To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
BEing now become Lords and Masters, they in the first place seized on Maurice Church,* 1.1 and burnt it, and the houses all about it; thence falling forcibly upon other holy places and Monasteries, they carried away Gold, Silver, Ornaments and Utensils, and whatsoever else was of any consequence. Upon the fourth day af∣ter those rapines, trudging up and down the streets and high-wayes, they with a horrible howling, uttered, Re∣pent,
Repent! to which they added, Depart, depart, be gone ye wicked, otherwise woe be to you! This done, they immediately went armed in multitudes, and with unspeakable barbarisme and cruelty, turned out their miserable fellow-citizens, as enemies to their Re∣ligion▪ out of their houses and possessions, and thrust them out of the City without any consideration of age or sexe, so that many women with child had this mis∣fortune seconded with that of dangerous abortions. The Anabaptists presently by what right they please, seize to themselves the possessions of the banished: so that the honest and godly party being cast out of the City, fell into the hands of the souldiers, who had block'd up the City and all the avenues, as among ene∣mies, by whom some were taken, others unadvisedly kil∣led; at which entreaty the other honester part of citi∣zens being discouraged, and seeing, that guilty and not guilty fared alike, would not stirre a foot out of the City; which being closely besieged by the Bishops Ar∣my, all places were filled with blood, ••igh••, ••eares. Now do the mad men of Munster, and such as no Hellebo••e can have any effect on, grow insufferably insolent, and above all, that great Prophet Iohn Mathias, of whom we have spoken before: But that sally of his out of the City, those of Munster looked on as a great Omen of their destruction, & thought that the unexpected death of that most holy man did signify, that some great calamity did hang over their heads.* 1.2 But Iohn Buckhold must be his successor, a lid fit for the other pot; who addressing himself to the people, comforted them, perswading them that they ought not to mourn for that unlooked for miscarriage of the Prophet, for that it had long before been revealed to him,* 1.3 and withall, that he should marry his widow. Upon Easter Eve they fell upon all the Churches and places of devotion about the City, and pulled down all the brasse works. Some few dayes after, Bernard Knipperdoling prophesied that all the chiefest men ought to be disqualified and degraded, and that the poor and the humble were to be exalted. He also de∣clared, that it was the command of the divine Oracle▪ that all Churches should be demolished, which indeed was sufficiently performed. The very same day Iohn
Buckhold putting into the hands of Bernard Knipperdo∣ling,* 1.4 the Executioners sword, conferred on him withall his employment, and that according to Gods com∣mand; so that he who had discharged the office of a Con∣sul, was now to execute that most dishonourable em∣ployment of a common executioner. This most excel∣lent condition he cheerfully accepted. By this time had the City been besieged some moneths by the Bishops for∣ces when resolving to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, they lost both Gentlemen, Commission Officers & others,* 1.5 to the number of about four thousand, upon which they quitted all hope of taking it by force. Some few dayes after Whitsuntide, the City being notwithstanding the dis-execution of that assault still besieged, was wholy taken up to rest and imaginary dreams, wherein there were spent three whole days; which done, THE ANABAPTIST being awaken, acted the part of Zacharias, Iohn Baptist's father; for, pretending to be dumb,* 1.6 he desired to have a Table-book; wherein he wrote down the names of twelve men, who should be as it were the twelve Elders of Israel, and should admini∣ster all things at Munster, as if it were the New Ierusa∣lem, and this he affirmed that he was commanded to do from heaven▪ By this brokery did this crafty knave chalk out his way to that soveraign dignity whereof he was so ambitious. But in the mean time, consider by what a strange Stitch this excellently wicked Botcher did utterly dis-repute that Magistrate whom God had ordained, and by the assistance of most illusive dreams & his own excel∣lency of playing the impostor,* 1.7 he possessed himself of that dignity. A while after our Prophet advanced certain con∣clusions tending to the allowance of Polygamy,* 1.8 whereat the Ecclesiasticks made some opposition, but afterwards were content to sit still. So that, not long after the Prophet at one bou•• took to him three wives,* 1.9 whereof the most eminent was the widow of the deceased Prophet Io. Ma∣thias, and whom he afterwards dignified with the title of Queen▪ This example of Kingship, some other knaves like himself did without any difficulty admit;* 1.10 but divers of the more godly citizens, looking on this thing with the grea∣test indignation that might be,* 1.11 repairing to the Market place laid hands on the Prophet Knipperdoling, which oc∣casioning the people to take up arms, they set upon those
