第2章

ItwasthegeneralbeliefoftheEmpire，thattheyowedthelongenjoymentofthereligiouspeacemerelytothedifficultiesinwhichtheEmperorwasplacedbytheinternaltroublesinhisdominions，andconsequentlytheywereinnohastetorelievehimfromthem。

AlmostalltheaffairsoftheDietwereneglected，eitherthroughtheprocrastinationoftheEmperor，orthroughthefaultoftheProtestantEstates，whohaddeterminedtomakenoprovisionforthecommonwantsoftheEmpiretilltheirowngrievanceswereremoved。

ThesegrievancesrelatedprincipallytothemisgovernmentoftheEmperor；

theviolationofthereligioustreaty，andthepresumptuoususurpationsoftheAulicCouncil，whichinthepresentreignhadbeguntoextenditsjurisdictionattheexpenseoftheImperialChamber。Formerly，inalldisputesbetweentheEstates，whichcouldnotbesettledbyclublaw，theEmperorshadinthelastresortdecidedofthemselves，ifthecaseweretrifling，andinconjunctionwiththeprinces，ifitwereimportant；ortheydeterminedthembytheadviceofimperialjudgeswhofollowedthecourt。Thissuperiorjurisdictiontheyhad，intheendofthefifteenthcentury，assignedtoaregularandpermanenttribunal，theImperialChamberofSpires，inwhichtheEstatesoftheEmpire，thattheymightnotbeoppressedbythearbitraryappointmentoftheEmperor，hadreservedtothemselvestherightofelectingtheassessors，andofperiodicallyreviewingitsdecrees。Bythereligiouspeace，theserightsoftheEstates，(calledtherightsofpresentationandvisitation，)wereextendedalsototheLutherans，sothatProtestantjudgeshadavoiceinProtestantcauses，andaseemingequalityobtainedforbothreligionsinthissupremetribunal。

ButtheenemiesoftheReformationandofthefreedomoftheEstates，vigilanttotakeadvantageofeveryincidentthatfavouredtheirviews，soonfoundmeanstoneutralizethebeneficialeffectsofthisinstitution。

AsupremejurisdictionovertheImperialStateswasgraduallyandskilfullyusurpedbyaprivateimperialtribunal，theAulicCouncilinVienna，acourtatfirstintendedmerelytoadvisetheEmperorintheexerciseofhisundoubted，imperial，andpersonalprerogatives；acourt，whosemembersbeingappointedandpaidbyhim，hadnolawbuttheinterestoftheirmaster，andnostandardofequitybuttheadvancementoftheunreformedreligionofwhichtheywerepartisans。

BeforetheAulicCouncilwerenowbroughtseveralsuitsoriginatingbetweenEstatesdifferinginreligion，andwhich，therefore，properlybelongedtotheImperialChamber。Itwasnotsurprisingifthedecreesofthistribunalboretracesoftheirorigin；iftheinterestsoftheRomanChurchandoftheEmperorwerepreferredtojusticebyRomanCatholicjudges，andthecreaturesoftheEmperor。AlthoughalltheEstatesofGermanyseemedtohaveequalcauseforresistingsoperilousanabuse，theProtestantsalone，whomostsensiblyfeltit，andeventhesenotallatonceandinabody，cameforwardasthedefendersofGermanliberty，whichtheestablishmentofsoarbitraryatribunalhadoutragedinitsmostsacredpoint，theadministrationofjustice。Infact，Germanywouldhavehadlittlecausetocongratulateitselfupontheabolitionofclub-law，andintheinstitutionoftheImperialChamber，ifanarbitrarytribunaloftheEmperorwasallowedtointerferewiththelatter。TheEstatesoftheGermanEmpirewouldindeedhaveimprovedlittleuponthedaysofbarbarism，iftheChamberofJusticeinwhichtheysatalongwiththeEmperorasjudges，andforwhichtheyhadabandonedtheiroriginalprincelyprerogative，shouldceasetobeacourtofthelastresort。Butthestrangestcontradictionswereatthisdatetobefoundinthemindsofmen。ThenameofEmperor，aremnantofRomandespotism，wasstillassociatedwithanideaofautocracy，which，thoughitformedaridiculousinconsistencywiththeprivilegesoftheEstates，wasneverthelessarguedforbyjurists，diffusedbythepartisansofdespotism，andbelievedbytheignorant。

Tothesegeneralgrievanceswasgraduallyaddedachainofsingularincidents，whichatlengthconvertedtheanxietyoftheProtestantsintoutterdistrust。

DuringtheSpanishpersecutionsintheNetherlands，severalProtestantfamilieshadtakenrefugeinAix-la-Chapelle，animperialcity，andattachedtotheRomanCatholicfaith，wheretheysettledandinsensiblyextendedtheiradherents。

Havingsucceededbystratageminintroducingsomeoftheirmembersintothemunicipalcouncil，theydemandedachurchandthepublicexerciseoftheirworship，andthedemandbeingunfavourablyreceived，theysucceededbyviolenceinenforcingit，andalsoinusurpingtheentiregovernmentofthecity。ToseesoimportantacityinProtestanthandswastooheavyablowfortheEmperorandtheRomanCatholics。

AfteralltheEmperor’srequestsandcommandsfortherestorationoftheoldengovernmenthadprovedineffectual，theAulicCouncilproclaimedthecityunderthebanoftheEmpire，which，however，wasnotputinforcetillthefollowingreign。

OfyetgreaterimportanceweretwootherattemptsoftheProtestantstoextendtheirinfluenceandtheirpower。TheElectorGebhard，ofCologne，(bornTruchsess*ofWaldburg，)conceivedfortheyoungCountessAgnes，ofMansfield，CanonessofGerresheim，apassionwhichwasnotunreturned。

AstheeyesofallGermanyweredirectedtothisintercourse，thebrothersoftheCountess，twozealousCalvinists，demandedsatisfactionfortheinjuredhonouroftheirhouse，which，aslongastheelectorremainedaRomanCatholicprelate，couldnotberepairedbymarriage。Theythreatenedtheelectortheywouldwashoutthisstaininhisbloodandtheirsister’s，unlessheeitherabandonedallfurtherconnexionwiththecountess，orconsentedtore-establishherreputationatthealtar。

Theelector，indifferenttoalltheconsequencesofthisstep，listenedtonothingbutthevoiceoflove。Whetheritwasinconsequenceofhispreviousinclinationtothereformeddoctrines，orthatthecharmsofhismistressaloneeffectedthiswonder，herenouncedtheRomanCatholicfaith，andledthebeautifulAgnestothealtar。

*Grand-masterofthekitchen。

Thiseventwasofthegreatestimportance。Bytheletteroftheclausereservingtheecclesiasticalstatesfromthegeneraloperationofthereligiouspeace，theelectorhad，byhisapostacy，forfeitedallrighttothetemporalitiesofhisbishopric；

andif，inanycase，itwasimportantfortheCatholicstoenforcetheclause，itwassoespeciallyinthecaseofelectorates。Ontheotherhand，therelinquishmentofsohighadignitywasaseveresacrifice，andpeculiarlysointhecaseofatenderhusband，whohadwishedtoenhancethevalueofhisheartandhandbythegiftofaprincipality。

Moreover，theReservatumEcclesiasticumwasadisputedarticleofthetreatyofAugsburg；andalltheGermanProtestantswereawareoftheextremeimportanceofwrestingthisfourth*electoratefromtheopponentsoftheirfaith。TheexamplehadalreadybeensetinseveraloftheecclesiasticalbeneficesofLowerGermany，andattendedwithsuccess。SeveralcanonsofColognehadalsoalreadyembracedtheProtestantconfession，andwereontheelector’sside，while，inthecityitself，hecoulddependuponthesupportofanumerousProtestantparty。Alltheseconsiderations，greatlystrengthenedbythepersuasionsofhisfriendsandrelations，andthepromisesofseveralGermancourts，determinedtheelectortoretainhisdominions，whilehechangedhisreligion。

*Saxony，Brandenburg，andthePalatinatewerealreadyProtestant。

Butitwassoonapparentthathehadentereduponacontestwhichhecouldnotcarrythrough。EventhefreetolerationoftheProtestantservicewithintheterritoriesofCologne，hadalreadyoccasionedaviolentoppositiononthepartofthecanonsandRomanCatholic`Estates’ofthatprovince。

TheinterventionoftheEmperor，andapapalbanfromRome，whichanathematizedtheelectorasanapostate，anddeprivedhimofallhisdignities，temporalandspiritual，armedhisownsubjectsandchapteragainsthim。TheElectorassembledamilitaryforce；

thechapterdidthesame。Toensurealsotheaidofastrongarm，theyproceededforthwithtoanewelection，andchosetheBishopofLiege，aprinceofBavaria。

Acivilwarnowcommenced，which，fromthestronginterestwhichbothreligiouspartiesinGermanynecessarilyfeltintheconjuncture，waslikelytoterminateinageneralbreakingupofthereligiouspeace。

