou'd not keep him long from the Possession of his Father's Dignity But this was only a specious Pretence to cover his hidden Designs He had resum'd the old Maxims of the Clergy after the Death of Swanto or rather began now to discover those Inclinations which he durst not own under the Reign of that wise and powerful Prince Eric Trolle was his intimate Friend and
were always ready to promote the Interests of Denmark help'd him to bear the mortifying News of the Election of a new Administrator And he imagin'd that by the Assistance of the Swedish Clergy he might obtain an easie Victory over a Prince whose Authority was not yet firmly establish'd He wrote with his own hand to that young Prelate to congratulate his late Advancement and sent him a considerable Sum of Money as a Token of his Friendship Trolle was consecrated at Rome and receiv'd the Pallium from Pope Leo X. In his return to Sweden he pass'd by Lubeck which at that time was the principal and most potent City of all the Hanse-Towns and had engross'd the whole Trade of the Northern Kingdoms There he sound a Gentleman whom King Christiern had sent to engage him in his Party The Danish Minister who was acquainted with his Master's most secret Designs after he had deliver'd his Credentials told the Archbishop in the King's Name that His Majesty cou'd not forbear taking this occasion to repeat the Assurances of his Friendship and that he hop'd to see the Union of Calmar reviv'd by his Assistance and by the Interest and Power to which the Dignity of his Office gave him so just a Title Trolle was not ignorant of the Interest and Inclination of his Family and both his Father and the old Archbishop had taken care to engage him in their Faction He told the Gentleman that he was fully perswaded of the Justice of his Master's Pretensions to the Crown of Sweden and pray'd him to assure that Prince in his Name that he was very sensible of the Obligations which the Consideration both of his Office and Family laid upon him to promote the Danish Interest and that as soon as he had taken Possession of his Archbishoprick he wou'd endeavour to give His Majesty the most convincing Marks of his Zeal and Affection to his Service He had afterwards several private Conferences with King Christiern's Agent during his abode at Lubeck The Dane finding him to be of a haughty and imperious Temper and extreamly proud of his new Dignity and of the Grandeur of his Family resolv'd to attack him on the weak side and to make him an Enemy to the Administrator as well as a Friend to the King of Denmark He insinuated with a great deal of Art that he was oblig'd in Justice to himself and to the Honor of his Family to resent the Affront that was put upon his Father and added That he cou'd never believe that a Person of his Merit wou'd tamely bear the Arrogancy of an Insolent Youth He represented to him afterwards That the Election of an Administrator was a late Invention of the Nobility to elude the Treaty of Calmar That by this means the Kings of Denmark were depriv'd of their undoubted Right to the Crown of Swedon and the Prelates of that Kingdom excluded from the Share which those Princes allow'd 'em in the Government Then finding that his Discourse had made a considerable Impression on the Archbishop's Mind he added as it were to comfort him after such Melancholy Reflexions That in all probability the young Administrator wou'd not continue long in the Possession of his Dignity That the King his Master was resolv'd to insist upon the Execution of the Treaty of Calmar That his Claim wou'd be asserted by Coarlâ— and Ferdinand of Austria whose Sister he had lately marry'd by the Dukes of Saxony his Uncles and the Marquess of Brandenburg his Brother-in-law That he was at Peace with all the Hanse-Towns That the City of Lubeck which formerly pretended to preserve an Equality betwixt the Northern Crowns was not now in a Condition to assist Sweden That the Republick was so weaken'd by the late War in which it was engag'd for the space of ten Years against the King of Denmark that the Regency were wholly taken up with contriving Expedients to re-establish their Trade and wou'd think themselves oblig'd to Christiern if he wou'd consent to confirm and maintain the Peace which they had obtain'd That his Master was endeavouring to make a League with France and England and that as soon as the Truce betwixt Denmark and Sweden expir'd he wou'd enter the last of these Kingdoms at the Head of his Army to maintain his Right and establish his Authority He added That he had Orders to assure him in his Master's Name That his Majesty wou'd entrust him with the Government during his Absence and advance him to the same Post which the Archbishops of Upsal enjoy'd under the Reign of his Predecessors The haughty Prelate listen'd attentively to a Proposal that flatter'd his Ambition He look'd upon the Kindness he had lately receiv'd from the Administrator as a meer forc'd Condescention and instead of loving and honouring him as his Benefactor he began to hate and suspect him as a secret and implacable Enemy of his Family and one who was oblig'd by Interest to humble and oppose him He fancy'd that he might aspire to the Authority which that Prince enjoy'd and even that he might obtain it by devoting himself entirely to the King of Denmark's Service Having consider'd all the advantageous Consequences of such a Revolution he repeated his Protestations to the Envoy that he wou'd imitate the most Zealous of his Predecessors in their inviolable Fidelity to the Crown of Denmark But since he was not well acquainted with the present State of a Kingdom from which he had been so long absent 't was resolv'd and agreed upon betwixt 'em that he shou'd spend some time in reviving and increasing the Danish Faction and that the King shou'd from time to time send private Agents to take an account of the Strength and Condition of their Party and to concert the surest and most convenient Measures to put their Designs in Execution The Danish Envoy having finish'd his Negotiation return'd to his Master and the Arch-Bishop embark'd for Sweden with a full resolution to Plot the ruin of the Administrator Tho' that Prelate was educated at Rome he had made but a slender progress in the Arts of Subtilty and Dissimulation that are so industriously taught at that Court He was naturally of a stiff and violent Temper more learned than Politic proud of the Riches and Power of his Family and absolutely govern'd by his Humor He was extremely imperious and haughty and even incapable of Complaisance he hated his Superiours cou'd not endure his Equals and slighted his Inferiours among whom he reckon'd all those who were not so rich as himself He was so far from regulating his Behaviour to the Administrator according to the Maxims of Policy that he did not so much as observe the common Rules of decency He industriously avoided that Prince who in an obliging manner came out of his Palace to meet him and assoon as he came ashore he went by Land to Upsal without sending any compliment to the Administrator as if he had forgot both his Dignity and Kindness He
to his Advancement and began to complain in a very kind and obliging Manner that he had not yet appear'd at the Court. And in the general he omitted no Expressions of Kindness and Civility that might appease the Anger of that stubborn-Prelate and bring him back to a Sence of his Duty The Arch Bishop who was both vex'd and surpriz'd at that Prince's Arrival answer'd his Caresses with a Constraint and Disturbance that appear'd visibly in all his Actions However he entertain'd him with extraordinary Magnificence but that was meerly an Effect of his vanity and design'd rather to display his Power and Riches than to express his Joy and Gratitude for the Honor the Administrator had done him Nor cou'd he forbear in the Heat of their Discourse to reproach that Prince indirectly for using violent Methods to obtain a Dignity which was only due to the Merits of his Father The Administrator who was loath to quarrel with a Man whom he purposely came to oblige began to justify his Election but that haughty Prelate won'd not so much as condescend to hear his Reasons and told him with a great deal of heat that the Time wou'd come when a free Convention of the Estates wou'd do Justice to his Father and to all those who were dissatisfied with the Government The Prince was equally surpriz'd at the Arch-Bishop's Threatnings and incens'd at his Pride and Insolency He retir'd with a Resolution to imploy all his Power and Interest to humble him and least the Court of Rome which usually takes hold of such Occasions to extend its Authority under pretext of protecting the Clergy shou'd interpose in this Affair the Administrator wrote to the Pope to complain of the Insolence and ill Behaviour of that Prelate Not long after the Pope return'd an Answer full of kind and obliging Expressions He blam'd Trolle for his Turbulency and ingratitude and added that he had sent Orders to his Legat who was then at the Court of Denmark to go immediately to Sweden and in his Name to admonish the Arch-Bishop of his Duty But notwithstanding those specious pretences the Instructions he gave to his Legate were intended rather for a Complement than a real Satisfaction For tho' he seem'd to blame the Arch-Bishop he cou'd not but rejoyce in his Heart that both he and the other Prelates of the Kingdom whom the Court of Rome is wont always to look upon as her Subjects and Creatures shou'd extend their Power and assume a Share in the Government of the State And besides the Popes had always bore a secret Aversion to the Kings and Sovereigns of Sweden since those Princes had discontinu'd the payment of the Tribute usually call'd St. Peter's Pence Ann. 940. Bazius Hist. Eccles Suec Gotica 'T was impos'd by King Olaus as a Tax upon all his Subjects when the Christian Religion was first introduc'd into the Kingdom But most of his Successors refus'd to submit to an Imposition which was equally injurious both to the Prince and to the Subjects Several Popes had in Vain demanded that Tribute Honorius III. John XXII Innocent VI. Gregory XI and even some of 'em had darted their usual Thunders of Excommunication but without making the least impression upon those Princes So that the Court of Rome was at last oblig'd to give over its successless Attempts upon a People whose Eyes were open'd rather by Policy than Learning and who by an early and unanimous Resolution had shaken off the Fear of Ecclefiastical Censures The Administrator was admonish'd by his Council who were acquainted with the Inclinations and Politicks of the Court of Rome not to rely upon the Pope's Assistance in so dangerous a Juncture Nor did he place so much Confidence in the Apostolical Letters but at the same Time he took more effectual Measures for the Defence and preservation of his Authority He summon'd a Meeting of the Estates at Tellia under pretext that the Truce with Denmark was ready to expire but in effect to procure a new Confirmation of this Title and Authority and at the same time to discover the Strength of the Archbishop's Party That Prelate on the other hand made it his Business to gain more Friends to the King of Denmark and to raise new Enemies to the Administrator He exacted fresh Assurances of Fidelity from those of his Party and even engag'd the Governours of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicopinc in the Danish Faction Afterwards he sent a trusty Messenger to King Christiern to give him an Account of the present Posture of Affairs and of the Condition of his Party and to intreat him to advance immediately at the Head of his Army without staying for the end of the Truce which he might easily find several plausible Pretexts to violate And besides he order'd his Agent to assure him That the Government of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicopinc wou'd declare in his Favour and receive his Forces into the Places under their Command Christiern replied to these Solicitations that it wou'd not be sufficient to break the Truce unless the Estates of Denmark wou'd contribute to the War against Sweden that he was endeavouring to engage the principal persons of the Kingdom in that Design that he believ'd he had already gain'd the Legate that was going to Sweden that if the Negotiation of that Prelate shou'd not be attended with success he wou'd take care to start some difference betwixt the Two Nations and push it on so far that the Estates of Denmark shou'd be oblig'd to take up Arms in the defence of the Nation In the mean time the Estates of Sweden Assembled at Tellia where the Administrator had appointed 'em to meet and he had the pleasure to see that most of the Deputies were the same persons who had contributed most effectually to his Advancement This encourag'd him to summon the Arch-Bishop to repair thither in order to his qualifying himself for his Office by taking the usual Oath of Fidelity to the Estates But that Prelate not daring to appear in an Assembly where his Enemy had so strong a party shut himself up in the Fort of Steque which was a Castle seated on the top of a Hill and equally fortifi'd by Art and Nature The Arch-Bishop of Upsal had taken all imaginable care to render it Impregnable according to the Rules that were observ'd in those days and besides it was sufficiently secur'd by the privileges of the Clergy which made it an inviolable Sanctuary The Arch-Bishop call'd a meeting of the Bishops and others of his Faction and the Assembly was held in that Castle as if the Convention at Tellia had neither been free nor lawfully call'd Thus both parties were making preparations for an open Rupture Joan. Magnus vit Arcâ—iep Vpsal when John Angelo Arcemboldi Pope Leo the Tenth's Legate in the Northern Kingdoms arriv'd in Sweden and offer'd his Mediation to negotiate an Agreement betwixt the Arch-Bishop and the Administrator The Legate was of
a smooth and pliant Temper extreamly Polite and Complaisant and seem'd to make the getting of Money his principal Business and the main Object of his Desires He pretended among his other Commissions to be intrusted with a full power to grant Licenses for the eating of Flesh on Fish-days to those who wou'd be at the charge of purchasing a dispensation At the same time he distributed indulgences to all those who wou'd contribute a certain summ for the Building of St. Peter's Church at Rome These new Projects for draining the People of their Money were set on foot about that time and carry'd a little too far by the Ministers of the Court of Rome under the Pontificate of Leo X. though perhaps without his knowledge Arcemboldi scrap'd together those profitable Incomes with all the greediness of a Soldier that is sent to levy Contributions He had fleec'd a part of Denmark under the protection of his Bulls and not satisfy'd with the considerable summs he had rais'd in that Kingdom he put his Money out to Interest or imploy'd it in Merchandizing when he was preparing for his departure to Sweden King Christiern was extreamly dissatisfy'd with the Commission and Behaviour of that Legate who under a Religious pretext drew all the Money out of his Dominions but he durst not express his displeasure He cou'd not hope to succeed in his design against Sweden without the assistance of the Clergy and he was fraid least they wou'd become his Enemies if he shou'd quarrel with the Court of Rome Thus he was forc'd to purchase the favour of that Prelate at the rate of exposing his Kingdom as a prey to his Avarice He over-loaded him with Caresses and Obligations during his Abode in Denmark and at his departure he receiv'd his last visit with the highest Demonstrations of kindness and Civility He pray'd him to imploy the interest and Authority to which his Character entitl'd him for the Establishment of a firm and lasting Peace betwixt the Two Kingdoms He assur'd him that he was ready to consent to any reasonable expedients for the carrying on of so good a design provided the Swedes wou'd engage to put the Treaty of Calmar in execution He added that neither the Civil Wars nor the most successful Rebellions cou'd be suppos'd to make void the Obligation of so solemn a Treaty that the Clergy and all the honest party in the Kingdom look'd upon the Union that was agreed upon in that famous Assembly as the truest way to establish a solid and durable Peace betwixt the Two Nations and that this was the only fault which the Administrator cou'd object against the Arch-Bishop He pray'd the Legate to protect that Prelate from the unjust Rage of a rash and insolent youth and concluded that he hop'd he wou'd put some difference betwixt a Captain of Rebels and a Soveraign whose Family had been always devoted to the interest of the holy See The Legate was not ignorant that the Court of Rome was extreamly well pleas'd with the Danes and very much dissatisfy'd with the Swedes and besides he knew that King Christiern was ally'd to the House of Austria for which the Pope had an extraordinary respect but the most prevailing Motive that engag'd him in that Prince's service was the consideration of the Money he left in the Kingdom and of that which he hop'd to get at his return in some Provinces where he had not yet publish'd his Indulgences He assur'd the King that he wou'd prosecute his designs with all imaginable Vigor and Zeal and even insinuated to him that he had secret orders to favour his pretensions and protect his Creatures adding that under the seeming Character of a Mediator would he promote his Interest and serve him with as much Fidelity and Affection as he cou'd expect to find in his own Ministers The King of Denmark relying upon these Protestations discover'd his most secret designs and talk'd to him with more freedom than a Prince ought to use with a Foreign Minister He told him that he was sure of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicopinc that all the Bishops were ready to receive him into the places that were under their Command and that the Arch-Bishop of Upsal who manag'd the whole design wou'd come over to his Army assoon as he shou'd appear on the Frontiers of the Kingdom He entreated the Legate to confer with that Prelate if it were possible to keep any Correspondence with him without giving people occasion to suspect the design of their Conferences He desir'd him also to concert with the Arch-Bishop the surest and most convenient Methods to put their project in execution The Legate left Denmark with these Instructions and as soon as he arriv'd at the Court of Sweden he publickly exhorted the Administrator and the Senate in the Pope's Name to conclude a firm and lasting Peace with Denmark Some days after he demanded a private Audience of the Administrator in which he intreated that Prince to grant the honour of his Friendship to the Arch-Bishop and not to disturb that Prelate in the possession of a dignity which the Pope conferr'd upon him meerly at his Recommendation Steno reply'd in few Words and with a great deal of Courage and Resolution that he wou'd always receive his Holiness's desires with Submission and Respect and have an honourable regard for the Person of his Legate but withal he told him that he ought in the first place to offer his Advice and Admonitions to the Arch-Bishop who he assur'd him might enjoy his Dignity without the least disturbance or molestation if he wou'd return to a sence of his duty The Legate who only waited for an occasion to enter upon the Subject of his Negotiation told the Prince that he had receiv'd orders from the Pope to offer and consult about the best expedients for bringing the difference betwixt him and the Arch-Bishop to an amicable agreement and for establishing a firm and durable peace between Sweden and Denmark and that he perceiv'd that the latter could hardly be accomplish'd without the former He pray'd him to accept the mediation of the holy See he exhorted him to prefer a solid Peace before the uncertain chance of Warr which perhaps wou'd not be equally agreeable to all the Estates of the Kingdom and wou'd make him odious even to the Nobility and Commons if it shou'd happen to be prolong'd beyond their Expectation or if they shou'd be disappointed of their hope of success This discourse and the care the Legate took to confound the Arch-Bishop's Affair with the King of Denmark's pretensions made the Administrator suspect the intentions of that Prelate who he concluded was gain'd by his Enemies and acquainted with all their Designs He knew how much it was his interest to discover the bottom of their project but 't was not an easie Task for a young Swedish Prince to pump a secret out of an Italian Prelate who had been train'd up in the art of dissimulation
in the Court of Rome And therefore instead of endeavouring to unriddle the mystery by over-reaching that crafty Minister in an art of which he was an absolute Master he resolv'd to attack him on the weak side and in pursuance of that design he intreated him by the advice of the Senate to distribute his indulgences in the Kingdom assuring him that during that time he wou'd take such measures as might be conducive to the publick good and agreeable to the inclinations of the holy Father This contrivance had all the success that cou'd be desir'd The Legate was extreamly glad of so favourable an opportunity of continuing his gainful trade with so fair a prospect of Advantage which was the only design of his Legation to the Northern Countries He was afraid that if the Two Nations shou'd come to an open Rupture 't would be impossible for him to pursue his Commission in Sweden and that the tumultuous confusion of War wou'd deprive him of the profits of his Mission for which 't was thought he had advanc'd a considerable Summ to the Apostolical Chamber And therefore as soon as he had obtain'd the consent of the Administrator and Senate he publish'd his Bulls thro the whole Kingdom and his Officers took care to disperse 'em thro all the Provinces Those under-Collectors or Licens'd Beggars whom he carry'd about with him were certain persons who had farm'd the right of publishing his Bulls and were oblig'd to purchase their Leases for a considerable summ of Money 'T was always his Custom to agree with the highest bidder without regarding the qualifications of those mercenary Preachers provided they cou'd give him sufficient security for the payment of his Money The Administrator either out of Policy or Devotion seem'd very desirous of obtaining these indulgences He was very liberal on that occasion and in imitation of his example the Senators and all the Nobility laid out considerable summs of Money on these Commodities The common people who are usually the best customers at such Markets emptied their pockets to secure their Souls every one was willing to contribute to the pious design and even the wildest Debauches seem'd to grow fond of the modish Devotion which the Administrator had brought into fashion and were easily perswaded to submit to a pennance that tended only to mortifie their purses Arcemboldi amass'd a prodigious Treasure in Sweden Vit. Archiep. Vpsal Joan. Magni and the Administrator suffer'd him to export the Money in Specie without paying any Customs or Duties This was a very considerable favour for all the Princes of Germany exacted a third part of the profits of the indulgences that were publish'd in their Dominions And as a further mark of his kindness he sent several magnificent presents to the Legate and among the rest a considerable quantity of rich Furs and a very large Table of massy Silver The Administrator imagining that he had absolutely gain'd the Legate by so many obliging Demonstrations of his Favour and by the richness of his presents some time after took an occasion to discourse with him in private After he had complain'd of the Arch-Bishop's ingratitude he told the Legate that he had receiv'd a full information of that Prelate's pernicious designs and that he was resolv'd either to bring him to a sence of his duty or to make him leave the Kingdom Arcemboldi was so charm'd with that Prince's liberality that he acknowledg'd the Justice of his resolution and even couâ—d not forbear discovering the King of Denmark's secret He thought his Conscience oblig'd him to bestow his favours where he receiv'd the most bountiful returns and perhaps was afraid that the Administrator was already acquainted with the instructions he had receiv'd from the King of Denmark and wou'd stop the Money he had rais'd in the Kingdom if he shou'd still continue to conceal so dangerous a secret Resolving then to make the best advantage of a discovery which perhaps he cou'd not prevent he gave the Prince a full account of the King of Denmark's designs of the correspondence he entertain'd with the Swedish Clergy and of the infidelity of the Governours of the Castles of Stockholm and Nicopinc Yet for his own security he made the Administrator promise to carry on his design with so much prudence and caution that the Arch-Bishop might not have the least occasion to suspect that he had betray'd King Christiern's Secret At his Return to Denmark he seem'd to be extreamly afflicted with the ill success of his Negotiation He told the King that the Administrator was so exasperated against the Arch-Bishop that there was no hope of a speedy Reconciliation that in his opinion that Prelate was an obstacle to the Re-establishment of the Treaty of Calmar that he kept himself constantly shut up in the Castle of Steque from whence he seem'd to threaten the Administrator with a Civil War that he did not think it convenient to go thither least Steno shou'd have suspected his design that the Administrator was possess'd with an extraordinary Aversion against the person of that Prelate and that he had Reason to believe that though 't were possible to prevail with the Prince to resign his dignity he wou'd never be perswaded to consent to that proposal while he thought it might prove advantageous to his Enemy The King of Denmark perceiving the ill success of the Legate's Negotiation concluded that he cou'd never make himself Master of Sweden but at the head of a powerful Army He consider'd also that the Truce was not yet expir'd and that he cou'd not begin the War without the consent and approbation of the Estates of Denmark and therefore he gave private orders to his Admiral to affront the first Swedish Ships he should meet with not doubting but that the Administrator wou'd endeavour to revenge such an indignity by way of Reprizal or Retaliation either by Land or Sea which wou'd oblige the Estates and Senate of Denmark to declare War against Sweden In the mean time the Administrator took all possible care to frustrate the designs of his Enemies and resolv'd to make the best improvement of the Legate's discovery without betraying his secret He inform'd the Senate that several persons in the Kingdom were engag'd in a Conspiracy against the State and that the Governours of Stockholm and Nicopinc had betray'd their Trust and were ready to receive the Enemies into the places which they commanded The Senate was alarm'd at the News of so black a design and pray'd him to secure the Traytors He pretended to take a review of the Garison of Nicopinc and as soon as the Governour and Soldiers came out of the Fort he order'd a new Garrison to take possession of the place under the Command of a Governour who was absolutely devoted to his Interest At the same time he gave orders to arrest the Governour of the Castle of Stockholm Septemia who attended at Court according to his usual Custom Then he call'd a
