death to all Christians and Clergy who did not depart from Bohemia his mother added that the slain should not be buried but left as food for dogges and birds this edict terrified many and caused their flight many were seized upon and tormented divers ways to death amongst the chief Podivinius who was of the Bed-chamber of Wenceslaus that was most dear and intimate with him was hanged 5. But when the revenging eye of God could not longer bear the deaths and Martyrdomes the Banishment and crosses of his own he declared a dreadfull example of his wrath upon Drahomira for on that place where the Ministers bones lay unburied the earth opened of it self and devoured Drahomira alive with the Chariot and those that were carried in it which place is now to be seen before the Castle of Prague 6. And those were punished from heaven who drew their swords and were helpers in that massacre some of them losing their reason in their rage madnesse cast themselvs headlong from high places others destroyed themselves with the same swords wherewith they had murthered the innocent furthermore that part of the Church neer which Wenceslaus was killed could never be washed from that bloud wherewith it was then sprinkled as an eternal witnes of that villany these various prodigies did so affright Bolislaus that hee dealt more mildly with the Christians 7. And though Caesar came upon him to revenge his Fratricide and Tyranny and so straightly besieged Bolislaus that hee was compelled to recall the banished Christians to restore the Churches to expiate all his former wickednesse and to promise that his children should be instructed in Christianity Religion did flourish better Heathenisme vanishing though not quite extinct when godly Bolislaus his son succeeded him CHAP. IIII. Woytichius otherwise Adalburtus Bishop of Prague with his five own Brothers were Martyred 1. FOr when Woytich the second Bishop of Prague who was the beloved pupill of Adalburtus the arch-Bishop of Magdeburgh so that he took his name and Histories call him Adalburt about the year 970. did seriously labour in converting the reliques of the Gentiles and in amending of their corrupt manners there was raised a great sedition by the fury of the Heathens which Bolislaus was necessitated to keep down by armes but VVoytichius was forced to a voluntary banishment 2. When therefore he went towards Rome the Pagans rose against his own Brothers and killed five of them together Coleborius Spitemerius Prebislaus Borita and Czalaus and make a conspiracy against their Prince but are overcome in battell 3. Woytichius being carried into Hungary by som sermons he converts to the faith and baptizes Stephen their Prince who was not long after made their King then returning home he is again banished he departs in Polonia being about to confirm that nation which was lately converted to the faith by the marriage of Dubrawka the daughter of Bolislaus the Bohemian with Miceslaus the Leader of the Polonians 4. From thence he makes his passage into Pâ—usia and there neare to Pistashium is murthered by the darts of the Infidells and is beheaded his body was redeemed from the Barbarians and carried to Guâ—sua in Polonia where he established a Bishopwrick and according to the superstitious custome of that age hee was canonised for a Saint CHAP. V. The first witnesses unto the truth against the Papacy in Bohemia 1. FOr when in these times as Histories testifie the Pope of Rome having usurped domination over other Churches would have had the rites ceremonies of his will-worship every where received and kept it happened that such things as were offensive unto the minds of the Godly were obtruded upon the Bohemians also but most especially the use of the Latine tongue in the Ordinances the unmarriageable estate of the Clergy and the maiming of the Eucharist by debarring the people of the cup in that Sacrament Of which it will not be tedious or in vain here to recite what we find expressed in our Annals because they were the first incitements unto the Bohemians and as it were the first sparks which afterward in the time of Husse burst out into open flame 2. In the yeare 965 when Boleslaus Pius had founded Episcopacy at Prague was chosen Bishop and confirmed by Hatto Arch-Bishop of Maguntium Dethmar the Saxon then Pope of Rome instituted a form of Church-government expressely charging that none should any whit decline from the rites ceremonies and Roman canting by him prescribed which the Bohemians took very ill for that the use of their native language was taken from them Now therefore Dethmar the the Bishop shortly after dying in the same year and Woytich his successours having freed Rome from the whirle wind of persecution two of the Clergy Bolehost and Mistibor with four others viz. Krzwan Rosislaw Waymire and Iarek were sent to Rome unto the Pope in the year 977 for to act with him both for the return of the Bishop and restoring unto them the use of their mother-tongue in the Ordinances who as the Annals tell us did both obtain their desires of the Pope and had sent them from the Bishop a form of Prayers writ in their natural language which is yet extant 3. But when their successours by reason of certain inhibitions issuing from Rome suffered the use of their naturall language again to fall Wratislaus Duke of Bohemia who shottly after for his heroick acts and deserts in the Roman Empire was created King sent Ambassadors to Rome and by them requested of Gregory the 7. a confirmation of the liberty heretofore solemnly granted unto them But what he obtained is manifest in Hajecius a Popish-writer who fully sets down Pope Gregory's answer page 136. which translated out of the Bohemian language for the Latine version is not extant or not to us is as followeth Gregory the Bishop servant of the servants of God to Wratislaus Duke of Bohemia health and Apostolicall benediction Amongst other Petitions your Highnesse by letters hath requested of us that we would permit you to exercise divine service in the free use of the Slavonian tongue Know therefore beloved son that we cannot by any meanes grant your Petition Because frequently meditating upon the Scripture we find that it hath been and is well pleasing to the Omnipâ—tent God that divine worship be performed in an unknown tongue least it be understood by every one and promiscuously espceially by the more ruae and ignorant for if it should be openly and commonly talked of by all it would easily come into contempt and disdain or if it could not be understood by some of the middle sort of men by their often repetition and not understanding thereof error what not may easily be hatcht which would hardly be rooted out of the hearts of men Nor can it bee pretended that the simpler sort were sometimes a little indulg'd especially after their conversion True indeed at the desires of sincere and ignorant people indulgencies were grantod in the primitive church