WhatmostmadetheProtestantsindignant，wasthatthePopeshouldhavepresumed，byapretendedapostolicpower，todepriveaprinceoftheempireofhisimperialdignities。Eveninthegoldendaysoftheirspiritualdomination，thisprerogativeofthePopehadbeendisputed；

howmuchmorelikelywasittobequestionedataperiodwhenhisauthoritywasentirelydisownedbyoneparty，whileevenwiththeotheritrestedonatotteringfoundation。AlltheProtestantprincestookuptheaffairwarmlyagainsttheEmperor；andHenryIV。ofFrance，thenKingofNavarre，leftnomeansofnegotiationuntriedtourgetheGermanprincestothevigorousassertionoftheirrights。TheissuewoulddecideforeverthelibertiesofGermany。FourProtestantagainstthreeRomanCatholicvoicesintheElectoralCollegemustatoncehavegiventhepreponderancetotheformer，andforeverexcludedtheHouseofAustriafromtheimperialthrone。

ButtheElectorGebhardhadembracedtheCalvinist，nottheLutheranreligion；

andthiscircumstancealonewashisruin。ThemutualrancourofthesetwochurcheswouldnotpermittheLutheranEstatestoregardtheElectorasoneoftheirparty，andassuchtolendhimtheireffectualsupport。Allindeedhadencouraged，andpromisedhimassistance；

butonlyoneappanagedprinceofthePalatineHouse，thePalsgraveJohnCasimir，azealousCalvinist，kepthisword。

Despiteoftheimperialprohibition，hehastenedwithhislittlearmyintotheterritoriesofCologne；butwithoutbeingabletoeffectanything，becausetheElector，whowasdestituteevenofthefirstnecessaries，lefthimtotallywithouthelp。Somuchthemorerapidwastheprogressofthenewly-chosenelector，whomhisBavarianrelationsandtheSpaniardsfromtheNetherlandssupportedwiththeutmostvigour。ThetroopsofGebhard，leftbytheirmasterwithoutpay，abandonedoneplaceafteranothertotheenemy；bywhomotherswerecompelledtosurrender。

InhisWestphalianterritories，Gebhardheldoutforsometimelonger，tillhere，too，hewasatlastobligedtoyieldtosuperiorforce。

AfterseveralvainattemptsinHollandandEnglandtoobtainmeansforhisrestoration，heretiredintotheChapterofStrasburg，anddieddeanofthatcathedral；thefirstsacrificetotheEcclesiasticalReservation，orrathertothewantofharmonyamongtheGermanProtestants。

TothisdisputeinColognewassoonaddedanotherinStrasburg。

SeveralProtestantcanonsofCologne，whohadbeenincludedinthesamepapalbanwiththeelector，hadtakenrefugewithinthisbishopric，wheretheylikewiseheldprebends。AstheRomanCatholiccanonsofStrasburghesitatedtoallowthem，asbeingundertheban，theenjoymentoftheirprebends，theytookviolentpossessionoftheirbenefices，andthesupportofapowerfulProtestantpartyamongthecitizenssoongavethemthepreponderanceinthechapter。TheothercanonsthereuponretiredtoAlsace-Saverne，where，undertheprotectionofthebishop，theyestablishedthemselvesastheonlylawfulchapter，anddenouncedthatwhichremainedinStrasburgasillegal。Thelatter，inthemeantime，hadsostrengthenedthemselvesbythereceptionofseveralProtestantcolleaguesofhighrank，thattheycouldventure，uponthedeathofthebishop，tonominateanewProtestantbishopinthepersonofJohnGeorgeofBrandenburg。TheRomanCatholiccanons，farfromallowingthiselection，nominatedtheBishopofMetz，aprinceofLorraine，tothatdignity，whoannouncedhispromotionbyimmediatelycommencinghostilitiesagainsttheterritoriesofStrasburg。

ThatcitynowtookuparmsindefenceofitsProtestantchapterandthePrinceofBrandenburg，whiletheotherparty，withtheassistanceofthetroopsofLorraine，endeavouredtopossessthemselvesofthetemporalitiesofthechapter。Atediouswarwastheconsequence，which，accordingtothespiritofthetimes，wasattendedwithbarbarousdevastations。InvaindidtheEmperorinterposewithhissupremeauthoritytoterminatethedispute；theecclesiasticalpropertyremainedforalongtimedividedbetweenthetwoparties，tillatlasttheProtestantprince，foramoderatepecuniaryequivalent，renouncedhisclaims；andthus，inthisdisputealso，theRomanChurchcameoffvictorious。

Anoccurrencewhich，soonaftertheadjustmentofthisdispute，tookplaceinDonauwerth，afreecityofSuabia，wasstillmorecriticalforthewholeofProtestantGermany。InthisonceRomanCatholiccity，theProtestants，duringthereignsofFerdinandandhisson，had，intheusualway，becomesocompletelypredominant，thattheRomanCatholicswereobligedtocontentthemselveswithachurchintheMonasteryoftheHolyCross，andforfearofoffendingtheProtestants，wereevenforcedtosuppressthegreaterpartoftheirreligiousrites。

Atlengthafanaticalabbotofthismonasteryventuredtodefythepopularprejudices，andtoarrangeapublicprocession，precededbythecrossandbannersflying；buthewassooncompelledtodesistfromtheattempt。When，ayearafterwards，encouragedbyafavourableimperialproclamation，thesameabbotattemptedtorenewthisprocession，thecitizensproceededtoopenviolence。

Theinhabitantsshutthegatesagainstthemonksontheirreturn，trampledtheircoloursunderfoot，andfollowedthemhomewithclamourandabuse。Animperialcitationwastheconsequenceofthisactofviolence；andastheexasperatedpopulaceeventhreatenedtoassaulttheimperialcommissaries，andallattemptsatanamicableadjustmentwerefrustratedbythefanaticismofthemultitude，thecitywasatlastformallyplacedunderthebanoftheEmpire，theexecutionofwhichwasintrustedtoMaximilian，DukeofBavaria。Thecitizens，formerlysoinsolent，wereseizedwithterrorattheapproachoftheBavarianarmy；

pusillanimitynowpossessedthem，thoughoncesofullofdefiance，andtheylaiddowntheirarmswithoutstrikingablow。

ThetotalabolitionoftheProtestantreligionwithinthewallsofthecitywasthepunishmentoftheirrebellion；itwasdeprivedofitsprivileges，and，fromafreecityofSuabia，convertedintoamunicipaltownofBavaria。

TwocircumstancesconnectedwiththisproceedingmusthavestronglyexcitedtheattentionoftheProtestants，eveniftheinterestsofreligionhadbeenlesspowerfulontheirminds。Firstofall，thesentencehadbeenpronouncedbytheAulicCouncil，anarbitraryandexclusivelyRomanCatholictribunal，whosejurisdictionbesideshadbeensowarmlydisputedbythem；

andsecondly，itsexecutionhadbeenintrustedtotheDukeofBavaria，theheadofanothercircle。TheseunconstitutionalstepsseemedtobetheharbingersoffurtherviolentmeasuresontheRomanCatholicside，theresult，probably，ofsecretconferencesanddangerousdesigns，whichmightperhapsendintheentiresubversionoftheirreligiousliberty。

Incircumstanceswherethelawofforceprevails，andsecuritydependsuponpoweralone，theweakestpartyisnaturallythemostbusytoplaceitselfinapostureofdefence。ThiswasnowthecaseinGermany。

IftheRomanCatholicsreallymeditatedanyevilagainsttheProtestantsinGermany，theprobabilitywasthattheblowwouldfallonthesouthratherthanthenorth，because，inLowerGermany，theProtestantswereconnectedtogetherthroughalongunbrokentractofcountry，andcouldthereforeeasilycombinefortheirmutualsupport；

whilethoseinthesouth，detachedfromeachother，andsurroundedonallsidesbyRomanCatholicstates，wereexposedtoeveryinroad。If，moreover，aswastobeexpected，theCatholicsavailedthemselvesofthedivisionsamongsttheProtestants，andlevelledtheirattackagainstoneofthereligiousparties，itwastheCalvinistswho，astheweaker，andasbeingbesidesexcludedfromthereligioustreaty，wereapparentlyinthegreatestdanger，anduponthemwouldprobablyfallthefirstattack。

BoththesecircumstancestookplaceinthedominionsoftheElectorPalatine，whichpossessed，intheDukeofBavaria，aformidableneighbour，andwhich，byreasonoftheirdefectiontoCalvinism，receivednoprotectionfromtheReligiousPeace，andhadlittlehopeofsuccourfromtheLutheranstates。

NocountryinGermanyhadexperiencedsomanyrevolutionsinreligioninsoshortatimeasthePalatinate。Inthespaceofsixtyyearsthiscountry，anunfortunatetoyinthehandsofitsrulers，hadtwiceadoptedthedoctrinesofLuther，andtwicerelinquishedthemforCalvinism。

TheElectorFrederickIII。firstabandonedtheconfessionofAugsburg，whichhiseldestsonandsuccessor，Lewis，immediatelyre-established。