citizens in the palace,* 1.12 and having taken them, they delive∣red the Prophet and the Ecclesiasticks out of their hands. Nine and forty of the said citizens were after a most barbarous manner put to death. Hereupon the Prophet cried out,* 1.13 that all those who should do any violence to those enemies of God, should do God a very high peice of service, whence it came to passe, that some were torn in peices with Hooks, and not a few killed by Knip∣perdoling himself. Upon the four and twentieth of Iune,* 1.14 which is the day of the Nativity of Iohn Baptist, in the year one thousand five hundred thirty four, at Munster or rather Monster, (for so may that place be called from the monstrous and portentous pullulation of Anabaptists) there sprung from Hell another new Prophet,* 1.15 one Iohn Tuysentschreuer, a Goldsmith of Wa∣rendorp. The people being generally summoned to the Market place, this man acquainted them, that the most holy Prophet Iohn Buckhold of Leiden was to be exal∣ted to Kingly Dignity, and that he should inherit the eternal seat of his Father David, and should possesse it with farre greater Majesty. Having prophecied these things,* 1.16 Buckhold kneeling down confirmed all, saying, that so much had been revealed to him from God the Father ten dayes before; though it was against his inclination to undertake the difficulties of Govern∣ment. The common people being astonished at this extravagant piece of villany, tore their hair as they went; yet however some might smell out the cheat, fear was able to stifle all murtering. For, this Beast fatten'd for destruction, having been very successeful in some encoun∣ters, had now assum'd what Authority he pleased▪ Behold, he that at Leiden was but a Botcher,* 1.17 is made King at Mun∣ster, Iohn Buckhold is invested with all the Regalia of su∣preme Authority. Having hereupon immediately degra∣ded the twelve Counsellours of State,* 1.18 according to the wonted manner, he constitutes a Viceroy, a Controller of his houshold, four Huissers or common Cryers, a Noble man, a Chancellour, Cup-bearers, Carvers, and Tasters, and Master-builders, and disposed of all other offices; as Princes use to do. The Kingly robes were some made of waterd stuffes,* 1.19 some made of silk, some of pure silk, some scarlet, some made more sumptuous
with the Gold of the Ornaments which the sacriledge had furnished him with, so that it can hardly be expres∣sed, how artificially, how gallantly, how indeed Empe∣ror-like they were interwoven, being embroyder'd with gold, edg'd, scollop'd, and dispos'd into divers colours. His spurs were gilt with gold, and he had two Crownes of solid gold, and a golden scabbard. The King walk∣ing in these ornaments, two young men in a Courtly and magnificent habit, one of each side of him accompa∣nied him, whereof one carried a naked sword, the handle whereof glister'd with gold and precious stones; the other held up the holy Bible, together with a golden Crown shining with most excellent pearls. A certain jewel dazeling the beholders with the bright sparkling of a Diamond, and whereat was hanged a golden apple (to represent as it were the world) wounded through with two swords a cross, hang'd at his neck. His Scepter was set forth with three golden incirculations. His No∣bles, who were eight and twenty in number, clad in green and ashie coloured garments, and having on white Turbants,* 1.20 accompani'd him. The Kings title was, THE KING OF IVSTICE, THE KING OF THE NEW IERVS ALEM▪ In the Market place there was erected a Throne for him of three steps high, which, when the King sate in it, was adorned with ornaments of more then Attalick sumptuousnesse▪* 1.21 Some money he caused to be coin'd,* 1.22 whereon was this Latin Inscription, VERBVM CARO FACTVM QVOD HABITAT IN NOBIS, that is, The word made flesh, which dwelleth in us. The City being all this while besieg'd, the Prophets and the Doctors published the book call'd THE RE∣STITVTIONS, wherein they endeavoured to de∣fend that monstrous (I would say Munstrous) and sedi∣tious tumult, and all those almost infinite inconveni∣ences that were cons••quent to it: but to prevent that poysonous Hydra, a Gospel antidote was prescrib'd. In the moneth of August, about S. Bartholomew's day, Iohn Tuysentschreuer went sounding a ••rumpet through all the streets, thereby inviting all to the Lords Palace, where there being a sumptuous feast prepared, he mag∣nificently entertained all that came. The King him∣self,
