CHAP. I. The conversion of the Bohemians to Christianity ; the Persecution that followed .

THe Bohemians _____ Being Idolaters lived without the knowledge of the true God , and of Religion , till the year of Christ 894. In that year , their Capraine Borivoius , being entertained by Swato Plaus , King of Moravia , by the strange providence of God , received the knowledge of Christ , and with thirty Palatines were baptized at _____ the 23 of Iune , who returned home with joy , taking with him Methudius , the Bishop of Moravia ( who was an opposite to the Bohemians : ) amongst whom ( when the seed of the Gospell was sowne ) suddenly a great harvest was gathered , partly in regard Ludomilla the Captains wife laid aside the Idol Rosina , which before she worshipped . Likewise a confluence of the Nobility and Commonalty were daily baptized , partly by reason of those Churches and Schooles which were in many places erected by Borivoius .

2. Thus the Bohemians received the first light of the Gospel ; but the Crosse was the concomitant of it , according to the will of Christ , who as he did establish his Church by his own bloud ; so he sprinkles it with the bloud of Martyrs , that it may be fruitf●ll : this is the counsell of Divine Wisedome , that we may hope in Christ , not for the things of this life . Therefore the Gospell cost the Bohemians some of the●● bloud . The chief of those that witnessed the truth , were the Princes Ludomilla and Winceslaus , and some hundreds of the common People : the story of whom we shall briefly relate , chiefly out of Duhratius .

3. First of a●● Borivoi●s was banished by the wicked faction of Infidels ; Stoinurus was placed in his room , who was banished thirteen years in Bavaria ; but when they knew him to be a Christian , they sent him again into exile . Borivoius being recalled , they compelled him to resign the dominion to his son Spitigneus , who was more favorable to the Heathens . He being dead , Drahomera a heathen ( made famous for Nobility and Beauty ) was given in marriage to Worutislaus , the younger son of Borivoius , who at first was courteous to her Husband , and the Christian Nobility , and promised after her Catechising that she would be baptized : but this wicked woman did boldly deceive both those that instructed her , and those that were her Sponsers in baptisme ; for she was more cruell against Christians , then Iezabel was against the Prophets .

4. Whilest her pious Husband lived , she cunningly dissembled that hatred which was evilly conceived against the Christians : but he being buried , when the Grandmother Ludomilla did undertake to educate the elder son Wenceslaus , Drahomira requiring the younger Bolislawes to be under her tuition , shee usurped the Government , and straightway commanded by a publike Edict , that the Churches should be shut against the Christians , that the exercise of their Worship should be hindred . She likewise prohibited Ministers from instructing the people , and Schoolmasters from teaching Youth : those that disobeyed were liable to imprisonment , banishment , and death . At Prague , the Magistrates were changed . and the most cruell Idolaters were substituted in the places of the Christians , by whose incitement the Christians were secretly , openly , unworthily abused and murthered , without any punishment to the perpetrators of that mischief ; but if a Christian had killed another in his own defence , ten were massacred for one .

5. The insatiable crueltie of Drahomira could not be satisfied with this punishment , her great desire of driving away and sudden destroying all Christians excited her to deal with Ballioius , a most cruel Citizen , whom she had set over the City of Prague , under title of Pretor , to him she doth reveal her most execrable desire , and doth earnestly entreat him by fraud or force to effect this , promising him a rich reward for his labour done . He entertains the cursed motion , and arms six hundred conspirators at his own house , with them he hastens to those that were designed for slaughter ; but the plot being discovered to the Christians , above four hundred met to defend their own lives , the issue of the fight was victory on the Christians side , the streets being poluted with the blood of about eight hundred that were slain .

6. Drahomira did much resent the evill successe of her councell , and therefore fained that tumults displeased her , she commanded that the armes should bee laid downe on both sides , and be laid in the city Magazine , severely prohibiting any person to walk with dart or sword .