meeting of the Estates at Westeras the Capital City of Westmannia where those two Governours were accus'd of contriving and abetting a Treasonable design against their Countrey and Commissioners were appointed to draw their Indictment The fear of punishment and the hope of a pardon made so strong an impression upon 'em that they confess'd their design to deliver up these places to the King of Denmark and accus'd the Arch-Bishop as the Author and Fomenter of the Conspiracy The Administrator having this advantage over him resolv'd to proceed against him with the utmost Rigour and in order to his Conviction order'd him to be summon'd to give an account of his Behaviour to the Estates Some of the Senators who were sensible of the dangerous tendency of these divisions and dreaded the fatal consequences of an open Rupture endeavour'd under-hand to perswade the Arch-Bishop to submit to the Administrator and even offer'd him a safe Conduct sign'd by the principal Members of the Estates hoping to divert the threatning storm and to gain the stubborn Prelate by easie and gentle methods The Arch-Bishop was enrag'd to find that his designs were blasted by too early a discovery he complain'd to his Friends of the King of Denmark's remissness and neglect and immediately sent one of his Creatures to that Prince to acquaint him with the danger to which his party in Sweden was expos'd and to hasten his March to that Kingdom In the mean time to amuse the Senate he desir'd that a new Convention of the Estates might be summon'd under pretext that the greatest part of the deputies that compos'd the Assembly at Westeras were either the Creatures or Relations of his declar'd Enemy The Estates were so incens'd at the Pride and Obstinacy of that religious Prelate that they resolv'd to secure his person and bring him to a Tryal They intreated the Administrator to invest the place where he resided and at the same time orders were given out to apprehend his Father and such of his Friends and Relations as were suspected to be privy to his designs against the Government or might be suppos'd to be able and willing to take up Arms in his Defence And since they foresaw that these Proceedings would infallibly occasion a Rupture with the King of Denmark the Administrator was desir'd to raise the Militia and to put the Kingdom in such a posture that it might not be in danger to be surpriz'd by its Enemies The Breach betwixt the Arch-Bishop and the Estates gave the Prince an occasion to revenge a private quarrel under the plausible pretext of punishing a publick Enemy and that he might not lose so favourable an opportunity he gave Orders immediately for a general Rendezvous of all the Nobility and Militia of the Kingdom His Friends and Relations repair'd to his Assistance at the head of their Forces every one striving to signalize his Fidelity to his Country and Affection to the Prince in a War that was undertaken to maintain his Election and defend the Liberty of the Nation Among all the Noblemen who assisted the Administrator on this occasion there was none who expressed a more vigorous Zeal for his Interest then Gustavus Ericson the great Standard Bearer of the Crown A young Lord about Six and Twenty Years of Age descended from the ancient Kings of Sweden and particularly from King Canutson who was his great Uncle He was the Son of Eric Vasa Governour of Finland and Cousin Germain to the Administrator with whom he was educated He had naturally a high and daring Spirit his Soul was postess'd with an eager desire of Glory and infinitely more sensible of the Manly Delights of Ambition than of the softer Charms of Pleasure The Administrator divided his Favour and Confidence betwixt him and his Father but the old Age of that Senator and a certain Timorousness that appear'd in all his Actions made such an impression upon the Prince that tho he did not esteem him less for these Disadvantages he took more pleasure in Gustavus who with an equal solidity of Judgment was Master of more Courage and Strength of Mind and never propos'd any Designs or Expedients but what were suitable to the Bravery and agreeable to the Inclinations of his young Master 'T was by his Advice that the Prince resolv'd to give Fire Arms to the Peasants who till then had only or for the most part made use of Bows and Arrows The Administrator order'd a considerable number of Musquets to be brought to Lubeck and put on Board a Ship which 〈◊〉 Sail immediately for Stockholm but was taken by the Danish Admiral as she came out of the Mouth of the Trave which passes by Lubeck This Act of Hostility serv'd for a Declaration and Signal of a Bloody War which began betwixt the two Nations notwithstanding the opposition made by the Estates of Denmark who were desirous to continue the Truce The Administrator was not so discourag'd by this Loss as to give over the design he had form'd against the Arch-Bishop He put himself at the head of the Militia or Infantry which was the most numerous Body in his Army and gave the Command of the Horse to Gastavus The Bishops of Stregnez and Lincopinc march'd before under pretext of interposing their Interest and Mediation to bring their Primate to a Sence of his Duty but their real Design was to give him notice of the Strength and Condition of the Administrator's Forces For though the Prelates were engag'd both by Interest and Inclination in the Danish Faction as well as the Arch-Bishop they were more Politick and Cunning and took care to conceal their real Sentiments the discovery of which cou'd neither be advantageous to their Party nor safe for themselves at a time when the whole Nation was in Arms for the Administrator At their arrival at Steque they intreated the Administrator to excuse 'em for not declaring against that Prince according to their agreement at Upsal assuring him that they only waited till the King of Denmark shou'd enter the Kingdom to support ' em They advis'd him to reflect upon the Power and Strength of the Administrator who in few days wou'd appear before the Wâ—â—â—s of his Castle at the head of a numerous Army and concluded with telling him that 't would be an Action worthy his Prudence to divert the impending Storm and amuse the young Prince with a seeming Submission from which he might easily disengage himself as soon as they should meet with a more favourable juncture to put their desirous in Execution The Arch-Fishop rejected the Advice of his positick Subingans with Anger and Disdain and chid 'em for their Weakness which he branded with the names of Treason and Cowardice He told 'em he had to â—â—ived Advice by an Envoy from Denmark that Christiern was preparing to invade Sweden with all his Forces that his Fleet was fitted out and ready to make a Descent that the Administrator was 〈◊〉 in a Condition to oppose so potent
care of publishing iâ— and that Prince was desir'd to put it in execution and to treat the disobedient Swedes as Excommunicated persons and obstinate Schismaticks The suddenness of so terrible a blow surpriz'd all Europe and the Swedes were extreamly offended at the last article of the Bull which committed the execution of it to the King of Denmark They said that it did not become the common Father of Christendom to side with either of the contending parties much less to make â—se of his power which was altogether spiritual to protect a Rebel and a Traytor and to authorize a Prince who endeavour'd to make himself master of their liberties and Fortunes The Senate issu'd out a strict order prohibiting all persons to give obedience to the Bull under severe penalties and the Administrator took all possible care to put himself in a condition to oppose the Danish Army without which he was not much afraid of all the Thunders of the Vatican The Legate perceiving that 't wou'd be scandalous to reside longer at the Court of a Prince whâ—m his Master had Excommunicated was forc'd to leave Sweden and to relinquish his expectation of the Arch-Bishoprick of Upsal At his return to Denmark he found King Christiern drawing his forces together in order to his expedition against Sweden Assoon as that Prince receiv'd the Pope's Bull he enter'd into that Kingdom at the head of his Army May. and immediately began to destroy the Countrey with Fire and Sword to stun the Swedes with terrible apprehensions of his vengeance But at the same time to give some colour of Justice and Religion to those Barbarities which he committed purely out of Revenge he caus'd the Bull to be solemnly affix'd in all the places where he left the marks of his Fury as if he had only come with a design to execute the Pope's orders Some time after he sate down with all his Forces before Stockholm hoping that the Terrour of his Arms the Consternation of the Citizens and especially the fear of Excommunication wou'd occasion some Tumult that might be improv'd to his advantage But the Governour and Magistrates of the City took such effectual measures to keep the people in order that there was not the least appearance of any disturbance The Inhabitants were possest with so strong an aversion against the Danes that they resolv'd to desend the Town to the last extremity and the Burghers mingl'd with the Soldiers of the Garrison made frequent and funous Sallies The Besiegers found every where an incredible resistance every Foot of Ground which they gain'd cost 'em the Lives of a great number of their Men and they were oftentimes beaten out of those posâ—s in the day which they had surpriz'd during the obscurity of the Night The Garrison made a continual Fire which did a great deal of Execution and besides the Danes infler'd extreamly for want of necessary Provisions The King was advis'd by his Officers to retire before the Swedes came up who were upon their march to relieve the Town but he was so incens'd against the Burghers for their vigorous resistance that he resolv'd obstinately to continue the Siege In the mean time the Administrator was putting himself in a condition to march against the Enemy with all the Forces of the Kingdom The whole Nation took the Alarm and ran to arms with an incredible Ardor every Man thought himself concern'd in the defence of the common cause and all the Provinces of the Kingdom seem'd to be animated with a spirit of Revenge and Fury Thus instead of an Army of regulated Troops the Administrator saw himself at the head of a vast Body of Tumultuary Forces who without waiting for Orders took up Arms for the preservation of their liberty The whole Countrey was overspread with swarms of Peasants who came flocking to the general Rendezvous some descending from the Mountains and others running out of the Woods Most of these savage Warriors were cloath'd with the Skins of Wild Beasts and arm'd after a very odd and even ridiculous manner but they were inspir'd with a certain undaunted â—ury that supply'd the place of bravery and made 'em resolve to spend the last drop of their Blood in the defence of their Countrey The Administrator having assembl'd all his Forces march'd straight towards the King of Denmark July who searing to be enclos'd betwixt the Swedish Army and the City rais'd the Siege and retir'd to his Ships But the Swedes taking advantage of the motion his Troops were oblig'd to make in order to their Retreat charg'd 'em so vigorously that the Rear of the Danish Army was almost entirely defeated They fied to the shore with so much precipitation and disorder that the greatest part of 'em were cut to pieces and many of those who escap'd the Fury of the pursuers were drown'd in attempting to swim to their Vessels The Swedes made themselves masters of all the Baggage and took above Three hundred Prisoners who for the most part were Officers and Persons of note that halted to sustain the shock of the Enemy while the Soldiers were imbarking and with the loss of their liberty preserv'd the King himself and the greatest part of his Army But this was not the only Misfortune which attended that disastrous Expedition for the Danes were detain'd above three Months in the Road of Stockholm by contrary Winds and at last were so straiten'd for want of provisions that they were sorc'd to make frequent Descents to supply their necessities But they were always repuls'd by the Swedish Cavalry under the command of the brave Gustavus who was perpetually in motion and oblig'd 'em to retire with precipitation to their Ships His Courage and Vigilancy produc'd so good an effect that the Danish Fleet was reduc'd to the utmost extremity they had neither Water nor Victuals and there was a great mortality among the Soldiers The King himself was in danger of perishing either for want of provisions or by the contagious distempers that began to break forth in his Army To deliver himself out of so miserable a condition he sent a messenger to the Administrator with orders to propose a Truce for some days under pretext of treating about the Ransom of the Soldiers After the Envoy had deliver'd his message he insinuated dexterously that t wou'd not be impossible to change the Truce to an eternal peace betwixt the two Nations The Administrator was not â—gnorant of the extremity to which Christiern was reduc'd and knew that he might easily compleat his Victory by starving his Enemy but either out of generosity or in hopes of procuring a solid peace which wou'd have secur'd him in the possessionof his dignity he consented immediately to the Truce and sent several Boats laden with provisions for the use of the King and all his Navy Christiern perceiving that the Administrator was extreamly desirous of a Peace imagin'd that this might furnish him with an Opportunity to make himself Master of his
Dignity and Office of an Administrator and to re-establish the Union of Calmar in Favour of the King his Master There was no need of using Arguments to perswade an Assembly that consisted of such Persons as were already engag'd in the Danish Faction either by Fear or Inclination They prevented the General 's Demands abolish'd the Dignity of an Administrator and condemn'd the Memory of those Princes who had born that Title as Rebels against their lawful Sovereigns And they were even so zealous to out-do each other in hastening the intire Ruin of their Country that Otho was oblig'd to moderate their Ardor least it shou'd be suspected that the Treaty which he concluded with the Estates was only sign'd by Traytors or at least by Persons whose Consent was extorted by violent Methods He promis'd in the Name of the King his Master May. that the Laws and Privileges of the Kingdom shou'd be preserv'd and maintain'd that all the Articles of the Treaty of Calmar should be punctually observ'd that the Prisoners and particularly Gustavus Ericson shou'd be deliver'd without Ransom and that no Person shou'd be molested for engaging in any Party during the War since the Death of the Administrator Suanto Then the Archbishop conferr'd the Title of King of Sweden upon Christiern in the name of the whole Assembly as if his Sovereignty had been acknowledg'd by all the Estates of the Kingdom He sent also Circular Letters into all the Provinces intimating the Conditions of the Treaty he had concluded and requiring all the People to submit to the Resolution of the Estates upon Pain of being Prosecuted with the utmost Rigour for their Disobedience Afterwards Otho march'd with his Army into the remote Provinces of the Kingdom to make the People acknowledg the Authority of his Master He routed several Bodies of the Peasants who cou'd not bear the sight of their Enemies without putting themselves in a Posture of Defence Their Natural Courage was animated by all the Motions of Fury and Revenge but they were equally destitute of Leaders and Fortune After the Danish General had dispers'd the Rabble who fought with more Impetuosity than Order he detach'd several Party's who burnt the Villages pursu'd the Peasants to the Woods and destroy'd a prodigious Number of ' em The Archbishop to terrify the rest with the Fear of a Punishment which the Superstitious Peasants dreaded more than Death it self prohibited the Clergy to grant Christian Burial to those who dy'd in Rebellion against the Prince that was Authoriz'd by the Holy See The Danish General destroy'd the Lands and Castles of those Lords who refus'd to acknowledg his Master and at the same time entertain'd those who declar'd in his Favour with all the Demonstrations of Kindness and Civility The Lords and Gentlemen weaken'd by their mutual Divisions were at last constrain'd to yield their Necks to the Danish Yoke and the whole Kingdom was forc'd to submit to it's new Master The People ran to meet the Conqueror and endeavour'd to make their Peace on the easiest Terms The greatest part of the City sent Deputy's to promise Obedience only Stockholm and Calmar persisted in their Fidelity to the Administrator's Widow Otho invested the first of these Cities and canton'd his Troops about it in such a manner that 't was impossible to relieve the Town by Land Then he wrote to the King his Master to acquaint him with the Success of the Campaign and the Treaty that was concluded at Vpsal The News of the Reduction of Sweden were Novemb. extreamly agreeable to the Court of Denmark but while every one strove to express his Joy for so glorious and important a Success the King who was most concern'd in it cou'd not forbear discovering the Trouble and Uneasiness of his Mind That Jealous and Apprehensive Prince was afraid that Otho wou'd make use of his Name and of an Army that was wholly compos'd of Foreigners to make himself Master of the Kingdom And even his Fears suggested to him that the Swedes who were naturally possess'd with an implacable Aversion against the Danes wou'd endeavour to bribe that General 's Fidelity by offering to acknowledg him as Administrator However he dissembl'd his Suspicions and sent him Letters full of Expressions of Gratitude for the important Services he had receiv'd from him but at the same Time to keep him in awe he acquainted him that he was resolv'd to march to Sweden next Spring at the Head of a numerous Army and that he wou'd command the Siege of Stockholm in Person Some time after he sent several Ships laden with Salt which was very scarce and dear in Sweden and order'd the General to cause it to be distributed Gratis among the principal Persons of every Village that the Peasants might esteem themselves happy in being subject to so kind a Master Gustavus was soon after alarm'd with the dismal News of the Ruin of his Country He was extremely afflicted at the Administrator's Death and concluded that the King of Denmark wou'd take advantage of the general Consternation to make himself Master of the whole Kingdom His Restraint became insupportable to him tho' he was still entertain'd by Banner with all the obliging Tenderness he cou'd expect or desire from a kind Relation The Tranquillity of his Thoughts was perpetually disturb'd with the most violent Transports of Revenge for the Death of Steno and of a most passionate Love to his Country and perhaps he had already began to form some ambitious Designs which encreas'd the Agitation of his Mind He was too well acquainted with the King of Denmark's Character to entertain the least Hope of procuring his Liberty from that Prince before the End of the War tho' to gain the Nobility that was made an express Article of the Treaty of Vpsal and the natural Generosity of his Temper wou'd not suffer him to make any proposal to Banner that might seem inconsistent with his Duty to his Sovereign And therefore he resolv'd to make his Escape privately concluding that 't wou'd be no injury to his Kinsman if the Ransom appointed by the King were paid In order to the Execution of that Design December he went out of the Castle one Morning under pretext of hunting in the Woods according to his usual Custom Assoon as he came to a convenient Place he disguis'd himself in a Peasant's Habit and in that Equipage travell'd on Foot thro' By-ways and in two Days arriv'd at Flensburg Since no Man was suffer'd to go out of that City without a Passport Gustavus durst not appear at the Gate or go before the Governor for fear of being discover'd but as if Fortune had design'd to favor his Escape this happen'd to be the time of the Year when the Merchants of lower Saxony come to Jutland to buy Oxen with which they drive a considerable Trade Gustavus offer'd his Service to one of these German Merchants who hir'd him to drive his Oxen by the help of which
rather fondness of Liberty which was always reckon'd the peculiar Character of the Nation seem'd to be quite extinct and the haughty and untractable Swedes became the tame Slaves of their most hated Enemies Every Man endeavour'd to avoid the least shadow of Suspicion and contented himself with securing his private Interest without regarding the Safety and Honor of his Country Gustavus disdaining the Cowardise of his Friends resolv'd to have recourse to the Peasants concluding that 't wou'd be an easie Task to inflame the natural Fierceness of the Rabble who cou'd neither be engag'd by Fear nor Hope in the Danish Faction He went about the neighboring Villages in the Night endeavouring to gain the principal Persons and at last ventur'd to appear in Public on Festival-days to incite the Mobile to take up Arms against their Oppressors But he soon perceiv'd that their wonted Fury was but too effectually cool'd by the late disastrous War in which most of 'em had seen the Death of some of their Relations And instead of offering him their Assistance they told him in a blunt and clownish Manner that they wanted neither Herrings nor Salt under the Dominion of the King of Denmark but cou'd not avoid certain Destruction if they shou'd make the least Attempt against so potent a Prince Gustavus was equally vex'd and surpris'd at so unexpected a Disappointment He knew not what to do for whither to retire He cou'd not be safe in Sweden but at the Head of an Army the Danes were still in quest of him and he cou'd neither continue long in one place nor make frequent Removes without exposing himself to manifest and even almost unavoidable Dangers At last he resolv'd tho' with the hazard of his Life to get into Stockholm hoping that his Presence wou'd inspire the Burghers and Garrison with new Resolution and Courage and that by making a brave Defence he might prevail with the Hanse Towns to send him a seasonable Relief He left the Castle of Refnas without acquainting any Person with his Design and travell'd for some Days thro' By ways spending the Night in solitary Cottages to avoid meeting with his vigilant Pursuers But notwithstanding all his Caution he was once in so great Danger of being surpriz'd that the Enemy came but an Hour too late So that finding it impossible to proceed on his Journey without falling into the Hands of the Danes he return'd by another Road and in so pressing an Extremity resolv'd to take Sanctuary for some time in a Convent of Carthusians at Griphysolm which was founded by his Ancestors But the Monks preferring their present Interest to the Memory of past Favors refus'd to admit him under pretext that they were afraid of exposing their House and Order to the Fury and Indignation of the Danes And therefore perceiving that 't wou'd be in vain to expect a safe Retreat where there was so little Appearance of Generosity or Gratitude he return'd to the Province of Sudermania and retir'd to the House of a Peasant that had been an old Servant in his Family where he lay hid for some time and sent his Host with Letters to several Lords endeavouring to re-animate their drooping Courage and inspire 'em with a noble Resolution to recover their Liberty and Honour But they were so terrifi'd and over-aw'd by the presence of the Danish General and by the report he had industreously spread abroad that King Christiern was ready to enter the Kingdom at the head of a powerful Army that they durst not discover the least inclination to a Revolt In the mean time Gustavus comforted himself with the hope of some Revolution after that Prince's arrival concluding that the severity of his Government would rouse the aversion of the Swedes against their ancient Enemies King Christiern long'd extremely to enjoy the Fruit of his Victories and to awe his new Subjects with the sight of their Conqueror He enter'd Sweden in the spring as he had intimated in his Letter to the General and was receiv'd by the Archbishop and the rest of the Prelates with all the joy that usually appears in the Air and Behaviour of the Fortunate The Archbishop especially thought himself oblig'd to signalize his zeal on this occasion and to express a more than ordinary Satisfaction for the success of a Revolution by which he hop'd to be the principal gainer For he concluded that as soon as the King had compleated the Conquest of Sweden he would entrust him with the sole management of his Authority Christiern at his arrival solemnly ratifi'd the treaty of Vpsal and as if that Ceremony had given him an uncontroverted title to the Crown he dispatch'd Expresses immediately to the Administrator's Widow at Stockholm and to the Governour of Calmar requiring 'em to surrender these two places The Governor capitulated without expecting a siege and Christiern without employing any other Artillery than what he drew 〈…〉 purse made himself Master of that important place which was the most considerable Port in the Kingdom next to Stockholm He conferr'd the Government of it upon Severin de Norbi Governor of the Isle of Gothland and Admiral of Denmark who insinuated himself into that Prince's Favour by expressing upon all occasions an intire resignation to his desires and inclinations at a time when the Senators of Denmark and the principal Lords of the Kingdom claim'd a Right to offer their advice to the Prince and even to contradict his Opinion when they thought it inconsistent with the good of the Nation But the Administrator's Widow exprest a more Heroical Resolution than that treacherous Governor She sent Christiern word that she wou'd never submit to the Destroyer of her Family and Country nor comply with the Resolutions of an Assembly that was compos'd of Traitors and Rebels and govern'd by the Enemies of the Nation The Courage of that Princess and the boldness of her Answer was a sufficient Intimation to Christiern that the Conquest of Stockholm wou'd cost him dearer and require more substantial Batteries than that of Calmar And therefore since he perceiv'd that in all probability the Garrison wou'd make an obstinate Defence he advanc'd with his Army to invest the Place and order'd Admiral Norbi to block up the Port with his Fleet. He carry'd on the Siege with all the earnestness and vigour that can be suppos'd to animate an Ambitious Prince who is just upon the point of compleating the Conquest of a Kingdom He was day and night on Horse-back he encourag'd his Souldiers both by his own Example and by considerable Rewards he went daily to the Trenches and visited the most advanc'd Works he shar'd all the danger and fatigue of the Siege with the meanest of his Soldiers and which was still a more difficult and laborious Task he curb'd the impetuous violence of his humour dissembled his secret and implacable aversion against the Swedish Nation and even caress'd the Nobility to keep 'em from taking up Arms for the Defence of their