the Queen, and all the Courtiers waited on them▪ At the last course he gave to every one a loaf of unlea∣vened bread,* 1.23 saying, Take, eat, and celebrate the Lords death; which done, the Queen in like manner carri∣ed about the Cup, by which ceremony, the Supper of the Lord, or rather that Scean of pleasure, wantonness, and temerity, was certainly very frolickly celebrated. Hunger being banished farre enough by this feast, the Prophet Tuysentschreuer goes up to preach, requiring of them obedience and complyance with the word of God,* 1.24 whereunto, (with one head and as with one eye) they unanimously consented. This obtained;* 1.25 he ac∣quaints them, that it was revealed from the heavenly Father, that eight and twenty Ecclesiasticks should de∣part out of this City, that should preach our doctrine throughout the world, whose names he recommended, and designed the w••y they were to take their journey, that is to say, six for Osenburg, as many for Warendorp, eight for Soyst, (for which quarter he himself was one) and the rest for Coesveld. These exercises performed, the King went to Supper, and at the second watch of the night caused the forementioned Apostles to take their journey, giving unto each of them a peece of gold, with this charge, that neglecting their own safety, they should deposit it for a note and testimony of consequent condemnation wherever they bestowed it. They went their Wayes,* 1.26 and never returned again, all having (ex∣cept one who escaped the Gallows) met with punishments corespondent to their sedition. For, being entred the fore-recommended Cities, they in a direful manner howl'd out their, Repent, repent, the axe is laid to the root of the Tree; if you repent not and be rebaptized, woe be to you, ye are undone. But the several Senates of the said Cities caused them to be apprehended, and brought before them to give an account of themselves; who answered, That they were divine Preachers of the Gospel, called and sent by God, and that all those who would re∣ceive their doctrine must be baptized, and that all things were to be made common;* 1.27 but to those that should neglect these things, they were to leave the golden coin of eternal damnation. Nay further, That the Gospel had not been preached as it should have been, since the times of Christ
and the Apostles, but that there were two Prophets, the Progeny of truth it self, slip'd down as it were from Hea∣ven, viz. Iohn of Leyden, and David George born at Delph in the Low-countries; that there were many false Prophets, that is to say, the Pope of Rome, and Martin Luther of Wittemberg, who was worse then the Pope. Being taken and cast into Irons, they were asked, by what Right or priviledge they had thrust out of the City so many godly people, together with their wives and children, not granting them any toleration for their Religion, and had disinherited them of all they had? To which they replyed,* 1.28 That the time was now drawing nigh, wherein the meek and the humble should inherit the earth, and that they followed the example of the Israe∣lites, who with Gods approbation took away from the Egyp∣tians their jewels and ear••rings. Moreover, they boasted that Munster was well furnished with provisions, am∣munition, and all things requisite to warre, and that the King did daily expect great recruits out of Holland, Zealand and other places,* 1.29 by the means and assistance whereof, he should bring the whole world under subje∣ction; & all wicked & refractory Princes being subdued, should establish the peaceful reign of Justice. About the same time another Prophet fell down from heaven, one Henry Hilverse, a notable ••nave. This man acquain∣ted the King that it was revealed to him from heaven, that God was pleased to bestow on him three most rich Cities, Amsterdam, Daventry, & Wesell, near Lippa. Upon this Divine message, he advises with his Counsellours, whom he were best to send thither to baptise them with his baptisme. In the first place he sends Iohn Campensis to Amsterdam▪ to be the chiefest man in that City, to whom he assigned for companion and co-Apostle Iohn Mathias of Metellburg. These being sent into Holland, issuing out of their holes, kept themselves among those of their own tribe, and infected most Cities with the mortal infection of their doctrines. For at Leyden, about Ianuary in the year following,* 1.30 viz. one thou∣sand five hundred thirty and five, very many by the per∣swasion of Anabaptisme, and by the means of its conta∣gious Conventicles, were baptized into the baptisme of death. About the end of the year one thousand five