7 , The Christians although they suspected her treachery , yet least they should seem to disobey the commands of the Magistrate , brought their armes to that place to which the enemie seemed to carry theirs . Drahomira commands in the silentest part of the night to set upon them being thus disarmed , least in the day as lately , there should be tumults made ; there were killed in one night by alured Ruffins more then three hundred , half asleep and half naked , Drahomira rejoycing at this slaughter , although not satisfied , speakes to the bloody Proetor at Prague to destroy christians : he obeys and besets all passages and streets with Ruffins , and executes and slayes all that he meetes withall , ( untill the Christians , who chose rather to dy valiantly in fighting then in slothfull idlenesse ) gathered themselves together , who incountring with the P●oetor , overcame him and put him to flight , and in pursuit slew this wicked person .

8. Drahomira was enraged at the losse of this Minister of cruelty , and when she could not destroy the Christians at Prague , she intended the subversion of their Churches , there being but two left , in one of which the Sepulchre of her husband was , both which she commanded to be burnt .

CHAP , II , The Martyr Ludomilla

1. WHilest Drahomira did thus rage against the Christians , Wenceslaus , who hitherto excused himself from undertaking the Government in respect of his age and studies by the advice of his Grandmother Ludomilla and the Christian nobility ; took the Government into his own hands , and that he might establish tranquillity by the consent of his nobles , he doth assign the city of Boleslavia with the adjacent grounds to bee inhabited by his brother Bolislaus and his Mother Drahomira ,

2. Drahomira therefore laid aside her Government , but not her hatred and bloody imaginations against the Christians , which did first break out against that holy Matron Ludomilla for when she perceived that Wenceslaus did favour Ludomilla more then her selfe , who was his mother , and by that meanes the Christian religion was much promoted , she did seek , til at last she found fitting instruments to accomplish her cruelty , which were Juhuman , & Cuman , who were men of the highest nobility and of impudent audacity , who being sent forth by Drahomira in the night , they found out the holy widdow intent at her praiers , in her Oratory ; they break in , and break down , and robbing the vail from her head , they strangled her , her jawes being open ; there were some who did inflame Wenceslaus ( who was exceedingly disturbed for the death of his Grandmother ) to revenge that cruelty , or if hee would be wanting , they desired Commission for to do it themselves : but he gravely tebuked all of them , in regard they did perswade him to do that which is contrary to that duty which is owed to any mother , and contrary to the modesty and patience of a Christian , not remembring what the Lord sayeth , vengeance is mine , and I will retribute it .

CHAP. III. The Martyrdome of Wenceslaus , Podivinius , and others .

1. BUt Wenceslaus was evilly requited for his pitty to his impious mother , for she desiring to subject all Bohemia to Bolislaus , who imitated her superstition and manners ; began to defame Wenceslaus , and to stir up hatred against him , as if he were unfit to execute the offices of a Prince , which ought to bee performed , not by sacred things and ceremonies ; but by arms and sighting ; at length when she perceived that he was confirmed , and his name began to be glorious she did not only agitate wicked counsels concerning the taking of him away , but whispered them to his Brother .

2. There happened an occasion suitable to her desire Bolislaus the infant being born , to whose Baptisme she honourably invites Wenceslaus to come to Bolislavia ; he going thither , was entertained by his mother and brother with kind imbracements & kisses , & with a delicate feast , which was held til late of the night , Wenceslaus when he suspected all things for a resting place , went to the Church , and there decreed to spend the night in sighs and praiers .

3. Whilest he was thus busied , his brother Bolislaus invades him , being excited by his more vigilant mother , to that wickednesse : at first he lost his blow ; in regard his sword by a sudden amazement , fell out of his hand , but those who were hired as coadjuters in this wickednesse , inflamed him with new rage and fury , so he repeats his stroak and easily kills his disarmed brother who patiently receives his wound . This was done in the year , 929 , the 28 of September , which was afterward consecrated to the memory of St. Wenceslaus .

