An introduction to the history of the principal kingdoms and states of Europe by Samuel Puffendorf ... ; made English from the original.

CHAP. VIII.

Of the GERMAN Empire.

§ 1.* 1.1 GErmany was not antiently one Common∣wealth, but divided into a great many States, and independent of each other, most of them being Democracies: And tho some of them had their Kings, yet these had more Authority to Advise than to Command. These several States were at last united under the Government of the Francks: The Kings of the Merovingean Family having undertaken several Expeditions into Germany, did reduce several of these States under their Subjection: And Charles the Great reduced all Germany under his Jurisdiction,* 1.2 he being at the same time Master of France, Italy, Rome, and a part of Spain; all which Provinces he committed to the care of certain Governours, who were called Graves or Marc-Graves. The Saxons retained more of their antient Liberty than the rest; wherefore the bet∣ter to keep this, then barbarous Nation in obedience, he erected several Episcopal Sees in Saxony, hoping, by the influence of the Christian Doctrine, to civilize this barbarous People.* 1.3 Lewis, Surnamed the Pious, Son of Charles the Great, had three Sons, viz. Lotha∣rius, Lewis, and Charles, who divided the Empire of the Francks among them. In this Division Lewis got for his share all Germany, as far as it extends on this side of the Rhine, and also some Countries on the other side of that River, by reason of the Vineyards, as 'tis said, which are on both sides.* 1.4 All which he was possess'd of as Sovereign, without being in any ways dependent on his elder Brother, much less the younger, who had France for his share: And at that time Germany was first made a Kingdom independent of any other.

§ 2. Carolomannus, the Son of this Lewis, did, after the death of Charles the Bald, who was King of France, and had born the Title of Roman Emperour, Conquer Italy, and took upon him the Imperial Dignity, notwith∣standing that Lewis, Son of Charles the Bald and King of France, had, upon instigation of the Pope, assumed the same Title. After him succeeded his younger Bro∣ther Carolus Crassus,* 1.5 who maintained both the King∣dom of Italy and the Imperial Title.* 1.6 But the great Men in Germany having deposed the said Charles, they made Arnolph, the Son of the abovementioned Carolo∣mannus, King of Germany,* 1.7 who went into Italy and took upon him the Title of Roman Emperour, for which had contended for a good while Berengarius Duke of Trioul,* 1.8 and Guido Duke of Spoleto. But after the death of Arnulph,* 1.9 his Son Lewis, Surnamed the Child, obtained the Crown of Germany, under whose Reign the Affairs of Germany were in so ill a condi∣tion, that he had no leisure to look into those of Italy: For Arnulph had called to his assistance the Hungarians against Zwentepold, King of Bohemia and Moravia, who had Rebell'd against him, with whose assistance he re∣duced Zwentepold to obedience; but the Hungarians, who were at that time a most barbarous Nation, ha∣ving got a tast of Germany, made an inroad into that Country, ravaging every where with an inhuman Cru∣elty. They also defeated Lewis near Augsburgh,* 1.10 oblig∣ing him to pay them a yearly Tribute; notwithstanding which, they ravag'd and plundered wherever they came. This overthrow was chiefly occasioned by the Kings tender Age, and the Divisions of the great Men among themselves, who aimed at nothing more than to establish their own Authority.* 1.11 After the death of Lewis,* 1.12 Cunrad, Duke of Franconia, was elected King Germany, under whose Reign the Potent Dukes of Lorain, Swabia, Bavaria, and Saxony, did prete••d to maintain the Sovereignty over their own Countries, and a Hereditary Possession; which Cunrad was not able to prevent; and because Henry Duke of Saxony was the most Potent, and Cunrad feared, that at last he might quite withdraw himself from the German

Empire, he upon his Death-bed advised the rest of the Princes of Germany to make him their King, which was done accordingly. And thus the Empire was transferred from the Carolingian Family to the Saxons.

§ 3.* 1.13 Henry Surnamed the Birdcatcher, did bridle the Fury of the Hungarians: For they having made a great inroad into Germany, and demanded the Yearly Tri∣bute from him, he sent them a Mungeril-Dog, and after∣wards Defeated them in a bloody Battle near Merse∣burgh, where he slew 80000 of them. Under the Reign of this King, the greatest part of the Cities which are situated on the sides of the Rhine. were ei∣ther Built, or else Fortified with Walls. This Henry, also did Conquer the Serbes and Wendes, a Sarmatick or Sclavonian Nation, who being possessed of a large Tract of Land in Germany, on the River Elbe, he drove out of Misnia, Lusatia and the Marquisate of Branden∣burgh. After he had re-established the Affairs of Ger∣many, he died in the Year 936.* 1.14 After him succeeded his Son Otto, Surnamed the Great, who at first was engaged in heavy Civil Wars against several Princes, but especially against those who pretended to be of the Race of Charles the Great, and were extremely dis∣satisfied that the Royal Dignity was transferred to the Saxons. He was also very Fortunate in his Wars a∣gainst the Danes. To the Hungarians, who ventured to make another Incursion into Germany, he gave a ca∣pital overthrow near Augsburgh, since which time, they never have dared to shew themselves in Germany. In Italy there had been great Confusions for a long time, the Soveraignty having been usurped sometimes by one, sometimes by another, till at last▪ Otto being called thi∣ther, possessed himself both of the Kingdom of Italy and the Imperial Dignity, it having been then agreed, that both the Imperial and Royal Dignity of Italy, should be inseparably annexed, without any further Election, to the Royal Dignity of Germany, and that no Pope should be chosen without the Approbation of the King of the Germans,* 1.15 and Otto was Crowned at Rome: tho' this Conquest has proved not very beneficial to Germany, the succeeding Popes having made it their Business to

raise continual Disturbances, which was not easy to be prevented, because these Places were not kept in awe by strong Castles or Garisons. Wherefore as often as the Popes were pleased to raise new Commotions, the Germans were obliged to send great Armies thi∣ther, which continual Alarms consumed great quan∣tities of Men and Money: In lieu of which, their Kings had scarce any Revenues out of Italy, except that they had Free Quarters and Entertainment given them during their stay there. This Otto died in the Year 974 leaving for his Successour his Son Otto II.* 1.16 who also at first met with great Disturbances from some of the Princes of Germany. Afterwards Lotharius King of France would have made himself Master of Loraine, and had very near surprised the Emperour at Aix la Chapelle: But Otto marched with an Army through Champaigne to the very Gates of Paris; but in his re∣turn home received a considerable Loss. At last a Peace was concluded at Rheims, by Vertue of which, Loraine was left to the Emperour. He then undertook an Expedition into Italy against the Greeks, who had made themselves Masters of that Country; these he overthrew at first, but received afterwards a grand De∣feat, because the Romans and those of Benevento imme∣diatly turned their Backs; he himself fell into the Hands of the Enemy, but found means to make his Escape from them, and revenged himself against the for∣mer for their Infidelity. He died not long after of Vex∣ation. His Son Otto III.* 1.17 did employ a great part of his Reign in appeasing these Tumults, which were raised in Rome by the Consul Crescentius, who aiming at the Sovereignty, was hanged for his pains by Order of Otto, who was afterwards poysoned by the Widdow of the said Crescentius with a pair of Gloves made up with a certain sort of Poyson.* 1.18 Otto having left no Children behind him, the Crown was conferred upon Henry II. Surnamed the Lame, Duke of Bavaria, who sprang from the Saxon Race; with whom Ecbart Landgrave of Hesse, did contend for the Crown, but lost his Life in the Quarrel. This Emperour was entangled in continual Troubles in Italy, and chastised Boleslaus King of Po∣land,

Because he was a great Benefactor to the Clergy, he was made a Saint after his Death.