and Fomenters of a successful Rebellion that he ought to rid himself of the Senators who were formidable to the Crown by reason of the vastness of their Estates and the Authority they had over the People and that he ought only to leave such Persons in the Kingdom whose Ambition was curb'd by the meanness of their Condition and who cou'd not pretend to any higher Employment than Tilling the Ground and paying Tribute to their Sovereign In the mean time Sigebrite made it her business to confirm the Opinion and Advice of these flattering Courtiers by representing to the King that his Victory wou'd be imperfect and the Consequences of it doubtful and uncertain while there were any Lords in the Kingdom able or willing to dispute the Lawfulness of his Title that the Senators and the principal Noblemen were implacable Enemies to his Authority that he ought to secure his Conquests and compleat his Victory by the Death of those who were in a Condition to oppose him that to prevent all future Disturbances he ought not to spare even those who were most zealous and active in promoting his Interest that the seeming Friendship of the Bishops was only an Effect of the Ancient Emulation and Animosity betwixt them and the Nobility and that those ambitious Prelates wou'd prove the most dangerous Rebels if he shou'd give 'em the least occasion to suspect that he intended to curb their Authority or exclude 'em from a share in the Government The inhumane Politics of this She-Favorite were extremely agreeable to the sierce and cruel Humour of a Prince who look'd upon the Liberty of his Subjects as inconsistent with his Honour and Safety He imagin'd that his Authority was essentially annex'd to the Dignity of his Character without any Dependence upon the Laws of the Kingdom and that his Will was the only Rule and Standard of his Government These were the Principles and Maxims by which he regulated his Actions so that he was easily perswaded to Sacrifice the Senate and most considerable Noblemen of Sweden to the Extravagancy of his Ambition and to secure his Conquests by the Death of so many illustrious Victims But he wanted a specious Pretext to justifie or at least to excuse so barbarous an Attempt for he durst not without a plausible Shew of Reason proceed to the Execution of so many Persons of Quality who had voluntarily submitted to him and rely'd upon the Faith of a solemn Treaty Sigebrite advis'd him to commit the Execution of that inhumane Sentence to the Officers of the Garrison of Stockholm who under the Pretext of a Quarrel betwixt the Soldiers and Inhabitants of the City might encourage the former to execute their Revenge by an Universal Massacre of all the Persons of Note in the Town But notwithstanding the natural Impetuosity of his Temper he was loath to venture upon an Attempt that was clogg'd with so many Difficulties and might probably be attended with dangerous and fatal Consequences He consider'd that the Burghers of that City were numerous and inur'd to War by the late Siege which they had sustain'd that the Garrison might be over-power'd and cut to pieces in the Heat of the Tumult and that the Success of their Resistance might serve as a Signal for a Revolt thro' the whole Kingdom For these Reasons he chose rather to make use of the Pretext of Excommunication and of the pretended Injustice that was done to the Archbishop that the People might be deluded by a certain Appearance of Uniformity and coherency in all his Proceedings and that he might seem to be acted only by a stedfast Zeal for executing the Pope's Bull against the Enemies of that Prelate He spent some Time in Denmark in contriving the most probable Measures and giving necessary Orders to prevent the Commotions that might happen in his Absence and before his Departure disbanded the French Troops that were in his Service This was probably an Effect of his Complaisance to his Brother-in-Law At Francfort June 20 1519. Charles of Austria who not long before had obtain'd the Imperial Dignity for the Soldiers were not only dismiss'd with all the Marks of Contempt and Disrespect but treated rather as Prisoners of War than as Allies and Auxiliary Forces to whose Valour he ow'd the best Part of his Conquests They cou'd neither obtain the Payment of their Arrears nor a Supply of necessary Provisions nor wou'd he furnish 'em with Ships to transport 'em to their own Country so that they were forc'd to wander about the Country like a Company of stragling Vagabonds Many of 'em were starv'd to Death others were Massacr'd by the Danes some were constrain'd to list themselves in the Danish Service and their Officers were oblig'd to encounter with a Thousand Difficulties in bringing home the Rest Assoon as the King had order'd his Affairs in Denmark he prepar'd for his Departure to Sweden that he might be present at the Convention of the Estates which he had call'd in Order to performing of the Ceremony of his Coronation Sigebrite advis'd him to carry Two Danish Senators along with him that the Cruelty of his premeditated Attemâ—t might in some Measure be authoriz'd by their Presence and that the Blame of so inhumane an Action might be laid on these Ministers 'T was by her Advice that he made Choice of Theodore Archbishop of Lunden and Primate of Denmark and the Bishop of Odensee one of his Suffragans the same to whom he had formerly procur'd the Bull of Excommunication to be directed which Pope Leo the Tenth publish'd against the Administrator They were intirely devoted to the Court and were only respected as the Ministers of the King 's irregular Passions He plac'd a great deal of Confidence in the Archbishop of Lunden who was a Person of mean Birth and cou'd neither be reckon'd a Scholar nor a Statesman but to make amends for these Defects he was a most ingenious Contriver of new and refin'd Pleasures and admirably well acquainted with all the Secrets and Improvements of that mysterious Art He ow'd his Advancement and the Favor of his Master to Sigchritc who first brought him to Court to serve her in the Quality of a Spy and afterwards rais'd him from the mean Office of the King's Barber to the Dignity of Archbishop of Lunden And as he had the good Fortune to be supported by so powerful a Benefactress he quickly became the Favorite and Confident of his Master by furnishing him with a constant Supply of fresh and diversify'd Pleasures The King set Sail for Sweden accompany'd with the Queen his Wife and attended by all the Court But Sigebrite declin'd the Voyage either because she was unwilling to expose her self to the Satyrical Mirth of the Swedish Lords who were oftentimes wont to make the King 's extravagant Passion to his old Mistress the Subject of their Wit and Diversion or because that Prince thought fit to leave her at Copenhagen to observe the Motions of the Senate
At his Arrival in Sweden he receiv'd an Ambassador from the Emperor who came to invest him with the Order of the Golden Fleece and to congratulate his Victories and the happy Success of all his Designs The Concern which the Emperor express'd for promoting the Interest of his Brother-in-Law was too warm and zealous to be reckon'd meerly an Effect of their Affinity which seldom or never produces so strong an Affection among Sovereigns 'T is thought that aspiring Prince bestow'd his Sister upon the King of Denmark on Condition that he shou'd declare him to be his Successor in the three Kingdoms of the North in Case he shou'd die without Issue Those who are acquainted with the Character of Charles V. will never suppose him guilty of neglecting to take the most promising Measures to secure so important Branch of the Vniversal Monarchy This was his beloved Project the Object of all his Hope and Desires and the Aiery Mistress whom he courted or rather ador'd with so eager and lasting a Passion And the same Fondness for that imaginary Scheme seems to have been entail'd upon his Family and Successors till the Terror and Rapidity of the Swedish Conquests and the fortunate Valor of their Royal Leader rous'd the Emperor Ferdinand II. out of his Golden Dream Gustavus Adolphus 1631. and instead of a vain Ambition to extend his Empire over of all Europe oblig'd him to content himself with defending the Hereditary Dominions of the House of Austria Christiern put off the Ceremony of receiving the Order of the Golden Fleece till the day of his Coronation that the Solemnity might be more splendid and magnificent And in the mean time he took secret Measures with the Archbishop of Vpsal to execute their Revenge upon their common Enemies The Result of their Consultations was that the Archbishop shou'd appear in the Convention and present an Address to the King demanding Justice against those who depriv'd him of his Dignity and Estate Matters being thus concerted the King open'd the Meeting of the Estates where he was solemnly acknowledg'd as the lawful Sovereign of Sweden The next Day the Archbishop persorm'd the Ceremony of his Coronation November 4. and the King swore upon the Gospels and the Reliques of the Saints that he wou'd inviolably preserve and maintain the Laws Privileges and Customs of the Nation The Senate Clergy Nobility and the Deputies of the Provinces took the usual Oath of Fidelity to him and the Emperor's Ambassador appearing in the Midst of the Assembly presented him with the Order of the Golden Fleece and in his Master's Name wish'd him a prosperous and successful Reign Afterwards the new King invited all the Lords to a magnificent Feast which he had order'd to be prepar'd in the Castle as a public Mark of his Joy upon the Occasion of his Accession to the Crown The Senate in a Body and all the principal Noblemen who were then at Stockholm attended His Majesty in Obedience to his Desire The two first Days were spent in Entertainments and all manner of solemn and diverting Recreations the King receiv'd his Guests with all the Marks of an obliging Kindness and Familiarity and the mutual Aversion which had been so long fomented betwixt the Two opposite Factions seem'd to be intirely forgotten and extinguish'd The Swedes endeavour'd to lose the Memory of their Ancient Fears and Jealousies and flatter'd themselves with the Prospect of a lasting and undisturb'd Happiness but on the third Day they were awaken'd out of their excessive Security in a most terrible and surprizing Manner The Archbishop of Vupsal accompanied with his Relations and Creatures appear'd before the King in a full Meeting of the Estates and publickly demanded Justice against the deceas'd Administrator and all the Senators and Lords of the Kingdom who forc'd him to resign his Dignity and demolish'd the Fort of Steque which belong'd to the Patrimony of the Church The King deâ—lin'd medling with an Affair of which he pretended that the Pope's Commissioners were the only proper Judges and desir'd the Archbishop to propose his Grievances to the Two Daâ—ish Prelates to whom the Bull publish'd by Leo X. was directed protesting that he wou'd only make â—â—se of his Authority to execute their Sentence according to the Bull and the Intentions of the Holy Father Immediately the Two Danish Prelates who were the secret Ministers of the Passions of that Monarch requir'd and demanded that the Administrator's Widow shou'd be brought before 'em to give an Account of her Husband's Actions tho' it was both inconsistent with Reason and the usual Methods of proceeding in such Cases that a Woman shou'd be made accountable for the Behaviour of her Husband in the Management of Affairs of State concerning which Persons of that Sex are very rarely consulted However the King without considering the Justice of their Demand oblig'd the Princess to come to the Assembly She appear'd before him with a modest Assurance and at first refus'd to plead before the Pope's Commissioners She put the King in mind of the Treaties of Vpsal and Stockholm by which he soletnnly oblig'd himself to bury all that was past in Obliâ—vion conjuring him to let her Husband rest quietly in his Grave and to pity the Fate of a Princess who had nothing left but her Fears and Sorrow But that inexorable Prince with a seeming Calmness referr'd the Hearing of heâ— Defence to the Pope's Commissioners under pretext that the Arch-Bishop's Complaint had no Relation to the Differences that were formerly betwixt him and the Administrator The Princess perceiving that the King was inflexible and that she must resolve to defend the Actions of the Prince her Husband answer'd at last with a great deal of Courage that the Administrator besieg'd the Arch-Bishop and demolish'd his Castle by virtue of express Order from the Estates and Senate of the Kingdom that the Arch-Bishop was arraign'd and convicted of Treason against his Country according to the usual Forms of proceeding in such Cases that were prescrib'd by the Laws of the Nation and that his Sentence was still extant in the Public Registers sign'd by all the Senators both Secular and Ecclesiastical Tho' the King was acquainted with all the Circumstances of that Affair he sent for the Registers and order'd the Arch-Bishop's Sentence to be read publickly before the Assembly with the Names of all those who subscrib'd it after which he went out as if he had only withdrawn that the Commissioners might not be under the least Appearance of a Constraint But immediately after the whole Assembly was alarm'd with the sight of a Troop of his Guards who came by his Order to arrest the Administrator's Widow the Senators Bishops and all the Swedish Lords and Gentlemen that were in the Castle The Danish Bishops by virtue of the Pope's Commission began to proceed against 'em as Hereâ—cks as if the Inquisition had been establish'd in that Country But the King of Denmark being unâ—illing to loose time
Towns and Castles where they were in Garrison and shut themselves up in those Places not so much to defend and keep 'em for the King of Denmark as on purpose to retain 'em as Pledges for the payment of their Arrears and to obtain more advantageous Terms from the Victorious Party It was with no small Trouble and Vexation that Christiern heard of the Transactions in Sweden he did not find himself in a condition to go into that Kingdom and cou'd not spare the Forces he had in Denmark The whole Realm was full of Disaffected Persons for that Prince who was grown more cruel fince the Massacre at Stockholm observ'd no Measures with his Subjects he indifferently exercis'd his Authority on the Lives and Estates of the Danes without any respect to the Dignity of the Persons or to the Laws and Priviledges of the Country he had caus'd several Gentlemen to be put to death without any Formality and on very weak Surmises and he had no less offended the Bishops and the whole body of the Clergy by the Praises he publickly bestow'd on Luther who under colour of blaming the Abuses that were committed in Germany in the publication of Indulgences openly Condemn'd the Wealth which the Bishops enjoy'd and the Temporal Power they assum'd The Court of Rome usually employ'd the Augustine Fryars to publish Indulgences in Saxony by which they reap'd no small profit and which procur'd 'em a great Authority in that Country The Jacobins under the Pontificate of Leo the X. got this Commission from 'em These Monks to shew their Zeal in this new employment and perhaps to inhance the income of their Mission cry'd up in their Sermons the vertues and efficacy of Indulgences in which they us'd certain Expressions that were not at all agreeable either to the design of the Church or to the intent of the Bull that Authoriz'd ' em Besides these Collectors led a Life not over Regular 't is said they kept their Offices in Taverns and often spent there in Feasting what was the product of the people's Zeal and what good mens Devotion made em spare even from their necessary occasions Martin Luther of the Order of St. Austin Doctor and Professor in the University of Witemberg pretended to be mov'd with these disorders but in reality desirous to revenge his Brethren began in his Sermons to fly out into sharp invectives against the bad use these Collectors made of their Authority He was a great Scholar and an Eloquent Orator hasty daring and headstrong conceited with his own Learning and Sentiments and over fond of that glory which is acquir'd by broaching new Opinions undaunted and so obstinate as never to retract what he had once affirm'd He contenttd himfelf at first with preaching against the unedifying manner of bestowing these extraordinary Favours but exasperated by the Affronts and Threats of the Jacobins he looked back as far as the first Original of Indulgences He proposed new Doctrines on the Subject of Iustification of Remission of sins of Penance and Purgatory and at last spoke against the Popes Authority from whence his adversaries derived the proofs by which they wou'd establish Indulgences He taught in his Wiritings and Preached in his Sermons that we are justified by Faâ—th alone that Penance consisted only in a sincere Contrition and that Confession was but an unprofitable Repetition of our Faults that to obtain Remission of sins 't was sufficient to believe with a Lively Faith that they were forgiven that Indulgences were neither recommended nor ordained to us for our practices and that they were equally useless in this World and in the next that Purgatory was but a Modern invention contrived by the Monks to cheat People out of their money that the Mass was no Sacrifice that it was of no benefit to the dead that that and all other Prayers of the Church were to be Read in the vulgar tongue and above all that the Holy Sacrament was to be Administred to the Faithful in both kinds The Pope allarm'd by this new Doctrine which seemed to expose the nature and extent of his Power to the censure and examination of every particular Person thought to stifle so dangerous a Doctrine by condemning Luther as a Heretick and even ordered Jerom Alexander his Nuntio to Solicit the Elector of Saxony to deliver up the Seditious Monk that he might punish him as an Enemy to Religion Luther to secure himself against the practices of that Court and to engage the Duke of Saxony and all Secular Magistrates to protect him publish'd some new Writings as much in opposition to the Pope's Power as they were fovourable to Sovereign Princes he wrote against the Celibacy of the Priests and the Monachal vows he taught that the only vows that were obligatory were those of Baptism he inveigh'd against Hierarchy which he pretended was a Tyrannical Government he exclaim'd against the corruption of the Court of Rome and against the excessive Riches of the Church he advised in his Books and Sermons all the Sovereign Princes to take possession of the Funds and Revenues of the Bishopricks Abbys and Monasteries unless when there was a Sovereignty annexed to the Bishopricks and in that case he wou'd have the Bishop marry and not suffer such Persons as under the specious pretence of Celibacy ingag'd their Allegiance to a Foreign Power to remain in his Territories he wou'd have the Monasteries converted into publick Schools and Hospitals and the great Treatures those Houses enjoy'd to be employ'd partly in maintaining the Preachers Overseers and other Officers who should take care of the Poor and partly by the Prince in supplying the Exigences of the State and the Necessities of his People These last Opinions gain'd Luther more Followers then the first Propositions he had advanc'd on the obscure and crabbed Doctrine of Justification and of the merit of good Works Many German Princes under colour of this Doctrine depriv'd the Church of several Lands and Estates which they thought lay convenient for 'em And the King of Denmark after their Example usurp'd part of the Demeans of the Archbishop of Lunden as if he had already declar'd openly for the new Religion The Danish Clergy to be reveng'd for the Affront they met with under his Reign and perhaps to dispose People to a Rebellion gave out a Prophecy of S. Bridget to this effect That a King of Denmark should be expell'd out of his Kingdom because of his Barbarity Every one took Pleasure in applying this to Christiern but he having heard of it publickly made a Jest of it telling his Courtiers That that Bigot wrote every Morning the Dreams she had had over Night which she very piously took for Revelations and affecting to make that Saint the subject of his Mirth either out of a Spirit of Libertinism or which is more probable to discredit by a seeming Contempt and Derision a Prediction which whether true or false might make a dangerous Impression in Peoples Minds
and to drive him out of his hold if after the ill treatment he had receiv'd from Christiern he still persisted in taking his part The Bishop being inform'd of the displeasure and march of Gustavus went out to meet him with his principal Clergy and to appease his Anger omitted neither commendations nor protestations of his Fidelity It was indeed the interest of Gustavus to make himself Master of the Bishop's Castle which was fortified but he durst not put a Garrison into it lest even those of his own party should blame him for violating the previledges of the Clergy in the Person of a Bishop that could not be accus'd of appearing in Arms and who had volutarily open'd the Gates of his Castle Gustavus contented himself with giving him a severe reprimand and the Bishop thâ—ught himself very happy to purchase his Liberty at the rate of some Oaths of Fidelity which he was fully resolv'd to keep no longer than he shou'd be over aw'd by the presence and arms of Gustavus That victorious Lord having establish'd so good order throughout all his Conquests solemnly call'd a Meering or Convention of the Estates of the Kingdom at Wadestone to give some form to the Government and more especially to cause his own Authority to be confirm'd and acknowledg'd which as yet he held only by the right of his Sword and the Election of certain Pea ants of Dalecarlia Few of the Deputies of the Provinces were present in this Assemblâ— for the murther of the principal Nobility the difference of parties the disorders of the War the marching of Troops and even the fear of some now Revolution in Favour of King Christiern hinder'd the greatest part of the Deputies from appearing The Convention was scarce compos'd of any other Persons than military Officers and many Gentleman who were outlaw'd by Christiern and resorted to Gustavus's Army as it were to a Sanctuary or Place of Refuge so that the whole Body of the State was in a manner comprehended in the Army Gustavus represented to them with a graceful meen and a charming Eloquence the necessity of proceeding to the Election of an Administrator who might be capable of giving the last fatal blow to the Danish Tyranny and that the Forces of that Nation now in the Kingdom were rather Prisoners then Masters in the places they possess'd that afterwards he told them with a great deal of generosity that he did not intend that his Services should constrain their choice assuring them that he would be the first that should acknowledg that person among them whom they shou'd think fit to Elect and that in whatsoever rank they plac'd him he should always esteem himself happy in Fighting and Exposing his Life for the defence of his Country The Estates answer'd his Harangue with the Applause and Applauding Acclamations that were the to his Valour and Moderation All the Gentle-Men and Officers in the Convention were inseparably united to his Person and Fortune they subsiâ—ed only by his Benefits and there was no safety for them in Sweden except in his Army The whole Assembly earneastly intreated him to take upon himself the charge of the Governm and they were desirous even to confer upon him the Quality of King to engage him more effectually to defend his Country but he possitively refus'd that Title and contented himself after the Example of his Predecessors with the Quality of Admmistrator as being more Modest and more Agreeable to the State of his Fortune and the present posture of the Kingdom Then all the Members of the Estates took an Oath of Allegience to him and he was acknowledg'd and proclaim'd with a loud Voice in the Assembly of the Estates and in the Army as the General Governour and Sovereign Administrator of Sweden The End of the First Part. THE HISTORY OF THE Revolutions in Sweden PART II. GVSTAVVS having dismist the Assembly began to give a full career to his vast Designs and to follow the motions of that noble Ardor which prompted him to extend his Conquests and atchieve some new Exploits that might answer the hope and expectation of the Swedes The success of his Arms the glory of his Victories the numbers and valor of his Troops and the zeal and affection of the People inspir'd him with Thoughts suitable to his Courage and Ambition and flatter'd him with the alluring Prospect of mounting the Throne of Sweden as soon as he shou'd compleat the great Work in which he was engag'd by the entire Expulsion of the Danes out of the Kingdom He was not ignorant of the extreme Difficulty of the Task he had undertaken the Danes were still Masters of the Capital City and of several Provinces and he wanted Mony to carry on the War But for his comfort he perceiv'd that his Adversary labour'd under the same Inconveniency and his Wants were in a manner supply'd by the Poverty of his Enemies This Encouragement was sufficient to keep him from despairing of Success but he was not willing to build his Hope on so uncertain a Foundation He either sold or mortgag'd all his Patrimonial Lands to make new Levies wisely considering that he only parted with an Estate of which an unfortunate Battle might quickly deprive him and that a Victory wou'd make up all his Losses He sent some of the Forces which he had newly Levy'd to Arwide with Orders to carry on the Siege of Stegeburgh with vigor Colonel de Sassi and Fredage besieg'd Stockholm which they had block'd up for some time The Administrator sent another Body of his Men to Finland under the Command of Arwide's Brother and kept a flying Camp with himself for the security of his Person and the execution of his private Designs He ran thro' all the Provinces with an incredible Diligence and it may be said in some sense that he was present in all his Armies at once He projected every Enterprise and both contriv'd and executed all the Attempts that were made He pass'd frequently thro' the Enemies Country and even under the Canon of their Garrisons without being assaulted the secrecy of his Designs and the quickness of his Marches securing him from their Attacks He weat to Smaland in Person and made himself Master of that Province almost in less time than wou'd seem necessary to travel thro' it From thence he march'd to Stegeburgh December 〈◊〉 which was still besieg'd by Arwide and defended with 〈◊〉 Courage and Resolution by the Governor The whole Fortune of that Officer consisted in the Government of this Place and he endeavour'd to preserve it as his Estate and Patrimony rather than out of Zeal and Fidelity to his Master's Interest Gustavus soon discover'd his weak side and concluding that he might be more easily Brib'd than Forc'd made some advantageous Proposals to him which quickly produc'd the desir'd effect The Governor was not able to resist the Presence and Bounty of that young Conquer or he not only surrender'd the Place but enter'd into his late