TheCalviniststhroughoutthewholecountryweredeprivedoftheirchurches，theirpreachersandeventheirteachersbanishedbeyondthefrontiers；

whiletheprince，inhisLutheranzeal，persecutedthemeveninhiswill，byappointingnonebutstrictandorthodoxLutheransastheguardiansofhisson，aminor。ButthisillegaltestamentwasdisregardedbyhisbrothertheCountPalatine，JohnCasimir，who，bytheregulationsoftheGoldenBull，assumedtheguardianshipandadministrationofthestate。

CalvinisticteachersweregiventotheElectorFrederickIV。，thenonlynineyearsofage，whowereordered，ifnecessary，todrivetheLutheranheresyoutofthesouloftheirpupilwithblows。

Ifsuchwasthetreatmentofthesovereign，thatofthesubjectsmaybeeasilyconceived。

ItwasunderthisFrederickthatthePalatineCourtexerteditselfsovigorouslytounitetheProtestantstatesofGermanyinjointmeasuresagainsttheHouseofAustria，and，ifpossible，bringabouttheformationofageneralconfederacy。BesidesthatthiscourthadalwaysbeenguidedbythecounselsofFrance，withwhomhatredoftheHouseofAustriawastherulingprinciple，aregardforhisownsafetyurgedhimtosecureintimethedoubtfulassistanceoftheLutheransagainstanearandoverwhelmingenemy。Greatdifficulties，however，opposedthisunion，becausetheLutherans’dislikeoftheReformedwasscarcelylessthanthecommonaversionofbothtotheRomanists。

Anattemptwasfirstmadetoreconcilethetwoprofessions，inordertofacilitateapoliticalunion；butalltheseattemptsfailed，andgenerallyendedinbothpartiesadheringthemorestronglytotheirrespectiveopinions。NothingthenremainedbuttoincreasethefearandthedistrustoftheEvangelicals，andinthiswaytoimpressuponthemthenecessityofthisalliance。

ThepoweroftheRomanCatholicsandthemagnitudeofthedangerwereexaggerated，accidentalincidentswereascribedtodeliberateplans，innocentactionsmisrepresentedbyinvidiousconstructions，andthewholeconductoftheprofessorsoftheoldenreligionwasinterpretedastheresultofawell-weighedandsystematicplan，which，inallprobability，theywereveryfarfromhavingconcerted。

TheDietofRatisbon，towhichtheProtestantshadlookedforwardwiththehopeofobtainingarenewaloftheReligiousPeace，hadbrokenupwithoutcomingtoadecision，andtotheformergrievancesoftheProtestantpartywasnowaddedthelateoppressionofDonauwerth。

Withincrediblespeed，theunion，solongattempted，wasnowbroughttobear。

AconferencetookplaceatAnhausen，inFranconia，atwhichwerepresenttheElectorFrederickIV。，fromthePalatinate，thePalsgraveofNeuburg，twoMargravesofBrandenburg，theMargraveofBaden，andtheDukeJohnFrederickofWirtemburg，——

LutheransaswellasCalvinists，——whoforthemselvesandtheirheirsenteredintoacloseconfederacyunderthetitleoftheEvangelicalUnion。

Thepurportofthisunionwas，thatthealliedprincesshould，inallmattersrelatingtoreligionandtheircivilrights，supporteachotherwitharmsandcounselagainsteveryaggressor，andshouldallstandasoneman；thatincaseanymemberoftheallianceshouldbeattacked，heshouldbeassistedbytherestwithanarmedforce；

that，ifnecessary，theterritories，towns，andcastlesofthealliedstatesshouldbeopentohistroops；andthat，whateverconquestsweremade，shouldbedividedamongalltheconfederates，inproportiontothecontingentfurnishedbyeach。

ThedirectionofthewholeconfederacyintimeofpeacewasconferredupontheElectorPalatine，butwithalimitedpower。

Tomeetthenecessaryexpenses，subsidiesweredemanded，andacommonfundestablished。Differencesofreligion(betwixttheLutheransandtheCalvinists)weretohavenoeffectonthisalliance，whichwastosubsistfortenyears，everymemberoftheunionengagedatthesametimetoprocurenewmemberstoit。

TheElectorateofBrandenburgadoptedthealliance，thatofSaxonyrejectedit。Hesse-Cashelcouldnotbeprevailedupontodeclareitself，theDukesofBrunswickandLuneburgalsohesitated。

ButthethreecitiesoftheEmpire，Strasburg，Nuremburg，andUlm，werenounimportantacquisitionfortheleague，whichwasingreatwantoftheirmoney，whiletheirexample，besides，mightbefollowedbyotherimperialcities。

Aftertheformationofthisalliance，theconfederatestates，dispirited，andsingly，littlefeared，adoptedabolderlanguage。

ThroughPrinceChristianofAnhalt，theylaidtheircommongrievancesanddemandsbeforetheEmperor；amongwhichtheprincipalweretherestorationofDonauwerth，theabolitionoftheImperialCourt，thereformationoftheEmperor’sownadministrationandthatofhiscounsellors。Fortheseremonstrances，theychosethemomentwhentheEmperorhadscarcelyrecoveredbreathfromthetroublesinhishereditarydominions，——whenhehadlostHungaryandAustriatoMatthias，andhadbarelypreservedhisBohemianthronebytheconcessionoftheLetterofMajesty，andfinally，whenthroughthesuccessionofJuliershewasalreadythreatenedwiththedistantprospectofanewwar。Nowonder，then，thatthisdilatoryprincewasmoreirresolutethaneverinhisdecision，andthattheconfederatestookuparmsbeforehecouldbethinkhimself。

TheRomanCatholicsregardedthisconfederacywithajealouseye；

theUnionviewedthemandtheEmperorwiththelikedistrust；

theEmperorwasequallysuspiciousofboth；andthus，onallsides，alarmandanimosityhadreachedtheirclimax。And，asiftocrownthewhole，atthiscriticalconjuncturebythedeathoftheDukeJohnWilliamofJuliers，ahighlydisputablesuccessionbecamevacantintheterritoriesofJuliersandCleves。

Eightcompetitorslaidclaimtothisterritory，theindivisibilityofwhichhadbeenguaranteedbysolemntreaties；andtheEmperor，whoseemeddisposedtoenteruponitasavacantfief，mightbeconsideredastheninth。

Fourofthese，theElectorofBrandenburg，theCountPalatineofNeuburg，theCountPalatineofDeuxPonts，andtheMargraveofBurgau，anAustrianprince，claimeditasafemalefiefinnameoffourprincesses，sistersofthelateduke。Twoothers，theElectorofSaxony，ofthelineofAlbert，andtheDukeofSaxony，ofthelineofErnest，laidclaimtoitunderapriorrightofreversiongrantedtothembytheEmperorFrederickIII。，andconfirmedtobothSaxonhousesbyMaximilianI。Thepretensionsofsomeforeignprinceswerelittleregarded。

ThebestrightwasperhapsonthesideofBrandenburgandNeuburg，andbetweentheclaimsofthesetwoitwasnoteasytodecide。Bothcourts，assoonasthesuccessionwasvacant，proceededtotakepossession；

Brandenburgbeginning，andNeuburgfollowingtheexample。Bothcommencedtheirdisputewiththepen，andwouldprobablyhaveendeditwiththesword；

buttheinterferenceoftheEmperor，byproceedingtobringthecausebeforehisowncognizance，and，duringtheprogressofthesuit，sequestratingthedisputedcountries，soonbroughtthecontendingpartiestoanagreement，inordertoavertthecommondanger。

Theyagreedtogoverntheduchyconjointly。InvaindidtheEmperorprohibittheEstatesfromdoinghomagetotheirnewmasters；

invaindidhesendhisownrelation，theArchdukeLeopold，BishopofPassauandStrasburg，intotheterritoryofJuliers，inorder，byhispresence，tostrengthentheimperialparty。Thewholecountry，withtheexceptionofJuliersitself，hadsubmittedtotheProtestantprinces，andinthatcapitaltheimperialistswerebesieged。

ThedisputeaboutthesuccessionofJulierswasanimportantonetothewholeGermanempire，andalsoattractedtheattentionofseveralEuropeancourts。Itwasnotsomuchthequestion，whowasorwasnottopossesstheDuchyofJuliers；——therealquestionwas，whichofthetworeligiouspartiesinGermany，theRomanCatholicortheProtestant，wastobestrengthenedbysoimportantanaccession——

forwhichofthetwoRELIGIONSthisterritorywastobelostorwon。

Thequestioninshortwas，whetherAustriawastobeallowedtopersevereinherusurpations，andtogratifyherlustofdominionbyanotherrobbery；

orwhetherthelibertiesofGermany，andthebalanceofpower，weretobemaintainedagainstherencroachments。ThedisputedsuccessionofJuliers，therefore，wasmatterwhichinterestedallwhowerefavourabletoliberty，andhostiletoAustria。TheEvangelicalUnion，Holland，England，andparticularlyHenryIV。ofFrance，weredrawnintothestrife。