§ 4.* 1.19 Henry II. having left no Children behind him,* 1.20 the Princes elected Conrad Sali Duke of Franconia, Emperour in his room, which occasioned great Jealousie in the Saxons, and great Wars in Germany. This Em∣perour met with great Disturbances both in Germany and Italy, which were at last all composed. Radolf the last King of Burgundy and Arus dying without Issue, left him that Kingdom by his last Will, which he took Pos∣session of and united the same with Germany, having forced Eudo the Earl of Champaigne who made a pre∣tension upon it,* 1.21 to resign his Title. He was also very Fortunate in his Wars against the Pole•• and Sclavo∣nians, and died in the Year 1035. Him succeeded his Son Henry,* 1.22 Surnamed the Black, who was continually allarm'd by the Hungarians and the Popes Intrigues, against whom he maintained the Imperial Dignity with great bravery. He died in the Year 1056. His Son Henry IV.* 1.23 his Reign was very long, but also very Trou∣blesome and Unfortunate. Among other Reasons, this may be counted one of the Chiefest, that he being but Six Years of Age when his Father died, was left to the Tuition of such as had no true Care of his Educa∣tion; and besides this, by selling the Church Benefices without having any Regard to Deserts, had done consi∣derable Mischief to the Empire. Wherefore Henry coming to his riper Years, and perceiving how the Ec∣clesiasticks had got all the best Possessions of the Empire into their Hands, he resolved to dispossess them again, whereby he drew upon himself the hatred of the Clergy. The Saxons were also his great Enemies, because he had by Building up of some Fortresses endeavoured to re∣strain their Insolencies; and tho' he often kept his Court in Saxony, yet he seldom preferred the Saxons to any Of∣fices. Most of the Princes were also dissatisfied with him, because he rarely advised with them con∣cerning the publick State of Affairs, but either followed the Advice of his Counsellors, who were most of them Men of mean Birth, or else his own Head. These and

some other Reasons, set the Saxons against him in an open Rebellion, with whom he waged long and bloody Wars,* 1.24 till he vanquished them at last. But Pope Hildebrand or Gregory VII. and his Successours, did raise a more dreadful Storm against him; for the Popes having long since been vexed to the Heart, that they and the rest of the Clergy should be subject to the Emperour, Hildebrand thought to have now met with a fair Opportunity to set the Clergy at Liber∣ty, at a time when the Emperour was entangled in a War with the Saxons, and hated by most Princes of the Empire. The Emperour had lived somewhat too Free in his younger Years, and the Church Benefices ha∣ving been rather bestowed upon Favourites or such as payed well for them, than such as deserved them, fur∣nished the Pope with a specious Pretence to make a De∣cree, that it was not the Emperour's right to bestow Bishopricks or other Church Benefices upon any Body, but that it did belong to the Pope. The Emperour was also summoned to appear at Rome, and to give an Ac∣count concerning his Mis-behaviour, and in case of fai∣lure, he was threatened with an Excommunication. On the other Hand, the Emperour having declared the Pope unworthy of his Office, would have deposed him. So the Pope excommunicated the Emperour, discharging all his Subjects from their Allegiance due to him, which proved of such Consequence in those Times, that all his Authority fell to the Ground at once among most of his Subjects, whereby he was reduced to the greatest Extremity. For most Princes assembled at Trebes, where they deposed Henry: which Sentence, however, was so far mitigated afterwards, that the same should be left to the Pope's decision. Henry therefore accompa∣nied by a few, was obliged to undertake a Journey in the midst of the Winter into Italy, and being arrived at Canu••io, was fain to stay three Days barefooted in a coarse Woollen Habit in the outward Court, and in an humble posture, to beg the Pope's Absolution, which he at last granted him.

But the Emperour received no great Advantage by it, for the Italians were quite disgusted at this Demeanour of his, which obliged the Emperour to make use of his

former Authority to reduce them to Obedience. In the mean while the Princes of Germany by instigation of the Pope, did elect Radolph Duke of Swabia their King; but the Bavarians, Franconians, and the Coun∣tries next adjacent to the Rhine did remain in obedience of the Emperour Henry. Thus a bloody War ensued, wherein Radolph, and the Saxons were vanquish'd in two battels, and in the third he lost his right hand and life.* 1.25 Then Henry call'd together an Assembly of the Bishops, and having deposed Hildebrand, he caused ano∣ther to be chosen in his room: He also return'd home himself, and banish'd Hildebrand. But the Saxons per∣sisted in their Rebellion against the Emperour, who was again Excommunicated by the Pope, and having first set up Herman Duke of Luxenburgh, and after his death, Ecbert Marquess of Saxony for their Kings,* 1.26 but to no purpose; they at last stirr'd up the Emperors Son against the Father. Against him the Emperour raised a great Army, whom the Son met, and in a deceitful manner begg'd his pardon: Upon his perswasions the Father having abandon'd his Forces, and being upon his Jour∣ney to the Dyet at Mayence, accompanied by a few, this antient Prince was made a Prisoner and Deposed.* 1.27 He died soon after in great misery, who, in sixty two battels which he had fought in his life time, generally obtained the Victory.

§ 5.* 1.28 As soon as Henry V. was made Emperour he followed his Fathers example in maintaining the Im∣perial Dignity: For as soon as he had settled the Affairs of Germany, he marched with an Army towards Rome, to renew the antient Right of the Emperours in no∣minating of Bishops, and to be Crowned there. The Pope, Paschal II. having got notice of the Empe∣rours design, raised a great Tumult at Rome, where the Emperour was so close beset, that he was fain to fight in Person for his safety: But the Emperour having got the upper hand, made the Pope a Prisoner, and forced him to give his consent to his demands. And this their Agreement was confirmed by solemn Oaths and Execrations; yet no sooner had the Emperour turn'd his back, but the Pope having declared the Agreement

void, stirr'd up the Saxons and the Bishops in Germany against the Emperour. With these Henry was engag'd in a very tedious War; and perceiving at last, that there was no other way left to compose these differences, he granted the Popes demands, by renouncing his Right to nominate Bishops,* 1.29 at the Dyet held at Worms: which resignation, as it greatly diminish'd the Emperour's Au∣thority, so on the other hand, it strengthened the power of the Pope.* 1.30 This Emperour died without Issue. Him succeeded Lotharius Duke of Saxony,* 1.31 who had for a Rival in the Empire Cunrad Duke of Franconia, whom he quickly oblig'd to beg fair Quarters. This Emperour having twice undertaken an Expedition into Italy, did with great Glory restore Tranquility to that Country; and, because he used to flatter the Pope, he was in great esteem among the Clergy. He died in the year 1138. After his death Cunrad III. obtained the Im∣perial Dignity, who was opposed by Henry Duke of Saxony and Bavaria, and his Brother Wulff, which oc∣casioned bloody Wars against him. But peace being re∣stored among them, he undertook an Expedition into the Holy Land, where he underwent great Calamities; for, tho he fought his way through the Saracens, and arriv'd safely at Jerusalem, yet after he had lost the great∣est part of his Army, without doing any thing of mo∣ment, he was fain to return home. But whilst he was busie in making preparations for another Expedition into Italy he died, in the year 1252.

§ 6. Frederick I.* 1.32 succeeded him, who by the Ita∣lians was Surnamed Barbarossa, Duke of Swabia, who immediately at the beginning of his Reign, having set∣led the affairs of Germany, did afterwards reduce Italy under his obedience; which however was not of long continuance; for the Milaneses quickly Rebell'd, but were severely chastis'd, their City having been laid level with the ground. He was also in continual broils with the Pope, against whom, and his Associates, he obtain∣ed several Victories; yet being at last tired out with so many wars, he made peace with him, especially since his Son Otto had been taken Prisoner by the Ve∣netians. At the concluding of this Peace, 'tis said, that

Pope Alexander III. did set his foot upon the Emperours neck, which by a great many is taken for a fable. This Emperour was the last who maintained the Authority of the German Emperours in Italy. Last of all he undertook an Expedition into the Holy Land against Saladin the Sultan of Egypt, who had taken the City of Jerusalem: He beat the Saracens several times, but endeavouring to pass over a River in Cilicia on Horseback, or as some will have it, intending to wash himself in the River, he was drowned.* 1.33 And tho his Son Frederic, after his Fa∣thers death, did take a great many Cities in Syria, yet the whole Expedition had a very bad end, the greatest part of the Army, together with the Duke Frederick having been consumed by the Plague,* 1.34 or Famin. Fre∣derick was succeeded by his Son Henry VI. in the Em∣pire, who, with his Lady Constantia, got the Kingdoms of Sicily, Calabria and Apuiia. This Emperour went to Rome to receive the Crown from Pope Celestin, when the Pope sitting in his Chair, and the Emperour on his knees, put first the Crown upon his head, but im∣mediatly struck the same off again with his foot, inti∣mating thereby, as if it was in the power of the Popes to give and to take away the Imperial Crown. He died in the year 1198. having just then made great pre∣parations for an Expedition into the Holy Land, and sent his Army before, he being ready to follow.