Crown to remain on the Head of an Usurper He added that the Swedish Clergy had not forgotten their old affection to the Danish Interest and assur'd him that there were many considerable Persons in that Kingdom who wou'd own his Right assoon as he shou'd think fit to claim it Frederic was not able to withstand a Temptation that slatter'd his Interest and Ambition He caus'd himself to be crown'd King of Sweden by that Prelate at Copenhagen as if there had been nothing else requir'd to put him in possession of the Crown but the Ceremony of setting it on his Head At the same time he sout an Ambassador to the Senate of that Kingdom to complain of the late Election as a violation of the Treaty of Calmar and an Injury to the Crown of Denmark The Senate of Sweden wou'd have sent the Ambessedor back without suffering him to deliver his Message but Gustavus was so far from being of that Opinion that he sent some of his Officers to receive him and allow'd him a magnisicent Entertainment during his stay in the Kingdom Afterwards he summon'd a Convertion of the Estates not so much to consult about the King of Denmark's Propoâ—ls as to make that Prince'â— Envoy an Eye-witness of the Confirmation of his Election by all the Orders of the Kingdom The Ambassador was introduc'd into the Assembly and in a long Harangue endeavour'd to convince 'em that they were oblig'd to own his Moster's Title to the Crown of Sweden by vertue of the Treatâ— of Calmar He magnify'd the Power of 〈◊〉 Monarch and extoll'd his Verthes and tare Enâ—â—â—â—â—ents concluding that they ought to â—â—itate the Example of the Norwegians and put themselves under the protection of a Prince that was able to defend 'em against Christiern who was preparing to force a Passage into the Kingdoms of the North with all the Forces of the Empire After the Assembly had heard this Discourse with a great deal of Impatience and Indignation the Speaker of the Estates made a short but very brisk and smart Reply He told the Ambassador That Sweden had been too long subject to the Dominion of her Enemies and wou'd take care to lodge the supreme Power in better Hands for the future That all the Inhabitants of the Kingdom had by a voluntary Election put themselves under the Proâ—â—ction of their Deliverer who wou'd preserve his Right and their Liberty in spite of the Pretensions â—nâ— Opposition of the Danes That the Treaty of Calmar was violated almost assoon as it was concluded That the Swedes notwithstanding their intestine Divisions chose rather to make the Kingdom the Seat of a bloody War for more than a hundred Years than to submit to a Treaty that was so injurious and odious to the whole Nation and that now they were united under a Victorious Prince he would find it a hard Task to perswade 'em to resume their broken Fetters The Estates were not satisfy'd with rejecting the King of Denmark's Claim but to give Gustavus a more convincing Mark of their Affection and Fidelity to his Interest they proceeded immediately to give Judgment against Archbishop Trolle and in the Ambassador's presence declar'd that Prelate a Traitor and an Enemy to his Country And in the heat of their Zeal they mâ—de a solemn Act or Decree by which they oblig'd themselves to approve whatever Gustavus shou'd think fit to do or attempt for the Preservation of his Dignity Lec l. 6. p. 237. granting him full Power to declare War or conclude a Peace without out calling a Meeting or Convention of the Estates and resolving that his Enemies shou'd be reputed Enemies to the State and Nation Thus the Swedes were so charm'd with the Valor and excellent Qualities of their new Monarch that they thought they cou'd not more effectually secure the Liberty and Happiness of the Subject than by confirming and eularging the Prerogative of the Crown And that cunning Prince under the specious Title of the Defender of the Public Liberty was advancing by slow but sure Steps to an absolute Authority over the Kingdom He kept the Danish Ambassador at Court some Daâ—s afterâ— he had receiv'd his Audience and order'd the principal Lords of the Kingdom to Treat him by turns at their Houses Afterwards he invited him to be present at a Review which he took of his Forces pretending that 't was meerly an effect of his Complaisance to that Minister tho' his true design was to make him a Witness of the Strength and Numbers of his Troops He honour'd him with magnificent Presents at his departure and left no means unessay'd to gain him or at least to make him give an advantageous Character of his Power and Grandeur At last he dismist him and sent an Envoy along with him to the King of Denmark with Orders to demand the Liberty of the Administrator's Widow and of the other Ladies whose Husbands were put to Death by Christiern These Ladies were still kept Prisoners in Denmark and Gustavus knew that he cou'd neither oblige the Swedes nor raise his own Glory more effectually than by procuring their Liberty But these were not the only nor the most important Instructions he gave to his Envoy He consider'd that Christiern had put himself under the Protection of a Prince who was able to pur him in possession of the Kingdoms he had lost especially if he shou'd sind 'em divided And therefore he gave secret Orders to his Agent to study the Character of King Frederic to discover his Designs and the Inclinations of his Council and to dispose 'em to a firm and lasting Peace which was equally necessary for both these Monarchs to settle their Authority in the beginning of their Reigns The Swedish Envoy at his arrival at the Court of Denmark deliver'd his Message publickly demanding the Liberty of the Princess and the other Swedish Ladies But afterwards in a private Audience he complain'd in his Master's Name of the Injury that Monarch had receiv'd from the King of Denmark by sending an Ambassador to Sweden without acquainting him with his Intention or directing the Embassy to him He represented to him That the Kings his Predecessors notwithstanding their Pretensions to the Crown of Sweden were more careful to observe the common Rules of Decency even during the late War betwixt the two Kingdoms and that they were so far from scrupling to acknowledge the Dignity and Authority of the Administrators that they directed the Letters and Embassies to them which they sent to the whole Nation He added with a great deal of Courage and Resolution that 't wou'd be more proper for a Prince that was not well fix'd upon his Throne to secure his Interest at home than to think of Invading his Neighbors and that tho' the King his Master entertain'd not any ambitious Thoughts of aggrandizing himself or extending the Limits of his Dominions his Army and Garrisons were in so good a Condition that 't was beyond the Power of all his
had made him the Hanse-Towns wou'd be oblig'd to have recourse to the King of Denmark and to join their Forces with that Prince's Army to drive the Pirates out of the Island At the same time he gain'd several Merchants who dealt and corresponded with those of Lubeck and consequently were concern'd as well as they in the Prizes that were taken by Norbi Thus he form'd a Party in the Senate and among the Inhabitants of Stockholm who had not yet lost their Right to discover their Sentiments concerning State-Affairs The common People were so accustom'd to hear of Gustavus's Victories that they fansied him to be invincible and being cunningly wheedl'd by the Ambassador's Emissaries they ran to the Gates of the Palace crying out all the way that 't was a shame for Sweden to suffer the Insolency of those Pyrates who ruin'd the Trade of the Kingdom that the Sea was so pester'd with 'em that a Boat durst scarce adventure to sail out of the Port and that they were not afraid to come within the reach of the Guns of the Castle And even some of the principal Lords of the Kingdom perceiving that the King was still irresolute cou'd not forbear telling him that the Administrator Suanto wou'd never have suffer'd these Pirates to insult the Coasts of the Kingdom Gustavus wou'd not bear a Reproach that seem'd to accuse him of Weakness and Cowardise He replied in an angry Tone that neither his Friends nor his Enemies had over suspected him of want of Courage that he wou'd no longer resist their Importunities but that he might venture to foretel that the success of that Expedition wou'd not answer their Desires and Expectations Thus he was at last prevail'd with to sign the Treaty which was also subscrib'd by the Ambassador as Plenipotentiary from the Regency of Lubeck whither he return'd to hasten the departure of the Fleet according to the Agreement concluded with Gustavus That wise Monarch had establish'd his Authority on such solid Foundations that he neither dreaded the Murmuring of the People nor the Dissatisfaction of the Nobility nor cou'd the united Remonstrances of all his Subjects have engag'd him in that Design if he had not been afraid that the Hanse-Towns wou'd have enter'd into a Treaty with the Danes He knew that Norbi was not in a condition to oppose the Force of Sweden and that he might easily find an opportunity to crush so feeble an Enemy but he was sensible that 't wou'd be a dissicult Task to expel the Danes if they shou'd take this occation to make themselves Masters of the Island In order to the execution of the Design he had undertaken he commanded the Troops that were appointed for that Expedition to march without nolse towards the Port of Calmar which is oppoâ—â—te to 〈◊〉 And notwithstanding his Unwilliâ—â—ness to undertake a War in the present juncture of Affairs as soon as he was engag'd in the Attempt he began to prosecute it with so much Vigor that he order'd all the Plate in the Palace to be melted down to maintain the Charge of the Expedition He went himself to Calmar to receive the Lubeck Ships and saw his Troops embark under the Command of Bernard de Milen The General landed without opposition at the Head of Eight thousand Men and in less than 15 Days made himself Master of all Gothland except Wisbi the Capital City and the only fortifi'd Place in the Island which he invested Norbi surpriz'd at so unexpected an Attack and finding himself unable to resist the power of the King of Sweden set up King Frederick's Colors in the highest place of the Town and at the same time sent one of his Creatures to that Prince offering to acknowledge him as Sovereign if he wou'd assist him with some Troops to oppose the Swedish Invasion These Proposals were very welcom to Frederic for tho' he had not look'd upon Gothland as a dependency of the Crown of Denmark 't was his Interest according to the usual policy of all Sovereigns to curb the growing Power of a neighbouring Prince He was glad of any opportunity to stop the rapid progress of that young Conqueror and wou'd have willingly sent Norbi the Assistance he desir'd but the Fleet of Lubeck and of the rest of the Hanse Towns kept the Sea and he was afraid of engaging in a Foreign War at a time when he had reason to sear a Domestick Invasion in order to the Restauration of Christiern whom the Emperor had selemnly receiv'd under his Protection These Considerations made him chuse rather to try the effect of a Negotiation than to hazard a Rupture with so potent a Neighbour And in pursance of that Design he sint an Ambassa dor to Libeth to complain of the King of Sweden's Injustice and to desire the Regency to imploy their Interest with that Prince to oblige him to withdraw his Forces out of an Island that did not belong to him Frederic was not ignorant of the League which that Republic had made with Gustavus But to prevent the ill Consequences of that Treaty his Ambassador had Orders to represent to the Magistrates of Lubeck that 't was their Interest to put a timely stop to the prevailing power of Sweden that Gustavus was a daring and couragious Prince who wou'd infallibly endeavour to make his Conquests as boundless as his Ambition if his Designs were not prevented by a seasonable Opposition that the Sovereignty of the Isle of Gothland was an undoubted Right of the Crown of Denmark that Norbi was intrusted with the Government of it by Christiern II. and that since he was willing to submit to his lawful Sovereign the King his Master cou'd not refuse to protect his own Subject and to defend that Island to the utmost of his power as a Territory that belong'd to his Crown He added that his Majesty wou'd submit his Right to the Judgment of the Hanse-Towns rather than disturb the Peace of the North and that he was willing the Island shou'd remain sequester'd in the Hands of the Regency of Lubeck till the Controversy betwixt him and Gustavus shou'd be decided by a sinal Sentence The Magistrates of that City were easily perswaded to embrace a Proposal which if it shou'd take effect wou'd not only secure 'em from the Pirates but free 'em from the Obligation of keeping a Fleet at Sea to cover the Swedish Conquests They were extreamly pleas'd with the Sequestration and resolv'd rather to be at the Charge of maintaining a Garrison in the Island than to suffer it to fall into the Hands of Gustavus who might one Day make use of that opporiunity to disturb their Trade and to render himself more absolute in the Baltick Sea Thus the Regency concluded a secret Treaty with Frederic's Ambassador by which they oblig'd themselves to open a free passage to the Danish Succers 'T was also agreed that the King of Denmark shou'd send an Ambassador to Gustavus to complain of his Expedition against the Isle
of Gothland and that his Envoy shou'd be follow'd by Ambassadors from the Hanse-Towns who shou'd offer their Mediation and declare War against either of the two contending Parties that shou'd refuse to come to an Accommodation Immediately the Danish Forces were order'd to Embark and enter'd the Port of Wisbi without any opposition from the Fleet of Lubeck and soon after the Ambassador of that Town arriv'd at Stockholm to expostulate with Gustavus in the Name of the King his Master for besieging a Place in his Dominions without declaring War against him At the same Time the Ambassadors of the Hanse-Towns came to propose a Truce and to desire an Interview betwixt the two Kings at Malnogen They offer'd the Mediation of their Masters and requir'd the Interview in so peremptory a manner that Gustavus perceiv'd he must either submit to that Expedient or expect immediately the Declaration of an open War Thus fearing to be Assaulted by so potent a Confederacy he was forc'd to divert the threatning Storm by consenting to the conditions that were propos'd to him To prevent any Suspicion of Treachery Frederick who was Master of the Place appointed for the Interview sent Four Senators and Six of the most considerable Lords in Denmark to remain at Stockholm as Hostages during the Conference betwixt the two Kings Gustavus was sensible of the danger to which he expos'd himself but he was so afraid of irritating the Hanse-Towns and so desirous to make the Danes themselves acknowledge his Title to the Crown of Sweden that he resolv'd at all Adventures to pursue his intended Journey He repair'd to Malmogen accompanied with the Great Marshal Tureiohanson and two other Senators after he had receiv'd another safe Conduct from Frederick and the security of the Harse-Towns for the safety of his Person tho' it may be doubted whether any security can be given for a King when he is in the Dominions of his Enemies The reciprocal pretensions of the two Crowas to the Isle of Gothland were the Subject of this Conference September The matter was debated on both sides with a great deal of heat and each party produc'd their respective Titles Bildius High Chamberlain to the King of Denmark and Tureiohanson for Gustavus urg'd the Claims and defended the Rights of their Masters But in the Progress of the Conference the Great Marshal betray'd the Cause and Interest of the Crown of Sweden He cou'd not without a secret envy behold the Power and Prosperiâ—y of Gustavus and was unwilling to submit to a Master who not long before was his equal He had a very considerable Estate in Denmark which made him afraid of disobliging that Monarch who had threaten'd to deprive him of all the Lands he possess'd in his Kingdom if he shou'd persist too obstinately in the Defence of his Master That Menace stopp'd his Mouth so effectually that he pretended a Cold and a violent Cough to excuse him from speaking Gustavus seeing himself betray'd by his Treacherons Minister under took the Defence of his own Cause and alledg'd with a great deal of Vigor and Eloquence that the Isle of Gothland was always reckon'd a part of the Kingdom of Sweden that the Danes were only admitted into it by vertue of the Treaty of Calmar that their Kings had no other right to it during the union of the two Kingdoms but as they were Sovereigns of Sweden that 't was plain and undoubtedly certain that King Albert Mortgag'd the Island to the Knights of the Teutonic Order for the Sum of Twenty Thousand Rose-Nobles that Queen Margaret impos'd a Tax which was levy'd only in Sâ—eden to redeem it that King Eric her Nephew and Successor retir'd thither after his ABDIC ATION and afterwards deliver'd it up to the Danes to the prejudice of the Crown of Swedâ—n The solidity of these Reasons put the Danish Minister to silence but the Ambassadors of the Hanse-Towns resolving to keep up the difference refert'd the Decision of it to the Regency of Lubeck under pretext of bringing it to a Friendly Agreement They wou'd have also oblig'd the King of Sweden to withdraw his Troops out of the Island and propos'd that the City of Lubeck shou'd put a Garrison into Wisbi according to the privare Treaty they had condaded with the Danish Ambassador But Gustavus was so far from consenting to either of these motions that he protested he wou'd rather 〈◊〉 off the Conference and declare War than suffer himself to be bubbl'd out of his Conquests And the King of Denmark who had put a strong Garrison into Wisbi instead of insisting upon the Sequestration which he had only propos'd to Tempt the Lubeckers to break their Treaty with Gustavus was easily perswaded to consent that every thing should remain in the same posture in expectation of the Regency's Sentence These two Princes gave one another reciprocal marks of Esteem and Respect notwithstanding the differences that reign'd between ' em They found themselves ingag'd in the same Interest and enter'd into a League Offensive and Desensive against the late King Christiern without mentioning the Treaty of Calmar They gave each other mutual affarances of a sincere Friendship notwithstanding the Natural Antipathy betwixt the Two Kingdoms After their last Complements Gustavus took leave of the King of Denmark and left Malmogen to return to Sweden Herman He had not gone far when he met the Lubeck Ambassador who engag'd him in the Expedition against Gothland The sight of that Minister put him in mind of the Treachery of the Republic and he was so Transported with fury at so provoking an Idea that he stopt the subtle Consul and ask'd him fiercely what was become of the Treaty and the Magnificent promises of his Masters At the same time he put his hand to his Poinard as if he had been going to kill him But one of the Senators that accompained him prevented the Blow and the Ambassador made his Escape Thus Gnstavus retir'd out of the Daniâ—â— Territories and as he enter'd into his own Dominions he told those who follow'd him that he would never go out of 'em again but at the head of an Army Some of the Senators and Officers of the Army who had the largest share in his Considence and Favor took this occasion to conjure him that he wou'd not longer delay the Ceremony of his Coronation To convince him of the importance and reasonableness of their desire they told him that 't was but too probable the Success of his Arms and the Glory of his Victories had procur'd him the Envy and Jealousy of his Neighbors and perhaps also the secret hatred of some Great Persons in his own Kingdom and that if either of 'em cou'd obtain their desire he wou'd be less Fortunate and Happy They added that there were several Lords in Sweden who pretended they cou'd hardly look upon him as their Sovereign because he had not yet receiv'd the Crown and concluded that the Ceremony of his Coronation
New Testament to compare it with the other He assâ—r'd him he wou'd read it with great satisfaction And for a further Incouragement he told him such a Pâ—â—ce of Work would be the more useful in the Kingdom because few Friâ—sts in it understâ—â—d the Latine Tongue and that they frequently mâ—stâ—ok the meaning of the Text for want of having it in their Mother Tongue To which Reasons he added some private Caresses he made to that Prelate and dismiss'd him with assurances that he wou'd suffer nothing to pass in his Kingdom in Matters of Religion without his knowledge and advice The Arch Bishop dazel'd by those plausible Reasons and the Caresses of his Prince summon'd to Stockholm his Six Suffragan Bishops and the Principal Persons both of the Regular and Secular Clergy To whom he represented the necessity of making a speedy Translation of the New Testament in opposition to that of Olaus he told 'em it was the King's desire and that it was an infallibe means to please his Majâ—sty and keep him in their Communion The Bishop of Lincopire vigorously oppos'd the undertaking of that Work saying that our Saviour had left the Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures to the Bishopâ— and Doctors of his Church left no occasion that there might be for the simple and ignorant to coâ—tend about it That a Traâ—slation in the present Juncture of Assairs wou'd rather be instrumental to the Propagation of Lutheranism in the State and by the Authority of that Book the People would take upon 'em to judge of Controversies That the Church and Religion were not liable to Examination and that he had never approv'd of the Conference at Vpsal That it was far more Prudential to Excommunicate Olaus and his followers that the Bishop of Stregnez his Superior ought to secure him and bring him to his Trial or else send him to Rome and that such Hereticks ought only to be confuted with Fire and Sword But all these Remonstrances could not prevail with the Arch-Bishop to deny in some measure so just a thing to the King and to which he had oblig'd himself in the Conference at Vpsal Thus he persisted in his design unmov'd by the Arguments of the Bishop of Lincopinc who told him in the full Assembly that he wou'd ruin the Religion by his immoderate complaisance for the Court. The Regular and Secular Clergy divided the whole Work among 'em Pufendorf to have it the sooner finished The latter undertook the Translation of the four Evangelists the Acts of the Apostles and St. Pauls Epistles the Mendicant Friars St. Peter's St. John's St. James's and St. Jude's Epistles and the Carthusians were appointed to Translate the Apocalypse Olaus proud of his pretended success in the Conference at Vpsal printed an Account of it and Publish'd it to his Advantage Soon after he publickly Married tho' a Priest to confirm by so viting an Example the Doctrine which he preach'd Many of his Brethern follow'd his Example without the least reluctancy and publickly assâ—m'd the Name of Lutherans as a shelter against their Superiors and a Support to their Marriages Most of the Nobility got Ministers to Preach in their Castles some out of curiosity to hear their Eloquence others to please the King and perhaps in order to get those Church-Lands they had an eye upon Gustavus was extremely pleas'd to see so sudden a change in Matters of Religion And he who never suffer'd his designs to appear but according as Lutheranism got ground thought he might now without danger seize upon part of the Church-Lands In order to which he call'd the Senate to meet at Stockholm upon intelligences he procur'd from time to time and which he dexterously caus'd to be spread all over the Kingdom that the Emperor himself was preparing to March with all the Forces of the Empire to restore King Christiern No sooner were the Senators arriv'd at Stockholm but he desir'd 'em to take all possible care to put the Kingdom in a State of Defense against the attempts of the Enemy The Lords who for the most part ow'd him their Fortunes and Dignities guess'd presently at his intentions and gave this answer suitable to his Designs That the People were utterly exhausted by the long Wars of Sweden and that the Merchants of Lubeck and other Hanse-Towns did absolutely ruin the Kingdom by their extorted Privilege to drive alone the Trade of Sweden and that without paying any Customs That there was no way left to recruit his Treasure but by opening all the Ports of this Kingdom to the Merchants of other Nations but that the Town of Lubeck must be first paid before those Priviledges cou'd be cancell'd which Sweden was forc'd to grant in lieu of Interest for the Mony and Troops that Regency had lent the Crown against the Danes The Senate agreed both in the necessity of making that Payment and at the same time in the present impossibility of doing it The King under colour of easing the People propos'd by his Chancellour to take for the subsistence of his Troops the two Thirds of the Tithes belonging for the most part to Bishops or Rich Abbots And that cunning Statesman did at the same time insinuate that the superfluous Plate and Bells of Churches might be apply'd to pay the Regency of Lubeck by which means its Priviledges might be at once abolish'd which tended to the absolute ruin both of the King and Kingdom The Power and Authority of Gustavus were settl'd by this time upon so firm and solid a Foundation that the Resolves of the Senate were in a manner but a meer Formality So that all the Senators with great submission approv'd of this Expedient of which a solemn Decree was forthwith made and Commissioners were appointed by the King who seiz'd all over the Kingdom upon the Church-plate and Bells which they found to be superfluous and same time laid up in public Granaries the Tithes and all the Grains design'd for the Subsistence of his Troops This Order of the Senate stunn'd like a Thunderbolt both the Superior and Inferior Clergy They saw that they had set a wise and mighty Prince upon the Throne who was resolv'd to ruin their Authority and was so much the more terrible because of his Dexterity in concealing his Hatred and Designs under the specious pretence of the public Good The Archbishop of Vpsal brought his Complaints to the King and told him that his Officers committed such Depredations in all the Churches as were scarce to be fear'd from the most outragious Hereticks or Fanaticks The King having thus at last pull'd off the Mask answer'd the Bishop with an Aiâ— of Authority that what had been seiz'd by his Order wou'd be better imploy'd for the Defence of the Realm than for maintaining the Grandeur and Pride of the Clergy After these words he dismiss'd him and wou'd not give him a longer Audience The King's Answer and the Violence of his Officers did extremely exasperate most of the