hundred thirty and five▪ this Kingly Botcher sent into Fris∣land a most subtle fellow,* 1.31 and one very well experienced in warlike affaires, whom he furnished with very great summes of money which had been raised out of the sa∣criledges, wherewith he should raise souldiers in Zeland, and should raise the close siege which was then before the City. He being departed, managed his affaires very secretly with the assistance of those of his way, and at length, upon the last of March one thousand five hun∣dred thirty and five, having gotten together some hun∣dreds of souldiers he set upon the Monastery, which also was called old Munster, drove away the Monks, and having plundered all, he there pitched his tents, out of hopes thereby to strengthen his party by the accession of any that should come in.* 1.32 But G••orge Sckenck the then Governour of Friesland, having with as much expedition as could be got together certain expeditionary forces, besieges these tumul••uary Rioters, and gave an assault to the place, which though they avoyded as much as might be by a gallant defence, yet had they their belly∣full of murther, blood, and dry blowes, so that they were all destroyed, save threescore and two, who being brought to Leoward were paid for their audacious folly with the wages of death▪ The Ringleader of this businesse, who was also the Camp-master, Iohn Geel escaping at this sight, flies to Amsterdam, to prove the occasion of a greater slaughter. For many Anabaptists being found in that place, whom Iohn Campensis had strangely fascinated, to engage them the more, they made promises to them of golden mountains, and talk'd highly of the Magnificence and Liberty of the Anabap∣tists of Munster, and cryed up the new kingdom of Iustice upon earth; for the report of the siege and defence of Munster had smitten, and raised up the mindes of a many; in regard the City being closely besieged by a potent Army, yet performed religious duties without any disturbance. Hence c••me it to passe▪ that the Liberty and Liberality of the City was celebrated beyond all truth and beliefe, and there wanted not a many who desired to be embarqu'd in the same Fortune▪ There was therefore at Amsterdam a Burgher called Henry Gotbelit, a strong man and warlikely given, who being bathed in
the waters of Anabaptisme, joyned his endeavours with those of Iohn Goel. For by divers pretences and crafty shifts (which it is not worth our labour to repeat in this place) they drew together six hundred Anabaptists,* 1.33 with whose assistance their intention was to have possessed themselves of Amsterdam, to enrich themselves, and to introduce the Religion of those of Munster. Where∣upon, upon the tenth day of May, the chiefest that were engaged in this conspiracy, having their Rendezvous at the house of Peter Gael,* 1.34 broke out in the night time to the Market place, wherein being more and more secon∣ded by some of their own, they killed some of the Watch, and some they kept prisoners. But the Burghers making head, discharged some Musquets at the Anabaptists, who most unworthily, when their Consuls were cruelly killed, entrusted their safety to their heels; so that the others courages being heightened by this, they violently ran upon the Deuterobaptists,* 1.35 and after a most bloody engagement put them to the worst, wherein Iohn Geel and Gotbelit were slain, Iames Campensis was taken and put to death. Now other Tumults had already forced others from those places, the prevention whereof could not be possibly without the infinite inconvenien∣ces which fell upon the honester sort. There wanted not also some clandestine vipers, who disguisedly waited for the restauration of the kingdome of Israel (as they called it) whereof one being apprehended at Leyden, and upon examination put to the question, confessed, That the King of the Anabaptists who was a Hollander, sojourned then at Vtricht, and had not yet began his reign, but that according to the good hope they had conceived of him, and the confidence placed in him, they doubted not but he would undertake it▪ Having with what's above, gotten out of this fellow, that some gold and silver vessels and other ornaments had by a most wicked surprise, been taken out of their Churches by the means of their King, and who with his follow∣ers had attempted some most detestable villanies, it was discover'd that there could no other be meant ther David George. I crave thy pardon, courteous Reader if I acquaint thee, that it is not any thing the lesse for thy advantage, if, in the description of these rotten an••