§ 7.* 1.35 After the death of Henry VI. the Germans were miserably divided among themselves; for Frede∣rick II. his Son, being then but five years old, his Uncle Philip pretended to have the Tuition of his Nephew, and the Administration of the Empire, according to the last Will of the deceas'd Emperour; but this being opposed by the Pope, he perswaded some of the Princes to elect Otto Duke of Saxony. Germany was thus mi∣serably torn in pieces, most siding with Philip, the rest with Otto. After a long war an agreement was made betwixt them, that Otto should Marry the Daughter of Philip, but lay down the Royal Title, till the death of Philip, when the same was to be restored to him. Not long after Philip was murthered at Bamberg by Otto the Palatin of Wittelbach. After his death Otto obtained

the Imperial Dignity,* 1.36 and having been Crowned at Rome,* 1.37 he resolved to reunite such places as were unjust∣ly possess'd by the Popes to the Empire, which so ex∣asperated the Pope, that he Excommunicated him, ex∣horting the Princes to elect another Emperour. Most of them were for Frederick II.* 1.38 Son of Henry VI. which made Otto to hasten into Germany; but having in vain endeavour'd to maintain himself in the Empire, he was forc'd to surrender the Imperial Crown to Frede∣rick the Second, King of Sicily and Naples, and Duke of Suabia; who, after he had bestowed▪ a considerable time in setling the Affairs of Germany, went into Italy, where he was Crowned by the Pope. In the year 1228. he undertook an Expedition into the Holy Land, and retook Jerusalem from the Sa∣racens. He was continually alla••m'd by the intrigues of the Popes, who were for playing the Masters in Italy; against whom he bravely maintained his Right. This occasioned several Excommunications to be thundred out against him by the Popes, who raised great disturbances. From hence had their rise the two famous Factions in Italy, whereof those who sided with the Pope, called themselves Guelfs,* 1.39 but these who were for the Empe∣rour, Gibellins; which two Factions, for a considerable time after, occasioned great Commotions in Italy: And tho Frederick behav'd himself bravely against the Pope and his Associates, yet the Popes Excommunication, had such powerful Influence in that Superstitious Age, that, after the Pope had solemnly deposed him in the Council held at Lyons, some Princes of Germany did choose Henry,* 1.40 Landgrave of Thuringia their King, who was commonly call'd the King of the Priests; but he dying in the year next following, some Princes decla∣red William Earl of Holland their King; who was not able to Establish himself, being opposed by Cunrad, Son of Frederick II. who was appointed to succeed his Father in the Empire. In the mean time his Father had been very unsuccessful in Italy, who at last died in the year 1250. Cunrad having left Germany, reti∣red into his Hereditary Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, where he died.* 1.41 William Earl of Holland was slain in a battel against the Frizelanders, in the year 1256.

§ 8.* 1.42 With the death of Frederick II. the Authority of the German Emperours in Italy was quite extinguish'd: And that it might not be revived again, the Pope gave the Kingdom of Naples to Charles Duke of Anjou, who, by the Instigation of the Pope, caused the young Cun∣radin (who being the Son of Cunrad, was come to re∣cover his Herediatary Kingdom, and taken Prisoner in a battel fought betwixt them) to be executed by the hands of the Hangman; with whom was extinguish'd the Race of the Dukes of Swabia. In the mean time there were great divisions among the German Princes, concerning the election of a new Emperour; some of them had chosen Richard Duke of Cornwal, Son of John King of England, and the rest were for Alfonsus X. King of Castile; both were elected in the year 1257. Richard came on his Journey as far as the Rhine, to take possession of the Empire, but, for want of Money, was forc'd to return home again: And Alfonsus came not within the sight of Germany. Then there was a com∣plete and long vacancy of the Throne in Germany; during which time there was nothing to be seen but confusion, every body pretending to be Master. These Civil Disorders were of the worse consequence, be∣cause that about the same time the three great Fa∣milies of the Dukes of Swabia, the Marquesses of Austria, and Landgraves of Thuringia being extinct, a great many aspired to possess themselves of these Countries. To be short, the longest Sword was then the best Title, and he that could master another kept him un∣der subjection; and robbing and plundering was an al∣low'd exercise at that time. Against these outrageous Proceedings several of the Cities upon the Rhine en∣ter'd into a Confederacy, with whom a great many other Princes afterwards joyning their Forces, they demolish'd the strong Holds of these Robbers,* 1.43 and clear'd the Highways.

§ 9.* 1.44 At last Rodolph Earl of Habsburgh and Landgrave of Alsace (from whom are descended the present Arch-Dukes of Austria) was unanimously chosen Emperour; who,* 1.45 the better to establish himself in the Throne,

Marry'd his three Daughters to three of the great Princes of Germany, viz. to Lewis Palatin of the Rhine, to Albert Duke of Saxony, and to Otto Marquess of Bran∣denburgh. After the death of Frederick Marquess of Austria, who had his Head cut off at Naples, toge∣ther with Cunradin, Ottocar the King of Bohemia had possess'd himself of Austria, Stiria, Crain, the Win∣dishmarck and Portenau. But Rodolph, who thought that his Family had more Right to it having ••etaken these Countries, from Ottocar, gave them in Fief to his Son Albert; and to the second, whose name was Rodolph, the Dukedom of Swabia: Besides this, the Grandson of Albert got Crain and Tyrol. Thus Rodolph did by obtaining the Imperial Dignity, raise his House from a moderate State to great Power and vast Riches. But tho he was often invited to come into Italy, yet he could never be perswaded to it, alledging that old and notorious saying of the Fox, Quia me vestigia ter∣reat; because the footsteps deter me. Nay he declar'd a great many Cities there Free, for Sums of money; by which the Kingdom of Italy, being first torn into a great many pieces, was quite lost: But Germany he took into his particular Care, and destroy'd a great many Ca∣stles there which serv'd for a retreat for Robbers. He was the first that introduc'd the use of the German Tongue in all Publick Courts and Private Transactions, whereas formerly the Latin Tongue had been made use of in the like cases. He dyed in the year 1291.

His Son Albert did lay claim to the Empire, but by the Interest of the Archbishop of Mayence,* 1.46 Adolph Earl of Nassau, who was his kinsman, was chosen Empe∣rour; the Archbishop being in hopes to have, under him, the supreme Management of the Affairs; but A∣dolph not being willing to depend on the Archbishop, he conceived a hatred against him. Some did think it unbecoming the grandure of the Emperour, that he en∣gaged in a League with England against France for a Sum of Mony paid to him by the English; but this might admit of a very good excuse, since besides this, the English had promiss'd the Emperour to assist him in the recovery of the Kingdom of Arclat, a great part of which France had, during the Troubles in Germany,

taken into its possession. On the other hand France sided with Albert, who being advanced near the Rhine, the Archbishop of Mayence did assemble some of the Electors, who being dissatisfied with Adolph, depos'd him, and chose Albert Emperour in his stead. A bloody Battel was fought betwixt these two near Spires, wherein Adolph being slain,* 1.47 being slain, the Imperial Crown remain'd to Al∣bert: But because he aim'd at nothing more than to enrich himself, his Reign was both very unglorious and unfortunate. His Covetousness was at last the occasion of his death; for his Nephew John Duke of Swabia, whom he had dispossess'd of his Country, murder'd him near Rhinefeld.* 1.48

§ 10. After his death, Philip King of France en∣deavour'd to obtain the Imperial Crown, but was pre∣vented by the Electors,* 1.49 who, upon the perswasion of the Pope, chose Henry VII. Earl of Luxemburgh. This Emperour, after he had setled Germany, undertook a Journey into Italy, with a resolution to suppress the Civil Commotions there, and to reestablish the Imperial Authority. The beginning of this undertaking proved so prosperous, that every body hoped for great success from it:* 1.50 But in the midst of this prosperity he was mur∣ther'd by a Monk, who had given him a poison'd Host, he having been hired by the Florentines, the Emperours Enemies, to commit this fact.

In the year 1313. the Electors were again divided in the Election of a new Emperour, some having given their Votes for Lewis Duke of Bavaria,* 1.51 the rest for Frederick Duke of Austria. The first was Crown'd at Aix la Chapelle, the latter at B••nn. These two carry'd on a War against each other for the Imperial Crown during the space of nine years, to the great detriment of the whole Empire: At last Frederick being made a Pri∣soner in a battel fought in the year 1323. Lewis be∣came sole Master of the Empire, and restored its Tran∣quility. But he afterwards went into Italy, to back the Gibellines, who were of his side, and tho at first he was very prosperous, yet could he not settle his Af∣fairs to any purpose,* 1.52 because the Pope had Excommu∣nicated him. Wherefore also the Popes Associates in

Germany, maugre all his resistance, were always too hard for him; and at last, by the perswasions of the Pope, stirr'd up the Electors against him, who chose Charles IV. Marquess of Moravia, Son of John King of Bohemia, Emperour in his stead; who nevertheless, as long as Lewis lived, was not much taken notice of. He died in the year 1347. It is to be observed, that the preceding Emperours used generally to make their Progress thro' the Empire, and to maintain their Court out of the Revenues belonging to the Empire: But this Lewis IV. was the first who kept his constant Court in his Hereditary Country, and maintain'd it out of his own Revenue; whose example the succeeding Empe∣rours follow'd, the Revenues belonging to the Empire having been by degrees extremely diminish'd.