his Gantlet and so violently that the blood did plentifully issue from his mouth and nostrills Whereupon the Bishop returned him to the Collonel who again sent him back to the Bishop who after he had made him his subject of mirth scorn for all that night on the day following being Sunday they were all brought unto the stake and fastned with such a method that these poor champions of the Truth as near as the invention of their malice could dispose of them were placed in the lap of Wenceslaus And when the Bishop did admonish them to abjure that part of the Sacrament in which the Cup is used the faithfull Curat made answer for him and his God forbid we had rather suffer under a hundred deaths than deny a truth so clearly revealed in the Gospell On this the executioner was commanded to give fire unto the faggot who immediately with the flame did send them up a gratefull sacrifice to the Almighty Wenceslaus being the last that gave up the Ghost This was done in the year 1420. on the 8 day of July 2. On which very day Conrade the Arch-Bishop of Prague being offended at such horrible cruelty having first expressed himself against the unrighteousnesse of the Papall cause and declared himself for the Sacrament under both kinds he put off his Miter to put on his Helmet and was commander in chief in the Militia of Prague against the Church of Rome having chosen four Divines of that City to be Administrators for him in the Consistory who were by name Mr. Iohn Przâ—bram Mr. Procope Pelsen Mr. Iacobell and Iohn Zeline this was the beginning of the administration of the Sacrament under both kinds which Sigismund afterwards restoring did permit unto the States and confirm by Oath 3. Howsoever the enemies of the truth did murmur themselves into tumults raged with petulant fury In this place I shal give you an heroick exploit of one of them which on this year was performed on the 26. day of December Hinck Czerwenohorsky a captain of Jarom having violently entred the Church at Kerchzim in the time of divine service he killed some and took others captive Amongst other acts of prophanenesse this was not the least that from the Communion Table he took the cup being full of wine and dranke unto his horse who having pledged him he said his horse was now one of the Reformadoes and a communicant under both kinds CHAP. XIIII Wenceslaus Swets Martin Loquis Procopius Jednooky and others 1. IN the year of our Lord 1421. on the 23 of July there was burned at Prague one Wenceslaus a Taylor by his trade who was shut up in a tub It was objected against him that at Monstrance he dishonoured the Sacrament not onely by refusing to rise but afterwards by turning his back against it 2. In the same yeare on the 26. of February Martin Loquis was apprehended being accused for renewing the error of the Waldenses in the solemnity of the Sacrament and forasfirming by a horrible prophanenes that both the bread the cup were to be given into the hands of the communicants but by the intercession of the Taborenes he was delivered from his bondage and the better to give way to the envy the madnes of the times he removed into Moravia having taken with him Procopius Iednook for his associat but being discovered as they travelled through Chrudim they were taken by Captain Denis being both manacled and fettered with Irons they were examined what their Judgement was concerning the Sacrament Martin made answer The body of Christ is in heaven for he hath but one body not many The Captain not enduring forsooth so great a Blasphemy out of the liberallity of his choller did give him a boxe on the ear and called for the hangman to devour the Hereticks with fire but Ambrose the Pastor of Hrada being happily present he desired that these two men might be bestowed on him who for fifteen dayes kept them prisoners at Hrâ—da indeavouring to make them acknowledge and râ—â—cant their errors but when he found them more resolute in their opinion he sent them to Raudnice where being thrust into a dark Dungeon he detained them for two moneths none of the people being suffered to come unto them They were elabourately tormented with variety of executions for they were consumed with fire untill their bowells came forth to confesse from whence they derived their errours and who were their accomplices at Prague insomuch that by the unadvisednesse of the pain they were inforced to discover the names of some of their friends Howsoever being advised to return from the maze of their errors into the path of truth they smiling answered not we but you must think of returning for you are drawn aside from the Word of God to the impostures of Antichrist and you do worship the creature for the Creator 3. Being therefore brought to the punishment of the fire when they were admonished by the shavelings that they would desire the peoples prayers they replied We do not need their prayers pray for your selves O Christians and for those who do seduce you that the everliving Father of Light may bring you out of darknesse Being brought to the place of punishment they were shut up in a tub both together and so committed to the fire This was done on the 21 day of August in the year of our Lord 1441. 4. Not long after there were taken at Prague some other men addicted to the same opinion amongst whom were three Divines with one Casca a Citizen and George de Clatowe and a certaine man called Abraham it was laid to their charge that they forbad the torches to be lighted at the Altar before the taking of the Sacrament CHAP. XV. Iohn Zeline 1. A Monk of the Order of Premonstrates or Exemplars was Pastor in New Prague and a Teacher in White Maryes Church one of the designed Administrators of the consistory a man more famous for his eloquence than his learning He having alwayes a most frequent audience did advance in his Pulpit the purer Doctrine of the Thaborites and was author to the inhabitants of Prague for the reformation of their Senate But Haschek de Weltsch a Captaine of old Prague whom the said Monk had often rebuked having conspired with the Senate who were half Romanists betrayed this Monk with twelve more into the Common hall at Prague and making a heady processe did suddenly behead them 2. This was done on the 9 of March in the year of our Lord 1422. which being discovered by the bloud was the occasion of a mighty Tumult For the flowing of the bloud did cause such a confluence of people that they did breake open the doores and beholding the lamentable spectable one of them brought forth the head of the Monk and shewed it to the multitude standing round about him on which so generall was the out-cry and so loud the lamentation that no pen is able to expresse it