tho' he was sensible of the Danger of slighting the feeblest Enemy he was afraid lest by shewing too visible a Concern on this occasion he shou'd strengthen the Party of the Impostor At last he resolv'd to desire the Administrator's Widow to write to the Dalecarlians and that Princess in obedience to his Request assur'd 'em by a Letter that her Son died above a Year ago that all the Inhabitants of Stockholm who assisted at his Funeral were Witnesses of his Death and that she had but one young Child living of whose Education the King took as much care as if he were his own Son This Letter had all the success Gustavus cou'd expect and the undeceiv'd Peasants forsook their fictitious Prince who fearing that they wou'd deliver him up to the King fled to Norway where he found a new Protection upon the Recommendation of the Bishops of Sweden to the Archbishop of Dronthem by whom he was receiv'd and entertain'd as Prince of Sweden By this Prelate's Interest the Impostor rais'd new Troops in that Kingdom and by his own Insinuations he persuaded a Lady of the highest Quality there that the Crown of Sweden did rightly belong to him and promis'd he wou'd one day raise her Daughter to the Dignity of a Queen The Lady dazel'd with the prospect of a Crown made her Tenants take up Arms in Defence of his Right furnish'd him with great Sums of Mony to begin the War and presented him with a Gold Chain of considerable Weight as the Pledge of the Alliance she wou'd contract with him The King upon Advice that the Impostor was preparing to return to Sweden order'd a Body of Horse to prevent him At the same time he writ to Frederic King of Denmark complaining of the Protection he gave in his Dominions to a notorious Cheat protesting he wou'd seek him out at the Head of his Army in the furthest Parts of Norway if he were not speedily expell'd out of that Kingdom That wise and politick Prince cou'd not without a secret Jealousy look upon the Union of the Swedes and the Prosperity of Gustavus's Reign and wou'd have been glad to see Sweden imbroil'd in Civil Wars by the Counterfeit Steno But fearing a Storm from Sweden when he expected every moment a Descent from Christiern he sent Orders to Hans to depart immediately out of his Dominions and that unhappy Wretch fled from Norway to Rostock a Free and Imperial City in Mecklemburg upon the Baltick Gustavus having receiv'd advice of his Retreat sent to the Magistrates of that City requiring 'em to deliver up the Impostor and threaten'd to stop all their Ships that shou'd he found in his Ports if they wou'd not comply with so just a Desire The Magistrates of Rostock having no reason to protect such an abandon'd Wretch caus'd him to be Beheaded by which Execution they put an end to Gustavus's fears and baffled all the Hopes of his dissaffected Subjects Tho' the Clergy had not publickly appear'd in this Revolt yet the King was fully convinc'd that they wou'd have infallibly declar'd for the Impostor if his Attempt had been attended with success He knew them to be his most dangerous Enemies and that nothing but the Fear of his Power kept them from open Rebellion The Bishops influenc'd the Curates and inferiour Clergy to keep the People steady in their ancient Religion being sensible they must lose the best part of their Revenues assoon as Lutheranism shou'd be establish'd Such powerful Motives as Religion and Self-Interest put the whole Body of the Clergy into a ferment and made them turn every Stone The Monks but especially those call'd Mendicant Frius run thro' all the Provinces under pretext of begging Bread for their Subsistence but in effect to foment the Discontents of the People They made sure of their Friends influenc'd their Devotoes form'd Cabals in all the Villages and spoke so disrespectfully of their Prince as if their affected Zeal for the Defence of the Catholick Faith cou'd have justify'd the Spirit of Rebellion The King being under some apprehension that the Clergy and those Monks might at last occasion some dangerous Revolt resolv'd to gain the Bishops and especially the Heads and Superiors of the Religious Houses and to remove such as wou'd not comply with his Designs Most of the Superiors of the Mendicant Friars were Germans and Foreigners all Doctors in the chief Universities of Germany who were sent by their Generals to visit and govern the Swedish Monasteries The King issued out a Declaration forbidding those Foreigners to meddle with the Government of the Monks his natural Subjects under pretence that being Subjects of the Emperor and other Princes who were Enemies to the Nation they incited not only the Monks but even the common People to Rebellious Practices So that they were oblig'd immediately to leave the Kingdom and the King took care to substitute in their Places such Monks as were intirely devoted to the Court This Declaration was follow'd by another to prohibit the Visits and too frequent Journies of the Monks By this Edict they were not allow'd to go above twice a Year out of their Monasteries and to stay but a Fortnight each time to receive the Bounty and Alms of the People This done the King apply'd himself to the Bishops of Stregnez and Westeras who were his Creatures and assur'd 'em that in all these Proceedings he had no other Aim than to see the Word of God observ'd in his Kingdom and to banish all Superstitions that a worldly Interest had introduc'd into religious Worship He desir'd 'em cheerfully to surrender the Fortresses that were in their Hands promis'd to make 'em futable and advantageous Returns and to advance their Families to the principal and highest Dignities in the Kingdom Upon which Declarations of his Affection and the Confidence he plac'd in 'em they told him they shou'd always be ready to submit to his Will without inquiring into the Reason of his Orders imagining that their Complaisance cou'd not be reputed Criminal so long as they did not openly profess those Doctrins which they look'd upon as erroneous especially since they cou'd not oppose the King's Designs without exposing themselves to his Indignation But the Archbishop of Vpsal resisted the Temptation with a Resolution that cou'd neither be shaken by Promises or Threats His Temporalities were seized his Family persecuted and his Person for some time confined to a Convent at Stockholm under pretence that he had a hand in the Impostor's Rebellion In a word none of those indirect Persecutions were omitted to which Princes usually have Recourse when they wou'd reclaim obstinate Subjects that will not be reduc'd by gentler Methods He answer'd those who urged him to yield to the King's Will that he was advanc'd to his Dignity without making the least Interest for it that King Gustavus himself recommended him of his own accord made an Interest for his Choice and he cou'd not imagine that Prince shou'd expect from
him by way of Acknowledgment that he shou'd so basely betray his Dignity and Ministry The King finding him Inflexible found out an honourable way to get rid of him by conferring upon him the Character of Embassador He was order'd forthwith to set out for Poland and the King sent him word that he shou'd receive his Dispatches at Dantzie The Archbishop apprehended presently the Drist of this Commission and lookt upon his Embassy as little better than a Banishment However he they'd the King's Orders with a great deal of submission and went for Dantzic with his Brother Olaus Magnus Where having waited some time but in vain for his Dispatches and his Majesty's Orders and hearing that Lutheranism got ground every Day in Sweden he went to Rome to implore the Pope's Assistance and inform his Holiness of the Danger that threatned the Catholick Religion in Sweden under so politick and so mighty a Prince But the Pope was in so bad Circumstances that he cou'd not take much notice of the Affairs of Sweden Clement VII His extraordinary Ambition to advance and aggrandize his Family made him enter the Year before into a League with Francis I. King of France and the States of Venice Florence and Switzerland against the Emperor Charles V. The Design of the Confederacy was to procure the Liberty of the Children of France who were then Hostages in Spain to recover the Kingdom of Naples to the Holy See to maintain Sforza in the Dukedom of Milan and to defend the Liberty of Italy in a word to oppose the Power of the Emperor who was grown formidable ever since the Battel of Pavia That Prince was so incens'd against the Pope whom he lookt upon as the Author of the League that he rais'd a bloody War against him But the War it self was not so grievous to the Pope as the Emperor's Exhortation to the Cardinals to summon a lawful Council for the Good of the Church which wanted to be Reformed as the Emperor was pleas'd to express it both in her Head and Members Clement was extremely averse to a Council which he dreaded wou'd not only regulate the Papaal Power but enter upon some Enquiry that might be prejudicial to his Person and Dignity He was always reputed the natural Son of Julian de Medicis till Pope Leo X. being of the same Family declar'd him Legitimate upon the Information of his Mother's Brother and of certain Monks who deposed that there was a Promise of Marriage tho' such an Evidence was somewhat suspicious in so nice an Affair There was indeed no positive Law to exclude Bastards from the Pontificate but 't was the common Opinion that so eminent and holy a Dignity was inconsistent with so great a Blemish The Pope therefore might justly fear that the Emperor wou'd insist upon it in a Council and by his Authority colour it with a Pretext of Justice and Religion Besides he knew that the Emperor had a Note in his Hands which he had given to Cardinal Colouna in the Conclave to purchase his Vote Thus he saw himself in danger of being depos'd as was Balthazar Cossa known during his Pontificate by the Name of John XXIII and the rather because Pope Julius II. had issued out a strict Bull annulling and making void all Simoniacal Elections and putting it out of the Power of the Cardinals by a posterior Consent to make 'em valid But Charles V. did not so much aim at his Person as the Principalities annex'd to his Dignity His eagerness for a Council was only to get an opportunity to raise him new Enemies and to make him depend upon his pleasure He wou'd fain have had the Command of the Pope's Territories which lay so convenient for him in that juncture of War for the Communication of the Milanese with the Kingdom of Naples and the late League the Pope had made with his Enemies afforded him a plausible pretence to seize on ' em He gave Orders to his Army to march into the Pope's Territories His Troops besieg'd and took Rome by Storm where they committed such Barbarities as cou'd not be expected from Infidels Both the Massacre and Plunder lasted several Days the Virgins were ravish'd in their Mothers Arm and at the foot of the very Altars the Monuments of the Apostles and the Relics of the Saints were prophan'd by the Avarice and Insolence of the Soldiers the Cardinals and Prelates of the Court of Rome were thrown into dismal Dungeons where they were perpetually alarm'd with the fear of an ignominious Death to make 'em deliver up the Treasures of the Church The Pope himself was seiz'd and imprison'd in the Castle of St. Angelo by the Emperor's Officers And that Prince who affected the religious Title of Catholick design'd to send him to Spain as he had done Francis I. that he might almost at the same time Triumph over the two greatest Powers of Europe one Spiritual and the other Temporal Gustavus heard with a secret Joy the News of this War betwixt the Pope and the Emperor but especially of the amazing Success of the last He therefore resolv'd to follow his Example and to make use of this Juncture to give the fatal Blow to the Dignity of the Bishops of his Realm His Power was so great that he feared no Rebellion having a considerable number of Troops on foot which made him formidable to his Enemies at home and abroad Most of his Officers were Foreigners or Lutherans all equally devoted both to his Person and Fortune the Senators were all his Creatures and the Danes his Allies Thus whilst all Europe dreaded his Power or admir'd his Greatness he form'd a Design to take from the Lishops all the strong Holds that were under their Jurisdiction and at the same time to make an exact Enquiry into all the Purchases or Usurpations of both the Regular and Secular Clergy since the Prohibition of King Canietson But above all he resolv'd to get all his Declarations and the Decree made in the Senate relating to the Tithes confirm'd by the Estates of the Kingdom In pursuance of this Resolution he call'd a Meeting of the Estates at Westeras and made use of his Authority in all the Provinces to influence the Election of such Deputies as might serve his turn He sent secret Orders to a certain number of his Officers of War to be present at the Elections under colour of soliciting for the Payment of the Troops He himself follow'd 'em soon after attended by all the Senators and follow'd by a Crowd of Courtiers who shew'd his Greatness and served at the same time to maintain it He began to discover his Intention in the ordering of a Treat which he gave the Bishops Senators Deputies of Provinces and all the Members of the Estates The Officers of his Houshold alter'd the usual order of the Seats at Table The chief Places were given to the Temporal Senators to the prejudice of the Bishops who claim'd that Honour by prescription And the
same Precedency was given to the Gentry who were plac'd above the Deputies of the inferior Clergy By which alteration the King design'd to create a Difference betwixt the bishop and the Senators and to make the Gentry approve his Intentions to humble the Clergy Assoon as the Bishops and other Ecclesiastical Deputies rose from Table they retir'd in great discontent from the Hall and even out of the Castle and went to St. Giles's Church where they shut themselves in Being alone and as they thought safe they ask'd one another what might be the Reason of the publick Injury and Affront which the King had put upon ' em The Bishop of Lincopinc presiding in the Assembly as being the first Suffragan to the Arch-Bishop of Vpsal made a Speech to this effect That they knew by their own expefience that the King never did any publick Action without some private Design That this alteration to the prejudice of their Order was but a forerunner of greater Persecutions That the Kings Declarations the Decrees of the Senate the Attempts of his Majestys Officers his Power and his Armies were so many Prognosticks of the loss of their Liberty and the best part of their Revenues That under the specious Title of Defender of the Country he assum'd an absolute Authority above the reach of the Laws That he was resolved to seize upon their Castles and Fortresses and afterwards deprive 'em of that share in the Government which they had so long injoy'd and that Religon it self would be in great danger if they did not resolve vigorously to oppose the Lutherans The Bishop of Stregnez Sommâ—r who was gain'd by the Court reply'd that they could not indeed be too watchful for the Defence of their Religion but withal he insinuated that they ought not by an unseasonable Zeal to provoke a Potent Prince who in all other respects deserv'd so well of the Nation He added that in his Opinion the Clergy should contribute part of their Revenues towards the Defence of the Kingdom and declared his readiness to put his Castle into the King's Hands who was better able to defend it against the Enemies of the State than a Clergy-Man The Bishop of Lincopinc could not hear that Prelates Discourse without Indignation He ask'd him in an angry Tone whether he thought he could as Lawfully dispose of his Church Lands as of his Patrimony and that in behalf of a Heretick Prince or one at least who countenanced Heresy He tax'd him that he spoke more like a Statesman and a Courtier than a true Bishop and to soften those hard and offensive expressions he conjur'd him with all earnestness to stick to the Interests of his Brethren and to Aâ—t unanimously with them for the 〈◊〉 of their Rights and Dignities He exhorted the whole Assembly to follow their Arch-Bishops steps who had generously withstood both the Caresses and Threats of the Court telling them that upon all such Occasions they were oblig'd to remember the Oath they had taken at their Consecration to venture their Lives in the Defence of Religion and the Rights and Privileges of their Churches In a word he omitted nothing that cou'd revive in their minds a true Episcopal Zeal or convince them that the severest punishment that cou'd be inflicted on 'em for an Apostolical constancy or stedfastness would be far more glorious to 'em than all the favour of the Court. This Discourse being pronounc'd with a great deal of heat drew in the three other Bishops and all the other Ecclesiasticks that Compos'd the Assembly so that it was resolv'd they were oblig'd to maintain to the utmost of their power the Revenues and Rights of the Swedish Church against all opposers The Bishops of Stregnez and Westeras as great Courtiers as they were durst not oppose so generous a motion or perhaps were not sorry to see their Brethren undertake at their Perils to Defend their Dignities In short these Six Bishops took a Solemn Oath to Defend with vigor the Rights and Priviledges of the Church against all the Attempts of the King They made an Act to which they subscrib'd and which they cans'd to be sign'd by all the rest of the Clergy who were present then they hid it in a Tomb in the Church lest it should fall into the King's hands The Bishop of Lincopinc endeavour'd also to procure the favour of some powerful Lay-Patrons He privately made sure of Tureiohanson the great Marshal whose Birth and Dignity gave him the next rank to the King but these advantages were obscur'd by the defect of his Merit and by his Pride He talk'd perpetually of his Pedegree and tho' he had neither Valour nor Courage he fansi'd that his Birth and Quality entitl'd him to the esteem of all Mankind The Bishop begg'd his Protection for the Clergy and that was ground enough to obtain it The Marshal was so over joy'd to see himself courted by so considerable a Party that he made a Solemn Promise to maintain and support the ancient Religion and its Ministers Besides him that Prelate gain'd some Lords of West-Gothland and several Deputies of the Peasants who combin'd together to oppose all the Attempts of the Lutherans The next day the Estates met and the Chancellour open'd the Sessions with a pathetic Speech upon the Exigences of the State He told them from the King that there was no Fund settl'd for the Payment of the Forces that most of the Frontier places wanted to be Fortifi'd that the Arsenals were unfurnish'd and that there were few Ships in the Ports He forgot not to Alarm 'em with an account of King Christiern's preparations He put 'em in mind of all the Cruelties which that Prince committed in the Kingdom representing in the most dismal colours the miserable condition of that Kingdom under his Government Besides the Massacre of the Senate he presented 'em with a frightful Catalogue of all the Robberies Plunders Assassinates Burnings Rapes and other Enormous Barbarities that were Authoriz'd by a Prince who never gave himself the trouble to seek for any pretext to excuse or cover his Crimes A dreadful Time when the Kingdom was become a Prey to Implacable Enemies or to Treacherous and Rebellious Natives more cruel than they whose Credit and Rewards were more Intolerable than there very Treasons and Villanies He told 'em that when the Nation was in these deplorable and hopeless circumstances the King alone formed a generous design to deliver his Native Country In order to which he had expos'd â—imself to the greatest Dangers and as he had not spar'd his life for their defence so 't was well known he had Mortgag'd all his Estate to carry on the War against the Danes That by his Valour and Conduct the Swedes had at last Triumph'd over their Enemies but that the same cruel Enemies were preparing for a new Invasion with all the Forces of the Emperour if speedy care were not taken to oppose ' em To which he added that the Revenues
of the Crown were so diminish'd by the Usurpations of the Clergy that they were scarce sufficient to answer the Charge of the civil List That the Nobility and Gentry were also ruin'd by the imprudent Bounty of their Ancestors That it was plain the Church of Sweden alone had the command of more Wealth than the King and all the other Estates of the Realm together That the Bishops had always made Religion subservient to their Interest and the Establishing of their Authority and by indirect means had made themselves Masters of the best Mannours and Principal Fortresses That these Prelates growing by degrees Richer and more Potent than their Sovereign had frequently revolted against their Princes That their Ambition had occasion'd all the Civil and Foreign Wars with which the Kingdom had been harrass'd for near the space of 120 Years That they had several times call'd in the Enemies and receiv'd 'em into their Forts sticking at no Treachery to compass their wicked Designs That the Senate sensible of the present Exigencies and knowing how prejudical the excessive Power and Wealth of the Bishops was to the Peace of Sweden had wisely ordain'd that two Thirds of the Tithes shou'd be apply'd to the Maintenance and Subsistence of the Army That the King desir'd that his late Declarations and the Senate's Decree which aimed at nothing but the ease of the People shou'd be confirm'd by the Estates That both the Regular and Secular Clergy should forthwith restore to the Crown to the Nobility and to all private Persons the Lands and Estates which they pretended had been bequeath'd to 'em since the Reign and Prohibition of King Canutson That they shou'd be oblig'd to contribute as well as the Laity to the support of the Army proportionably to their ancient Estates and Acquisitions That the Bishops shou'd not hereafter inherit the Estates of the inferiour Clergy by which means the best Families of the Kingdom insensible decay'd and came to ruin That those Prelates shou'd renounce their pretended Right and Penalties and Forfeitures That they shou'd forthwith put the King in possession of their Forts which had often serv'd for a shelter to Seditious and Rebellions Persons And Lastly that they shou'd be for ever excluded from the Senate or any share in the Government No sooner had the Chancellor ended his Speech but the Bishop of Lincopinc stood up to oppose him and spoke to this effect That it was no wonder to hear of that bold Proposal to take away the Church-Lands from the Clergy while the Lutherans were countenanced in their endeavours to extirpate the true Religion He declared to the Estates that he and the whole Clergy were resolv'd to defend the Catholick Faith never to part with any Church-Lands or yield up any of their Rights or Priviledges without an express Order from the Pope whom they own'd as the Supreme Disposer of the Church Revenues as he was the Infallible Judge in Matters of Religion The King amaz'd at the boldness of that Prelate turn'd towards the Senators and the Nobility as it were to ingage some of 'em to make a sutable reply Immediately Tureiohanson stood up who far from siding with the King told him with a great deal of considence that the Bishop of Lincopinc cou'd not be too much commended for his Zeal and that he wish'd all the Swedes were inspir'd with so noble a resolution to defend the Catholick Faith and the Liberty of the Nation He was applauded by the Bishops and the whole Clergy and their Acclamations were seconded by many Deputies of West-Gothland who bewail'd in secret the decaying State of the Ancient Religion but durst not freely speak their mind for sear of the King's displeasure Tureiohanson's discourse and the Applause it met with among those of his party did both surprise the King and stir up his Passion He complain'd of their ingratitude and want of respect and told them that the Swedes cou'd neither live without Kings nor endure 'em after they were chosen that he was sensible his Declarations against the Clergy and the Senate's Decree concerning Tithes had procur'd him more Enemies in the Kingdom than he had among the Neighbouring Nations who envi'd the Happiness of Sweden that he knew there were many in that Assembly who according to the Swedish Proverb wished the Head of an Ax struck deep into his Head tho' none were so bold as to take up the handle and that they were grossly mistaken if they thought he mounted the Throne as an Actor comes upon a Stage only to personate a King He declar'd withal that he expected obedience and that in the present juncture of Assairs it was requisite he shou'd use an absolute Power to resist the Designs and Attempts both of the Emperor and King Christiern But if they thought he cou'd not justly require Obedience and Submission he protested that he was ready to resign the Crown That he only demanded a re-imbursment for the Charge he had been at for the defence of the State since he undertook the Government that afterwards he wou'd let them peaceably injoy the Fruit of his Victories and solemnly promise to leave the Kingdom for ever At these words Grief and Anger drew some Tears from his Eyes and without expecting an answer he suddenly left the Assembly and went into the Castle follow'd by the Principal Officers of his Army who urg'd him to assume an absolute Power and offer'd to execute his Orders without the consent of the Estates The Chancellor staid to hinder the Estates from taking any Resolutions contrary to the King's Interest in his Absence But nothing was concluded that Day The Temporal Senators and principal Lords alarmed at the angry Retreat of Gustavus rose up immediately as if they had been afraid to be seen in the Company of the King's Adversaries On the other Hand the Bishops and the whole Clergy most of the Lords of West-Gothland and all the Rabble of Westeras conducted Tureiohanson home as it were in Triumph That haughty Lord was so puff'd up with their Applauses that he cou'd not conceal his Joy to see himself at the Head of a Party which he lookt upon as formidable to the King He fancy'd that he should Govern the Estates and by his Authority influence all their resolutions He enter'd his House with the sound of Trumpets and Kettle Drums elevated with his present success without considering that the Favour of the People is usually short-liv'd and that 't is extreamly hard for a great Man to come off with Honour when the Prince's Authority seems to be slighted or disregarded The Estates met again the next Day which was spent wholly in Contests on both sides Olaus Petri made a new Challenge to Dr. Gallus but it came to nothing because Gallus wou'd argue in Latin and in a Scholastic manner and Olaus resolv'd to dispute in the Swedish Tongue The Assembly was divided into two Parties one that stood up for the Preservation of the Rights and Privileges