§ 11. After the death of Lewis,* 1.53 there were some who would have made void the former Election of Charles, and had chosen in his stead Edward King of England, who did not think fit to accept of the Im∣perial Dignity: The same was also refused by Frede∣rick Marquess of Misnia: At last Gunther Earl of Swartzburgh was elected; whom Charles caused to be poison'd, and by his Liberality establish'd himself in the Empire. During his Reign he gave away a con∣siderable part of the Dependencies of the Empire, and among the rest, he granted to France the perpetual Vi∣carship of the Kingdom of Arclat; and in Italy he sold what he could to the fairest bidder: But he was not so careless of his Kingdom of Bohemia, unto which he annex'd, among other Countries, that of Silesia. He was a great favourer of the Cities which he dignified with such Privileges, that they might the better be able to maintain themselves against the Power of the Princes: The best thing that ever he did, was, that he caused first to be compiled the Golden Bull,* 1.54 wherein were set down the Rules to be observed in the elections of the ensuing Emperours, and Divisions among the E∣lectors, prevented for the future. He died in the year 1378. having not long before by great Presents made to the Ele∣ctors, prevailed with them, to chose his Son Wenceslaus King of the Romans:* 1.55 But he being very brutish and care∣less of the Affairs of the Empire, was deposed by the

Electors, which he little regarded, but retired into his Hereditary Kingdom of Bohemia, where he lived for a considerable time. After Wenceslaus was deposed, Jodo∣cus Marquess of Moravia was chosen Emperour, but he happening to die within a few months after, before he could take possession of the Empire,* 1.56 Frederick Duke of Brunswick was elected in his stead, who, in his Jour∣ney to Francfort was, by instigation of the Archbishop of Mayence,* 1.57 murthered by the Earl of Waldeck. At last Rupert, Palatin of the Rhine was chosen Emperour; who Reigned with great applause in Germany; but his Expedition into Italy proved fruitless. He died in the year 1410.

§ 12.* 1.58 After the death of Rupert, Sigismund King of Hungary, Brother to Wenceslaus, was made Emperour; a Prince endow'd with great Qualities, but very un∣fortunate in his wars, having, before he obtained the Imperial Crown, received a great defeat from the Turks near Cogrelis; which was occasioned by the too much heat and forwardness of the French Auxiliaries. He cau∣sed John Huss,* 1.59 notwithstanding the safe Conduct grant∣ed him, to be burnt at the Council of Constance; whose death his adherents, who called themselves Hussites, did revenge with great fury upon Bohemia and Germany; this War having taken up the greatest part of his Reign. He died in the year 1437.

After him succeeded his Son-in-Law Albert II.* 1.60 Duke of Austria, and King of Hungary and Bohemia, who did not Reign a whole year. He died in the year 1439. whilst he was very busie in making preparations against the Turks.* 1.61 Him succeeded his kinsman Frederick III. Duke of Austria; since which time all the succeeding Emperours have been of this House. During his Reign several disturbances were raised in Germany, which were neglected by the Emperour. He also had some diffe∣rences with Ladislaus, Son of Albert II. concerning Austria, and was attack'd by Matthias Hunniades King of Hungary; which war he prosecuted with more pati∣ence than vigour. He died in the year 1493. Him succeeded his Son Maximilian I.* 1.62 who had the good

fortune by his Marriage with Mary the Daughter of Charles the Hardy Duke of Burgundy, to annex the Ne∣therlands to the House of Austria. As he was very fickle in his undertakings, so the success was generally answerable to it and various; and his Wars with the Switzers, and those in Italy against the Venetians had but a very indifferent end: The chiefest thing of moment done by him, is, that whereas formerly all differences in Germany were decided by the Sword, he reestablish∣ed the Peace of the Empire. He died in the year 1519.

§ 13.* 1.63 Him succeeded his Grandson Charles V. King of Spain and Sovereign of the Netherlands; under whose Reign the face of Affairs in Germany was remarkably changed; which was occasioned by the Religious Dif∣ferences set on foot about that time: For the Pope had caused Indulgences to be sold here in so scanda∣lous a manner, that the wiser sort began to be asham'd of it.* 1.64 Wherefore Martin Luther Doctor of Divinity and Professor in the University of Wittenbergh, held a publick Disputation against it;* 1.65 wh•• being opposed by others, all the neighbouring Countries were alarm'd at it. Luther at first did submit himself to the decision of the Pope, but finding that he favour'd the Indulgence Merchants, and that he was condemn'd by him, he ap∣pealed to a free General Council, and then began to go farther, to examine the Popes Authority; and ha∣ving laid open some Errours and Abuses which were crept in among them, his Doctrine was so approved of by some of the Princes and free Imperial Cities, that they began to banish the Priests and Monks out of se∣veral places, and to reduce their Revenues. And tho the Emperour did declare Luther,* 1.66 at the Dyet of Worms, an Out-Law, and endeavour'd by several Proclamations to put a stop to these Proceedings and Innovations; nevertheless, the Emperour being then engag'd in a war with France, and therefore not in a capacity to apply himself in good earnest to the suppressing of this Division▪ Luthers Party grew daily stronger.

Perhaps he was afterwards not very sorry, to see the wound encrease, that he might make the better benefit

of the Cure; there having been a Proclamation pub∣lish'd at the Dyet of Spiers,* 1.67 which was in no ways agreeable to the Lutheran Princes, they protested against the same,* 1.68 from whence they are called Protestants. In the year next following they delivered a Confession of their Faith to the Emperour at Augsburgh, and en∣tered into a Defensive Alliance at Smalkald;* 1.69 which League was renewed in the year 1535.* 1.70 when a great many Princes and Free Imperial Cities were received into it. This League made at Smalkald was a great eye-sore to the Emperour, who used all means to dis∣solve the same: But the Protestants, who now began to trust to their own strength, standing by one another, the Hostilities began on both sides, and the Protestants did bring into the Field an Army of 100000 Men,* 1.71 under the Conduct of John Frederick Elector of Saxony, and Philip Landgrave of Hesse. If they had fal'n im∣mediately upon the Emperour, whose Forces were then not joined, they might in all probability have worsted him; but having lost the first opportunity, the Emperour strengthen'd himself, that he forced the Protestants to quit the Field and to disband their Forces. He also caused a diversion to be given the Elector at home by his Kinsman Maurice, which had such influence upon the Free Imperial Cities, that they were oblig'd to submit themselves and to pay considerable Fines. In the year next following the Emperour fell into Sa∣xony, and having defeated the Elector near Michlbergh, took him prisoner; against whom he pronounced sen∣tence of Death, which however he chang'd into an Imprisonment. Philip Landgrave of Hesse having also submitted himself, was, contrary to agreement, made a Prisoner; whereby the Protestant Religion in Ger∣many was reduc'd to great extremity. The Electorat of Saxony was given to Maurice Duke of Saxony, who at last being resolved not to permit any longer that both the Religion and Liberty should be quite destroy'd, neither that his Wifes Father the Landgrave of Hesse, who upon his Parole had surrendred himself to the Em∣perour, should be detain'd a Prisoner, fell so suddenly with his Forces upon the Emperour, that he was very near having surprised his Person at Inspruck.* 1.72 Henry II. King of France having also made an Inroad on the o∣ther

side of Germany, surprized Metz, Tullie, and Ver∣dun. King Ferdinand therefore the Emperours Brother interposing his Authority,* 1.73 a Peace was concluded at Passau; where their Religion was secured to the Pro∣testants, till matters could be better setled at the next ensuing Dyet.* 1.74 The Landgrave was released; as like∣wise John Frederick the Elector, who was dismissed out of prison a little before by the Emperour.* 1.75 At last the Religious Peace in Germany was establish'd, at the Dyet at Augsburgh, where it was provided, that neither Par∣ty should annoy one another under the pretext of Re∣ligion, and that such of the Church Lands and Reve∣nues, as the Protestants had been possess'd of before the Peace concluded at Passau, should remain in their possession.* 1.76 The Boors also in Germany raised a most dangerous Rebellion under the Reign of Charles V: of whom there were kill'd above 100000.* 1.77 In the year 1529. the City of Vienna was besieg'd by Solyman the Turkish Emperour, but to no purpose, he being oblig'd to raise the Siege,* 1.78 not without considerable loss: And after∣wards the Turks who were marching with a great Army into Austria, were beaten back again. In the year 1534. the Anabaptists were for erecting a new Kingdom in Munster in Westphalia, under the Conduct of John, a Taylor of Leiden, and one Knipperdolling; who receiv'd the dire Reward of their madness.* 1.79 At last this great Prince Charles V. surrender'd the Imperial Dignity to his Brother Ferdinand I.* 1.80 King of Hungary and Bohemia, who united these two Kingdoms to the House of Austria, he having Married Anna Sister of Lewis King of Hungary and Bohemia, who was slain in the battel fought against the Turks near Mohatz. He Reign'd very peaceably in Ger∣many, and died in the year 1564.* 1.81 Him succeeded his Son Maximilian II. who also Reign'd in peace, except that a Tumult happen'd at that time in Germany, raised by one William Grumpach and his Associates, who having first murther'd Melchior Zobel the Archbishop of Wartz∣burgh, had plunder'd that City; they also endeavour'd to stir up the Nobility and to raise disturbances in other places.* 1.82 This man having been declar'd an Outlaw, was protected by John Frederick Duke of Saxony, who paid dearly for it, Gotha, one of his best strong Holds having been demolish'd, and he himself taken Prisoner▪ Ma∣ximilian

died in the year 1576.* 1.83 Him succeded his Son Rudolph II. who Reign'd also very peaceably in Germany, except that the Hungarian Wars did now and then keep the Germans a little in exercise; and that in the year 1609. the right of Succession in the Country of Juliers was brought in question. At last his Brother Mathias, Arch-Duke of Austria grew impatient to possess his Bro∣thers Inheritance before his death,* 1.84 to him Rudolphus sur∣render'd Hungary and Bohemia, and at his death he left him his other Countries and the Imperial Crown.