Thismonarch，theflowerofwhoselifehadbeenspentinopposingtheHouseofAustriaandSpain，andbyperseveringheroismalonehadsurmountedtheobstacleswhichthishousehadthrownbetweenhimandtheFrenchthrone，hadbeennoidlespectatorofthetroublesinGermany。

ThiscontestoftheEstateswiththeEmperorwasthemeansofgivingandsecuringpeacetoFrance。TheProtestantsandtheTurkswerethetwosalutaryweightswhichkeptdowntheAustrianpowerintheEastandWest；butitwouldriseagaininallitsterrors，ifonceitwereallowedtoremovethispressure。HenrytheFourthhadbeforehiseyesforhalfalifetime，theuninterruptedspectacleofAustrianambitionandAustrianlustofdominion，whichneitheradversitynorpovertyoftalents，thoughgenerallytheycheckallhumanpassions，couldextinguishinabosomwhereinflowedonedropofthebloodofFerdinandofArragon。AustrianambitionhaddestroyedforacenturythepeaceofEurope，andeffectedthemostviolentchangesintheheartofitsmostconsiderablestates。Ithaddeprivedthefieldsofhusbandmen，theworkshopsofartisans，tofillthelandwithenormousarmies，andtocoverthecommercialseawithhostilefleets。

IthadimposedupontheprincesofEuropethenecessityoffetteringtheindustryoftheirsubjectsbyunheard-ofimposts；

andofwastinginself-defencethebeststrengthoftheirstates，whichwasthuslosttotheprosperityoftheirinhabitants。

ForEuropetherewasnopeace，foritsstatesnowelfare，forthepeople’shappinessnosecurityorpermanence，solongasthisdangeroushousewaspermittedtodisturbatpleasurethereposeoftheworld。

SuchconsiderationscloudedthemindofHenryatthecloseofhisgloriouscareer。WhathaditnotcosthimtoreducetoorderthetroubledchaosintowhichFrancehadbeenplungedbythetumultofcivilwar，fomentedandsupportedbythisveryAustria！

Everygreatmindlaboursforeternity；andwhatsecurityhadHenryfortheenduranceofthatprosperitywhichhehadgainedforFrance，solongasAustriaandSpainformedasinglepower，whichdidindeedlieexhaustedforthepresent，butwhichrequiredonlyoneluckychancetobespeedilyre-united，andtospringupagainasformidableasever。

Ifhewouldbequeathtohissuccessorsafirmlyestablishedthrone，andadurableprosperitytohissubjects，thisdangerouspowermustbeforeverdisarmed。ThiswasthesourceofthatirreconcileableenmitywhichHenryhadsworntotheHouseofAustria，ahatredunextinguishable，ardent，andwell-foundedasthatofHannibalagainstthepeopleofRomulus，butennobledbyapurerorigin。

TheotherEuropeanpowershadthesameinducementstoactionasHenry，butallofthemhadnotthatenlightenedpolicy，northatdisinterestedcouragetoactupontheimpulse。Allmen，withoutdistinction，arealluredbyimmediateadvantages；greatmindsaloneareexcitedbydistantgood。Solongaswisdominitsprojectscalculatesuponwisdom，orreliesuponitsownstrength，itformsnonebutchimericalschemes，andrunsariskofmakingitselfthelaughteroftheworld；

butitiscertainofsuccess，andmayreckonuponaidandadmirationwhenitfindsaplaceinitsintellectualplansforbarbarism，rapacity，andsuperstition，andcanrendertheselfishpassionsofmankindtheexecutorsofitspurposes。

Inthefirstpointofview，Henry’swell-knownprojectofexpellingtheHouseofAustriafromallitspossessions，anddividingthespoilamongtheEuropeanpowers，deservesthetitleofachimera，whichmenhavesoliberallybestoweduponit；butdiditmeritthatappellationinthesecond？Ithadneverenteredintotheheadofthatexcellentmonarch，inthechoiceofthosewhomustbetheinstrumentsofhisdesigns，toreckononthesufficiencyofsuchmotivesasanimatedhimselfandSullytotheenterprise。Allthestateswhoseco-operationwasnecessary，weretobepersuadedtotheworkbythestrongestmotivesthatcansetapoliticalpowerinaction。

FromtheProtestantsinGermanynothingmorewasrequiredthanthatwhich，onothergrounds，hadbeenlongtheirobject，——theirthrowingofftheAustrianyoke；fromtheFlemings，asimilarrevoltfromtheSpaniards。

TothePopeandalltheItalianrepublicsnoinducementcouldbemorepowerfulthanthehopeofdrivingtheSpaniardsforeverfromtheirpeninsula；

forEngland，nothingmoredesirablethanarevolutionwhichshouldfreeitfromitsbitterestenemy。BythisdivisionoftheAustrianconquests，everypowergainedeitherlandorfreedom，newpossessionsorsecurityfortheold；andasallgained，thebalanceofpowerremainedundisturbed。

Francemightmagnanimouslydeclineashareinthespoil，becausebytheruinofAustriaitdoublyprofited，andwasmostpowerfulifitdidnotbecomemorepowerful。Finally，uponconditionofriddingEuropeoftheirpresence，theposterityofHapsburgweretobeallowedthelibertyofaugmentingherterritoriesinalltheotherknownoryetundiscoveredportionsoftheglobe。ButthedaggerofRavaillacdeliveredAustriafromherdanger，topostponeforsomecenturieslongerthetranquillityofEurope。

Withhisviewdirectedtothisproject，HenryfeltthenecessityoftakingapromptandactivepartintheimportanteventsoftheEvangelicalUnion，andthedisputedsuccessionofJuliers。HisemissarieswerebusyinallthecourtsofGermany，andthelittlewhichtheypublishedorallowedtoescapeofthegreatpoliticalsecretsoftheirmaster，wassufficienttowinovermindsinflamedbysoardentahatredtoAustria，andbysostrongadesireofaggrandizement。TheprudentpolicyofHenrycementedtheUnionstillmoreclosely，andthepowerfulaidwhichheboundhimselftofurnish，raisedthecourageoftheconfederatesintothefirmestconfidence。AnumerousFrencharmy，ledbythekinginperson，wastomeetthetroopsoftheUniononthebanksoftheRhine，andtoassistineffectingtheconquestofJuliersandCleves；then，inconjunctionwiththeGermans，itwastomarchintoItaly，(whereSavoy，Venice，andthePopewereevennowreadywithapowerfulreinforcement，)andtooverthrowtheSpanishdominioninthatquarter。ThisvictoriousarmywasthentopenetratebyLombardyintothehereditarydominionsofHapsburg；andthere，favouredbyageneralinsurrectionoftheProtestants，destroythepowerofAustriainallitsGermanterritories，inBohemia，Hungary，andTransylvania。

TheBrabantersandHollanders，supportedbyFrenchauxiliaries，wouldinthemeantimeshakeofftheSpanishtyrannyintheNetherlands；

andthusthemightystreamwhich，onlyashorttimebefore，hadsofearfullyoverfloweditsbanks，threateningtooverwhelminitstroubledwatersthelibertiesofEurope，wouldthenrollsilentandforgottenbehindthePyreneanmountains。

Atothertimes，theFrenchhadboastedoftheirrapidityofaction，butuponthisoccasiontheywereoutstrippedbytheGermans。

AnarmyoftheconfederatesenteredAlsacebeforeHenrymadehisappearancethere，andanAustrianarmy，whichtheBishopofStrasburgandPassauhadassembledinthatquarterforanexpeditionagainstJuliers，wasdispersed。HenryIV。hadformedhisplanasastatesmanandaking，buthehadintrusteditsexecutiontoplunderers。

Accordingtohisdesign，noRomanCatholicstatewastohavecausetothinkthispreparationaimedagainstitself，ortomakethequarrelofAustriaitsown。Religionwasinnowisetobemixedupwiththematter。

ButhowcouldtheGermanprincesforgettheirownpurposesinfurtheringtheplansofHenry？Actuatedastheywerebythedesireofaggrandizementandbyreligioushatred，wasittobesupposedthattheywouldnotgratify，ineverypassingopportunity，theirrulingpassionstotheutmost？Likevultures，theystoopedupontheterritoriesoftheecclesiasticalprinces，andalwayschosethoserichcountriesfortheirquarters，thoughtoreachthemtheymustmakeeversowideadetourfromtheirdirectroute。

Theyleviedcontributionsasinanenemy’scountry，seizedupontherevenues，andexacted，byviolence，whattheycouldnotobtainoffree-will。

NottoleavetheRomanCatholicsindoubtastothetrueobjectsoftheirexpedition，theyannounced，openlyandintelligiblyenough，thefatethatawaitedthepropertyofthechurch。SolittlehadHenryIV。

andtheGermanprincesunderstoodeachotherintheirplanofoperations，somuchhadtheexcellentkingbeenmistakeninhisinstruments。