that the Contest was meerly about Temporal Assairs made high Protestations that they wou'd cut in pieces the first Man who shou'd offer to oppose the King 's Will. And these Menaces struck such a Terror in the Minds of Tureiohanson and the Lords of West-Gothland that they were forc'd to be silent and withdraw At last it was solemnly Enacted by the Estates That the Bishops shou'd immediately put their Forts into the Hands of the King's Officers and disband their Troops and Garrisons That those Prelates shou'd not any more be admitted into the Senate as being a hinderance to the discharge of their Ministerial Functions That it shou'd not be in their power to deprive the lawful Heirs of Ecclesiasticks of their Right of Inheritance nor shou'd thereafter convert to their own Uses the Penalties and Forfeitures which properly belong'd to the Crown That all superfluous Church-plate and useless Bells shou'd be apply'd to pay the Regency of Lubeck That all Church-Lands that had accru'd to the Clergy by Foundations made since the Prohibition of K. Canutson shou'd be re-united to the Crown That the Nobility and Gentry might recover their Estates mortgag'd to the Church by paying off the Mortgage That the two Thirds of the Tithes injoy'd by most Bishops and Abbots shou'd be sequester'd for the subsistence of the Troops so long as there shou'd be any Ground to apprehend a War in the Kingdom and that in time of Peace they shou'd be apply'd to the Erecting and Indowing of publick Schools and Hospitals in all the Provinces That those among the Clergy shou'd be severely Punish'd who shou'd offer to Excommunicate any one for a meerly Temporal Concern That the Magistrates shou'd restrain the Mendicant Friars from their usual Rambles and the King shou'd dispose at his pleasure of all the Priviledges of the Clergy Lastly by the Chancellor's cunning Insinuation it was order'd That all considerable Churches shou'd be provided with learned and godly Men that shou'd expound to the People the pure Word of God which in the Language of those Times signify'd that Lutheranism shou'd be preach'd with Authority No sooner was this Act put into form but all the Deputies sign'd it and even the Bishops who were not well united among themselves Some of 'em were gain'd by the Court and others out of fear were forc'd to subscribe tho' they plainly saw that they sign'd the Abdication of their Dignities and even an Article contrary to the Catholick Religion The Estates pray'd the Chancellor and Dr. Olaus Petri to carry the Act to the King and charg'd 'em to assure his Majesty that he shou'd never hereafter find any opposition to his Will in that Assembly The King having thus brought 'em to his own Terms went to the Assembly where by the Chancellor's Mouth he thank'd the Deputies for their having at last taken Resolutions sutable to the present Exigencies He assur'd 'em That henceforward he wou'd have a particular regard for the People and that he hop'd by the help of that Supply alone which they had now granted him Sweden shou'd have no cause to fear her Enemies Then he dismiss'd the Estates with Assurances of his Gratitude to such among the Deputies as had express'd most Zeal for his Interest By this Act Gustavus finding himself Master in a manner both of the Wealth and Religion of the Church went at the Head of a Body of Horse to see the Act put in execution He past successively from Province to Province attended by Olaus Petri and many other Lutheran Doctors whom he order'd to Preach before him in the principal Churches At the same time he commanded the Titles of all Church-Lands to be brought before him Re-uniting presently to his Demesn and restoring to the ancient Proprietors or their Heirs such Lands as the Clergy had acquir'd since the Reign of King Canutson By which means he recover'd both from the Regular and Secular Clergy more than two Thirds of their Revenues and by computation seiz'd upon Thirteen Thousand considerable Farms some of which he reunited to his own Demesns and with the rest he recompens'd his Creatures and the Principal Officers of his Army At the same time he made great Sums of Mony of the Church-Plate which he caus'd to be melted down to enrich the publick Treasury The Progress of the King all over his Kingdom gave the Final Blow to the Catholick Religion An open War was in a manner declar'd against the Clergy and the Foundations of the old Religion were undermin'd by the Flight or Change of its Ministers There could be no want of pretences at a time when none were requir'd to turn Priests out of their Benefices for persevering in the profession of their Ancient Religion Most Curates and other Benefic'd Clergy-Men scrupl'd not to own the Lutheran Doctrin to keep their Dwelling-Houses and part of their Livings Many of 'em were only requir'd to Marry and to introduce into their Churches the Divine Service in the Vulgar Tongue which was the surest mark of a Priest's conversion to Lutheranism The Bishop of Lincopinc retir'd to Poland and the rest of the Prelates lay sculking in their Houses without dareing to perform the Functions of their Ministry for fear of exposing themselves to new Persecutions They waited with a servile patience for the King's Orders to dispose of their Persons and Dignities always ready to yield him obedience but much more vex'd at the Alteration he made in their Revenues than for the change of Religion The Bishop of Scara who was not well acquainted with the controversies that were agitated among the Divines on both sides was the only Bishop who resolv'd to defend by the strength of Arms his Dignity and the Revenues of his Church In pursuance of this Design he engag'd Tureiohanson with several Lords of West-Gothland who endeavour'd to raise an Insurrection in that Province but the Country-People were so prepossess'd with Esteem and Respect for the King that they refus'd to rise up in Arms and the Bishop saw himself abandon'd by the whole Chapter which began to savour Luther's Opinions The greatest part of the Monks quitted their Monastries some out of a desire of Liberty and others for want of a settl'd subsistence Those who remain'd stedfast in their Religion fied to the Dalecarlians who had openly declar'd against Lutheranism There these miserable Fugitives thought to have their Wants reliev'd and their Grievances redress'd Dalecarlia as I said before is a remote Province in the Northern parts of Sweden inhabited by a rude and ignorant People fond of their Ancient Religion almost meer Savages inur'd to hardship and in that respect fit for War but incapable of Discipline The whole Province swarm'd with Ecclesiasticks both of the Secular and Regular Clergy old Men and Women loaded with young Children who having quitted their Housholds chose rather to wander in the Mountains than embrace Lutheranism The Dalecarlians mov'd with their complaints and incens'd at the sight of the new Pastors in their
Churches or of the old ones who alter'd the usual Ceremonies took up Arms with a great deal of fury The Priests and Monks joyn'd with 'em and all the Catholicks and Malecontents espous'd their Quarrel some out of zeal for their Ancient Religion and others out of spite because they had no share in the Spoils of the Church The Bishop of Scara no sooner heard of this Commotion but he fled privately to that Province to joyn with the Rebels He was accompany'd by the Great Marshal and many Gentlemen of West-Gothland who had ingag'd not to lay down their Arms till they had obtain'd the Restoration of the Ancient Religion They were receiv'd with great Acclamations by the Dalecarlians who gave the general Command of their Forces to Tureiohanson This Lord had three Sons the two Eldest of whom were near the King's Person and the Third was Grand Provost of the Cathedral of Vpsal who hearing that his Father was at the head of the Rebels made it his business to scatter Manifestos against the King thro' the whole Province of Vpland exhorting the People to take up Arms and revenge the Injuries that were done to the Altars and to incourage the People by his example he put himself at the head of some Troops In the mean time the great Marshal his Father sent order to his two other Sons to steal away from the Court and joyn their Brother or come to him with as many of their Friends as they cou'd perswade to follow ' em But these young Lords were highly displeas'd with their Father's Rebellion which oblig'd 'em either to declare against him or against their Sovereign and of two Duties which appear'd to 'em equally indispensable to chuse the one and renounce the other But their Allegiance to the King prevail'd at last over their Duty to their Father and even to Religion it self They concluded that in a State-Affair they ought to adhere to the Supream Authority and that the difference of Religious Worship was not a sufficient ground to excuse 'em from the obedience they ow'd to their Lawful Prince They consider'd besides that their Loyalty to the King might probably obtain their Father's Pardon and that it was more agreeable to the rules of prudence to put themselves in a condition by their Fidelity to obtain Pardon for their Father than to make themselves guilty of the same Crime in expectation of a better Fortune Upon these considerations they deliver'd their Letters to the King protesting that they were ready to lay down their Lives for his service Gustavus receiv'd 'em very graciously and promis'd to prefer 'em But seem'd neither to be surpriz'd nor alarm'd at the News Nor did he make any apparent preparations in order to reduce the Rebels saying that he wou'd decline appearing in Arms that his Subjects might not be oblig'd to fight against each other and that he hop'd to crush the Rebellion by gentler Methods Yet he lost no time but made his Troops secretly file off by different ways towards the Borders of Dalecarlia that he might be all of a sudden in a condition to reduce the Rebels by the fear of Punishment Upon the first News of the Insurrection he had sent some Persons from Court who had Friends among the Malecontents and were not unknown among the Dalecarlians with instructions to reduce the Rebels by fair means These Agents apply'd themselves first to the Bishop of Scara the great Marshal and other Malecontents that had joyn'd the Dalecarlians They indeavour'd to gain the leading Men by advantageous Offers but they found 'em most obstinate and those who were willing to treat had so little an influence upon the party and stood upon so high Terms that the Agents did not think fit to buy 'em off at so great a rate They had better success among the Dalecarlian Peasants whom they prevail'd upon to send Deputies to the Court perswading 'em that his Majesty wou'd deny nothing to a People to whom he ow'd his Crown and Glory but their true design was only to amuse 'em that they might be less cautious in providing for their own defence The Deputies of the Dalecarlians not penetrating into the King's Policy but concluding by the steps he made that he stood in Awe of 'em thought they might easily make their own Terms In the Name of their Province and of all the Roman Catholicks of the Kingdom they demanded that Lutheranism shou'd be punish'd in Sweden as a Capital Crime that the Marriage of Priests and Monks shou'd be Abolish'd the Bells and Church-Plate restor'd and all Persons Burnt without any Regard or Distinction that shou'd be convicted to have eaten Flesh on Fish-Days That the King shou'd oblige himself after the example of his Predecessors never to pass the River of Brunebeck which separates their Province from Westmania without giving 'em Hostages for the security of their Priviledges But above all that both King and Courtiers shou'd reassume the ancient Habit of Sweden and not be beholden to strangers for new Fashions and Dresses Gustavus gave the Deputies great hopes that he wou'd grant at least part of their Demands while he secretly put all things in a readiness to surprize the Rebels with his whole Army Having receiv'd advice that his Troops were come within a days March of their appointed Rendezvous he immediately dismiss'd the Deputies and order'd them to tell their Country-men that he wou'd never condescend to treat with his Subjects and that they might appear in Arms in the Plain of Tuna to fight the Battel he was resolv'd to offer them at the head of his Army He added that if they wou'd avoid the effects of his indignation they must expel the Malecontents out of their Province lay down their Arms and submit to his Mercy Assoon as the King had dismist the Deputies he took Post immediately for the Army and the Rebels were so amaz'd at his unexpected Diligence and Resolution that they were seiz'd with a sudden Fear and Consternation when they heard of his Approach Tureiohanson and those of his party suspected the Dalecarlians and fancy'd they had made a separate Peace for themselves and the Peasants reciprocally thought they were betray'd by the Lords In short they were jealous of each other and their mutual suspicion and distrust was by degrees chang'd to Hatred and Enmity The Bishop of Scara and Tureiohanson not thinking themselves safe with the Dalecarlians made their escape privately into Norway from whence they retir'd to King Christiern in the Low-Countries and the rest of the Malecontents alarm'd at their flight some fled one way some another The Dalecarlians seeing themselves without a Head or Leader resolv'd to submit and yield to their Prince's Mercy They went to the Plain of Tuna where the King staid for 'em at the Head of his Army He commanded his Horse to surround 'em and the Rebels at the same time to discover their Ring leaders The affrighted Peasants declar'd their names and the
King immediately caus'd 'em to be Beheaded to curb by so necessary a severity the seditious and inconstant Humor of these People Thus by an innocent Artifice and commendable Diligence he appeas'd a furious Infurrection without any Effusion of Blood or Diminution of his Forces These were the last Efforts of an Unbridl'd and Tumultuous Liberty which was forc'd to give way to a more absolute and consequently more peaceful Dominion After this the whole Kingdom submitted to the King and all his Subjects imbrac'd Lutheranism some out of regard to their private Interest and to make their Court and others out of their abhorrence of the irregular Life of the Clergy The Lutheran Doctors gain'd some Proselytes by perswading 'em that their Masters Opinions in Matters of Religion which were falsly reckon'd Innovations were nothing else but primitive Christianity restor'd and purg'd from all Monkish Superstitions and many were glad to be convinc'd of the Truth of the prevailing Religion that they might preserve their Estates without being forc'd to seek their Fortunes abroad Gustavus seeing that most of his Subjects had chang'd their Religion at last declar'd himself a Lutheran He made Olaus Petri Pastor of the Church of Stockholm and his Brother Laurentius Petri Arch-Bishop of Vpsal Upon this new Prelate he bestow'd a Lady who was related to him that the Honor of his Alliance might oblige the People to entertain less scandalous notions of a Marri'd Priest or perhaps that so illustrious a Match might make amends for the great Revenues he had withdrawn from so rich a Benefice The King's Coronation follow'd soon after and was perform'd at Vpsal by this Prelate with great Solemnity January 12. and at the same time he Conferr'd the Honor of Knighthood on all the Senators and the chief Lords of the Court. Sweden was Lutheran all over King Senators Bishops and all the Nobility made publick Profession of that Religion But whereas most of the Country Curates and others of the inferior Clergy had imbrac'd it meerly by force or out of weakness an extravagant Medly of Roman Ceremonies and Lutheran Prayers was introduc'd into several Churches in the Kingdom Some Married Priests and Curates continu'd still to say Mass in several Places according to the Roman Ritual and Liturgy Baptism was administred with all the Prayers and Exorcisms appointed by the Church and the Dead were Buri'd with the same Prayers that are us'd to beg God to relieve the Souls of the Faithful tho' the Doctrin of Purgatory was condemn'd by the Lutherans The King desirous to establish an uniformity of Worship throughout the whole Kingdom a thing so necessary for the publick Peace especially in a Monarchy call a general Assembly of the whole Clergy in the form of a National Council The Assembly was held at Orebro the chief Town of Nericia Loc. l. 6. p. 276. Bazius Mist Eccle. Succ. and the Chancellor Lardz-Anderson presided in the Kings Name This Lutheran Council was compos'd of the Bishops Doctors and Pastors of the principal Churches They own'd the Augsburg-Confession as the Rule and Standard of their Faith and solemnly renounc'd their Obedience to the Pope as Head of the Church They order'd the Roman Worship to be intirely abolish'd prohibited all Prayers for the Dead borrow'd from the Lutheran Churches of Germany the manner of administring Baptism and the Communion declar'd the Marriage of Priests Lawful and Condemn'd Celibacy and Monastick Vows They confirm'd the Ordinance of the Estates at Westeras by which the Church lost her Priviledges and the greatest part of her Revenues And which is observable these Regulations were made by almost the same Persons who the Year before had shew'd so much zeal for the Defence of the Ancient Religion so few there are that can long withstand the fear of Persecution or the hopes of Favour Yet they met with great difficulties in abolishing the Practice of the Roman Church in the Administration of the Sacraments The People and the Women especially cou'd not be satisfy'd without the Ceremonies of Baptism and the Prayers for the Dead The whole Kingdom was fill'd with Marmurings and Complaints upon the Occasion Most Women thro' an excessive Fear proceeding perhaps as much from their Temper as Virtue thought their Children cou'd not be well baptiz'd without the use of Salt and Exorcisms And a small residue of Faith as to the belief of Purgatory created such a disturbance in their Minds on the account of their deceas'd Relations as cou'd not be allay'd by all the Eloquence of the Lutheran Doctors Gustavus fearing the Complaints and Discontent of the People shou'd break out into a new Rebellion order'd the Lutheran Ministers to comply with those who stood up obstinately for the ancient Ceremonies and not to use the new but where they found a Temper dispos'd to receive ' em The King having thus compleated the alteration of Religion undertook another Project which gave him no less hope of filling his Coffers Most of the Swedish Provinces were formerly over-spread with vast Forests King Olaus Traetelga Amund An. 891. and some of their Successors caus'd a great part of 'em to be Dis-forested and bestow'd these new Lands in Fee-farm upon the Nobility and Gentry for which they were to pay a certain Duty to the Crown The Lords and Gentlemen had by degrees during the Civil Wars exempted themselves from paying those ancient Duties and a long Prescription seem'd to have abolish'd 'em till they were reviv'd by the King who requir'd both from the Nobility and Gentry either to part with their Fiefs or to pay Rents at which they were originally tax'd The Claims and Demands of this Prince differ'd not much from the most arbitrary Laws and Decrees and the Parties concern'd alarm'd at this after-clap offer'd to come to a fair Composition The chief Lords of each Province came and treated about it with the Chancellor and agreed to pay to the King Ten Marks of Silver for every Fief or Mannor or as it was then call'd for every Land that paid Tribute to the Crown Thus every thing succeeded with this Prince according to his desire and even beyond his hope He look'd upon the alteration of Religion as the happiest and most important passage of his Reign and the humbling of the Clergy who were no less formidable to him than the Danes as a second Conquest of Sweden Of all his Enemies he had none left but Christiern that cou'd make him uneasy or occasion the least disturbance That Prince was still in Flanders from whence he earnestly solicited the Emperor his Brother-in-law that he wou'd contribute his assistance in order to his Restoration Gustavus kept Spies about him who gave him Intelligence that Christiern was levying Soldiers in Holland From thence he concluded that the Threats and Design of a Descent in the Northern Kingdoms were ready to break out into Action and that Sweden and Denmark were like to be the Scene of the War He immediately sent notice of
a zealous Calvinist who imagin'd that if he cou'd negotiate that Match for his Pupil he might one Day establish Calvinism in Sweden Queen Elizabeth receiv'd with all the external Marks of kindness and respect the Proposals he made to her in the Name of his Master relating to Trade and the Alliance or League betwixt the two Nations and gave him a favourable Answer with respect to Prince Eric but only in general Terms The Embassador fancying that all her obliging Expressions concerning that Prince were real Promises made haste home to Stockholm as if he had consummated his Negotiation At his return he assur'd the King that nothing but the Prince's Presence was wanting to bring it to perfection and that he was consident his good Mien and personal Merit wou'd fix the Queen's Affections Prince Eric flatter'd with so tempting a Prospect was very earnest with the King his Father and press'd him hard to consent that he might take a Journey to England But Custavus jealous of the Glory of his Family wou'd not expose the presumptive Heir of the Crown to a Refusal nor give his consent that he shou'd go out of the Kingdom before some Articles were sign'd 'T is possible a more important but more secret Reason induc'd the King to reject that Voyage Eric was a Prince indow'd with many excellent natural Qualities He had a majestick Presence an Air of Authority which drew Respect from all Men a fiery Briskness in his Behavior and a certain Ardor that was usually taken for Courage or Valor But the lustre of all these external Advantages was obscur'd by some inward Defects that were not unknown to the King his Father which he was willing to hide from the English This Prince inherited a sort of Extravagancy or Distraction from the Queen his Mother which now and then seiz'd upon his Brain and prompted him to outragious Acts There was a certain peevish Sulleness that appear'd in his Behaviour and Actions which by an odd kind of Contagion seem'd to infect all those who approach'd him And in his most lucid Intervals he discover'd so much hardness and wildness of Temper that People were afraid of his Government even before he was own'd and declar'd to be the next Successor to the King his Father These Considerations made such an impression upon Gustavus that he was sometimes resolv'd to leave the Crown to his second Son a generous and good-natur'd Prince who by his Caresses and obliging Behavior had won the Hearts of all those who were to be his Brother's Subjects But the King fearing lest this Preference wou'd stir up a Civil War both in his Family and Kingdom resolv'd at last to regulate the Succession according to the order of Birth-right In the mean time to satisfy Prince Eric whom his Tutor had inspir'd with a violent Passion for Queen Elizabeth he consented at last that Prince John his second Son shou'd go to the Court of England under pretence of Travelling and indeavour to draw at least a verbal Promise from the Queen This young Prince being arriv'd at London was receiv'd by Queen Elizabeth with great Demonstrations of Joy He had a share in all her Divertisements and she frequently invited him to Hunting In short that wise Princess who made those several Proposals of Marriage subservient to her Interest and politick Ends omitted nothing that might amuse the young Prince by insinuating that both his Presence and Proposals were agreeable to her But she declin'd ingaging further in that Affair pretending that she cou'd not in the present Juncture conclude that Marriage so soon as she cou'd have wish'd This was the usual Pretext with which she amus'd all the Princes that courted her whom she was willing to admit as Lovers but cou'd not resolve to accept 'em for Husbands Upon the return of this Prince into Sweden the King presently concluded that his eldest Son Prince Eric wou'd have no better success in the Pursuit of this Match Philip II. than the K. of Spain the D. of Alenson the Arch-duke of Austria E. of Leicester my Lord Courtney and so many others whom this Princess had flatter'd with the same Hopes one after another and often at the same time But Prince Eric was so deluded by his Tutor's Suggestions that he imagin'd his Presence wou'd surmount all Obstacles and pretended that his Brother had thwarted his Inclination either out of Jealousy or Self-interest He solicited the Senators and the King's Ministers both by Intreaties and Threats to procure the King's Consent for him to go to the English Court. Gustavus considering his fierce and unruly Temper and fearing that he wou'd either go without his Consent or raise some Disturbance in the State was at last persuaded to grant his Desire and nam'd the Persons that were to attend him Then he made his last Will and divided his Dominions among the Princes his Children He left his Crown to Prince Eric the Dukedom of Finland to Prince John East-Gothland to Magnus and Sudermania to Charles The younger Princes being to injoy their Provinces by the Title of Principalities but on condition of paying Homage and Fealty to the Crown of Sweden Prince Eric was so highly displeas'd at this Distribution that he was ready to take up Arms to demand the Revocation of the Will but the fear of his Father who was King of his Children as well as of his Subjects kept him in awe He conceal'd his Anger with a Resolution to do himself Justice when the supreme Power shou'd fall into his Hands and was just ready to set Sail for England when he was detain'd at the Port of Elsburg by the News he receiv'd of his Father's Decease That great Prince was seiz'd at Stockholm with an inward Fever that wasted him by degrees yet he continu'd still to manage Affairs with his usual application and resolv'd to Reign to the last moment of his Life Some hours before his Death he sent for Eric Steno the Secretary of State to whom he dictated Memoris concerning the most secret Affairs of the Kingdom Then he sent for the young Princes and charg'd 'em to love one another and submit peaceably to Prince Eric who was now ready to mount the Throne He gave each of 'em his Blessing and made 'em presently withdraw lest his Mind shou'd be disturb'd by the Tears of his Family He dismist even his Physicians who in that Extremity continu'd still to flatter him with hopes of Life that he might spend the last moments of his Life in fixing his Thoughts wholly upon God Thus he died peaceably in the Arms of his Servants in the 70th Year of his Age. His Body was carried to Vpsal Sept. 29. where his Funeral was solemniz'd with publick Orations and Panegyricks with the Tears of all his Subjects and the immortal Memory of his glorious Actions He ow'd his Crown meerly to his own Valor and Reign'd with as absolute a Power as if the Crown had been his Birth-right He made