§ 14. Under the Reign of Matthias,* 1.85 the ill Humours did so encrease by degrees in Germany, that towards his latter days they caused violent Convulsions. The origin of this war, which lasted thirty years, was this: In the Religious Peace formerly concluded at Passau, two Parties were only included, viz. the Roman Catholicks, and those who adher'd to the Augsburgh Confession,* 1.86 the free exercise of Religion being forbidden to all others. But some of the States of the Empire, among whom the chiefest were the Elector Palatin and the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel, having since that time receiv'd the Reform'd Religion, commonly call'd the Calvinian, the Roman Catholicks were against their enjoying the benefit of the Religious Peace. These on the other hand alledged, that they did belong, as well as the rest, to the Augsburgh Confession, and that the whole difference did only consist in some few passages: But the rest of the Protestants who strictly adher'd to the Words of the Augsburgh Confession, were not for re∣ceiving them into the same Communion, yet it was their opinion, that they ought not to be prosecuted for the differences that were betwixt them. But afterwards these controverted Articles were by the heat of the Priests explain'd in so different a manner, that the name of a Calvinist became as odious to some Protestants, as that of a Roman Catholick. The Roman Catholicks tak∣ing hold of this opportunity, caressed the old Prote∣stants, especially those in the Electorate of Saxony, unto whom they represented the Calvinists as a Gene∣ration equally destructive to both Parties; whereby they hop'd to disjoyn them from the rest, and after they had destroy'd them, to make the easier work with

the rest of the Protestants. These therefore of the Reformed Religion, entered into a Confederacy for their common security; into which there having been receiv'd a great many other Protestant Princes, it was call'd the Evangelical Ʋnion.* 1.87 In opposition to this Confederacy, the Roman Catholicks made an Al∣liance among themselves, which they call'd the Catho∣lick League, whose Head was the Duke of Bavaria, a constant Rival of the Elector Palatin. There happen∣ed also some other matters which had exasperated both Parties, viz. that the Protestants had reduced a great many Church Revenues, after the Peace at Passau; that the Cities of Aix la Chapelle, and Donawerth, had been very hardly dealt withal, and some other matters, which were manifest proofs of the Animosities of both Parties against one another.

§ 15.* 1.88 Both Parties being thus exasperated and pre∣pared for War, did administer fuel to that flame which quickly after broke out in the Kingdom of Bohemia. The Bohemians pretended, that the Em∣perour Matthias had taken from them their Privileges, and having raised a Tumult, did throw three Persons of Quality, who spoke in the Emperours behalf, out of the Castle Windows;* 1.89 and immediatly after en∣tered with an Army into Austria: In the mean while Matthias dy'd,* 1.90 whose Nephew Ferdinand (who also succeeded him in the Empire) the Bohemians had be∣fore his death received for their King; but now, un∣der pretence that he had broken the Contract made betwixt him and the Estates,* 1.91 had renounc'd Ferdinand, and offer'd the Crown to Frederick Elector Palatin. This young Prince was perswaded by some of his Friends, who were of an unsettled Spirit, and not diving deep enough into a business of such Conse∣quence, to accept of this offer, before he had laid a foun∣dation for such an undertaking: For the Bohemians themselves were fickle and unfaithful, Bethlem Ga∣bor Inconstant. England was not for medling in the matter; Holland was very backward in giving assistance. The Union which they chiefly rely'd upon, was a Body with a great many Heads, without vigour, or

any constant Resolution. Besides this, France did en∣deavour to dissolve this League, as being not willing that the Elector Palatin and the rest of the Reform'd Religion, should grow too potent; for fear, that in time they might afford their assistance to the Hugonots, whose destruction was then in agitation at the French Court. In the beginning of this War the Affairs of Ferdinand look'd with an ill Aspect; because Beth∣lem Gabor, Duke of Transilvania, fell into Hungary, in hopes to become Master of that Kingdom; and there were also great discontents among his Subjects in Austria: but he having recovered himself by the Alliance made with the Duke of Bavaria,* 1.92 the Ele∣ctor Palatin lost, with that unfortunate Battel fought on the white Hill near Prague, at once all his former advantages: For Ferdinand soon after reduc'd Bohemia,* 1.93 Moravia, and Silesia to obedience. Spinola made an inroad into the Lower Palatinat, which was deserted by the Forces of the League. The Duke of Bavaria got the Ʋpper Palatinat and the Electoral Dignity. The Elector of Saxony, who had been very instrumental in reducing of Silesia, had for his reward Lusatia, in Fief of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

In the mean time the Marquess of Durlach,* 1.94 Christian Duke of Brunswick, the Earl of Mansfield, and some others who were of the Elector Palatins Party, march'd with their Armies up and down the Country, and the Emperour, under pretence of pursuing them, sent his Forces into all parts of the Empire. Against these the Circle of the Lower Saxony arm'd itself, having made Christian IV. King of Denmark, General of that Circle: But he having receiv'd a great overthrow near Kings Lutter,* 1.95 from Tilly the Imperial General, the Emperour over-run all the Lower Saxony; and ha∣ving oblig'd King Christian to make Peace with him at Lubeck▪* 1.96 he began to get footing near the Coast of the Baltick.* 1.97

§ 16. The Emperour by this success being arri∣ved to such a pitch of Greatness, that he did not question but for the future to be absolute in Germany;* 1.98

did publish a Proclamation, enjoining the Protestants to restore to the Catholicks all such Church Lands or Revenues, as were taken from them since the Peace made at Passau. Under this pretence he hop'd quickly to subdue the rest of the Protestant Princes, not que∣stoning but that the Catholick Estates would easily be forc'd to submit themselves to his pleasure.

The Protestants, 'tis true, enter'd into a Defensive Alliance at Leipsick, but wi••hout any great prospect of success,* 1.99 if Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweedland had not come to their assistance. This King was induc'd to enter Germany, partly because the preservation of his own State seem'd to depend on the Emperours not getting firm footing on the Baltick, partly because several of the German Princes had crav'd his assistance, partly also because the Emperour had assisted the Poles against him in Prussia, and he stood in a good co∣respondency with France and Holland, who were very jealous at the Greatness of the House of Austria.* 1.100 This King came with an Army into Germany, and drove the Imperial Forces out of Pomerania and the neigh∣bouring Countries. In the mean time the Imperial General Tilly had quite destroy'd the City of Magde∣burgh, and was upon his march against the Elector of Saxony, whom he did not question but to rout quick∣ly: But King Gustavus having join'd his Forces with those of the Elector of Saxony, defeated Tilly, in that eminent Battel near Leipsick; where the Emperour at one stroke lost all his hopes which he had conceiv'd from the happy success of his Arms during the space of twelve years before. From thence he march'd on to the Rhine, where he made almost miraculous pro∣gresses; but because the Elector of Saxony had not so vigorously attack'd the Hereditary Countries of the Emperour, he had thereby leisure given him to raise another Army,* 1.101 under the Conduct of Wallenstein; against whom the King lay encamp'd for a considerable time near Nurenbergh; and afterwards in the battel of Lutzen,* 1.102 tho his side gain'd the Victory, he lost his life.