contemptible rags and menstruous clouts of humanity, I have woven a longer web of discourse then thou didst expect. Although Iohn Buckhold, and the other Pro∣phets had entertained the ignorant greedy vulgar with hopes of more then Arabian wealth; yet the citizens be∣ing daily more and more streightned by the siege, were accordingly brought into greater perplexities, and be∣ing brought low by the famine, which is the consumma∣tion of all misery,* 1.36 began, as it for the most part hap∣pens, upon the barking of the stomack, to snatle at one another, to grumble and complain, and to hold pri∣vate consultations about the taking of their King, and by delivering him to the enemies, to better the terms of their composition. But the King, the stitcher and botcher of all deceit,* 1.37 being afraid of himself, chose out of all the people twelve men in whom he could place most confidence, and these he called his Captains, assign∣ing to them their several guards and posts in the City, which they were to make good. This done, he promi∣sed the citizens that the close siege should be raised be∣fore Easter; for he was confident that a certain emissary, whom he had sent into Zeland, Holland and Friezland should return with such supplies, as by a furious and desperate assault made upon the besiegers should deliver the City: But hope it self was to him become hopelesse, nor could safety it self save him.* 1.38 To his Captains as he called them, 'tis incredible what wealth he promised, such as the fabulous riches of Pactolus and the treasures of Midas should not make good, with oceans of goods (which haply must be paid them out of his dreams) and that after the City were relieved, they should be Dukes and Governours of Provinces, and particularly that Iohn Denker should be Elector of Saxony? But behold, in the mon••th of February, a sad face of things appeared, many being meerly starved to death, which occasioned, that one of his Queens (for he had gotten a many) Elza or Elisabeth, who was distinguished by the name of the Glove maker, had bin often heard to say, that the most cruel sword of Famine came not from God, which though he had not heard himself,* 1.39 having caused her to be brought with his other wives into the Market place, he struck off her head, kneeling in the midst of them, which
done; insulting over her, he affirmed that she had carried her self as a common prostituted whore, and had been disobedient to him, while in the mean time her fellow Queens sung this hymne, Glory be to God on high, &c. Easter day being now dawning; and no hope of delive∣rance shining on them, the common people with just reason were extreamly astonished; nor, considering how things were carried, could they have any longer patience. In this conjuncture of affaires, to elude the people, ac∣cording to his wonted insinuations,* 1.40 he seignes him∣self to be sick, and that after six dayes, he would appear publickly in the Market place, but that as to the deliverance which they were to expect according to his intimation, it was to be understood after a spiritual manner, and so it should certainly come to passe. For he affirmed for a most certain truth, that in a divine dream he saw himself riding on an Asse, and bearing the unspeakable weight of sin, and that all that had fol∣lowed him were freed from their sins. But indeed they may be fitly said to be like Asses that rub one another; or to the Blinde leading about the Blinde. It is a great affliction, it is a pennance to repeat the miseries and the woeful consequences of Famine and want.* 1.41 There were a many who being impatient of so long hunger, revolted to the enemy, not so much out of hope of compassion, as to accelerate their own deaths; not a few creeping upon all four, endeavoured to get away; for being weak and strengthlesse, they could hardly fasten their feet on the ground; some falling down were content to give up the ghost in the place where they lay. There you might see a sad spectacle of foreheads and cheeks pale as ashes, temples fallen, eyes sunk into hollow∣nesse, sharp no••es, ears shrivel'd, lips black and blew, throats slender as those of spiders; to be short, Hippo∣cratical faces, living carcases, and excellent shadows of men. They had sowne certain kindes of seeds and pulses in the City, which for a time served for high delicacies to the grumbling stomack; but these being soon de∣voured by the hungry belly, Cats, Dormice, and Rats, which themselves were almost starv'd to anatomies, be∣came (doubtful) entertainments. Some were reduced to that inhumane necessity, that they fed on the flesh of