Harald King of Denmark and gave him his Daughter in Marriage Siward to prevent the ill consequences of the Confederacy gave his Daughter Vlvilda to Frotho the King of Denmark's Brother who by reason of his Valour was more respected among the Danes than the King his Brother These cross Matches kindl'd a civil War in Denmark and Frotho was supported by those who admir'd and endeavour'd to imitate his Bravery He fought with the King his Brother routed his Army and slew him with his own hand in the heat of the Fight King Harald left two Sons Haldan and Harald who to revenge their Father's Death surpriz'd Frotho in his House Burnt him alive and Ston'd Queen Vlvilda This furious piece of Revenge which was esteem'd by those Barbarous People as a most brave and generous Act made all the Danes unanimously resolve to follow the young Princes They March'd into Sweden gave Battle to King Siward cut his Army in pieces and slew him in the Fight Eric IV. The two victorious Brothers divided their Conquests Denmark falling to Harald's lot and Sweden to Haldan's But the Swedes set up Eric Siward's Grand-child against Haldan which occasion'd a new civil War Eric was victorious for several times on Land But Harald coming with a great Fleet to his Brother's Assistance routed Eric's Navy who rather than yield up himself to his Enemies Mercy threw himself into the Sea Haldan II Succeeded Eric according to the custom of those Times when the Crown and Dominions of the Vanquish'd Prince were always the Conquerour's Reward This Prince slew with his own hand two monstrous Giants and fought afterwards alone against Siward and his seven Sons whom he kill'd in a single Combat Such great Exploits procur'd him the admiration of the Swedes who celebrated his praise in their Heroick Songs and after his Decease rank'd him among their greatest Heroes Vnguin This Prince who was already King of the Goths was appointed by Haldan for his Successor to the Crown of Sweden But the Swedes resolving to maintain their Priviledge of chusing their own Master Elected Raguald One Battle decided the Difference in which Vnguin was slain by Raguald Raguald This Prince not contented with the Death and Defeat of King Vnguin pursu'd Siguald his Son to Denmark whither he had retir'd who being assisted by the Danes gave him Battle in Seland and kill'd him with his own Hand at the Head of both Armies Amund He succeeded his Father Raguald and contented himself with the Possession of the Crown without undertaking any Considerable Attempt He had four Sons who resided in the Court of Denmark where they occasion'd great disorders If we may believe the Chronicles 't was the usual custom of Young Princes in those Times to Travel thro' the Neighboring Countries in quest of hazardous Adventures to signalize their Courage and Valour To kill a Giant in single Combat or a Wild Beast in the presence of a King to carry away a Young Princess and to Debauch or Ravish a Queen were reckon'd among their Noblest Exploits and worthy of Immortal Honor. And the bold Hero at his return to his Countrey was always preferr'd before the rest of his Brothers when the Throne became vacant by his Father's Death Haquin This Prince during the life of his Father Amund invaded Denmark routed King Sigar in a pitch'd Battle and put the whole Country under Military Execution to revenge the Death of his Brothers who were kill'd by the King of Denmark's order He was advanc'd to the Throne after his Father's Death and had the good fortune to die in peace nor was the tranquillity of his Reign disturb'd by any Civil or Foreign War Osten He was the Son of Gether King of Norway and obtain'd the Crown of Sweden by Election To revenge his Father's Death who was Assassinated by the Norwegians for his cruelty he enter'd that Kingdom at the head of his Army and having destroy'd the whole Country with Fire and Sword without sparing either Age or Sex he appointed his Dog to reign over 'em as reckoning 'em unworthy to obey a Man Perhaps this Story is a meer Fable occasion'd by a punning Allusion to the Name of the Person whom he intrusted with the Government during his absence tho' if we consider the wild and barbarous Genius of that Age it may not improbably be suppos'd that he gave the Title of Viceroy to a real Dog Nor will that Act of Revenge seem more surprizingly extravagant than the fantastical Humor of a certain Roman Emperor Caligula who made his Horse a Consul Alver This Prince being one of the most considerable Persons of the Swedish Nation was chosen King after the Death of Osten He defeated the Russians and made 'em tributary to the Crown of Sweden He died in Peace after a short Reign Ingo He was chosen King after the Death of his Father Alver and fix'd his residence at Vpsal which he made the Capital City of the Kingdom His Successors oftentimes assum'd the Title of Kings of Vpsal to distinguish themselves from other Petty Sovereigns who founded little Monarchies in several Provinces of the Kingdom Fiolmus History has only preserv'd the Name of this Prince without acquainting us with his Actions or with the length of his Reign Nor are the succeeding Princes for a Hundred Years so much as mention'd in the Swedish Chronicles Ingell He was so incenst at his Brother Olaus for admonishing him of his Wife's Infidelity that he became his declar'd Enemy But the Quarrel was soon decided by the Death of Ingell who was kill'd by Olaus Germunder The Son and Successor of Ingell He declar'd War against Harald King of Denmark his Brother-in-Law who finding himself unable to sustain the Shock of so potent an Enemy begg'd a Peace and having obtain'd it desir'd Germunder to make a visit to the Queen his Sister Immediately that unfortunate Prince Disbanded his Army and went to the Court of Denmark where he was apprehended and afterwards hang'd by the Command of the Treacherous Harald in the sight of all his Vassals whom he invited to be Witnesses of that dismal Spectale 'T was not the custom in those days to exchange Hostages the Kings kept no Guards nor did their Houshold consist of a numerous Train of Officers During the War they were serv'd by the principal Persons of the Nation but assoon as a Peace was concluded every man retir'd to his own House and left the Prince alone with his Family and Domestick Servants Haquin Ringo No sooner was the Young Prince able to bear Arms but he resolv'd to revenge his Father's Death upon his Faithless Murderer In order to the effectual Execution of that design he us'd more than ordinary diligence in levying Forces and entertain'd all the stragling Adventurers that wou'd enter into his Service The Neighboring Nations engag'd in the Quarrel according to their various Interests or the Designs and Inclinations of their Sovereigns The English Irish and Saxons declar'd for the King
of Denmark and Haquin was Assisted by the Norwegians Curlandians and Esthonians The two contending Princes Arm'd all their Subjects and even the Women were inspir'd with a generous Ambition to obtain a share both in the Hazard and Glory of so important an Action Hetha Commanded a company of Women in the Swedish Army and Visna march'd under the Danish Standards At last the two Armies came to a decisive Battle in which Harald was kill'd and the victorious Haquin having made himself Master of Denmark entrusted Hetlâ—a with the Government of that Conquer'd Kingdom Historians observe that the King of Sweden ow'd his Victory to the Valour of the Dalecarlians who inhabit one of the Northern Provinces of that Country Egil The Son and Successor of Haquin He impos'd a Tribute upon Amund King of Denmark subdu'd a seditious party that rebell'd against him and after all was unfortunately kill'd by a Wild Ox at Hunting Gother He seiz'd and carry'd away the Daughter of Amund King of Denmark and conquer'd Schonen and Haland which belong'd to the Danes At last he was kill'd by his own Subjects who revolted against him for establishing some new Laws that seem'd to encroach on the Priviledges and Liberty of the Nation Adelus Gother was succeeded by his Son Adelus whose reign is remarkable for his successful Expedition against the Danes to revenge the Death of his Sister who lost her life by the ill-grounded jealousie of her Husband Jammeric King of Denmark The King of Sweden invaded Denmark and besieg'd that cruel Prince who was no less odious to his own Subjects than to his Enemies Jammeric was taken after a Siege that lasted some Months and his Legs and Arms were cut off by the Victorious Swedes who pillag'd his Treasures and reunited the Provinces of Schonen Haland and Bleking to Gothland from which they were formerly dismember'd Ostan This Prince lost both his Crown and his Life by endeavouring to impose a Tax upon his Subjects for that fierce People who were extremely jealous of their Liberty were so incenst against a Prince whom they look'd upon as an Oppressor that having surpriz'd him in his House they Burnt him and his whole Family 'T is plain from this instance and from the History of the preceeding Kings that the fate of those Princes seem'd to be in the Power and to depend upon the Humor of their Subjects Ingomar Historians relate that Gothland was at that time subject to a distinct King who had a Daughter of admirable Beauty which is the usual Character of all the Princesses that are mention'd in those Ancient Histories Snio King of Denmark and Ingomar King of Sweden were both Captivated by the Charms of that young Beauty and tho' the former was more agreeable to the Daughter the latter was preferr'd by the Father who made the King of Sweden happy in the Possession of his Mistress with the Reversion of a Crown for her Dowry The King of Denmark cou'd not patiently bear the loss of so considerable a Prize He enter'd Sweden at the Head of an Army and having vanquish'd his Rival he seiz'd on the fair Queen who without reluctancy follow'd the Conqueror of her Husband But Ingomar was rather irritated than discourag'd by his mifortune He made new Levies invaded Denmark routed and kill'd Snio and was so far from scrupling to receive his Beautiful Wife that the difficulty of the Conquest serv'd only to lighten the pleasure of the Victory At last he was kill'd in a War which he undertook against the Russes Halstan I. Raguard Wartman Lordon Rodolph Gostag Arthur Haquin Charles IV. Charles V. Birger Eric V. Torril Biorn II. Alaric II. Here there is a long Interruption in the Swedish History for tho' the Names of the Princes who Govern'd that Kingdom from the Year 460 to the beginning of the Ninth Age are preserv'd the Memory of their Actions is entirely lost neither do we find in the Chronicles so much as an account of their Families Biorn III. The reign of this Prince may be reckon'd a considerable Aera in the History of Sweden For the Emperor Lewis the Gentle sent Angsarus Bishop of Breme who preach'd the Christian Doctrin in that Kingdom and converted several Petty Kings But notwithstanding all the labours of that Prelate Idolatry prevail'd in the Kingdom till the end of the Tenth Age when the People began to erect Churches to the Honor of the true GOD under the Reign of King Olaus the Tributary who openly profest the Christian Religion Braut-amund This Prince perceiving that the People were very numerous Disforested the Wooly and Untill'd Grounds and bestow'd 'em on his Subjects who by way of acknowledgment were oblig'd either to pay a certain Tribute or to Assist the King on Horse-back in time of War From hence we may reckon the Original of the Fiefs of this Kingdom which at first held immediately of the Crown but were afterwards usurp'd by the Clergy and Nobility King Braut-amund did not long enjoy the Advantage of this new settlement for his Brother Sivard rebell'd against him and kill'd him at the head of his Army in the third Year of his Reign Sivard II. The Swedes immediately plac'd the Crown on the head of the Victorious Rebel while he was yet stain'd with the Blood of his Brother and Sovereign For in those Days Force was the supreme Law and a fortunate Malefactor was prais'd and rewarded for a Crime that wou'd have been severely punish'd if it had not been attended with success Sivard seeing himself fixt on the Throne Invaded the Norwegians whom he surpriz'd before they cou'd put themselves in a posture of defence He pillag'd the whole Countrey ravish'd the most Beautiful Women and after he had satiated his own Lust left 'em to be abus'd by the chief Captains of his Army But these Barbarities were in some measure expiated by the speedy Vengeance that overtook the impious Tyrant The Norwegians animated with Despair and Fury made head against their Oppressor the very Women ran to Arms and Sivard himself fell by the hand of one of those Heroins whom he had abus'd as a Sacrifice to her injur'd Vertue and to the Honor of the Nation Herot This Prince had a Daughter who was reputed a compleat Beauty Regner King of Denmark demanded her for his Wife but the King of Sweden according to the usual custom of those Times wou'd not bestow the Princess upon him till he had signaliz'd his Courage by fighting against two Bears of a prodigious bigness who infested the Country about Vpsal Regner accepted the condition slew the two Bears and receiv'd the dear Recompence of his Valour Some Authors relate that these pretended Bears were two Robbers who made a terrible havock in the Country and for that Reason were call'd Wild Beasts by the People Charles VI. He was Elected by the unanimous consent of the Swedes Herot 's Children being excluded from the Succession One of the Sons of the Decea'd King was incited by
his Brother-in-Law Regner King of Denmark to oppose the pretended injustice of that Election Great preparations were made on both sides and at last they came to a decisive Battle which put an end to the dispute by the Death of both the Competitors But tho' neither of the two contending Parties cou'd boast of their success Regner look'd upon the defeat of both as an important Victory and during the general disorder made his Son Biorn King of Sweden Biorn IV. Biorn was the Son of Regner King of Denmark and Grandson of Herot King of Sweden He endeavor'd to make himself the absolute Master of his Subjects and treated 'em as conquer'd Slaves But he was at last convinc'd of the impracticableness of that attempt and that he had to do with a People who lov'd their Liberty too well to suffer a stranger to deprive 'em of it for they took up Arms against their Oppressor and forc'd him to retire to Norway Ingiald After the flight of Biorn Ingiald the Grandson of Braut-amund was advanc'd to the Throne at the desire of the whole Nation 'T is said that he was nourish'd in his Youth with the Hearts of Wolves to make him Strong and Fierce and that his Temper and Actions were suitable to his Food and Education The Inauguration of the Prince and the Ceremony of taking Possession of the Crown consisted at that time in a splended Feast to which all the principal Persons of the Kingdom were invited by their new Sovereign Assoon as the Entertainment was over a large Vessel call'd Bragagebar was fill'd with Wine which the Prince was oblig'd to Drink up before he mounted the Throne Then he Swore solemnly to extend the Limits of the Kingdom and to make his Enemies feel the weight of his Sword Ingiald took this Oath at his Accession to the Crown which was accompany'd with all the usual Ceremonies Most of the Provinces in the Kingdom were at that time subject to distinct Kings who only pay'd Homage to the King of Vpsal when they were over-aw'd by his Power Ingiald according to the custom invited 'em to the Solemnity of his Coronation and regal'd 'em with a great deal of Magnificence but the Scene was chang'd at night For the King of Vpsal resolving to rid himself of so many petty Sovereigns who seldom own'd his Authority but when they were forc'd to obey him order'd 'em to be burnt in the House whither they retir'd after the Feast and immediately seiz'd upon their Estates and on the Government of their Provinces This open violation of the Law of Nations and of the publick Liberberty of Sweden render'd the King so odious to his People that when his Dominions were invaded by the King of Denmark they refus'd to Assist him Thus he saw in himself a memorable Instance of the Vanity of a meer titular Sovereignty and of the weakness of a King that does not reign in the Hearts of his Subjects The Danish Army advanc'd without opposition and the unfortunate Ingiald fearing least he shou'd fall into the Hands of his Enemy burnt himself in his House with his whole Family Olaus Tratelia The surname of Trataelia was given him because in imitation of King Braut-amund he disforested several Lands which he bestow'd as Fiefâ— upon his Subjects so that almost all the till'd Ground in the Kingdom was at that time tributary to the Crown Ingo II. The Son and Successor of Olaus He was a Peaceable Prince and consequently despis'd by his fierce Subjects who delighted in nothing else but War Eric VI. He ow'd his Advancement to his own subtlety and to the superstition of the Swedes who took him for a profound Magician He perswaded 'em that the Winds and Tempests were at his disposal and by that means easily gain'd the Respect and Admiration of a rude and barbarous Nation Eric VII surnam'd the Victorious This Prince is somewhat better known in History than his Predecessors He cross'd the Baltick Sea with an Army made a descent into Livoâ—ia and made himself Master of that Province He enlarg'd his Dominions with the Addition of the Provinces of Schonen and Haland which he conquer'd from the Danes and after a long series of Victories did belov'd of his Subjects and fear'd by his Neighbors and Enemies Eric VIII He was converted by two Priests call'd Adelwart and Steven who came from Hamburgh to Preach the Christian Doctrin in Sweden and signaliz'd his Zeal by ordering the Idolatrous Temple at Vpsal to be demolish'd But the People looking upon that Action as a Sacrilegious contempt of their Gods Assassinated the King and the two German Missionaries so that both he and they seem to have a just right to the glorious Title of Martyrs Olaus the Tributary He succeeded his Brother Eric and was so far from being discourag'd by that Prince's cruel and untimely Death that he made open profession of the Christian Religion Some Authors reckon him the first Christian King of Sweden because under his Reign there were several Churches built to the Honor of the true God and the People were generally converted to the Christian Faith by the Ministery of certain English Priests who notwithstanding the seeming Purity of their Zeal were accus'd of promoting their own Interest and carrying on their Politick designs under the specious pretext of propagating the Gospel For 't was by their advice that Olaus made his Kingdom subject to the Holy-See and oblig'd his Subjects to pay a certain Tribute to the Pope which was commonly call'd Peter's Pence But his Successors soon grew weary of that Religious Bondage and abrogated an imposition that was found to be burdensome to the People and prejudicial to the Crown Amund the Burner The Son and Successor of Olaus He was surnam'd the Burner because he ordain'd that when any man injur'd his Neighbor his House shou'd be burnt from whence it may observ'd that the Swedes were still a very rude and barbarous People about the beginning of the eleventh Age. This Prince was kill'd in a Battel against Canut the Rich King of Denmark Emund Slemme The difference betwixt the Crowns of Sweden and Denmark concerning Schonen was terminated by a Treaty to the prejudice of the former which made the King odious to his Subjects For they cou'd not endure that he shou'd acknowledge that Province to belong to the Crown of Denmark which they had always reckon'd a part of Gothland 'T is almost impossible to read the History of these Nations without observing the many advantages that a crafty Politician has over a blunt Soldier for there is hardly one Treaty recorded in their Chronicles in which a considering Reader may not find several remarkable Instances of the subtlety of the Danish Ministers in the Management of Negociations Their Wit did more Execution than the Swedish Valour and with one dash of a Pen they cou'd easily heal the Wounds they receiv'd by the Swords of their Enemies Haquin the Red. After the Death of Emund there was
Arguments to excuse and even to justify Injury and Oppression The devout King Eric was Barbarously Assassinated by his seditious Subjects and the King of Gothland was suspected of encouraging and corresponding with the Rebels Charles VII The Swedes advanc'd this Prince to the Throne that the two Gothlands might be reunited to the Crown He took all possible care to keep his Subjects from suspecting that he had a Hand in the death of his Predecessor In pursuance of that design he began the Exercise of his Regal Authority by ordaining that all the Laws of St. Eric shou'd be punctually observ'd He recall'd Canut that Prince's Son who after his Fathers Death had made his escape into Norway And to remove all the pretexts that might be us'd for embroiling the Kingdom in a civil War he made a Law that Canut shou'd inherit the Crown after his Death and that for ever afterwards the King shou'd be chosen by turns out of the two Royal Families Afterwards he erected several Monasteries to gain the Esteem and Affection of the People who are always extreamly fond of such external Marks of Piety and Devotion He sent an Embassy to Rome to obtain from Pope Alexander III. the Title of Arch-Bishop and the Pallium for the Bishop of Vpsal who was Primate of the Kingdom The Pope was easily prevail'd with to grant or rather to sell him the favour he desir'd according to the usual Maxims of the Court of Rome and that Prelate was invested with the Archiepiscopal Dignity on condition that the Estates of all those who died without Children in the Kingdom shou'd be intail'd upon the Holy-See but the Swedes soon grew weary of that Religious Bâ—â—dage and freed themselves from so 〈…〉 Canut Tho' King Charles had made a solemn Law to settle the Succession upon this Prince his Ambition cou'd not be satisfied with the prospect of a Crown in reversion He levy'd Forces in Norway and resolving at once to recover the Throne and revenge the Death of his Father he invaded Sweden routed King Charles kill'd him in the Battle and by that Victory made himself Master of the Kingdom He lest no means unattempted to extirpate the whole Race of his Predecessor but since 't was never in the power of a Tyrant to secure his Ursupation by the Death of his Successor all the cruel Diligence with which he persecuted the Family of the late King cou'd not hinder the Swedes from Electing Suercher the Son of that Prince according to the Law by which 't was ordain'd that the two Families shou'd enjoy the Crown by turns Suercher III. This Prince imitating the Barbarous policy of his Predecessor order'd an exact search to be made for all the Relations and Posterity of St. Eric But one of those Princes escap'd his fury and rais'd an Army to make head against his Persecutor Eric X. He defeated King Suercher in a Battle and after that Prince's Death obtain'd the Crown which at that time was always the Reward of the Conqueror As soon as he was fix'd upon the Throne he endeavour'd to make a friendly Agreement with the Family of his Predecessor in order to which he offer'd to re-establish the Law that was made by King Charles for regulating the Succession and to convince the posterity of that Prince that he really design'd to put the Treaty in Execution he appointed John the Son of Suercher to succeed him excluding his own Son Prince Eric who was oblig'd to content himself with a distant prospect of inheriting the Crown after the Death of Prince John Iohn I. He conquer'd some places in Livonia and endeavour'd by Force of Arms to make the Esthonians renounce the Idolatry that prevail'd among 'em But the People of that Country looking upon their forc'd Conversion as a sort of Slavery took up Arms and drove the Swedes out of their Province In the mean time King John Died in the Isle of Wiensingso after he had reign'd three years Eric XI call'd the Stammerer He was the Son of Eric X and obtain'd the Possession of the Crown without the least Effusion of Blood It may be reckon'd a very rare Instance of moderation that a Royal Family shou'd so tamely divest themselves of the Sovereign Authority and suffer a Prince of another House to mount the Throne without Opposition This Monarch had occasion during his Reign to perform a very important piece of service to the Regency of Lubeck The Danes Besieg'd that City with a numerous Army and shut up the Port with an Iron Chain which was defended by a potent Fleet. But when the City was reduc'd to the utmost extremity the King of Sweden sent a considerable number of Ships mann'd with Soldiers under the Convoy of several Men of War who beat the Danes open'd a passage thro' their Squadrons broke the Chain with which the Mouth of the River Trave was block'd up reliev'd the City with Men Provisions and Ammunition and by that seasonable and important supply deliver'd the Republick from the Danish Yoak The Regency as a Testimony of the publick gratitude for so signal a Deliverance ordain'd that the Swedish Merchant Ships shou'd from that time be exempted from the payment of Customs and Duties Waldemar The Family of King Suercher shou'd have had their turn in the Election by vertue of the Treaty concluded with the House of Eric But it seems the Swedes had either forgotten or neglected that Agreement for tho' Eric the Stammerer left no Issue they Elected Waldemar the Son of that Prince's Sister and of Ierl or Count Birger who was General of the Swedish Forces during the preceeding Reign It may perhaps appear strange that the Son tho' an Infant was preferr'd before his Father but 't is plain from the Swedish History that tho' the Kingdom was always Elective 't was the perpetual custom of the People to chuse a Prince of the Royal Family preferrably to all the other Lords of the Kingdom In the mean time the Count or Ierl Birger was intrusted with the care of the Government during the Minority of King Waldemar And that Wise Lord who was his own Son's Minister made it his principal Care to raise the Honor and Authority of the Crown He concluded a Peace with the Neighbouring Princes and then apply'd himself wholly to the contriving and pursuing of those Maxims that might make him absolute in the Kingdom He built and fortify'd the City of Stockholm instituted good and useful Laws and exacted a punctual observance of ' em Upon advice that some Lords began to grow Jealous of his Authority and to complain that he made an ill use of it he suppress'd those brooding Commotions by ordering the principal Fomenters of 'em to be beheaded Afterwards he marri'd the King his Son to Sophi the Daughter of Eric King of Demark that the Authority of his Family might be secur'd by so powerful an Alliance As soon as the young Prince was of Age he advanc'd his Father from the Dignity