fell upon a cloth that was spread there for that purpose and so received the blow of the sword After that his right hand was cut off and was hung up with his head on an iron speare upon the high Tower of the Bridge but his carcase was wrapt in a cloth and conveyed away by some in mourning habits to a cave and a fresh cloth is spread which is observed to be done for all of them that none of those that suffered might see the Corps or bloud of those that suffered before them CHAP. LXII Wenceslaus Baron of Budowa a Monke of Graetium Lord of Klastericke and Zazadka I. THis man had an incomparable wit famous for his learning as appeareth by his writings renouned for his travels through Germany Italie France England and Turkie where he lived seven years he was very zealous deserving reverence even for his age for he was seventy years old eminent also in regard of his places of preferment For under Rodolphus he was a Counsellor and was called to the place of one of the Directors of the reformed Consistory and Academie By Matthias he was made a Counsellor and by the Order Director of the Kingdome in the vacancy until a King was elected Lastly he was President of the Court of Appeales the glory of his Country and the bright shining starre of the Church he was none that Lorded it over his inferiors but was rather a Father to them In a word he was right deare both to God and man 2. After the Victory of Ferdinand he accompanied his family out of Prague his Wife his Sonne Nurse Nephews and least he should seeme to have forsaken the Crowne whereof with one Otto he was appointed keeper he returned His house not long after was plundred even to his wearing apparell he onely saying that the Lord hath given and the Lord hath taken 3. Paulus Aretinus being Secretary of the Tribunalls talking with him for he was now kept under arrest in his owne house and being demanded that since he had b n once in the deeps why he would trust himsâ—lfe to those tempestuous storms he did answer his conscience pressed him to what he did It was Religion that perswaded him to forsake his Countrey and a good cause But I know not Gods pleasures whether he will that I should seale it with my bloud And rising up he said I am here my God dispose of me thy servant as it seemeth good in thine eyes I am full of years take from me my life that I may not see those evils which I see are now comming on my Country Being another day visited by the same party and being before acquainted of the report that went on him that for very griefe he died smiling he answered What me I had never had he happinesse to injoy so much pleasure as now bâ—hold my Paradise shewing his Bible it never yeelded me so much Nectar and Ambrosia as now I live and will live as long as God please neither I hope shal any man see that day wherein good old Budowecius was said to die with greif Being examined of the Inquisitors often he stifly maintained the equity of the cause and being condemned he said to the Judges Yee have long time thirsted after my bloud but know withall ye will find God a revenger of innocent bloud for whose cause we suffer 4. The third day before the execution hee told his dreame to his servant Zidnowskie He dreamed that he thought he saw himselfe walking in a pleasant field and thinking of the event of these things with a heavie heart when behold one comming to me offered me a booke which when I looked into I saw silken white leaves and nothing therein written but the fift verse of the thirty seven Psalme Commit thy way unto the Lord and put thy trust in him and he shall bring it to passe when he began againe to thinke what that meant another came and brought a white Robe which he cast upon him The old man awaking told it presently to his servant and as hee went on the Scaffold hee said to him Now I goe covered with the cloth of Righteousnesse that I may appeare before God in whom I hope 5. After the pronunciation of the sentence as he was going into the Crosse two Capuchins met him and told him the cause of their comming which was to afford him mercy in these straits he demanded of them what that mercy was They did answer that they might shew him the way of the Lord. He replied again I know that by the mercy of my God They again said Sir you are deceived in your opinion Unto whom hee answered I rely not on opinion on but the infallible truth for I have no other way but him who said I am the way the truth and life But they replied there is no salvation out of the Church and here they fall into discourse of the authority of the Church to trifle away the time and would gladly confine it to the Pope and Cardinals in which discourse they use vaine repetition in desiring their principles to be granted whereat the Martyr incensed said but I think your Pope is a Divel and Antichrist and the son of perdition and that Beast that was made red with the bloud of Saints depart with him to the place ye have deserved and let me alone yet if ye will learn from me the way of truth stay ye it will not be tedious to me to spend some time and pains to save your soules Here they beating their breasts and signing themselves with the sign of the Crosse they departed complaining that they never met with such a blasphemous Heretick 6. In like manner on the day of Martyrdome very early in the morning two Jesuites came into the Court and began again to trouble these holy men and when some slighted them they came to the Baron and said We perceive that this Baron is very learned we doe desire to gaine his soule and afford unto him the worke of mercy to whom he said What! would ye gaine my soule Would ye were assertained of your salvation as I am of mine the Lord be praised who by his holy spirit hath assured me of my salvation by the bloud of the Lambe The Jesuite replyed Good sir do not presume too much and assume that to your selfe whereof no man can promise to himselfe any certainty For doth not the Scripture say No man knowes whether hee have deserved grace To whom the Baron answered Is it therefore that I have need of your mercy Yee unhappy gainers of soules yee rather infuse desparation into me but ye erre not knowing the Scriptures And here hee expounded and gave them the sense of this place and brought other portions of Scripture which prove the infallibility of the salvation of beleevers Amongst others that of Saint Paul I know in whom I have believed also I know that a crown is laid up for me The Jesuit interrupting him said This Paul