Itisanunfailingmaxim，that，ifpolicyenjoinsanactofviolence，itsexecutionoughtnevertobeentrustedtotheviolent；

andthatheonlyoughttobetrustedwiththeviolationoforderbywhomorderisheldsacred。

BoththepastconductoftheUnion，whichwascondemnedevenbyseveraloftheevangelicalstates，andtheapprehensionofevenworsetreatment，arousedtheRomanCatholicstosomethingbeyondmereinactiveindignation。

AstotheEmperor，hisauthorityhadsunktoolowtoaffordthemanysecurityagainstsuchanenemy。ItwastheirUnionthatrenderedtheconfederatessoformidableandsoinsolent；andanotherunionmustnowbeopposedtothem。

TheBishopofWurtzburgformedtheplanoftheCatholicunion，whichwasdistinguishedfromtheevangelicalbythetitleoftheLeague。

TheobjectsagreeduponwerenearlythesameasthosewhichconstitutedthegroundworkoftheUnion。Bishopsformeditsprincipalmembers，andatitsheadwasplacedMaximilian，DukeofBavaria。

Astheonlyinfluentialsecularmemberoftheconfederacy，hewasentrustedwithfarmoreextensivepowersthantheProtestantshadcommittedtotheirchief。Inadditiontotheduke’sbeingthesoleheadoftheLeague’smilitarypower，wherebytheiroperationsacquiredaspeedandweightunattainablebytheUnion，theyhadalsotheadvantagethatsuppliesflowedinmuchmoreregularlyfromtherichprelates，thanthelattercouldobtainthemfromthepoorevangelicalstates。WithoutofferingtotheEmperor，asthesovereignofaRomanCatholicstate，anyshareintheirconfederacy，withoutevencommunicatingitsexistencetohimasemperor，theLeaguearoseatonceformidableandthreatening；withstrengthsufficienttocrushtheProtestantUnionandtomaintainitselfunderthreeemperors。

Itcontended，indeed，forAustria，insofarasitfoughtagainsttheProtestantprinces；butAustriaherselfhadsooncausetotremblebeforeit。

ThearmsoftheUnionhad，inthemeantime，beentolerablysuccessfulinJuliersandinAlsace；Julierswascloselyblockaded，andthewholebishopricofStrasburgwasintheirpower。

Butheretheirsplendidachievementscametoanend。NoFrencharmyappearedupontheRhine；forhewhowastobeitsleader，hewhowastheanimatingsoulofthewholeenterprize，HenryIV。，wasnomore！

Theirsupplieswereonthewane；theEstatesrefusedtograntnewsubsidies；

andtheconfederatefreecitieswereoffendedthattheirmoneyshouldbeliberally，buttheiradvicesosparinglycalledfor。

EspeciallyweretheydispleasedatbeingputtoexpensefortheexpeditionagainstJuliers，whichhadbeenexpresslyexcludedfromtheaffairsoftheUnion——attheunitedprincesappropriatingtothemselveslargepensionsoutofthecommontreasure——and，aboveall，attheirrefusingtogiveanyaccountofitsexpenditure。

TheUnionwasthusvergingtoitsfall，atthemomentwhentheLeaguestartedtoopposeitinthevigourofitsstrength。Wantofsuppliesdisabledtheconfederatesfromanylongerkeepingthefield。

Andyetitwasdangeroustolaydowntheirweaponsinthesightofanarmedenemy。Tosecurethemselvesatleastononeside，theyhastenedtoconcludeapeacewiththeiroldenemy，theArchdukeLeopold；

andbothpartiesagreedtowithdrawtheirtroopsfromAlsace，toexchangeprisoners，andtoburyallthathadbeendoneinoblivion。

Thusendedinnothingallthesepromisingpreparations。

ThesameimperioustonewithwhichtheUnion，intheconfidenceofitsstrength，hadmenacedtheRomanCatholicsofGermany，wasnowretortedbytheLeagueuponthemselvesandtheirtroops。

Thetracesoftheirmarchwerepointedouttothem，andplainlybrandedwiththehardepithetstheyhaddeserved。ThechaptersofWurtzburg，Bamberg，Strasburg，Mentz，Treves，Cologne，andseveralothers，hadexperiencedtheirdestructivepresence；toallthesethedamagedonewastobemadegood，thefreepassagebylandandbywaterrestored，(fortheProtestantshadevenseizedonthenavigationoftheRhine，)

andeverythingreplacedonitsformerfooting。Aboveall，thepartiestotheUnionwerecalledontodeclareexpresslyandunequivocallyitsintentions。Itwasnowtheirturntoyieldtosuperiorstrength。

Theyhadnotcalculatedonsoformidableanopponent；buttheythemselveshadtaughttheRomanCatholicsthesecretoftheirstrength。

Itwashumiliatingtotheirpridetosueforpeace，buttheymightthinkthemselvesfortunateinobtainingit。

Theonepartypromisedrestitution，theotherforgiveness。

Alllaiddowntheirarms。Thestormofwaroncemorerolledby，andatemporarycalmsucceeded。TheinsurrectioninBohemiathenbrokeout，whichdeprivedtheEmperorofthelastofhishereditarydominions，butinthisdisputeneithertheUnionnortheLeaguetookanyshare。

AtlengththeEmperordiedin1612，aslittleregrettedinhiscoffinasnoticedonthethrone。Longafterwards，whenthemiseriesofsucceedingreignshadmadethemisfortunesofhisreignforgotten，ahalospreadabouthismemory，andsofearfulanightsetinuponGermany，that，withtearsofblood，peopleprayedforthereturnofsuchanemperor。

Rodolphnevercouldbeprevailedupontochooseasuccessorintheempire，andallawaitedwithanxietytheapproachingvacancyofthethrone；

but，beyondallhope，Matthiasatonceascendedit，andwithoutopposition。

TheRomanCatholicsgavehimtheirvoices，becausetheyhopedthebestfromhisvigourandactivity；theProtestantsgavehimtheirs，becausetheyhopedeverythingfromhisweakness。Itisnotdifficulttoreconcilethiscontradiction。Theonereliedonwhathehadonceappeared；

theotherjudgedhimbywhatheseemedatpresent。

Themomentofanewaccessionisalwaysadayofhope；andthefirstDietofakinginelectivemonarchiesisusuallyhisseveresttrial。

Everyoldgrievanceisbroughtforward，andnewonesaresoughtout，thattheymaybeincludedintheexpectedreform；quiteanewworldisexpectedtocommencewiththenewreign。Theimportantserviceswhich，inhisinsurrection，theirreligiousconfederatesinAustriahadrenderedtoMatthias，werestillfreshinthemindsoftheProtestantfreecities，and，aboveall，thepricewhichtheyhadexactedfortheirservicesseemednowtoservethemalsoasamodel。

ItwasbythefavouroftheProtestantEstatesinAustriaandMoraviathatMatthiashadsoughtandreallyfoundthewaytohisbrother’sthrone；

but，hurriedonbyhisambitiousviews，heneverreflectedthatawaywasthusopenedfortheStatestogivelawstotheirsovereign。

Thisdiscoverysoonawokehimfromtheintoxicationofsuccess。

ScarcelyhadheshownhimselfintriumphtohisAustriansubjects，afterhisvictoriousexpeditiontoBohemia，whenahumblepetitionawaitedhimwhichwasquitesufficienttopoisonhiswholetriumph。

Theyrequired，beforedoinghomage，unlimitedreligioustolerationinthecitiesandmarkettowns，perfectequalityofrightsbetweenRomanCatholicsandProtestants，andafullandequaladmissibilityofthelattertoallofficesofstate。Inseveralplaces，theyofthemselvesassumedtheseprivileges，and，reckoningonachangeofadministration，restoredtheProtestantreligionwherethelateEmperorhadsuppressedit。Matthias，itistrue，hadnotscrupledtomakeuseofthegrievancesoftheProtestantsforhisownendsagainsttheEmperor；

butitwasfarfrombeinghisintentiontorelievethem。

Byafirmandresolutetonehehopedtocheck，atonce，thesepresumptuousdemands。Hespokeofhishereditarytitletotheseterritories，andwouldhearofnostipulationsbeforetheactofhomage。Alikeunconditionalsubmissionhadbeenrenderedbytheirneighbours，theinhabitantsofStyria，totheArchdukeFerdinand，who，however，hadsoonreasontorepentofit。

Warnedbythisexample，theAustrianStatespersistedintheirrefusal；

and，toavoidbeingcompelledbyforcetodohomage，theirdeputies(afterurgingtheirRomanCatholiccolleaguestoasimilarresistance)

immediatelyleftthecapital，andbegantolevytroops。

TheytookstepstorenewtheiroldalliancewithHungary，drewtheProtestantprincesintotheirinterests，andsetthemselvesseriouslytoworktoaccomplishtheirobjectbyforceofarms。