and Title of a Ierl to that of a Duke as a Recompence for his paternal Care and by his Father's Advice he created his Brother Magnus Prince of Sadermania Eric Prince of Smaland and Benedict Prince of Finland Birger having sâ—ttl'd his Family and establish'd his Son upon the Throne died not long after and the Peace and Happiness of Sweden ended with the Life of that Great Man King Waldemar repenting his Kindness to the Princes his Brothers endeavour'd to deprive 'em of the Estates he had bestow'd on 'em by way of Appennâ—ge especially Duke Magnus whom he accus'd of aspiring to the Crown These Animosities occasion'd a furious intestine War which was fomented by the Danes and ended in the Defeat and Abdication of King Waldemar who was taken Prisoner and after he had resign'd the Crown retir'd with his Danish Auxiliaries to Malmogen in the Province of Schonen Magnus Ladisias The Merit of this Prince entitl'd him to the Possession of the Crown which his Brother was neither able to preserve nor worthy to enjoy In the Beginning of his Reign he made it his Business to encrease his Revenues and diminiâ—h his Charge as the surest way to establish his Authority He made so strong an Interest in the Convention of the Estates that the Sovereignty of all the Mines in the Kingdom and of the Four great Lakes Meler Wener Weter and Hielmer and all the Duties or Rents of the difforested 〈◊〉 were solemnly vested in the Crown This wise Prince made use of so considerable an Augmentation of his Revenues to secure his Authority against the natural Inconstancy of a Nation that could neither live without a King nor submit to the Dominion of a potent and resolute Prince He invited several German Lords to his Court and advanc'd 'em to the principal Offices in the Kingdom The Promotion of these Strangers and the Interest which the King had in Foreign Countries made the Swedish Lords extreamly uneasie and at last irritated 'em to such a degree that they assassinated all the Germans The King was highly incens'd at so bold an Action but had the Prudence to conceal his Indignation In the mean time he made secret Levies and as soon as he saw himself in a condition to execute his Revenge he surpriz'd the Male-contents and caus'd their principal Ring-leaders to be beheaded The Spirit of Rebellion seem'd to be quite extinguish'd by the Severity of so terrible a Blow and that wise and daring Prince wou'd have certainly establish'd his Authority upon such sure Foundations and advanc'd it to so great a height that he might have bequeath'd an absolute Power to his Children if the Accomplishment of his Designs had not been prevented by his Death He left three Sons Birger Eric and Waldemar the eldest of whom was not 11 years old Birger II. During the Minority of this Prince the Care of the Government was intrusted to Torckel Enutson who made himself Master of Carelia took Hexholm from the Russes and fortified Wiburg to cover the neighbouring Places from the Incursions of that People After the King was of Age to undertake the Management of Affairs he marri'd Meretta the Daughter of Eric King of Denmark Prince Waldemar his Brother toook to Wise the Daughter of the Regent Enutson and Prince Eric marri'd Ingeburgh the Daughter of Haquin King of Norway This Prince was so far from being deterr'd by the Faâ—â— of his Unkle King Waldemar that he seem'd re 〈…〉 follow the same Methods which occasion'd all the Disorders that discurb'd the Reign of that Prince He seiâ—d on the Tythes and imprison'd some Bishops who took the liberty to complain of his Incroaching upon their Privileges Nor did the Princes his Brothers meet with a better Treatment for instead of suffering 'em to live unmolested in their respective Governments he endeavour'd to make 'em depend absolutely on the Court and to reduce 'em to an entire subjection to his arbitrary Commands The injur'd Princes perceiving the general Dissatisfaction of the People took up Arms and were follow'd by all those who were offended at the publick Violation of their Liberty and Privileges In the mean time the King levy'd Forces to oppose the Designs of his Brothers and was assisted by his Brother-in-law the King of Denmark But finding himself unable to resist the prevailing Faction he resolv'd to execute his Designs by Treachery since he cou'd not depend upon the Success of his Arms. In pursuance of that unmanly Resolution he invited his Brothers to Court under the pretext of a sincere Reconciliation and as soon as he had made himself Master of their Persons by that infamous Stratagem he order'd 'em to be cast into a Dungeon where they were starv'd to death The Swedes abhorring the Baseness and Inhumanity of their Treacherous Sovereign took up Arms immediately advanc'd Magnus the Son of Duke Eric to the Throne and march'd in pursuit of King Birger who had the Misfortune to see his Army defeated and his Son taken Prisoner by his Enemies That unhappy Prince was made a Sacrifice to the Fury of the incens'd Multitude who cut off his Head to deliver Magnus from so dangerous a Competitor and his miserable Father dreading the same Fate fled to Denmark where he died in an obscure and ignominious Retreat The Reader will find at the beginning of this Work the Names of the succeeding Princes with a short account of their Actions 1330 Magnus Smeck the Son of Duke Eric 1372 Albert of Mecklenburg 1395 Margaret the Daughter of Waldemar K. of Denmark and Q. of the three Northern Nations 1424 Eric XIII Duke of Pomerania Sovereign of the three Kingdoms of the North. 1441 Christopher of Bavaria K. of the three Northern Nations 1445 Charles Canutson a Swedish Lord elected K of Sweden Norway 1457 Christiern of Oldenburg Ancestor of the present King of Denmark King of the three Northern Nations 1470. Steno I. King Canuâ—son's Nephew Administrater of the Kingdom of Sweden 1504 Suanto Sturius Administrater of Sweden 1512 Stero II. the Son of Suanto Administrator 1520 Christiern II. Sovereign of the â— Kingdoms of the North. 1523 Gustavus Vasa a Swedish Lord Administrator and afterwards King of Sweden procures the Crown to be entail'd A Table of the Principal Matters A. ANderson Chancellor of Sweden his good and bad Qualities 42. his Employments 43. he embraces the Dectrins of Luther 44. he confirms Gustavus in his design to humble the Clergy ibid. he advises him to make use of Luther's Reformation in order to suppress the Temporal power and riches of the Clergy ibid. he presides in the King's behalf in a Lutheran Council held at Orebro 92. Arwide Besieges Stegeburg 2. B. The Bishops of Sweden Gustavus King of Sweden impatiently suffers the Power and Riches of the Clergy 41. his designs to humble them 43. he infringeth their Privileges 49 and 100. he prohibits by Declaration the Bishops to appropriate to themselves the Goods and Succession of Ecclesiastical Persons in
introduces him into the Assembly â—f the Estates ibid. the Ambassador's Speech to the Estates 22 23. their Answer 23. Frederick makes a League Offensive and Defensive with Gustavus 26. he sends back the Administrator s Widow with an Honourable retinue ib. Norbi finding himself straitn'd in the Isle of Gothland by Gustavus sets up Fredericks Colours on the Town-Walls 35. and offers to acknowledge that Prince as his Soveraign if he would Assist him against Gustavus ibid. Frederick sends an Ambassador to Lubeck to complain of Gustavus's attempt upon the Isle of Gothland as belonging to Denmark 35 36. he entreats the Regency of that City to enterpose their mediation to perswade Gustavus to recall his Forces 36. the Magistrates of Lubeck make a private Treaty with Fredericks Ambassador 37. Frederick conveys some Troops into Wisbi ib. an enterviw between the two Northern Kings Frederick and Gustavus in the Town of Malmogen ibid. what happen'd on that occasion 38. the Vice-Roy of Norway gives notice to Frederick of King Christiern's discent in that Kingdom 9â— Frederick gives order for the Imbarking of Troops to Assist the Vice-Roy under the Command of the Vice-Roys two Brothers ibid. who burnt all Christiern's Ships so that not so much as one of 'em escap'd 99. they oblige him to raise the Siege and to retire to Congel where he was forc'd by hunger to surrender himself into the hands of his Enemies 99. c. he causes Christiern to be carried by a Captain of his Guards contrary to the promise made him by the Bishop of Odensee General of his Army and to be conducted to the Castle of Sonderburg 101. he compells him to renounce his claim to the Kingdoms of Denmark Sweden and Norway ibid. G. Gothland Norbi after the Flight and Abdication of Christiern II. retires with his whole Fleet into the Isle of Gothland 29. Bernard of Milen makes a descent at the head of Eight Thousand Men and gets possession of the whole Island except Wisbi 35. Gustavus Administrator of Sweden Pawns all the Lands belonging to his Family to levie new Forces 2. he sends part of those Troops to Arwide with order to carry on the Siege of Stegeburgh with Vigor ib. his extraordinary vigilance ibid. he makes himself Master of the Castles of Nicoping and Tynelso 3. he takes the Castle of Westeras by composition ibid. he marches at the head of all his Forces toward Sttckholm ibid. he was inform'd on the road that his two Lieutenants were defeated and that the Siege was rais'd by the mis-understanding of his Commanders 4. he repairs to the Army and renews the Siege of Stockholm 6. he dispatches Siguard de Holten his Secretary to Lubeck to obtain Men and Ships of that republick ibid. he procures eighteen Ships and four Thousand Men ibid. the hard conditions upon which they were granted 7. Gustavus sends Bernard de Milâ—n who was of their Nation to Administer an Oath of fidelity to em â— they refuse to take an Oath to any other Person but Gustavuâ— himself ib. he goes to Sâ—dercoping to receive their Oath ibid. he causes his Troops to encamp before Stockholm ibid. he gathers together all his Ships and forms a Squadron to cruise with the Lubeck Fleet before the Port of Stockholm ibid. the Fleets meet and 〈◊〉 cath other 10. Gustavus being inform'd that Norbi's Vessels stuck in the Ice resolves to burn ' em ibid. he marches the Lubeck Troops and advances to the Enemies Ships ibid. he sâ—ts fire to 'em 11. John Stammel General of the 〈…〉 hinders Gustavus from â—â—â—â—ly destroying the Danish Fleet by founding 〈…〉 in the middle of the Fight ib. Gustavus is enrag'd at the peâ—fidiousness of General Stammel ibid. Gustavus takes an advantage of Norbi's retreat and makes himself Master of Câ—lmar 17. the whole Kingdom shakes off the Yoak of the Danish Tyranny exâ—ept Stockholm ibid. the Garrison of this place offers to surrender upon Articles of Capitulation 15. Gustavus refuses their proposals 15. for what reason 16. he convinces the States at Stregness ibid. he is publickly preclaim'd King of Sweden 17. the extraordinary affection the Swedes express'd to him ibid. he declines at first to accept the Crown 18. but is pervail'd with by the importunity of the whole Assembly ibid. the Senate and Deputies of the Provinces take an Oath of Allegiance to him ibid. the Estates would have him Crown'd at the same time ibid. he put off that Ceremony under pertext that he was oblig'd to return immediately to the Siege of Stockholm ib. the true reason why be deferâ—'d this Ceremony ibid. he invites all the Senators and the most part of the Depaties to Accompany him to the Army and to Assist at the Siege of Stockholm 18. the City is surrender'd 19. the Articles of the Treâ—ty ibid Gustavus makes his publick entry into Stockholm attended with all the Serators and a vast number of Lords Gentlemen and Military Officers ibid. he is receiv'd at the gate of the City by the Consuls and Magistrates who present the Keys kneeling ibid. 〈◊〉 alights at the Church to return thanks to God for the 〈◊〉 of his Arms ib. he makes a sumptuous Entertainment for all the Senators and principal Officers of his Army 19 20. he dispatches his Orders throughout all the Provinces to cause his Authority to be unknowledged by the People 20. he begins to exercise the Regal Functions ib. be introduceth into the Court a greater politeness in Manners and a more splendid magnificence in Apparel and for what reason ib. he sends to enquire for the Curate of Suverdsio who had entertain'd him in the time of his trouble ib. having receiv'd information that he was dead he causeth a Crown of Copper gilt to be set upon the top of the Parish Church as a Monument of his Gratitude 21. he sends the two Flemings to go and drive the Danes out of some places which they still possess'd in Finland ib. the Danes surrender these Places and Gustavus according to the Conditions granted to them orders 'em to be safely conducted to Denmark ib. he convenes the Estates of Sweden at Sudercoping 22. upon what account ib. he magnificently treats the Ambassor of Frederick the now King of Denmark ib. he causes him to be admitted into the Assembly of the States ib. he detains him some days at Court 2â— he endeavors to oblige him ib. he dispatches an Envoy to the King of Denmark to demand the Liberty of the Administrator's Widow and the other Ladies whose Husbands were put to death by Christiern's Order besides some other secret Negotiations ib. Gustavus complains by his Envoy in a private Audience that Frederick had sent an Ambassador into Sweden without acquainting him with it before 25. he gives him to understand he cou'd easily conclude an agreement with Christiern who might afterwards easily make himself Master of Denmark ib. Frederick offers to enter into an offensive and defensive League with Gustavus 26. Gustavus follow'd with the whole Court goes to
the Brother of Arwide who carried on the War in those Parts for Gustavus ib. Norby sends a considerable Convey to supply Stockholm with Provisions 8. he receives the morti ying News that his Convoy was taken by Gustavus's Fleet 9. he fits out his own Fleet and sets Sail with Provisions and Soldiers which he hopes to convey into Stockholm 9 10. he meets in his passage with the Lubeck Fleet and Fleming's Squadron 10. the Signs of an approaching Siorm oblige him to retire ib. in the Evening he stands in to a small Island where he was surpriz'd in the Night with an extraordinary Frost ib. the Lubeck Troops commanded by Gustavus set Fire to his Ships 11. Norby beâ—rs off and retires into the Port of Calmar with the shatter'd remainder of his Fleet ib. be resolves to hazard another Battel 12. he is inform'd that the whole Kingdâ—m of Denmark had revolted against Christiern ib. being certify'd of the Flight and Abdication of their Prince he leaves Sweden and gives over the Design of relieving Stockholm 15. he leaves a weak Garrison in Calmar and retires with his whole Fleet to the Isle of Gothland of which he was Governour ib. he treats Frederick King of Denmark and Gustavus King of Sweden as Vsurpers and protests to make War against 'em both 29 he cruises in the Baltick Sea and takes divers considerable Prizes 30. he lays aside Christiern's Flag and assumes the quality of Prince of Gothland ib of an Admiral of Denmark he becomes a Pyrate ib. he stiles himself the Friend of God and an Enemy to the whole World ib. he ruins the Commerce of Lubeck and the Hanse-Towus ib. Gustavus concludes a Treaty with the Republick of Lubeck by which be is oblig'd to declare War against him 34. Norby perceiving that he was unable to oppose the Power of the King of Sweden sets up the Danish Colours on the tâ—p of the Tâ—ron walls 35. he offres to acknowledge the King of Denmark as his Sovereign Prince if he would assist him against the Swedes ib. O. Olaus Petri preaches the Doctrin of Luther in Sweden 40. he publishes a Swedish Version of the New Testament 52. a Conperence bâ—â—â—â—een Olans and Gallus held at Upsal in the presence of the King and the whole Senate 54 c. be prints an account of it to his own advantage 57. he takes a Wife ib. Frederick of Oldenburg Duke of Holstein Vncle to Christiern II. 13. the Estates of the Kingdom of Denmark conspire against Christiern and secretly treas with Frederick See Frederick P. Popedom whether there be any Laws that positively exclude Bastards from the Papal Dignity 69. Purgatory the Lutheran Doctors discourse against Purgatery 52. R. Religion what course Gustavus took to extirpate the Roman Catholick Religion See Lutheranism Rostock Gustavus requires the Magistrates of Rostock to deliver up the counterfeit Steno nam'd Hans who had retir'd thither 65. they cause him to be beheaded ibid. Rome taken pillag'd and laid waste by the Army of the Emperor Charles V. 69. S. Stammel General of the Forces of the Republick of Lubeck 7 c. his persidi usness 11. Scara the Bishop of Scara takes up Arms to maintain his Dignity and the Rights of his Church 85 86. he engages Tureiohanson in his Party with several Lords of West-Gothland who endeavour to cause the Province to revolt but to no purpose 86. Stegeburg Arwide besieges this place by Gustavus's Order 2. the Governer defends it with great Courage and Resolution 3. after ward being won with the kindness of Gustavus he delivers up the Town to him and brings over the whole Garrison to his Army ib. Stockholm Colonel Sassi and Fredage invest the City 2. Admiral Norbi obliges 'em to raise the Siege 5. Gustavus besieges it again 6 he gives Orders to his Fleet in conjunction with that of Lubeck to cruise before the Port of Stockholm 8. he follows them and comes up to the City 12. he makes himself Master of it 19. Stregnez Gustavus calls a Meeting of the Estates in that place 16. is proclaim'a King of Sweden in Stregnez 17. the Bishop of Stregnez devotes himself to the Interest of the Court and abandons that of his Church 66. The Bishop of Lincopinc reproaches him on that account 72. Sudercopinc Gustavus caâ—â—s a Convention of the Estates at Sudercopinc 22 the long Diâ—course which the Danish Embassador made before the States of Sweden ib. their Answer to his Speech 23. the Estates in the Embassador's Presence declare Arâ—â—hâ—shop Trolle to be a Traitor and an Enemy to his Country ib. they oblige themseâ—ves by an cuâ—hentick Act. to approve whatsoever Gustavus their King shall think sit to 〈◊〉 for the preservation of his Dignity without being oblig'd to call a Meeting of the Estâ—â—es 〈◊〉 to make Petâ—e or War 23 24. they declare Gustavus's Enemiâ—s to be Eâ—â—mies 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 and Nation 24. Sweâ—ion its Commence is reâ—â—â—â—â— 2â— the alteration of â—eiigion in this Kingdom 8 c. T. Testament a Version of the New Testament set forth by Olaus Petri a Lutheran 59. a Translation of the New Testament made by the Clergy of Sweden 56. Trolle Archbishop of Upsal is troubled at the News of Gustavus's advancement to the Throne of Sweden 21. for what reason ib. he persuades Frederick the new King of Denmark that he had a Right to the Kingdom of Sweden 22. he crowns that Prince at Copenhagen as King of Sweden ib. he appears at the Head of the Troops which he had levied in Brandenburg under Christiern who had made a Descent in Norway 97. he causes Christiern's Manifesto's to be dispers'd throughout the Kingdom of Sweden 97. he retires to Lubeck 102. he makes a League with the Government of that City be is wounded and taken in a Battel and dies of his Wounds 201 c. Tureiohanson principal Secretary and grand Maâ—shal of Sweden is married to the Relict of the Administrator Steno 27. his good and bad Qualities ib. he is chosen by Gustavus to maintain his Pretensions to the Isle of Gothland in the Interview as Malmogen 38. he acts contrary to the Interest of the Crown of Sweden and why ib. he promises his protection to the Clergy 74. he makes a Speâ—ch in the Convention of the Estates at Westerâ—â— in behalf of the Clergy against the Interest and Designs of Gustavus 77. he is conducted bâ—â—k to his House with the sound of Trumpets and Drums 78. he exhorts Christiâ—râ—â— undertake an Expedition against Sweden 95. Christiern causes him to be off â—â—â—â—ated at Congel 100. U. Uspal The Conference of Upsal 54. Gustavus orders the Dâ—bates to be committed to Wâ—iâ—ing 55. â—lâ—us câ—ufes the Account to be printed 57. the Archbishop of Upsal obstinately mâ—intains his own Dignity and the 〈◊〉 his Church 67. Neither the Threats nor â—râ—mises of Gusâ—avâ—s are able to prevail upon him nor even any Persecution nor the Dammage which he sustain'd 〈◊〉 in his Estate or Person ib. Gustavus gets rid of him under colour of employing him in an honourable Embassy to Poland ib. be goes to Rome to imploâ—e the Pope's essistance 68. W. Westeras Gustavus calls a Meeting of the Estates at Westeras 71. upon what occasion ib. the Chancellor opens the Aâ—â—â—mbly 7â— the King by his Chancellâ—r demands that the Dâ—â—lâ—â—ations â—e had set serth against the Clergy and the Deâ—â—eâ— which the Senate made with reference to the Tithes might be consâ—â—â—'d 75. several Demands of the King against the Clergy 76. what pass'd in the Câ—nventâ—â—n between the secular Members and the Clergy 74 c. what was at lâ—st resolv'd and ordain'd by the Estates 83. a sâ—cond Convenâ—â—en of the Esâ—ates at Westâ—â—as 103. Gustavus procures the Right and Cusâ—om of the â—â—â—ction of Kings to be abolish'd and causes the Crown to be entaiâ—â— upon his Pesterity ib. c. Wisbi the Copital Town of the â—stâ— of Gothland besing'd by Gustavus's Forces 35. Frederick sends some Troops torâ—lieve it 37. FINIS
zealous Catholicks of the Kingdom The Clergy-men but the Monks especially exclaim'd against him with all the extravagance of Spite and Fury scattering scurrilous Libels among the People in which they branded him with the odious Character of a Heretic and of an excommunicated Prince And even some of the hottest of 'em propos'd to make void his Election The Mob that were easily set on Fire by any pretext of Religion join'd with 'em in the heat of their Resentment The Peasants among others cou'd not indure to part with their Bells and the Silver Crosses of their Churches which often made the most essential part of their Worship These wild and savage People were the fittest Tools to carry on the Designs of the Priests who perswaded 'em that these Innovations tended directly to the subversion of Religion and Liberty Some of 'em took up Arms pursu'd the King's Officers and having recover'd their Bells brought 'em back to their Villages in a kind of Triumph A great Fair was yearly held near Vpsal about this time of the Year with an extraordinary Concourse of People from all the neighbouring Provinces This was a sort of Convention of the Estates for the Country People who discoursed here of their Trade of the Affairs of each Province but especially of the Differences that arose about the Preservation of their Rights and Priviledges The Malecontents glad of this opportunity to stir up a Rebellion did privately dispose the chief of 'em to demand the Revocation of the last Decree of the Senate as to the Tithes and Church-bells The King had timely notice of their Designs by the secret Intelligencers whom he kept every where The Mony he liberally distributed among 'em made 'em pry into every Corner and industriously pump out the greatest Secrets By these Spies he learnt that the Country-people animated by the Clergy were resolv'd to rise up in Arms at Vpsal-Fair unless their Bells were speedily restor'd To prevent the threatening Danger Gustavus went immediately to the Fair at the Head of a Body of Horse and by his unexpected Arrival surpriz'd the Mutineers and put 'em into a great Consternation He spoke to 'em with a certain Air of Greatness and Authority like a Prince that has a Right to command and will be obey'd He ask'd 'em with a fierce Look who had intrusted 'em with the Care of the Government by what Authority they censured the Decrees of the Senate and whether they had forgotten that the Bishops and the whole Clergy were greater Enemies to their Country than the very Danes Then to gain 'em by the most winning and convincing Argument he told 'em that by the late Decree of the Senate concerning the Tithes to which he gave his Assent 't was plain the Ease of the People was his principal Aim that to pay the Regency of Lubeck in so pressing a juncture of Affairs 't was thought more reasonable to fleece a rich Clergy than to over-burden the People with new Taxes and Impositions He hop'd that this Discourse wou'd have either frighten'd or wheedl'd 'em into a Compliance with his Desires but instead of that the insolent Multitude began to exclaim with a great deal of Violence that they wou'd never suffer their Religion to be alter'd nor their Bells and Church-plate to be taken from ' em The King incens'd at their Audaciousness commanded his Men to fire upon the Mutineers who observing the posture of his Horse just going to give sire â—â—ll upon their Knees and begg'd his Majesty's Pardon The Ring-leaders of the Mutiny were secur'd while the rest hid themselves in the Crowd or escap'd in the Dark In short they presently dispers'd and retir'd with an awful Idea of a Prince who knew so well how to extort Obedience This mutinous Assembly was no sooner dispers'd by his Presence but a new Plot was laid to Dethrone him A certain Groom call'd Hans of the Parish of Biorchstrat in the Province of Westmannia form'd a Design infinitely above the meanness of his Condition Afpiring to no less than a Crown he personated the eldest Son of the deceased Administrator tho' that young Prince died a Year before He was perswaded by some disaffected People that the Swedes who were incens'd against Gustavus and weary of his Government wou'd chuse rather to place him upon the Throne than suffer any change in Religion The Impostor was a handsom and bold Person He spoke with a great deal of Freedom and Ease and had a nobler Air than was suitable to his Birth or Education He travell'd over all the Province of Dalecarlia under the Name of Nils Steno never appear'd but in the remotest Places and such as had the least relation to the Court nor did he long reside in the same place When he appear'd abroad he was very Reserv'd and full of Precaution insinuating that Gustavus cou'd not indure the sight of him because it check'd his Conscience and put him in mind of the Crown he had usurp'd to the prejudice of the Family to which he ow'd his Fortune and Advancement Therefore that violent Prince cou'd never look upon him but with Eyes full of Fury that he had several times attempted to Kill him and that the Princess his Mother fearing the worst had advis'd him to retire Then he ask'd the People in a very moving and patheâ—ic manner whether so inhuman and cruel a Treatment was a suitable Recompence for the Life his Father the Administrator had lost in the Defence of their Country At the Name of Steno this Cheat always burst forth into Tears Falling upon his Knees he conjur'd the Peasants to pray to God for the Soul of the Prince his Father and to say each a Pater noster in his behalf while they were allow'd to believe a Purgatory Then he exclaim'd against Gustavus's Government calling him an Usurper and an Heretic that had renounc'd the Religion of his Ancestors And whereas those Peasants were extremely jealous of their Customs he charg'd him with Innovation for affecting a more stately Garb than his Predecessors pretending that he design'd to alter the very Habit as well as the Religion of the Nation and wou'd oblige all his Subjects to consent to these unsufferable Changes 'T is thought the Bishop of Lincopinc and the chief of the Clergy had a hand in this Conspiracy hoping by this means to raise such a Commotion as might occasion a Revolution in the Government At least 't is certain that that Bishop and those of his Party seem'd to believe that he was really the Administrator's Son to give the greater Credit to the Impostor who by the secret Protection of the Clergy and other Malecontents saw himself in a short time follow'd by a Crowd of Peasants and other indebted Persons whose desperate Condition made 'em ready to embrace the first opportunity of a Change Gustavus knew not whether to march against him or neglect so groundless a Rumor he was irresolute for some time and waver'd 'twixt Hope and Fear for