but in regard it was found that many evills even heresies have had their rise from thence Christian order being now established it is not convenient to connive at it And therefore it cannot be granted what your people doth so earnestly but inconsiderately desire and this we forbid in the power of God and most blessed Peter exhorting thee also by the honor of the omnipotent God to withstand by all means such like vain rashnesse yea we command thee Dated at Rome anno 1079. 4. Loe here a Cover worthy the Dish for Histories do term this Gregory alias Hildebrand an ungodly man a Magician a vehement firebrand of the warres in Europe Could therefore any thing of truth or holiness be expected from him But time it was to punish the worlds ingratitude wherein the seducing power of errours should be sent into the world as the Apostle foretold 2 Thes 2. and so necessary it was that Bohemia it self but lately converted to the Faith should participate of the dimnesse which preceded the approaching darknesse and more and more be fettered with Antichristian bands Neverthelesse Bohemiâ— never committed any abominations which were visible to her through the darknesse without reluctancy and compulsion From whence it was that Rome froâ— Antiquity did often in large expressions bestow the title of Heretiques before all others upon the Bohemians 5. When in the year 1197. Peter Cardinal of Brode way being sent to Prague by Pope Celestine urgeâ— the necessity of single life and enjoyned Divorces unto those who were ordained for the Ministerie he was even upon the point of being stoned by the Priests and and Prelates Haiec. fol. 212. 6. About the year 1350. in the Reigne of Charles the fourth likewise Emperour of Rome the sacriledgious administration of the Lords Supper under one kind was first heard and seen in Bohemia under the first Arch-Bishop Ernestus of Eardubitz the Italian French and Germane Divines and Magistrates whom Charles had chosen Professors for the newly founded University of Prague very much perswading him to it Forreigners also well learned in the Arts who came thither in great troops drawing away very many by their Example 7. Certain of the Bohemians distracted by these factions apostatized and began to assert That the Custome in other places received ought not to be rejected there that the Sacrament ought not to be easily granted much lesse dailie disttibuted in both kinds and that not without the peculiar indulgence of the Arch-Bishop CHAP. VI. John Melice and Conrade Stickna 1. THese clamours increasing Mr. John Melice _____ of Prague a man descenâ—ed of a noble family and of a fervent spirit of whom â—lso menâ—ion is made in the catalogue of witnesses unâ—o the Truth whether by word or writing was theâ— first that stood out in opposition For when for his are Learning and Holinesse of life he was made Preâ—ect of the Clergy in the Cathedrall Church of _____ â—nd had a great Auditory he began to exhort the people unto a frequent communion in both kinds to comâ—lain much of spirituall desolation to rebuke divers aâ—uses abominations being much helped with the godâ—y endeavors of his faithful colleague Conrade Stickna a man eminent for Learning and Eloquence 2. These two by their zealous preaching effected amongst other things that the notorious Brothell house at Prague called Venice was throwne downe and in â—ts place Mary Magdalen church erected which perâ—dventure was a praeludium of the speedy destruction of the spirituall common Stewes 3. Neverthelesse Melicius himself hath left a writing concerning himself for some of his writings are preserved that he was pricked in conscience that he should go to Rome and there testifie that the great Antichrist was come and did then reign He prayed unto God with fasting and tears that unlesse these cogitations did proceed from his spirit he would deliver him from them but because he could find no inward quiet he went to Rome and writ upon some oâ— the cardinalls doors Antichrist is come and sittetâ— in the Church and in his conferences with many he averred the same 4. There is a Bull of Greg. the 11. now extant whereby Melice with his auditors were anathematized Hee therefore imprisoneth him but afterward perhaps for fear of the people he releaseth him iâ— the year 1366. Melice continued eight years in thâ— hatred of Antichrist and in the year 1374 and fourtâ— Nones of February he Swan like ended his life five years after the happy dissolution of his colleaguâ— Stickna CHAP. VII Mathias Janovius or the Parisian 1. MAtthias Janovius of Prague commonly called the Parisian because he continued Student in Paris nine years succeeded him he waâ— confessor unto Charles the fourth and more ferveâ—â— and zealous then his Predecessors in defending communion in both kinds He wrote many things as Oâ— the life of a Christian Of Hypocrisie Of Antichrist Of the frequent receiving of the Sacrament of the body and bloud of Christ In which booke at the end it is thus written It expresseth the work of Mr. Matthias of Paris a man famous for his admirable devotion who for his constant preaching suffered great persecution and this for the truth of the Gospell 2. Histories tell us that this Parisian together with some other learned men went to Charles promoted unto Kingly Dignity and requested him to call an Oecumenicall Councell for the churches reformation But the King returned unto them this answer That it was not in his power but belonged unto the Ghostly Father the Pope of Rome and therefore he would write in their behalfe and intreat a councell from him which after he had done the Pope was provoked and did so importune him for the punishing of those rash and hereticall men that Charles being madded with the authority of the Pope although he loved this Parisian yet commanded him to depart out of his Kingdome who though indeed he returned afterwards yet lead he the remainder of his life in private deceasing in the yeare 1394. Novemb. 30. See mention made of him in catalogo Test. Verit 3 Now Ianovius being banished the adversaries forbad and abol shed communion in both kinds not only in the Church of Aix but every where at Prague and through the whole Kingdome so that the more constant among them could not celebrate and receive the Sacrament after their accustomed manner except in private houses and after that in Woods and Caves and there not without hazzard of their lives and persecutions for they were set upon in the ways plundered beaten and drown'd in rivers so that at length they were necessitated to go together armed and in strong companies Which from that time continued untill the days of Husse 4. Letters Patents also were extorted from Charles although Hajec sayth it was sent to the Prelats of his own accord wherein an inquisition is ordained and punishment by fire determined to bee inflicted upon those who departed from the faith and ceremonies of the Church of Rome It is extant