WiththemoreexorbitantdemandsoftheHungariansMatthiashadnothesitatedtocomply。ForHungarywasanelectivemonarchy，andtherepublicanconstitutionofthecountryjustifiedtohimselftheirdemands，andtotheRomanCatholicworldhisconcessions。InAustria，onthecontrary，hispredecessorshadexercisedfarhigherprerogatives，whichhecouldnotrelinquishatthedemandoftheEstateswithoutincurringthescornofRomanCatholicEurope，theenmityofSpainandRome，andthecontemptofhisownRomanCatholicsubjects。HisexclusivelyRomishcouncil，amongwhichtheBishopofVienna，MelchioKiesel，hadthechiefinfluence，exhortedhimtoseeallthechurchesextortedfromhimbytheProtestants，ratherthantoconcedeonetothemasamatterofright。

ButbyillluckthisdifficultyoccurredatatimewhentheEmperorRodolphwasyetalive，andaspectatorofthisscene，andwhomighteasilyhavebeentemptedtoemployagainsthisbrotherthesameweaponswhichthelatterhadsuccessfullydirectedagainsthim——namely，anunderstandingwithhisrebellioussubjects。Toavoidthisblow，MatthiaswillinglyavailedhimselfoftheoffermadebyMoravia，toactasmediatorbetweenhimandtheEstatesofAustria。

RepresentativesofbothpartiesmetinVienna，whentheAustriandeputiesheldlanguagewhichwouldhaveexcitedsurpriseevenintheEnglishParliament。

"TheProtestants，"theysaid，"aredeterminedtobenotworsetreatedintheirnativecountrythanthehandfulofRomanists。BythehelpofhisProtestantnobleshadMatthiasreducedtheEmperortosubmission；

where80Papistsweretobefound，300Protestantbaronsmightbecounted。

TheexampleofRodolphshouldbeawarningtoMatthias。Heshouldtakecarethathedidnotlosetheterrestrial，inattemptingtomakeconquestsforthecelestial。"AstheMoravianStates，insteadofusingtheirpowersasmediatorsfortheEmperor’sadvantage，finallyadoptedthecauseoftheirco-religionistsofAustria；astheUnioninGermanycameforwardtoaffordthemitsmostactivesupport，andasMatthiasdreadedreprisalsonthepartoftheEmperor，hewasatlengthcompelledtomakethedesireddeclarationinfavouroftheEvangelicalChurch。

ThisbehaviouroftheAustrianEstatestowardstheirArchdukewasnowimitatedbytheProtestantEstatesoftheEmpiretowardstheirEmperor，andtheypromisedthemselvesthesamefavourableresults。AthisfirstDietatRatisbonin1613，whenthemostpressingaffairswerewaitingfordecision——whenageneralcontributionwasindispensableforawaragainstTurkey，andagainstBethlemGaborinTransylvania，whobyTurkishaidhadforciblyusurpedthesovereigntyofthatland，andeventhreatenedHungary——

theysurprisedhimwithanentirelynewdemand。TheRomanCatholicvoteswerestillthemostnumerousintheDiet；andaseverythingwasdecidedbyapluralityofvoices，theProtestantparty，howevercloselyunited，wereentirelywithoutconsideration。TheadvantageofthismajoritytheRomanCatholicswerenowcalledontorelinquish；

henceforwardnoonereligiouspartywastobepermittedtodictatetotheotherbymeansofitsinvariablesuperiority。Andintruth，iftheevangelicalreligionwasreallytoberepresentedintheDiet，itwasself-evidentthatitmustnotbeshutoutfromthepossibilityofmakinguseofthatprivilege，merelyfromtheconstitutionoftheDietitself。

ComplaintsofthejudicialusurpationsoftheAulicCouncil，andoftheoppressionoftheProtestants，accompaniedthisdemand，andthedeputiesoftheEstateswereinstructedtotakenopartinanygeneraldeliberationstillafavourableanswershouldbegivenonthispreliminarypoint。

TheDietwastornasunderbythisdangerousdivision，whichthreatenedtodestroyforevertheunityofitsdeliberations。

SincerelyastheEmperormighthavewished，aftertheexampleofhisfatherMaximilian，topreserveaprudentbalancebetweenthetworeligions，thepresentconductoftheProtestantsseemedtoleavehimnothingbutacriticalchoicebetweenthetwo。

InhispresentnecessitiesageneralcontributionfromtheEstateswasindispensabletohim；andyethecouldnotconciliatetheonepartywithoutsacrificingthesupportoftheother。Insecureashefelthissituationtobeinhisownhereditarydominions，hecouldnotbuttrembleattheidea，howeverremote，ofanopenwarwiththeProtestants。

ButtheeyesofthewholeRomanCatholicworld，whichwereattentivelyregardinghisconduct，theremonstrancesoftheRomanCatholicEstates，andoftheCourtsofRomeandSpain，aslittlepermittedhimtofavourtheProtestantattheexpenseoftheRomishreligion。

SocriticalasituationwouldhaveparalysedagreatermindthanMatthias；

andhisownprudencewouldscarcelyhaveextricatedhimfromhisdilemma。

ButtheinterestsoftheRomanCatholicswerecloselyinterwovenwiththeimperialauthority；iftheysufferedthistofall，theecclesiasticalprincesinparticularwouldbewithoutabulwarkagainsttheattacksoftheProtestants。Now，then，thattheysawtheEmperorwavering，theythoughtithightimetoreassurehissinkingcourage。TheyimpartedtohimthesecretoftheirLeague，andacquaintedhimwithitswholeconstitution，resourcesandpower。

LittlecomfortingassucharevelationmusthavebeentotheEmperor，theprospectofsopowerfulasupportgavehimgreaterboldnesstoopposetheProtestants。Theirdemandswererejected，andtheDietbrokeupwithoutcomingtoadecision。ButMatthiaswasthevictimofthisdispute。

TheProtestantsrefusedhimtheirsupplies，andmadehimalonesufferfortheinflexibilityoftheRomanCatholics。

TheTurks，however，appearedwillingtoprolongthecessationofhostilities，andBethlemGaborwasleftinpeaceablepossessionofTransylvania。

Theempirewasnowfreefromforeignenemies；andevenathome，inthemidstofallthesefearfuldisputes，peacestillreigned。

AnunexpectedaccidenthadgivenasingularturntothedisputeastothesuccessionofJuliers。ThisduchywasstillruledconjointlybytheElectoralHouseofBrandenburgandthePalatineofNeuburg；

andamarriagebetweenthePrinceofNeuburgandaPrincessofBrandenburgwastohaveinseparablyunitedtheinterestsofthetwohouses。

Butthewholeschemewasupsetbyaboxontheear，which，inadrunkenbrawl，theElectorofBrandenburgunfortunatelyinflicteduponhisintendedson-in-law。Fromthismomentthegoodunderstandingbetweenthetwohouseswasatanend。ThePrinceofNeuburgembracedpopery。

ThehandofaprincessofBavariarewardedhisapostacy，andthestrongsupportofBavariaandSpainwasthenaturalresultofboth。

TosecuretothePalatinetheexclusivepossessionofJuliers，theSpanishtroopsfromtheNetherlandsweremarchedintothePalatinate。

Toridhimselfoftheseguests，theElectorofBrandenburgcalledtheFlemingstohisassistance，whomhesoughttopropitiatebyembracingtheCalvinistreligion。BothSpanishandDutcharmiesappeared，but，asitseemed，onlytomakeconquestsforthemselves。

TheneighbouringwaroftheNetherlandsseemednowabouttobedecidedonGermanground；andwhataninexhaustiblemineofcombustibleslayherereadyforit！TheProtestantssawwithconsternationtheSpaniardsestablishingthemselvesupontheLowerRhine；

withstillgreateranxietydidtheRomanCatholicsseetheHollandersburstingthroughthefrontiersoftheempire。ItwasinthewestthattheminewasexpectedtoexplodewhichhadlongbeendugunderthewholeofGermany。Tothewest，apprehensionandanxietyturned；

butthesparkwhichkindledtheflamecameunexpectedlyfromtheeast。

ThetranquillitywhichRodolphII。’s`LetterofMajesty’hadestablishedinBohemialastedforsometime，undertheadministrationofMatthias，tillthenominationofanewheirtothiskingdominthepersonofFerdinandofGratz。

Thisprince，whomweshallafterwardsbecomebetteracquaintedwithunderthetitleofFerdinandII。，EmperorofGermany，had，bytheviolentextirpationoftheProtestantreligionwithinhishereditarydominions，announcedhimselfasaninexorablezealotforpopery，andwasconsequentlylookeduponbytheRomanCatholicpartofBohemiaasthefuturepillaroftheirchurch。ThedeclininghealthoftheEmperorbroughtonthishourrapidly；and，relyingonsopowerfulasupporter，theBohemianPapistsbegantotreattheProtestantswithlittlemoderation。

TheProtestantvassalsofRomanCatholicnobles，inparticular，experiencedtheharshesttreatment。Atlengthseveraloftheformerwereincautiousenoughtospeaksomewhatloudlyoftheirhopes，andbythreateninghintstoawakenamongtheProtestantsasuspicionoftheirfuturesovereign。Butthismistrustwouldneverhavebrokenoutintoactualviolence，hadtheRomanCatholicsconfinedthemselvestogeneralexpressions，andnotbyattacksonindividualsfurnishedthediscontentofthepeoplewithenterprisingleaders。