the buried carcasses; some drest the feet of sweaty wool∣len socks, some cut to p••••ces the parings of tanned lea∣ther, and mincing them with some other things, bak'd them and made them serve for bread. To this we may adde, that the most wickedly obstinate citizens were not yet convinced, that by crafty insinuations and specious suggestions they were brought into the noose, whom therefore he still entertained with considerations of Mag∣nanimity, and the deliverance they were yet constantly to expect from God; but as for those who admitted any thoughts of running away, and endeavoured to avoyd their miseries, he peremptorily sends for, & like a publick Robber taking away all that their industry had furnished them with, depart, sayes he, and be gone to the Hereticks, and bid farwell to this place.* 1.42 The King, though he had gotten at his house sufficient provision for two moneths, yet was he willing to embrace all occasions whereby he might keep up the heart of the City which now conti∣nually barked for sustenance. To which end, behold a certain man named Iohn Longstrat,* 1.43 being a Nobleman and privy Counsellor to the King, and one of whom he was very confident, bo••sted that he would within fourteen days relieve this hunger-stav••'d City, both with provisions and supplies of men, to the number of three hundred. By this pretence he flyes to the enemy, and betrayes the City to the Bishop, for a certain summe of money with his life included. The Eve of S. Iohn was appointed for the execution of this designe, about ten of the clock, at which time he had obliged himself by oath to cause the gate called the Crosse-gate to be opened. This Commissary for provisions returning at length to the City, assured the King upon his faith and reputation, that the said recruits of provision and forces, should be ready within the time appointed. The day assigned be∣ing come, he acquaints the Guards that the promised forces, were to come in in the night (which would be starre-light enough) that so they might receive them as friends. The gates are hereupon set open, and the enemies being admitted into the City as into ano∣ther Troy, upon the Watch-word given, soon dis∣patch'd the Guards and others that were near. Now could be nothing heard for the cry of Armes▪ Armes.
The King and his Courtiers being gotten into a body, drove back the enemy to the Gates, which the citizens had by that time shut again: whereupon the rest of them that were without, were forced to set Engines to force open the Gates, which being once broken open, they flourished and set up their Colours. The citizens stiffely resisted the first assault, and made a strong body in the Market place, where the fight became very hot and bloody. The King himself, Knipperdoling and Krachting fell into the enemies hands; but Rotman see∣ing there was no possibility of safety, rushing where the enemy was thickest, was trod to peeces; he it seems placing all hopes of life in death. The Anabaptists upon the taking of their King being quite cast down and discouraged, went and hid themselves in Larders, Kitchins,* 1.44 and other lurking holes. The City was most unmercifully plundered; and to make a full search of of it, there were ten dayes allotted. There was found by those of the Kings Guard at the Royal Palace as much provision as would maintain two hundred for two months. O Goodman King, where is now the community of goods and provisions which your Religion holds forth! This sad fate did that City suffer in the year one thou∣sand five hundred thirty and five. The third day after this sacking of the City, the King was carried to the Castle of Dulmen three miles off.* 1.45 The Bishop having caused the King to be brought with all speed before him, said to him, O thou cast-away of Mankind, by what de∣plorable means hast thou corrupted & destroyed my peo∣ple!* 1.46 To which the King, with an undisturbed and proud deportment made answer thus; O thou Pope, have we done thee any injury,* 1.47 by delivering into thy hands a most well-fortified and invincible City? But if thou thinkest thy self any way injur'd or endammag'd by us, if thou wil•• but hearken to our advice, thou shalt be ea∣sily enriched. The Bishop hardly abstaining from laugh∣ing, desired him to discover that secret, to which he re∣plyed. Cause an Iron Cage or Basket to be made, and cover it with leather, and carry me into all parts of thy Country to be seen for a shew, and if thou take but a peny of every one for the fight, assure thy self it will amount to more then all the charges of the warr••. The