separate themselves and had by themselves a peculiar meeting at Prague accusing the other that they did admit of the sword propounded to defend themselves by outward force This Calumny being greedily received and brought to the Kings cars was the reason that the King said What do they think to bring back Ziscâ— again to us We shall take a speedy course to suppresse this insolence The brothers hearing of it did write a new Apology to the King giving him an account of their faith and removing from themselves the late accusations and the blasphemies attributed to the Piccardins which occasioned the King by one edict to mitigate another and commanded that those of the Vniversity and the consistory should have a friendly Colloquy with the Piccardins in which the chiefest of them should endeavour by the strength of reason to recall them from their errors 2. Therefore in the Calends of January in the year 1504. The Patrons of the Brothers the Barons were commanded to bring their greatest Doctor to this Colloquie with the Academians and these of the Consistory The businesse of the Edict being deliberately canvassed although they feared treachery yet because it was held inconvenient to forsake so good a cause and to exasperate the King it was resolved that there should be a meeting they sent therefore but as Sacrifices to the slaughter Francis Lucas of Prague and Laurence Krasonice two Pâ—llars of their Church with some others who were comended to the prayers of all the Brethren There is extant an Epistle of Bohusza Kostka Baron of Postupitz Lord of Litomissa which he sent to Francis Krasoâ—ice not long after he had taken his farewell of him I conceive it to be no lost labour to insert in this place some part thereof To love life said the Baron is naturall but thou my Brother having learned better things must remember that thy life is buried in Christ which that thou mayest injoy thou must dye in Christ Thou knowest whom thou hast believed how able he is to keep thy pledge unto that day c. Be strong therefore in the Lord and in the power of his might that thou mayst fight the good fight and mayst receive a Crowne of life What is the manner of this fight thou needest not to be taught though peradventure thou mayst be admonished But that I may no longer detain thee stand fast beloved brother As far as humane providence can direct us we have provided for your safety neither will we be wanting to you But if the fury of the enemy shall prevaile and it shal please God by your death to glorifie the cause of Christ be you prepared to say with Job God hath given and let God take this life as it pleaseth him so let it be Farewell my brother Dated at Litomissa on the day of the first Martyr Stephen 1503. There is also extant the farewell of Francis Lucas to the Brethren at Bolislave a most comfortable letter 3. But God who would preserve these instruments from the jawes of the Lions Mr. Martin Poczatece not the least of the Enemies of the truth dying suddenly that morning about the break of day in which they should appear at the consistory By which example the rest were feared and the whole City meeting together they desired that the colloquy might not be in private but in publick but they pretending I know not what new businesses adjourned the disputation to another time the brothers being lovingly dismissed CHAP. XXIIII The Proclamation of King Wladislaus for the banishing of the Brothers made frustrate by the intervention of some wonderfull Iudgements The Martyrs at Bora. I. THe enemies of the truth could not bee quiet but a new destruction was againe designed to this small flocke of the brothers for Iohn Bozake Bishop of Warade in Hungary a Moravian by his birth a subtile man and burning with an implacable hatred against the enemies of the truth entring into crafty counsell with other Bishops of Hungaria and Bohemia the Queen her selfe was suborned who great with child and so neere unto her delivery that it was believed the King would deny her nothing in that estate she sollicited him for a new edict against the Piccardins and comming to his Chamber as it was afterwards known by some Gentlemen of his Bedchamber and most worthy of beliefe she desired that favour that the King would give way to so many Petitions and severely prosecute against that so much hated fraternity The King being sad to heare that request only nodded with his head but gave no answer at all 2. Presently upon this the Bishops in the presence of the King did begin to write the Coppy of the Mandate The King going into his chamber did fall on his knees and with teares besought God to forgive the guilt of those bloudy Councels and grant no successe unto them God heard his voyce and shewed some Examples of horrid Judgment on the authors of this conspiracy The first example was the Queene her selfe who before hand delighting her selfe with the immagination of it did propose unto her fancy what gratefull spectacles she should behold at Prague when being delivered of her Child she should come to that City and see the Piccardines some burned some beheaded and some stifled in the water But Oh the Judgments of God for before the time of her delivery being prevented with the pangs thereof and not able to bring forth The Physitians that they might preserve one were of opinion that the Child should be cut out of the mothers womb and the Chyrurgions being come tooke out the child alive but because it was brought into the world before its time as yet unable to see This was Ludonick who afterward succeded his father in both Kingdomes but the Mother no longer able to indure the torment did expire and with her dyed the wicked contriveances of the enemyes of the Truth for that time This was at Buda in the year 1506. on the beginning of July 3. Two yeares after this the Bishops obtained what before they attempted and the King overcome by their importunity who cryed out that sharp remedies must be used to take away such a growing Evill he commanded that all the Piccardins whatsoever without difference either of sexe or Age should be punished with the losse of life This was in the year 1508. on the tenth of August 4. Ionh Bishop of Warade and Stanislaus Sturzo Bishop of Olumitz brought this Edict unto Bohemia and a full house of the states being called gave it to them But because many of the chiefe of the Nobility complained that this Decree was made without the knowledge of the Parliament they could not consent that it should carry any force with it The execution of it therefore went on but slowly and almost eighteene moneths were spent in disputations only and debates about it 5. At the last by the cunning Artifice and proceedings of Albert Chancellor of Kolowratte and his Accomplices this bloudy Edict