HenryMatthias，CountThurn，notanativeofBohemia，butproprietorofsomeestatesinthatkingdom，had，byhiszealfortheProtestantcause，andanenthusiasticattachmenttohisnewlyadoptedcountry，gainedtheentireconfidenceoftheUtraquists，whichopenedhimthewaytothemostimportantposts。HehadfoughtwithgreatgloryagainsttheTurks，andwonbyaflatteringaddresstheheartsofthemultitude。

Ofahotandimpetuousdisposition，whichlovedtumultbecausehistalentsshoneinit——rashandthoughtlessenoughtoundertakethingswhichcoldprudenceandacalmertemperwouldnothaveventuredupon——

unscrupulousenough，wherethegratificationofhispassionswasconcerned，tosportwiththefateofthousands，andatthesametimepoliticenoughtoholdinleading-stringssuchapeopleastheBohemiansthenwere。

HehadalreadytakenanactivepartinthetroublesunderRodolph’sadministration；andtheLetterofMajestywhichtheStateshadextortedfromthatEmperor，waschieflytobelaidtohismerit。

Thecourthadintrustedtohim，asburgraveorcastellanofCalstein，thecustodyoftheBohemiancrown，andofthenationalcharter。

Butthenationhadplacedinhishandssomethingfarmoreimportant——

ITSELF——withtheofficeofdefenderorprotectorofthefaith。

ThearistocracybywhichtheEmperorwasruled，imprudentlydeprivedhimofthisharmlessguardianshipofthedead，toleavehimhisfullinfluenceovertheliving。Theytookfromhimhisofficeofburgrave，orconstableofthecastle，whichhadrenderedhimdependentonthecourt，therebyopeninghiseyestotheimportanceoftheotherwhichremained，andwoundedhisvanity，whichyetwasthethingthatmadehisambitionharmless。Fromthismomenthewasactuatedsolelybyadesireofrevenge；andtheopportunityofgratifyingitwasnotlongwanting。

IntheRoyalLetterwhichtheBohemianshadextortedfromRodolphII。，aswellasintheGermanreligioustreaty，onematerialarticleremainedundetermined。AlltheprivilegesgrantedbythelattertotheProtestants，wereconceivedinfavouroftheEstatesorgoverningbodies，notofthesubjects；foronlytothoseoftheecclesiasticalstateshadatoleration，andthatprecarious，beenconceded。

TheBohemianLetterofMajesty，inthesamemanner，spokeonlyoftheEstatesandimperialtowns，themagistratesofwhichhadcontrivedtoobtainequalprivilegeswiththeformer。Thesealonewerefreetoerectchurchesandschools，andopenlytocelebratetheirProtestantworship；

inallothertowns，itwasleftentirelytothegovernmenttowhichtheybelonged，todeterminethereligionoftheinhabitants。

TheEstatesoftheEmpirehadavailedthemselvesofthisprivilegeinitsfullestextent；thesecularindeedwithoutopposition；

whiletheecclesiastical，inwhosecasethedeclarationofFerdinandhadlimitedthisprivilege，disputed，notwithoutreason，thevalidityofthatlimitation。Whatwasadisputedpointinthereligioustreaty，wasleftstillmoredoubtfulintheLetterofMajesty；

intheformer，theconstructionwasnotdoubtful，butitwasaquestionhowfarobediencemightbecompulsory；inthelatter，theinterpretationwaslefttothestates。ThesubjectsoftheecclesiasticalEstatesinBohemiathoughtthemselvesentitledtothesamerightswhichthedeclarationofFerdinandsecuredtothesubjectsofGermanbishops，theyconsideredthemselvesonanequalitywiththesubjectsofimperialtowns，becausetheylookedupontheecclesiasticalpropertyaspartoftheroyaldemesnes。InthelittletownofKlostergrab，subjecttotheArchbishopofPrague；andinBraunau，whichbelongedtotheabbotofthatmonastery，churcheswerefoundedbytheProtestants，andcompletednotwithstandingtheoppositionoftheirsuperiors，andthedisapprobationoftheEmperor。

Inthemeantime，thevigilanceofthedefendershadsomewhatrelaxed，andthecourtthoughtitmightventureonadecisivestep。

BytheEmperor’sorders，thechurchatKlostergrabwaspulleddown；

thatatBraunauforciblyshutup，andthemostturbulentofthecitizensthrownintoprison。AgeneralcommotionamongtheProtestantswastheconsequenceofthismeasure；aloudoutcrywaseverywhereraisedatthisviolationoftheLetterofMajesty；andCountThurn，animatedbyrevenge，andparticularlycalleduponbyhisofficeofdefender，showedhimselfnotalittlebusyininflamingthemindsofthepeople。

AthisinstigationdeputiesweresummonedtoPraguefromeverycircleintheempire，toconcertthenecessarymeasuresagainstthecommondanger。

ItwasresolvedtopetitiontheEmperortopressfortheliberationoftheprisoners。TheansweroftheEmperor，alreadyoffensivetothestates，fromitsbeingaddressed，nottothem，buttohisviceroy，denouncedtheirconductasillegalandrebellious，justifiedwhathadbeendoneatKlostergrabandBraunauastheresultofanimperialmandate，andcontainedsomepassagesthatmightbeconstruedintothreats。

CountThurndidnotfailtoaugmenttheunfavourableimpressionwhichthisimperialedictmadeupontheassembledEstates。

Hepointedouttothemthedangerinwhichallwhohadsignedthepetitionwereinvolved，andsoughtbyworkingontheirresentmentandfearstohurrythemintoviolentresolutions。TohavecausedtheirimmediaterevoltagainsttheEmperor，wouldhavebeen，asyet，tooboldameasure。Itwasonlystepbystepthathewouldleadthemontothisunavoidableresult。Heheldit，therefore，advisablefirsttodirecttheirindignationagainsttheEmperor’scounsellors；andforthatpurposecirculatedareport，thattheimperialproclamationhadbeendrawnupbythegovernmentatPrague，andonlysignedinVienna。

Amongtheimperialdelegates，thechiefobjectsofthepopularhatred，werethePresidentoftheChamber，Slawata，andBaronMartinitz，whohadbeenelectedinplaceofCountThurn，BurgraveofCalstein。

BothhadlongbeforeevincedprettyopenlytheirhostilefeelingstowardstheProtestants，byalonerefusingtobepresentatthesittingatwhichtheLetterofMajestyhadbeeninsertedintheBohemianconstitution。

AthreatwasmadeatthetimetomakethemresponsibleforeveryviolationoftheLetterofMajesty；andfromthismoment，whateverevilbefelltheProtestantswassetdown，andnotwithoutreason，totheiraccount。OfalltheRomanCatholicnobles，thesetwohadtreatedtheirProtestantvassalswiththegreatestharshness。

Theywereaccusedofhuntingthemwithdogstothemass，andofendeavouringtodrivethemtopoperybyadenialoftheritesofbaptism，marriage，andburial。Againsttwocharacterssounpopularthepublicindignationwaseasilyexcited，andtheyweremarkedoutforasacrificetothegeneralindignation。

Onthe23rdofMay，1618，thedeputiesappearedarmed，andingreatnumbers，attheroyalpalace，andforcedtheirwayintothehallwheretheCommissionersSternberg，Martinitz，Lobkowitz，andSlawatawereassembled。

Inathreateningtonetheydemandedtoknowfromeachofthem，whetherhehadtakenanypart，orhadconsentedto，theimperialproclamation。

Sternbergreceivedthemwithcomposure，MartinitzandSlawatawithdefiance。

Thisdecidedtheirfate；SternbergandLobkowitz，lesshated，andmorefeared，wereledbythearmoutoftheroom；MartinitzandSlawatawereseized，draggedtoawindow，andprecipitatedfromaheightofeightyfeet，intothecastletrench。Theircreature，thesecretaryFabricius，wasthrownafterthem。Thissingularmodeofexecutionnaturallyexcitedthesurpriseofcivilizednations。TheBohemiansjustifieditasanationalcustom，andsawnothingremarkableinthewholeaffair，exceptingthatanyoneshouldhavegotupagainsafeandsoundaftersuchafall。Adunghill，onwhichtheimperialcommissionerschancedtobedeposited，hadsavedthemfrominjury。

ItwasnottobeexpectedthatthissummarymodeofproceedingwouldmuchincreasethefavourofthepartieswiththeEmperor，butthiswastheverypositiontowhichCountThurnwishedtobringthem。

If，fromthefearofuncertaindanger，theyhadpermittedthemselvessuchanactofviolence，thecertainexpectationofpunishment，andthenowurgentnecessityofmakingthemselvessecure，wouldplungethemstilldeeperintoguilt。Bythisbrutalactofself-redress，noroomwasleftforirresolutionorrepentance，anditseemedasifasinglecrimecouldbeabsolvedonlybyaseriesofviolences。

