The History of the Bohemian Persecution/Chapter 34
Chap. XXXIIII.
Perpetuall oppressions under Ferdinand the first.
I. ALL the Hussites for denying the absolute obedience to the Pope, were hated; but the Brethren for quite casting him off, were utterly detested. Neither for any other end did the Papists dissemble the observance of the Confederats, then that they might especially make use of the Calixtines in suppressing the Brethren; they therefore presse the Ordinance of Wladislaus, neither did omit doing what mischiefe they could to the Brethren.
2. The Brethren therefore through the whole Kingdome suffering many things, send againe unto Ferdinand by the Baron William Krzinezium, and Mr. Henry Domausitius, to Vienna, an Apologie, or a Confession of Faith more copious than before, to which twelve Barons, thirty three Knights had subscribed in the yeare 1535, complaining and declaring how unjustly they were accused of the errous of the Piccardines, and how neverthelesse, certaine parish Priests boldly and bloudily cry out, that the Piccardines may be slaine scot-free, and that a lesse sinne is committed than if a man had killed a dog: against all which injuries they with teares desire the justice of God, and the pitty and protection of the King.
3. Ferdinand did not approve of their stubborne perseverance, and denied that the booke could be read at that time so exactly as necessity required, in regard of many incombrances, but promised that nothing should bee permitted to be done either against Law or Equity, untill he had a fuller knowledge of the cause.
4. While this controversy was depending, the Brethren were very much urged at home, and encouraged from abroad, letters passing very frequently from Luther, Bucer, and Capitone, But God (maugre the enemies) added great increase to the Church, and to the Churches where the Gospell was preached through all Germany, even unto that lamentable yeare 1547,
5. For Cæfar Carolus putting into execution the Decrees of the Tridentall Councells, with his brother Ferdinand and the Pope, taking counsell together, raise warre against the Protestant Princes of Germany, and Ferdinand soliciteth the Bohemians for aid: but they pretending their ancient leagues with the house of Saxonie, and their mutuall affection and fidelity, aswell the chief Magistrates of the Kingdome, as the free Denisons, as it were with unanimous consent (for most of them began to encline to Lutheranisme, and decline Hussitisme) excuse themselves.
6. Ferdinand therefore having in warre overcome the protestants in Germany, in the yeare 1547. entreth into Bohemia with an army of Germanes and Hungarians, seizeth upon Prague, calls forth the chief Magistrates, and casteth into prison the principall Barons, Noblemen and Citizens, some he scourgeth, some he beheadeth, on some he layeth a large fine, and some he despoileth of all their goods for ever. He takes all their arms out of their armories, as also their priviledges: some he banisheth, others of their owne accord exiled themselves.