of proceeding they were solicited by the Jesuites and Monkes perswasions to Apostacy or with their Sophistry in arguing and disputing or promises or threatnings or affrightments But the successe proved not alike in all for some either for feare of death or perpetuall imprisonment or else not being able to endure hunger and the noysome stench of the prisons before hand fainted and renounced the Ministery of which sort there were some others bore up manfully persevering in their firm and constant resolution being fully perswaded that although God had permitted them to fall into their enemies hands yet they bridled their rage and madnesse as happened to Wenceslaus Lipenius and Daniel Tychikius aged men of seventy years of age dwelling at Boslavia Mr. Danâ—el Alginus of Strakonicium Laurentius Schramius of Czalavia Victorinus Adam of Prague Joseph Thomaid Petrus Grinaeus Jacobus Viterius Johannes Hradscâ—us Wenceslaus Pasovius of Niclaspurgum Daniel Stephanidâ—s of Znoyna and many oâ—hers in many other places but none were dismissed but such as gave something under their hands that they would never return into their Country againe Some on the other side were fined and compelled to pay a great summe of money others in disgrace were led out of the City in a disgracefull manner as Daniel Alginus and others 2. There was one man whom the rage of Antichrist spared not by name Matthaeus Vlicius Vlâ—ckie Deacon of Czaflavia who was on this occasion taken A certaine nobleman of Bohemia by name George Techemitz who came with a Danish Army well appointed in the year 1927. and privately brought them into Silesia and had gathered together about four hundred men in a wood near to Gurimia the rumor of this came to Prague that the Country people in those parts were drawing to head with an intent to rebell for the surprising of which some troops were sent against them they apprehended neare unto that wood Mathew Vlickie but Techenitius with his men were escaped This Vlickie was not privie to this insurrection onely came from visiting his wife who at that time was sicke and was returning to his owne place of refuge being Kizchebla But they bring him with one whose name was Michna with them to Czaslavia unto the chiefe Commanders there assembled together Of these he is examined whether he were in the company of these country men who denying it was immediately delivered to the executioner to be tormented The overseeing of this torturing was committed to two Citizens to wit Nicholas Holub and George Kosischuâ—k Apostates they enquired of him not onely concerning the insurrection of the country men but likewise concerning his function When where to whom he had administred the Lords Supper or Baptisme For they suspected that for three yeares past he had not beene farre off and had encouraged the people of Czaslavia to perseverance which suspicion of theirs proved not true for being banished he went through Moravia Hungarie and Austria but did returne within halfe a year to the the same intent that he might not leave his auditors though in persecution 3. They made a fair shew and gave him some hope of life if he would turn Catholick but the Lord so strengthned him that he sealed with his bloud the truth of the Doctrine in the same City wherein he taught it He ingeniously confessed that hee neither quite laid down nor for a time did slack those parts of the Ministry which he had received from Christ not from Caesar being demanded of the Masse-Priest whether after the manner of the Calvinists he gave the bread in stead of the Host and gave the Cup into the Communicants hands He answered That was Christs institution whose example to follom and command to-obey he accounted most sacred When they endeavoured to extort from him the confession of the sedition against Caesar and Kosischink one of the examiners admonished him not to burthen his conscience by concealing what he knew he answered thou perfidious fellow I have a greater regard of my conscience than thou hast of thine at which words he being astonished in Conscience within a small while after languished and died being again promised hope of pardon if he would change his Religion he answered since this body of mine is subject to corruption and now it doth begin to decay why would you have me hinder it 4. On the 11 day of September he is brought forth to be punished and the cryer proclaimed with a loud voice that he was guilty of sedition with a loud voice he said I suffer for the truth of Christ when hee waâ— going through the gate one Iohn Aquile a Batchelor preseâ—tâ—d him with a book of Psalms but was forced to fly for it not without a beating from the Captain Vlicius with a very cheerfull voice and ready memory singing that Psal Hast thee O Lord c. None of the Citizens were permitted to accompany him or looke out at the windows on him whosoever should presume to do otherwise was threatned to bee shot and that his voice might not be heard what he sung or said the Trumpets sounded and the drums beat continually about him When he was led to the place of execution he cheered up himself saying this day my soul shall be with Christ the Captain Hâ—â—zowski answered with the Divell in Hell but the Martyr turned backe againe these words upon him but you with your impious crue will run headlong thither excep ye repent and kneeling down on his knees he recomended his soul to Christ presently after the executioner cut off his right hand wherewith say they he gave the Cup into the hands of the Laity after that they cut off his head and cut out his bowels and wrapped them in his shirt at the length he was quattered and his quarters set upon four stakes and his head on the fifth and was set about the Gallowes to be seene Some that have passed by affirm that the head and members have been seen fresh all the year after and untouched by the birds 6. After his death the enemies began to disperse themselves and some letters were in his possession found the which if hee could have happily joined himselfe to the multitude of seditious countrymen hee intended to have dispersed throughout the whole Kingdome and incited all men to take up armes for the defence of administring the Cup in the Sacraâ—ent But with those that knew the man better this forgery got no credit for that he was known to be of a quiet disposition and truly Godly and was wont to say very often that tears were the arms of the Church nay he was so far from any such thing that he seemed not to approve that the Orders should defend their religion by armes Unlesse by chance being mastered by impatience he might happily join with them in their desperate Councells which he only knows from whom nothing is hid This we are certain of that it is no new device for the enemies of the Church to lay such notable aspersions