After his death his Generals and Confederates carry'd on the war,* 1.103 under the Conduct of Axel Oxenstem, Chancellour of Sweden, with indiffe∣rent good success; but having receiv'd an entire de∣feat in the battel near Noringen, which they fought without necessity, they lost all their Conquests. The Elector of Saxony having also concluded a peace with the Emperour at Prague,* 1.104 which was extremely dislik∣ed by the Protestant Party;* 1.105 the Emperour was now again in hopes to drive the Swedes by force out of Ger∣many: But by the valour and conduct of their Generals the Swedish Affairs began to look with a better face, who carry'd the War again into the very Hereditary Countries of the Emperour. At last all parties began to incline to a peace; for the Emperour and the Princes of Germany were tired out with the war; France began to be divided at home by Commotions; Holland had made a separate peace with Spain; and the Swedes feared that the Germans, of whom was compos'd the greatest part of their Army, might at last grow weary of being instrumental in the Ruin of their native Coun∣try, or that one unfortunate blow might chance to rob them of the Fruits of their former Victories; a Peace was therefore concluded at Osnabrugge with Sweden, and at Munster with France;* 1.106 by virtue of which the Swedes got a part of Pomerania, Bremen, and Wismas, and five Millions of Crowns for the payment of their Forces.* 1.107 France kept Brisac, Suntgaw, a part of Alsace and Phi∣lipsbourg. By this Peace the Authority of the States of Germany and the Protestant Religion were Establi∣shed at once; and the Emperours Power confin'd with∣in such Bounds, that he could not easily hereafter at∣tempt any thing against either of them; especially since both Sweden and France had a free passage left them, from whence they might easily oppose him,* 1.108 if he de∣sign'd to transgress these Limits. During this war dy'd Ferdinand II.* 1.109 whom succeeded his Son Ferdi∣nand III. who died in the year 1657. In whose stead was, in the year next following, elected Emperour his Son Leopold.

§ 19.* 1.110 After the Westphalian Peace Germany remain∣ed in peace for a considerable time, except that the Emperour and Elector of Brandenburgh (at which time the Swedes were engag'd in a War with Denmark) fell into Pomerania;* 1.111 but these differences were com∣pos'd by the peace made at Oliva. In the year 1663. a war began with the Turks;* 1.112 when the Turks took New••eusel; but were also, especially near St. Godhart; soundly beaten. Some are of opinion, that if the Em∣perour had at that time vigorously purs••ed his Victory, he might have beaten them out of Hungary; since the Turks were put into a great consternation by the Per∣sians, and some Rebellious Bassa's, and the Venetians did so vigorously push on the Siege of Canea: But the Emperour was so forward in making peace with them, because, as it is supposed, he was jealous of France. And in the year 1672. Germany was again entangled in a war with France;* 1.113 which was occasioned by the great progresses of the French against the Hollanders, who were reliev'd by the Emperour and the Elector of Bran∣denburgh: For tho in the year before the Emperour had made an Alliance with France, whereby he had pro∣mised, not to meddle in the War if France should at∣tack one of the Triple Alliance; nevertheless he sent his Forces towards the Rhine, under pretence that it be∣long'd to him as being Emperour, to take effectual care, that the flame which was burning in the neighbouring Countries, might not prove destructive to Germany: And the Elector of Brandenburgh made heavy complaints, that the French had made great havock in his Territo∣ries of Cleves. The French on the other side sent an Army towards Germany, in hopes to oblige the Em∣perour not to concern himself in this War; but the French having not only committed great outrages in the Empire, but also taken into possession the City of Treves, and made great havock in the Palatinat, the Emperor perswaded the States of the Empire to declare war a∣gainst France. Sweden was also afterwards engag'd in the same war;* 1.114 which was ended by the peace made at Nimwegen;* 1.115 whereby France got Friburgh in Bris∣••an, in lieu of Philipsburgh; and Sweden was resto∣red

to those Provinces which it had lost during the war.

§ 18.* 1.116 If we duly consider the Genius of this Na∣tion, which inhabits this great Empire, it is most evi∣dent, that this Nation ever since the memory of Men has been very brave, and addicted to War; and that Ger∣many has been an inexhaustible Source of Souldiers, since there is scarce ever any want of Men, who are ready to serve for Money: and if they are once well Disciplined, they are not only good at the first onset, but are very fit to endure the hardships and inconve∣niences of a long war. There are not in any other Na∣tion so many to be met withal, that are ready to list themselves in Foreign Service for Money; neither ••is there any Country in Christendom where greater Forces both of Horse and Foot may be raised, than in Ger∣many But besides this, the Germans are much addict∣ed and very fit for Commerce, and all sorts of Handy∣crafts Trade; and not only the Inhabitants of the Ci∣ties do apply themselves with great industry to the same; but also if a Countryman gets a little beforehand in the World, he puts his Son to some Handycraft's Trade or another, tho a great many of them afterwards run into the Wars. They are generally very free and ho∣nest, very ambitious to maintain the so much praised Fidelity of the antient Germans; they are not easily stirr'd up to raise Tumults, but commonly are willing to remain under the same Government where they are Educated.

§ 19. Tho the German Empire has no Possessions abroad,* 1.117 except you would account Hungary to be such; which is under subjection to the House of Austria; nevertheless it is a Country of a vast extent by it self, which is full of great and small Cities, Towns and Villages: The Ground is very Fertile in general, there being very few spots to be met withal of any large ex∣tent, which do not produce something or another for the sustenance of Mankind; so that there is every where great plenty of all sorts of Provisions. Germany also abounds in all sorts of Minerals, especially in Mines

of Silver,* 1.118 Copper, Tin, Lead, Iron, Mercury, and other sorts. It has abundance of Springs that furnish waters for the boyling of Salt: and those several great Navigable Rivers wherewith it is adorn'd, make it very commo∣dious to transport its Commodities from one place to a∣nother. The Commodities of Germany are these; v••z. Iron, and all sorts of Instruments made of it, Lead, Mercury, Wine, Corn, Beer, Wooll, course Cloth, all sorts of Linnen and Woollen Manufactories, Horses, Sheep, &c. If therefore the Germans would apply themselves to imitate these Manufactories at home, which are now Imported by Foreigners, or else wou'd be contented with their own, and not make use of Foreign Manufactories, those Commodities which are Exported out of Germany, wou'd much surpass these which are Imported; and therefore it would of neces∣sity grow very Rich, especially since a considerable quantity of Silver is digged out of the Mines there.

§ 20.* 1.119 As for the Form of Government in Germany, it is to be considered, that it is not like some King∣doms, where the Kings have the whole Power in their hands, and according to whose commands the Subjects are obliged to comport themselves; neither is the So∣vereign Power here circumscribed within certain bounds, as it is in some Kingdoms of Europe, where the Kings cannot exercise an absolute Sovereignty without the consent of the Estates: But Germany has its particular Form of Government, the like is not to be met withal in any Kingdom of Europe, except that the antient Form of Government in France came pretty near it. Germany acknowledges but one Supreme Head, under the Title of the Roman Emperour; which Title did at first imply no more than the Sovereignty over the Ci∣ty of Rome, and the Protection of the Church of Rome and her Patrimony. This Dignity was first annexed to the German Empire by Otto I. but it is long ago since the Popes have robb'd the Kings of Germany of this Power, and only have left them the bare Name. But besides this, the Estates of Germany, some of which have great and potent Countries in their possession, have a considerable share of the Sovereignty over their

Subjects; and tho they are Vassals of the Emperour and Empire, nevertheless they ought not to be consi∣der'd as Subjects, or only as potent or rich Citizens in a Government; for they are actually possess'd of the supreme Jurisdiction in Criminal Affairs; they have power to make Laws and to regulate Church Affairs, (which however is only to be understood of the Prote∣stants) to dispose of the Revenues arising out of their own Territories; to make Alliances, as well among them∣selves as with Foreign States, provided the same are not intended against the Emperour and Empire; they may build and maintain Fortresses and Armies of their own, Coin Mony, and the like. This grandeur of the Estates, 'tis true, is a main obstacle that the Emperour cannot make himself absolute in the Empire, except it be in his Hereditary Countries; yet this has been always ob∣serv'd, the more potent the Emperour is, the more he has exercised his Authority, and the Estates have been forced to comply with his commands: and it is certain, that the grandure of the Estates, except what is con∣tained in the Golden Bull concerning the Electoral Dignity, was more founded upon antient Customs and Precedents, than any real Constitutions; till in the Westphalian Peace their Rights and Authority have been expresly and particularly confirm'd and establish'd.