4. Bolislaus when he had thus attained the Government by his boldnesse and impiety , threatned prisonment and 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 Woytichius 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 P●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 Gu●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 Omnip●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 ; 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 Bohemi● never committed any abominations ( which were visible to her through the darknesse ) without reluctancy and compulsion . From whence it was , that Rome fro● 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 , urge● 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 descen●ed of a noble family , and of a fervent spirit , ( of whom ●lso men●ion is made in the catalogue of witnesses un●o the Truth ) whether by word or writing , was the● first that stood out in opposition . For when for his are Learning and Holinesse of life , he was made Pre●ect of the Clergy in the Cathedrall Church of _____ ●nd had a great Auditory , he began to exhort the people unto a frequent communion in both kinds , to com●lain much of spirituall desolation , to rebuke divers a●uses & abominations , being much helped with the god●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 ●ts place Mary Magdalen church erected , which per●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 o● the cardinalls doors , Antichrist is come , and sittet● 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 , i● the year 1366. Melice continued eight years in th● hatred of Antichrist , and ( in the year 1374 , and fourt● Nones of February ) he ( Swan like ) ended his life five years after the happy dissolution of his colleagu● 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 wa● confessor unto Charles the fourth , and more ferve●● and zealous then his Predecessors in defending communion in both kinds . He wrote many things , as , O● 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 in Hajec . fol. 349. throughout proclaimed the 18. of September in the year 1376. where of this was the chief effect , that diligent care was afterwards had , that none but the Popes-creatures , might beadmitted unto places of Magistracy , & publick Offices , which might be a bridle to restraine the Commonalty . And therefore Wenceslaus the King son to Charles , chose 16 Germans , and only 2 Bohemians in reforming of the Senates of Prague , supposing that the Germans were more constant in the Pontificiall Religion ( as they were ) than the Bohemians .

5. We find it also recorded , that this Parisian , his death approaching , amongst others gave this comfort to his friends : The rage of the enemies of truth hath now prevailed against us ; but this shall not be alwaies ; for an ignoble people shall arise without sword or power , over whom they shall not be able to prevaile . Which Prophesie where and when it hath bin fulfilled , we shall hereafter acquaint you .

CHAP. VIII . John Husse and Ierom of Prague with some other Martyrs .

1. IN the year 1392. Mulhaymia , called the Temple of Bethlehem , was founded by a Citizen of Prague , and was to be dedicated unto the Academy , by the name of a Chappell ; whereunto Mr. Stephanus of Colon was first admitted Preacher : but he dying in the year 1400. Mr. John Husse was constituted his Successour , Professor in the Academy , a man of an unblameable life , and famous for his zeale .

2. And forasmuch as he had long before , that all orders were dissolute , and none did his office , the King , Bishop , Citizen , Clergy , Nobles , onely pursuing covetousnes , pride , drunkennesse , luxury , and all manner of wickednesse , having an occasion put into his hands as from above , he set upon the worke publickly , to oppose those publicke sins . And indeed so long as he shot his darts against secular men , he was highly esteemed off amongst the Divines , as one out of whose mouth the Holy Ghost spake : but as soone as he began to thunder against them also , their minds being altered , they cryed out that he was mad , and the Devils Agent .

3. Those that write of him tell us , that the first complaints against him , were put up by certain of the Nobles unto the King ( to wit , Wenceslaus ) whom the Pope presented unto the German Princes , as a sluggish person unprofitable unto the Empire , hateful ( yet not infamous in Historyes ) because of his unwillingness to execute his Buls , and his indulging the Hereticks , against his will ) and required him to forbid Husse of his turbulent preaching . But the Arch-Bishop ( Wolbrom ) denyed that it could be done , because Husse had bound himself by Oath at his Ordination , to speak the truth without respect of persons .

4. But when in the year following , this same Husse much more sharply reproved the Coveteousness , Luxury , and Sacriledges of Spirituall persons & the Arch-bishop , requested of the King the same which the Nobles did before . The King answered that it could not possibly be done , because Husse was obliged by oath to speak the truth without respect of persons ; the Lord himself thus frustrating the wicked plots contrived against this holy man , as his own Instrument .

5. There returned out of England the same year , ( 1400 ) Ierom of Prage , bringing with him the writings of Wickliffe , which came into the hands of many and was received by many , with good approbation : some indeed approving of them ( among whom this Husse was chief ) others disliking and damning them , especially the Academians , who ( as we have formerly said , did flock from divers Countries .