oppression of liberty and Religion and because wee saw our selves circumvented by subtilty wee thought something was to bee done and would rather lose our lives rather than by a dull silence yeeld to the yoke and betray posterity I acknowledg that it was the will of God that we should outwardly fall who hath chosen me and my beloved fellowes in this last age to honour the truth by our bloud and to make it glorious by our constancy And although the flesh began to tremble at the hearing the sentence of death yet now by the goodnesse of God I feel no feare of it 3. When the Minister often interrupted him perswading him not to hang his salvation upon a good Conscience but upon the mercy of God thiough Christ the pious old man continued on his speech Yesterday it was told me from my Aunt Pruakovia that if I would petition â—o Prince Lichtenstein I might have a grant of my life but so as to remain in prison all the days of my life To which I answered that such a grant would be both unprofitable and inconvenient For if I should desire pardon I should give an occasion to some to suspect that I had committed some crime and had deserved death which I have not deserved Tell her therefore that I will desire pardon of him against whom I have committed many sinnes all my life but I never offended the Prince But if they should of their owne accord offer me a prison instead of death such a change would be very troublesome I am a decrepit old man and have lived long enough for when I cannot distinguish the tasts of meats or relish the sweetnesse of drinke when it is tedious to sit long and irkesome to lye when I cannot walk unlesse I lean on a staffe or be moved to and fro in others hands what profit I pray you would such a life be to me And if I can hardly endure it while it is free how shall I be able to suffer imprisonment God forbid that J should be pulled from this holy company of Martyrs 4. The next day being the Lords day having received the Lords Supper he said Behold now being reconciled to my God through Christ I have peace neither doe I feare man J will confidently say with David Let my flesh and my body be consumed but God is the rocke of my heart and my portion for â—ver Now there is nothing that may stay my thoughts on the earth besides my Nephewes for whom O servant of Christ J intreat you that you would as much as you can exhort them without intermission to piety and to imitate that constancy whereof they see an example in me although J know that you who are the fathers and shepheards of our souls are not without danger We go before but you wil follow but God keep you for his own glory and let him not suffer his Church to be wholly trampled on by the Babilonish beast 5. On the day of execution when the Minister of the word came to him hee said J had laid this miserable body upon a bed but what sleep could J have Yet J did sleep and saw two Angels comming to me who wiped my face with fine linnen and exhorted me to be ready to goe along with them But J trust in my God that J have these Angels present with me not by a dream but in truth which minister to me while J live and shall carry my soule from death into Abrahams bosome For although J am a sinner yet I am purged by the bloud of my Redeemer who was made a Propitiation for our sinnes Therefore let the houre of Death come J am prepared 6. Having put on his clothes he comanded that a garment of the finest linnen which hung down to his heels should be put over him and then said to M. Lippuch Behold I put on my wedding garment To which the other answered The garment of Christs righteousnesse adorns more gloriously within He answered again I know it but yet I desire to be adorned without for the honour of my Bride-groom At last hee put on a velvet Cloak and being called out he answered In the name of God for I did even now expect it And then being helped by his servants hee arose and bid farewell to all and went away with a slow pace by reason of the weaknesse of age Being to go down by certain steps to the scaffold he sayd Oh my God strengthen me left I fall down and become a matter of scorn to the enemies 7. When he came to the appointed place he had much ado to kneele downe being half crooked Hee desired that that the Executioner might be advised to strike as soon as ever hee should see him lie down lest hee might happen to fall by faintnesse But the Executioner seeing him so crooked and to hang down his head so much would not strike him Therefore the Minister Rosacius by the appointment of the Sheriffs said to him My Noble Lord as you have commended your soul unto Christ so now offer up your hoary head cheerefully to God and lift up your self towards heaven In the name of God answered hee and so lifting up his head as well as hee could saith Lord Jesus into thy hands J commend my spirit and then his head being cut off hee fell down CHAP. LXV Procopius Dworzecski de Olbramowitz c. I. HAving heard the sentence of death he answered Doth the Emperâ—ur promise himselfe any thing when my hâ—ad is taken off Let him take it thâ—n The next day hee said unto the Minister of the Word I have had a contention all this night with the old Adam even so as it made me sweat But thanks be to my God by whose help my soule hath overcome all temptations He added this also O Almighty God I have commended my soul to thee do thou protect it and cherish it and withall strengthen thy servant that I may not be made a derision to my enemies by any fear of death And as thou wert wont to encourage the holy Martyrs so I strongly beleeve thou wilt comfort me 2. When hee was called out to execution hee readily answered Thanks be to my God who doth now call me to himself for him I have lived and for him will I die For because my Saviour hath therefore died and risen againe that he might bee Lord both of the living and the dead I know that this soule of mine shall live and my body shall bee raised like to his glorious body 3. Comming upon the scaffold he turned himself to the Imperiall Judges and said Tell Caesar that we now undergo his just judgement but that hee shall undergo the more grievous but yet just judgement of God And while he put off his cloathes hee gave his purse with an Hungarian Ducket to the Minister of the word Behold here my last riches and these which are unprofitable for mee I resigne to you 4. And when hee saw a piece