§ 21.* 1.120 Tho it is certain that Germany within itself is so Potent, that it might be formidable to all its Neighbours, if its strength was well united an rightly employ'd; nevertheless this strong Body has also its infirmities, which weaken its strength, and slacken its vigour: its irregular Constitution of Government is one of the chief causes of its Distemper; it being nei∣ther one entire Kingdom, neither properly a Con∣federacy, but participating of both kinds: For the Emperour has not the entire Sovereignty over the whole Empire, nor each Estate in particular over his Territo∣ries; and the former is more than a bare Administra∣tor, yet the latter have a greater share in the Sovereign∣ty than can be attributed to any Subjects or Citizens whatever, tho never so great. And this seems to be the reason why at last the Emperours did quit their

pretensions upon Italy, and the Kingdom of Arclat; because these potent Princes of Germany,* 1.121 and the tur∣bulent Bishops, who were continually stirr'd up by the Popes, used to give them so much work, that they had enough to do to take care of Germany as the main Stake, without being able to concern themselves much about other parts. Yet do I not find any instances in History, that any of the antient Emperours did en∣deavour to subdue the Princes, and to make himself absolute Master of Germany. But this ambitious Design Charles V. as it seems, was first put upon by the Spa∣niards, or, as some will have it, by Nicolas Pereno•• Granvel. And truly the Electors had the same reasons not to have admitted him to the Imperial Dignity, as they had not to admit Francis I. King of France: And common Reason tells us,* 1.122 that no Nation that has the Power of Electing a Prince, ought to choose such a one as if possess'd before of a considerable He∣reditary Estate, that he may think it his Interest to take more care of that than the Elective Kingdom: For he either will certainly be very ca••••less of the In∣terest of the Elective Kingdom, or else he will make the Interest of the Elective Kingdom subservient to that of his Hereditary Countries, and make use of the Strength of the first to maintain the latter, and render it more Powerful; or else he will endeavour, by mak∣ing himself Sovereign over the Elective Kingdom, to make it dependent on his Hereditary Estate. Germany found all these three inconveniencies by experience, under the Reign of this Emperour;* 1.123 for he came very seldom into Germany, and that only en passant: He never made the true Interest of Germany the Rule of his Designs, but all was carried on for the grandeur and increase of his House; and at last, under pretence of Religion, he attempted to suppress entirely the an∣tient Liberty of the Estates. On the contrary, if Ger∣many had an Emperour at that time who had not been possess'd of any Countries, or at least an inconsidera∣ble part without the Empire, the true Interest of the Empire would have been his Rule; and it would have been his business not to side with either of these two Potent and couragious Nations of the French and Spa∣niards,

but to have look'd upon them like an Arbitrator, and whilst they had been fighting together to have, according to the circumstances of Affairs, sometimes ballanc'd one, sometimes another, so that one might not become Master of the other; and thereby gain such advantages, as might prove prejudicial to Germany: For it is a far different case, whether I come in be∣twixt two Parties as a Mediator, or whether I am engaged to one certain Party: For in the first Case, I can engage my self as deep as I think fit, and at least take care to come off harmless; but in the latter case I must needs be a loser, let things go how they will, and at last another shall reap the Fruits of my Labour.

And to give a specious Colour to these Consequences,* 1.124 so perjudicial to Germany, Charles V. did gain this Point, at the Dyet of Augsburgh, upon the Estates, at that time,* 1.125 when having brought the Protestants very low, no body durst oppose it, that they should take up∣on them the Guarantie of the Circle of Burgundy; whereby Germany was obliged to be always engaged in the Wars betwixt Spain and France, and with its Treasure and Men to assist the Spaniards in the defence of the Netherlands. I must confess, that it is not the Interest of Germany, to see these Countries fall altoge∣ther into the hands of France; nevertheless it is not ab∣solutely necessary that the Estates in Germany should Ruin themselves for their sake; since there are others also, who are better able, and have the same Interest that Germany has, to preserve these Provinces. The attempt which Charles V. made against the Protestant Religion in Germany, was a true Spanish Design: For not to mention here the notorious Falsities in the Roman Ca∣tholick Religion, I cannot for my life see, what could move the Emperour, if his aim had been for the sole Interest of the Empire, to act contrary to the general Inclination of the Nation, and not rather to take hold of this so fa∣vourable opportunity, to free himself from the Tyranny of the Popes, who for several Ages together had tram∣pled upon the German Empire; and with the super∣fluous Church-Lands, to encrease his own, and the Revenues of the Empire, or at least to give liberty to the Bishops to Marry without quitting their Church

Benefices. If the Emperour would have given a help∣ing hand, the Reformation would have been as easily setled in Germany, as it was in Sweden, England and Denmark

After these Spanish States Maxims had lain a while dormant,* 1.126 they were at last revived, and that with more vigour, under the Reign of Ferdinand II. besides a great deal of misery which did from thence accrue to Germa∣ny: this was the cause that the Estates of Germany, to preserve their Liberty, were obliged to seek for Foreign Aid, by which means they maintain'd their Liberty; but it had been questionless more advantageous to Ger∣many, not to have wanted the assistance of Foreigners, who were not forgetful to make their own advantage by it. Now if it may be supposed, that there are some remnants of the Spanish Leaven, it may easily be con∣jectur'd, what jealousie and distrusts must be betwixt the Members of the Empire, and how contrary and dif∣ferent their Counsels and Actions must needs be: and tho perhaps by setling a good understanding betwixt the Supreme Head and Estates, a medium might be found out to obviate this and some other inconveni∣encies, yet the••e reign various and great Distempers amongst the Estates themselves, which seem to render the best Remedies and Counsels either ineffectual, or at least very difficult: Among these must be counted the Religious Differences betwixt the Catholicks and the Protestants in general; which Differences do not only depend on the several Opinions in Matters of Faith, but also on a Worldly Interest; the Catholicks endeavouring upon all occasions to recover such Pos∣sessions as were taken from them since the Reformation; and the Protestants being resolved to maintain them∣selves in the Possession of them. Wherefore it has been observ'd, that sometimes the Roman Catholicks have been more guided by their particular Interest, and by their Clergy, than by that of the Publick. Nay, it is to be fear'd, that if Germany should be vigorously attack'd by a potent Foreign Enemy, that some of the Popish Bigots would not be so backward in submit∣ting themselves under the yoke, and be willing to lose one Eye, provided the Protestants might lose both.

Beside, the Protestants are again sub-divided into two Parties;* 1.127 there being among them some differences concerning several Articles of Faith; which, by the heat of the Clergy, were widen'd to that degree, that both Parties were brought to the very brink of Ruin. The great number of Estates augments the Distemper, it being next to an impossibility, that among so many, there should not be some, who either promp∣ted by their passions, obstinacy, or for want of Un∣derstanding, may not deviate from the true Interest, or be misled by ill Counsellours to act against the same; so that it would be a miracle to see so many Heads not well united. The Estates are also very unequal in Power; from whence it often happens, that some of the most Potent are for being like Sovereigns, and therefore be∣ing inclin'd rather to act according to their particular Interest and Grandeur than for the Publick, they make little account how they Ruin the less powerful. These therefore, when they see that the Laws cannot pro∣tect them, are at last oblig'd to take more care of their own preservation, than of the Publick Liberty, as thinking it indifferent by whom they are oppress'd. Not to mention here, the jealousies which is betwixt the three Colleges of the Empire, and the several pre∣tensions and differences which are among some of the Estates: I could wish that I could find out as easie a remedy against these and some other the like Diseases, as I have enumerated them, and demonstrated their pernicious Consequences.

§ 22 As to the Neighbours of Germany,* 1.128 the Turks border upon Stiria, Croatia, and Hungary: The two last do not properly belong to Germany, but yet belong to the House of Austria, and are like a Bulwork to it; so that Germany is much concern'd in the pre∣servation of them. The Turkish Emperour has greater Revenues out of his vast Territories, and perhaps is able to raise a greater number of Men than the Ger∣mans can do; nevertheless he is not so formidable to them: for the Hungarian Wars are very troublesom to the Turks;* 1.129 because the Asiatick Forces, and other supplies of Provision and Ammunition, are not without

great difficulty carried so far; neither can these Forces be put into Winter Quarters there, as being not used to so cold a Climate, the neighbouring depopulated Provinces being also not able to maintain them. The Turks also are in continual fear, that, as soon as they have bent their whole Force against Hungary, the Per∣sians may fall upon them on the other side, or some of the Bassa's towards the East Revolt from them. And a well Disciplin'd Army of Germans, will scarce shrink before all the Turkish Forces; and when Germany is resolv'd to stand the brunt, the Turks will, I believe, qu••ckly be weary of attacking it.* 1.130 Italy is in no ways to be compared with Germany either for its strength or number of Men, besides that it is divided into several States, by which it is disabled to attack any Foreign State, much less so Potent an Empire, which being possess'd of some Passes leading into Italy, might in time take an opportunity to renew its pretensions upon that Country.

The Switzers are very good Neighbours to Germany,* 1.131 as having neither will nor power to attack it, especi∣ally since they are destitute of good Horsemen: Neither can Poland compare its strength with Germany;* 1.132 for tho the Poles can bring a great number of Horse into the Field, yet they are not to be compared with the German Horse, much less their Foot, to the German Infantry: wherefore the Poles cannot undertake any considerable and if the Poles should enter into an Alliance with ano∣ther Prince, and make a diversion to the Germans, by falling upon the back of them, it would not be difficult for the Germans to be even with them; since they are not well provided with Frontier Places, or any strong Holds within the Country which are able to withstand an Enemy; whereas in Germany they would meet with Places which would give them sufficient work: And in such a case perhaps the Muscovites might easily be prevailed withal to fall vpon the back of them: but it is not to be supposed, that such a Commonwealth as this will easily attempt an offensive War against its Neighbours; yet it is of great consequence to Germany, that Poland may not be brought under subjection to the Turks, or any other Power. And these two Nations are able to do one another considerable

Services, if they would with their Joint-Forces attack the Turks.