Asthedeeditselfcouldnotbeundone，nothingwasleftbuttodisarmthehandofpunishment。Thirtydirectorswereappointedtoorganisearegularinsurrection。Theyseizeduponalltheofficesofstate，andalltheimperialrevenues，tookintotheirownservicetheroyalfunctionariesandthesoldiers，andsummonedthewholeBohemiannationtoavengethecommoncause。

TheJesuits，whomthecommonhatredaccusedastheinstigatorsofeverypreviousoppression，werebanishedthekingdom，andthisharshmeasuretheEstatesfounditnecessarytojustifyinaformalmanifesto。Thesevariousstepsweretakenforthepreservationoftheroyalauthorityandthelaws——thelanguageofallrebelstillfortunehasdecidedintheirfavour。

TheemotionwhichthenewsoftheBohemianinsurrectionexcitedattheimperialcourt，wasmuchlesslivelythansuchintelligencedeserved。

TheEmperorMatthiaswasnolongertheresolutespiritthatformerlysoughtouthiskingandmasterintheverybosomofhispeople，andhurledhimfromthreethrones。Theconfidenceandcouragewhichhadanimatedhiminanusurpation，desertedhiminalegitimateself-defence。

TheBohemianrebelshadfirsttakenuparms，andthenatureofcircumstancesdrovehimtojointhem。ButhecouldnothopetoconfinesuchawartoBohemia。Inalltheterritoriesunderhisdominion，theProtestantswereunitedbyadangeroussympathy——

thecommondangeroftheirreligionmightsuddenlycombinethemallintoaformidablerepublic。Whatcouldheopposetosuchanenemy，iftheProtestantportionofhissubjectsdesertedhim？

Andwouldnotbothpartiesexhaustthemselvesinsoruinousacivilwar？

Howmuchwasatstakeifhelost；andifhewon，whomelsewouldhedestroybuthisownsubjects？

ConsiderationssuchastheseinclinedtheEmperorandhiscounciltoconcessionsandpacificmeasures，butitwasinthisveryspiritofconcessionthat，asotherswouldhaveit，laytheoriginoftheevil。

TheArchdukeFerdinandofGratzcongratulatedtheEmperoruponanevent，whichwouldjustifyintheeyesofallEuropetheseverestmeasuresagainsttheBohemianProtestants。"Disobedience，lawlessness，andinsurrection，"hesaid，"wentalwayshand-in-handwithProtestantism。

EveryprivilegewhichhadbeenconcededtotheEstatesbyhimselfandhispredecessor，hadhadnoothereffectthantoraisetheirdemands。

Allthemeasuresofthehereticswereaimedagainsttheimperialauthority。

Stepbystephadtheyadvancedfromdefiancetodefianceuptothislastaggression；inashorttimetheywouldassailallthatremainedtobeassailed，inthepersonoftheEmperor。Inarmsalonewasthereanysafetyagainstsuchanenemy——peaceandsubordinationcouldbeonlyestablishedupontheruinsoftheirdangerousprivileges；

securityfortheCatholicbeliefwastobefoundonlyinthetotaldestructionofthissect。Uncertain，itwastrue，mightbetheeventofthewar，butinevitablewastheruinifitwerepretermitted。

Theconfiscationofthelandsoftherebelswouldrichlyindemnifythemforitsexpenses，whiletheterrorofpunishmentwouldteachtheotherstatesthewisdomofapromptobedienceinfuture。"WeretheBohemianProtestantstoblame，iftheyarmedthemselvesintimeagainsttheenforcementofsuchmaxims？TheinsurrectioninBohemia，besides，wasdirectedonlyagainstthesuccessoroftheEmperor，notagainsthimself，whohaddonenothingtojustifythealarmoftheProtestants。

ToexcludethisprincefromtheBohemianthrone，armshadbeforebeentakenupunderMatthias，thoughaslongasthisEmperorlived，hissubjectshadkeptwithintheboundsofanapparentsubmission。

ButBohemiawasinarms，andunarmed，theEmperordarednotevenofferthempeace。Forthispurpose，Spainsuppliedgold，andpromisedtosendtroopsfromItalyandtheNetherlands。

CountBucquoi，anativeoftheNetherlands，wasnamedgeneralissimo，becausenonativecouldbetrusted，andCountDampierre，anotherforeigner，commandedunderhim。Beforethearmytookthefield，theEmperorendeavouredtobringaboutanamicablearrangement，bythepublicationofamanifesto。InthisheassuredtheBohemians，"thatheheldsacredtheLetterofMajesty——thathehadnotformedanyresolutionsinimicaltotheirreligionortheirprivileges，andthathispresentpreparationswereforceduponhimbytheirown。

Assoonasthenationlaiddowntheirarms，healsowoulddisbandhisarmy。"

Butthisgraciousletterfailedofitseffect，becausetheleadersoftheinsurrectioncontrivedtohidefromthepeopletheEmperor’sgoodintentions。Insteadofthis，theycirculatedthemostalarmingreportsfromthepulpit，andbypamphlets，andterrifiedthedeludedpopulacewiththreatenedhorrorsofanotherSaintBartholomew’sthatexistedonlyintheirownimagination。

AllBohemia，withtheexceptionofthreetowns，Budweiss，Krummau，andPilsen，tookpartinthisinsurrection。Thesethreetowns，inhabitedprincipallybyRomanCatholics，alonehadthecourage，inthisgeneralrevolt，toholdoutfortheEmperor，whopromisedthemassistance。

ButitcouldnotescapeCountThurn，howdangerousitwastoleaveinhostilehandsthreeplacesofsuchimportance，whichwouldatalltimeskeepopenfortheimperialtroopsanentranceintothekingdom。WithpromptdeterminationheappearedbeforeBudweissandKrummau，inthehopeofterrifyingthemintoasurrender。Krummausurrendered，butallhisattacksweresteadfastlyrepulsedbyBudweiss。

Andnow，too，theEmperorbegantoshowmoreearnestnessandenergy。

BucquoiandDampierre，withtwoarmies，fellupontheBohemianterritories，whichtheytreatedasahostilecountry。ButtheimperialgeneralsfoundthemarchtoPraguemoredifficultthantheyhadexpected。Everypass，everypositionthatwastheleasttenable，mustbeopenedbythesword，andresistanceincreasedateachfreshsteptheytook，fortheoutragesoftheirtroops，chieflyconsistingofHungariansandWalloons，drovetheirfriendstorevoltandtheirenemiestodespair。

ButevennowthathistroopshadpenetratedintoBohemia，theEmperorcontinuedtooffertheEstatespeace，andtoshowhimselfreadyforanamicableadjustment。Butthenewprospectswhichopeneduponthem，raisedthecourageoftherevolters。Moraviaespousedtheirparty；

andfromGermanyappearedtothemadefenderequallyintrepidandunexpected，inthepersonofCountMansfeld。

TheheadsoftheEvangelicUnionhadbeensilentbutnotinactivespectatorsofthemovementsinBohemia。Bothwerecontendingforthesamecause，andagainstthesameenemy。InthefateoftheBohemians，theirconfederatesinthefaithmightreadtheirown；

andthecauseofthispeoplewasrepresentedasofsolemnconcerntothewholeGermanunion。Truetotheseprinciples，theUnionistssupportedthecourageoftheinsurgentsbypromisesofassistance；

andafortunateaccidentnowenabledthem，beyondtheirhopes，tofulfilthem。

TheinstrumentbywhichtheHouseofAustriawashumbledinGermany，wasPeterErnest，CountMansfeld，thesonofadistinguishedAustrianofficer，ErnestvonMansfeld，whoforsometimehadcommandedwithreputetheSpanisharmyintheNetherlands。HisfirstcampaignsinJuliersandAlsacehadbeenmadeintheserviceofthishouse，andunderthebanneroftheArchdukeLeopold，againsttheProtestantreligionandthelibertiesofGermany。Butinsensiblywonbytheprinciplesofthisreligion，heabandonedaleaderwhoseselfishnessdeniedhimthereimbursementofthemoniesexpendedinhiscause，andhetransferredhiszealandavictoriousswordtotheEvangelicUnion。

IthappenedjustthenthattheDukeofSavoy，anallyoftheUnion，demandedassistanceinawaragainstSpain。Theyassignedtohimtheirnewlyacquiredservant，andMansfeldreceivedinstructionstoraiseanarmyof4000meninGermany，inthecauseandinthepayoftheduke。

ThearmywasreadytomarchattheverymomentwhentheflamesofwarburstoutinBohemia，andtheduke，whoatthetimedidnotstandinneedofitsservices，placeditatthedisposaloftheUnion。

NothingcouldbemorewelcometothesetroopsthantheprospectofaidingtheirconfederatesinBohemia，atthecostofathirdparty。

Mansfeldreceivedordersforthwithtomarchwiththese4000menintothatkingdom；andapretendedBohemiancommissionwasgiventoblindthepublicastothetrueauthorofthislevy。