6. In the year 1404 , two English men , Batchelours of Divinity ( one Iames , and Conrade Caddelaurgh ) came to Prague , and being entred in the Vniversity , they began to move disputes , concerning the Popes Supremacy , and the like ; but shortly after were prohibited by publick command . They therefore ( because that which was forbidden unto men , was lawfull for the walls to receive , ) caused to be painted in the Parlor , where they Lodged ; with the consent of their Land-lord , the history of Christs Passion on the one side , and the pomp of the Pope , and Cardinals Court , on the other opposit ; and of this picture when Iohn Husse made mention in his preaching , as of a true Antithesis betweene Christ , and Antichrist , great numbers of people came thither to view it .

7. In the year 1408. May 24. the Articles of Wickliffe were again examined and condemned , by forty Masters and an infinite number of Batchelors ; and it was forbid that any should teach them , upon pain of banishment .

8. Iohn Husse , when he saw the Vniversity-men of Germany so strongly to side with the Pope , deeming that something was to be done to restrain their insolency , he made an Oration in a great concourse of people ( in Carolin Colledge ) asserting that the plurallity of voices belonged to the Bohemians , who were natives , and not to the Germans , who were strangers : for although Charles , from the first institution granted three voices unto strangers , the fourth unto the Bohemians , in respect of their forcity , who then studied learning , in his last pattin he explicated his minde , that the custome of the Parisian Vniversity should be observed . Now it doth abundantly appear in France , strangers have but one Suffrage , but the home-bred have three , the Germans being angry for this , Appealed to King Wenceslaus , the Bohemians do the same , but the King after a yeares protraction , decides the Cause for the Bohemians , in the year 1409. the 27. of Sept. the Germans interpreting this a disgrace , leave Prague , and going into Misina ( a neighbouring place ) and there give occasion to the founding of Lipsick , & Erphord , Schools : in the mean time , the Bohemians created by voices , Iohn Husse their Rector .

9. The Monks being thus deserted of the King & Vniversity , instigate the Arch-bishop Shico of Hasenburgh an unlearned man , & obtained in the year 1410 , the 16. of Iuly , that the books of Iohn Husse should be condemned and burned , there were therefore burned as Eneas Silvius testifies , above 200 volums fairly written , adorned with golden Bosses , and precious covers . There are extant some Bohemian Rimes composed by one of the common people , in which that unlearned censor of books was wittily jerkt , for being made an Arch-bishop , then he studied letters , but Husse in that time wrote a tract concerning the reading of Hereticall books , and instituted a particular dispute for the defence of Iohn Wickliff , concerning the holy Trinity which they also burnt .

10. In the year 1411. when Pope Iohn the 23. sounded an alarum against the King of Naples , he gave Indulgencies to those that would take up arms for the Church : One that sold those toys came to Prague , and publickly in the pulpit divulged those vanities . It so hapned that in three Churches some opposed them , asserting the Pope of Rome must bee Antichrist , who brought misery upon the Christians , and stirred them up to mutuall wars . Those three were taken Martia Krzidelko , Iohn Hudek and Stainis Lapolek a Taylor , and are carried to prison , although the vniversity and towne , interceded for them , yet they were brought forth into the market , and were beheaded . When this was noysed abroad , the vniversity running , took away the bodys ; and in a sollemn Procession sung These are the saints who gave up their bodys for the testament of God . They carry them to the Church of Bethlehem , and there bury them .

11. The day after Husse did propound certain theses to dispute against those superstitious indulgences , and publickly with Mr. Ierom , ( who did as strongly impugne there errors in the Schoole , as Husse did in the Church ) shewed their vanity : but when notwithstanding al this he impudently proceeded , the company of Studients did violently snatch from him his Bulls & they do cloth one of their own company in a whorish habit , put him into a cart , adorne his brest with Bulls , carry him about and acclaime unto him : the whore in the mean time , with sweet words & gesture alluring the company , and distributing blessings : at the length they burne all the Bulls with many of the Popes in the midst of the market .