Denmark has no pretensions upon Germany,* 1.133 and the best Land-Forces of the Danes being Listed in Germany, their Army may be Ruin'd, only by the Emperours re∣calling the Germans out of that Service, if they should attempt any thing against the Empire. Neither do I believe that Germany, but especially the Circles of the Higher and Lower Saxony, will be so careless of their own Interest, as to let Denmark become master of Ham∣borough and Lubeck.

England cannot do any harm to Germany,* 1.134 except by disturbing the Trade of Hamburgh; tho it seems to be the Interest of the English, rather to enjoy the benefit of their Free Trade there. On the other hand, the Germans may do a service to the English against the Hollanders, by Land, whilst these are engag'd with them in a War at Sea.

Holland has neither power nor inclination to attack Germany:* 1.135 For if the Germans should be recall'd out of the Service of the Dutch, their Land-Forces would make but a very indifferent show: Neither can they reap any benefit by making new Conquests; but it seems rather to be for their purpose to keep fair with the Germans, that in case of a War with their Neigh∣bours, they may make use of their assistance.

Spain cannot pretend to do any considerable mischief to Germany,* 1.136 if the Head and Members are well united; but if it should joyn with the Head against the Mem∣bers it may prove mischievous, especially by the assi∣stance of their Money: but in such a case there would questionless not be wanting some that would oppose its designs.

Swedeland alone is not so powerful as to be in any ways formidable to Germany;* 1.137 neither is this Kingdom for making any more Conquests on that side, since there∣by it would lose more of its own strength, than it can gain by them: but on the other hand, it is of great Consequence to Sweden, that the state of Reli∣gion and of the Government, remain in the same con∣dition as it was setled in the Westphalian Peace; nei∣that Germany be subjected or ruled by any absolute Power.

France has of late made itself so Powerful,* 1.138 that this Kingdom alone may do more mischief to the Germans, than any of the rest of their Neighbours. France, in consideration of its Form of Government, has a consi∣derable advantage over Germany; for the King there has all the best Men, and the Purses of his Subjects at command, and employs them as he thinks fit: But however such is the strength of Germany, that if well united, it need not much dread France; for Germany is capable of raising as numerous, if not more nume∣rous Armies, than France, and may as easily recruit them: Besides this, the German Souldiers (every thing duly consider'd) will scarce turn their backs to the French. There might also be a way found out, for Germany to keep always a sufficient Army on foot against France; at least it is not easily to be suppos'd, that if France should attack Germany in good earnest, all the rest of Europe would be lookers on: but if Ger∣many be divided within it self, so that either one Party should join with France, whilst some others stand Neu∣ters, till France has devour'd some of the Neighbouring States, then nothing but fatal Consequences can at∣tend it.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Te antient condition of Germany.
• * 1.2

  Charles t••e Great.
• * 1.3

  Lewis the Pious.
• * 1.4

  Lewis K. of Germa∣n••.
• * 1.5

  C. Crassus.
• * 1.6

  8••7.
• * 1.7

  894.
• * 1.8

  899.
• * 1.9

  Lewis the Child.
• * 1.10

  9••5.
• * 1.11

  9••1.
• * 1.12

  Cunrad.
• * 1.13

  Henry the Faulconer.
• * 1.14

  Otto the Great.
• * 1.15

  ••62.
• * 1.16

  Otto II.
• * 1.17

  Otto I▪
• * 1.18

  1001.
• * 1.19

  1024.
• * 1.20

  Conrad II.
• * 1.21

  1034.
• * 1.22

  Henry III:
• * 1.23

  Henry IV.
• * 1.24

  The Pope gives him great trouble
• * 1.25

  1084.
• * 1.26

  H•••• S••n R••∣••els.
• * 1.27

  1106.
• * 1.28

  Henry V.
• * 1.29

  1122.
• * 1.30

  1125.
• * 1.31

  Lothar••us the Sax••n.
• * 1.32

  Fredrick I.
• * 1.33

  1189.
• * 1.34

  Henry VI.
• * 1.35

  Philip
• * 1.36

  1208.
• * 1.37

  Otto VI.
• * 1.38

  Frederick II.
• * 1.39

  The ••ue••fs and G••b••••lins.
• * 1.40

  1245.
• * 1.41

  1254.
• * 1.42

  A long in∣te••regnum.
• * 1.43

  1255.
• * 1.44

  R••d••lph ••arl of Habsbu••••h
• * 1.45

  1273.
• * 1.46

  Adolph
• * 1.47

  Albert I.
• * 1.48

  1308.
• * 1.49

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 VII.
• * 1.50

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 by •• Monk.
• * 1.51

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.52

  Exc••mmu∣nic••ted b••••••••e Pope.
• * 1.53

  Charles IV.
• * 1.54

  T••e Golden Bull.
• * 1.55

  Wenceslaus.
• * 1.55.1

  1400.
• * 1.56

  Fred••rick o•• Bru••s••ick.
• * 1.57

  Rupert.
• * 1.58

  Sigismund.
• * 1.59

  1393.
• * 1.60

  Albert II.
• * 1.61

  Fredrick III
• * 1.62

  Maximi∣lian I.
• * 1.63

  Charles V.
• * 1.64

  1517.
• * 1.65

  The Refor∣mation.
• * 1.66

  1521.
• * 1.67

  1529.
• * 1.68

  The Rise of the Name of Protestants.
• * 1.69

  1530.
• * 1.70

  The League at Smalkald
• * 1.71

  1546.
• * 1.72

  1552.
• * 1.73

  A Peace concluded.
• * 1.74

  1552.
• * 1.75

  1555.
• * 1.76

  An Insur∣rection of the Boors.
• * 1.77

  1525.
• * 1.78

  1532.
• * 1.79

  He Resign.
• * 1.80

  Ferdinand I.
• * 1.81

  Maximi∣lian II.
• * 1.82

  1567.
• * 1.83

  R••dolph II.
• * 1.84

  1612.
• * 1.85

  Matthias.
• * 1.86

  Origin of the German Wars.
• * 1.87

  Th•• Evan∣gelical U∣nion.
• * 1.88

  The Bohe∣mian Tu∣mults.
• * 1.89

  1618.
• * 1.90

  Fer••inand I
• * 1.91

  T••e Crown of Bohemia offer'd to the Electo•• Palatin.
• * 1.92

  The ill suc∣ces•• of the Elector Pa∣latin.
• * 1.93

  1620.
• * 1.94

  Th•• War spread in Ge••ma••y.
• * 1.95

  1626.
• * 1.96

  1629.
• * 1.97

  The Procl••∣mation con∣cerning Churc•• Lan••s.
• * 1.98

  1629.
• * 1.99

  Gustavus A••olphus.
• * 1.100

  1630.
• * 1.101

  1632.
• * 1.102

  Gustavus'•• D••••th.
• * 1.103

  Th•• Wa•• continue••.
• * 1.104

  1634.
• * 1.105

  1635.
• * 1.106

  Peace of Osn••••rugge and France.
• * 1.107

  1648.
• * 1.108

  1637.
• * 1.109

  Ferdinand t••e Third.
• * 1.110

  Leopold.
• * 1.111

  1659.
• * 1.112

  War with the Turk
• * 1.113

  War with France.
• * 1.114

  Peace of Nim••e••••n▪
• * 1.115

  1679.
• * 1.116

  The Genius o•• this Na∣tion.
• * 1.117

  Nature of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Soil.
• * 1.118

  Its Commo∣dities.
• * 1.119

  Form of Government
• * 1.120

  Stren••th and weak∣n••ss of this Empire.
• * 1.121

  Wh•• the Emperour quitted the Kingdom of Arclat.
• * 1.122

  What is the Interest of the Ele∣ctors.
• * 1.123

  The Con∣duct of Charles.
• * 1.124

  Of the Ga••∣ranties of the Circle of Bur••undy.
• * 1.125

  1548.
• * 1.126

  Ferdinand pursu••s th•• Spanish M••xims.
• * 1.127

  T•••• diffe∣rence be∣tw••xt h•• Protestants.
• * 1.128

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.129

  T••e Turks.
• * 1.130

  Italy.
• * 1.131

  ••h•• Swisse.
• * 1.132

  Poland.
• * 1.133

  Denmark.
• * 1.134

  Englan••.
• * 1.135

  Holla••d.
• * 1.136

  Sp••i••.
• * 1.137

  Sweden.
• * 1.138

  France.