of honour 18. At Niclaspurg in the Tower of Cardinall Ditrichsteinius and Governour of Moravia in the year 1626 a shrill voice was heard two houres before day doubling Wo Wo Wo. Many raised by this voice the Secretaries arose at that time to their businesses and astonished with the noise heard this voice four times And because the voice seemed to sound from under the house tops they went up with lights for to know the matter they then heard the same words abundantly repeated sometimes in Dutch Weh Weh Weh other times in the Bohemian language Beda Beda Beda but so as those that stood in one corner heard the same things sounding from an opposite place when they went thither from another part so that it seemed altogether prodigious This truly hapned and was done for three nights together as is manifest by the Testimonies of eminent men who themselves were then present and became Auditors thereof amongst whom was John Wodiz by a noble Lawyer The like voice was heard at Wienna as recorded in a publicke writing 19. Nor is it unknown how that in these times certaine persons as in trances declared in divers places by hidden revelation what horrible punishments should attend the Tyrants and persecutors Amongst whom was Christina Ponitovia a Bohemian virgin whose visions writ with her owne hand and translated verbatim into Dutch are now extant in print she being commanded by him that revealed the things unto her writ also to Walsteinius the Prince certaine dehortatory letters not to persecute the faithfull under paine of temporall and eternal destruction she sent them also to Gizinia delivered them into the hands of the Princess to the great astonishment of her and Gynecius her chiefe usher she falling into an extasie at the same time in their sight The letters before they were delivered to the Prince were opened and read by Jesuites who laughed at them as a Piccardy fiction so also the Prince seemed to interpret them For he smiling said that his Lord the King had received letters from Madrid Constantinople Rome c. but he from Heaven But hee found how meet it was to jest with holy things in a short time after hee died miserably of that kind of death which Christina had foreseen and foretold though indeed he promoted the oppression of the Confessors of the truth his conscience regretting as is well known only to gratifie and please those about him 20. The Lord many times smote Ferdinand himselfe with diverse plagues for perversely hardening himself against Gods people For first of all he stirred up enemies successively against him which grievously tyred him with Warres Yet his Baal-Priests interpreted this as desired occasions of continuing the victory and trampling the heretickes on every side notwithstanding they often perceived into what streights they were brought not without hazard of their overthrow yet because all this did but contribute to harden them the more they returned againe to their wonted course 21. For shortly after the execution at Prague the Emperors Army was routed by Bethlemius in Hungary where Bukwoy himselfe a rare General was slaine Not long after the confiscation where the Goods of very many Gospellers were set to sale in the year 1623. all the Emperors Army was againe reduced to such extremity at Hodoninum in Moravia that all was given for lost had not the Count of Black-Mount imbraced conditions of peace in the Emperors behalfe which were so low and base as that he letted not to kisse Bethlemius his feet Afterwards the Subjects of Austria the lower Rebelled and much increased their extremity This likewise is very memorable the same day whereupon the first proscription of the Citizens of Prague was published July the 12. 1627. the Lord afflicted Italy by an horrible Earth-quake whereby many Townes and Villages with many thousands of men were swallowed up 22. In the interim God struck the first born of these Egyptians these principal men dying to wit Pope Paul the 5. and Gregory the 14. Philip the 3 King of Spain also Charles Albertus and John Charles Duke of Austria the Emperour Ferdinands brother his uncle his sonne and some others 22. At last when not onely Bohemia but also all Germany was full of Prodigies and yet these enemies did not cease to bring all things into confusion and to fill all places with their Tyranny and impiety God stirred up a Northerne Whirle-wind which to this day shakes the Walles of this wicked Babylon 24. To whom that Gods word might the more appear even France it self although professing the Roman-Religion not induring any longer to behold this daily Tyranny every day increasing and the growth of the Emperor brought about by the ruines and oppressions of other Kingdomes joyne counsels and strength of which passages God onely knows the issue for the present we observe the just judgement of God who knows the Nations that deal at War and to those that spill the bloud of his Saints he can give them blood to drink as he hath threatned in the 68 Psal 34. Revel 16.5.6 CHAP. CVII Concerning the remainder of the faithfull in Bohemia after all this persecution I. SO soone as the Popes sword began to prevail there were found some learned Doctors of the Church who did publickly and privately by their Sermons and writings admonish and strengthen the hearts of the people against those tempests of persecution which they apprehended comming but because God scarce at any time makes his way through the stormes and whirle-winds Nah 1.3 but at the sight of his wrath the very mountaines are covered and the rockes are dashed in pieces 1. King 19.11 so likewise it happened here that some of the Pillars of the Bohemians were overthrown to wit the greatest part of the Nobility and some part of the Ministery with the Generall ruine of all the people whereupon they rejoyced and were glad who spoiled the inheritance of the Lord because ye were glad because ye rejoiced O ye destroyers of mine inheritance because ye are growne sat as the Heifer at grasse and bellow as bulls But how the Glory of God and mans salvation was promoted by this is not knowne nor can sufficiently bee lamented 2. For because in so great a number of Apostates from the Gospell there were scarce any who were perswaded within themselves that way which they were commanded to follow was the true way of salvation but meerely out of the fear of men or else to please men or some other blind and brutish inclination most of them followes the example of the rest and offered violence to their consciences and so forsooke the truth what can wee determine otherwise concerning the whole root then to say with the Prophet Isaiah 1.4 a sinfull nation a people laden with iniquity a seed of evill doers children that are corrupters they have forsaken the Lord they have provoked the holy one of Israel unto anger they are gone backward 3. Truly you have done very praise worthy and you deserve