12 In the meane time the Pope cites Husse to appeare at Rome , who in regard of the disswasion of the Vniversity and nobility , did not appeare , Pope Iohn 23 in the yeare 1413 in Iune did interdict their celebrating of Masse , in regard of the presence of Huss a contumacious offender , upon this when hee saw the Magistrates rage , and the common people divided into contrary factions , and all things to be disturbed , he of his own accord leaves Prague , and from towne to towne teaches the word of God : untill the time that he was called to Constance , to give an account of Doctrine , receiving letters of safety from the Emperour : Histories report , how he was there handled by the Romish Councell , to witte , in the yeare 1415. The 6 of Iuly , Husse , in the yeare 1416 the 30 of May Ierom were burnt . Consult the book , of Martyrs .

CHAP. IX . All Bohemia condemned .

1. THe adversaries were not satisfied with their blood , but suddainly took bloody Councell for the destruction of the whole nation : for when the chiefe nobles of Bohemia 58 in number , in the name of the whole Comonalty in the yeare 1416 the 2 of September , sent letters from Prague subscribed with their own hands , and signed with their own seals , to the Councel , complaining & expostulating that their Pastor , an innocent and holy man , a faithfull teacher of the truth was unjustly condemned , the Synod did not answer them , neither did they answer the Nobility of Moravia , which complained of like matters in letters of their own , but the Councell writ to the persons who were besotted with the Romish superstition men in eminency namely Iohn of Mecklesburg , Alsiscopeck of Dubba , Alburt of Colditz , intreating and obtesting them , that they would regard the Romish-Catholick Church , and that they would helpe the Legate of that councell , Iohn Lotmislenia Bishop , in oppressing Heresie and Hereticks : these letters were dated at Constance in the yeare 1417 , the 22 of March .

2 Thus the Bohemians being incited to mutuall dissentions by the Councell , contensious brawlings , and hatred were exasperated every day , more and more . The Pristes did divulge from the Pulpit , excommunications against the Husites , and devoted them with direfull execrations , and that they might render them the more hated , used certaine lying signes , amongst the rest , they cast some dirt into the lamps of the wax candles , and when the flame had burnt the waxe candle to the moistnesse of the dirt , it was extinguished : then cryed they out , that God did by miracles declare , that the wicked Hereticks were unworthy to enjoy the light , they drove them therefore out of their society , and persecuting them all manner of wayes , breaking open their churches , wheresoever they could , which businesse in the yeare 1419 , the 13 of Iuly , raised such a tumult at Prague , that the common people inraged , threw 12 Senators of old Prague , with the City Magistrate out of the windows , of the Senate house , who fell upon the points of speares .

3 There was a new Pope elected of the Synod , who was named Martine the 5 , who with kind letters , dated at Constance in the yeare 1418 , invited the Bohemians to renounce the errors of Wicklif & Husse . But afterward in the year 1420 , he publickly excommunicated them at Florence , and excited the Emperor , Kings , Princes , Dukes , Marquesses , Earles , Barons , Governours , Cityes , Common-wealths , to take up armes against them , and did intreat them by the wounds of Christ , and their owne salvation , unanimously fall upon them , and quite extirpate that sacrilegious and cursed nation , and promised a vniversall remission of sinnes to the most wicked person , that should kill but one Bohemian .

4 Sygismund the Emperour being inflamed by this incentive , with all Germany and the neighbouring Kingdomes , yeelded himselfe a servant to Antichristian Tyrany and in the same yeare he enters Bohemia with a strong army , and wearies them with 13 years continued warre , and this was called the Husite warre , concerning which Eneas Sylvius writes they would rather be admired than believed of posterity , in regard Siska the Bohemian Captaine and his successours did alwaies vanquish the contrary party .

5 But the state of the Bohemian affaires were very confused at home , when some of them stood for the Emperor and Pope , others defended the use of the cup , from whence they were called Calikstiles , upon this ground , with horrible cruelty they were inflamed to destroy each other .