more eminent Anabaptists wore about their necks a certain medall wherein was the effigies of their King, to which were added these letters, D. W. F. whereby was signified, that the word was made flesh. But the King being carried up and down as a captive with his two associates, was shewn to divers Captains and Ec∣cles••asticks of the Landgrave, which gave occasion of disputation between them about some things, as of the Kingdom of Christ, and of Magistracy, of Iustification, and of Baptisme, of the Lords Supper, and of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christ, as also of Matrimony: in which disputation, they prevailed so farre by the divine testimonies of hol•• writ,* 1.48 that they brought the King of the Anabaptist, (though not acknowledging the least satisfaction to a Non-plus, who to obtain another disputation out of hopes of life (as was said) promised, that he would re∣duce the A••abaptists which swarmed in Holland, Bra∣band, England and Frizland; and that he would do all honour to the Magistrate. Upon the twentieth of Ia∣nuary one thousand five hundred thirty and six,* 1.49 he is brought with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 companions to Munster, where they were secured inseveral prisons; two dayes were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in weeding and rooting up their 〈◊〉〈◊〉.* 1.50 The 〈…〉〈…〉 confessed his offences, and cas•• himself w••••••••upon Christ; but his companions discover'd a vain 〈…〉〈…〉 in the defence of their cause.* 1.51 The next 〈…〉〈…〉 King is brought to the place of execution, fasten'd to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and is pulled peece meal by two execution 〈…〉〈…〉 pincers red hot out of the fire. The first 〈…〉〈…〉, he suppressed, at the second he implor'd Gods mercy. For a whole hour was he pull'd and with those instruments, and at length, to hasten somewhat his death, run through with a sword. His companions were dipped with the baptisme of the same punishment, which they suffered couragiously; all whose carkasses put into Iron, baskets; as anathema's of eternal example, hang out of the tower of S. Lambert. And this was the re••iring room of the Tragedy of Munster.
Anabaptists where Masters, most insolent.
John Buckhold successor of John Mathias▪
He comforts the people with a pretended to▪ vel••tion▪
He makes Knipperdoling common execu∣tioner.
About 4000. men lost at the siege of Mun∣ster.
Buckhold feigneth himself dumb.
He assumes the Magistracy.
He allowes Polygamy.
He takes to himself three wives.
A bad example soon followed.
Godly and loyal citizens hate usurpation.
Loyalty not alwayes suc∣cessefull.
Hereticks, their cruelty.
ANNO 1534.
John Tuy∣sentschreuer an upstart, and a bettor of John Buckhold.
Iohn Buckhold confirms his delusive prophe∣cies.
He is made King.
He appoints officers under him.
His sumptuous apparel.
His Titles were King of Iustice, King of the new Ierusalem.
His T••rone.
His Coin and Mot••o thereon.
The King, Queen, and Courtiers wait on the people at a Feast.
A m••ck Sa∣crament.
A seditious Sermon.
Sedition goes not alwayes unpunished.
Anabaptists of a levelling principle.
Anabaptists as the Devill, pretend Scrip∣ture for their base actions.
They aime at universall Monarchy.
ANNO 1535.
Kingly Botcher indeavours to raise commoti∣ons abroad▪
He is happily prevented.
Anabaptists, their design upon Amster∣dam.
They break out in the night time.
They are wor∣sted.
Famine the consummation of all misery.
The King sus∣pects his own safety.
His large pro∣mises to his Captains, both of moneys and preferments, the usual baites of sedition.
He becomes executioner to one of his wives
He feigns him∣self sick, and deludes the people with an expectation of deliverance.
Famine, its character, and miseries.
He forgets community.
John Long∣strat his confi∣dent betrayes him by strat••∣gem.
The City of Munster un∣mercifully plundered▪
The King is brought priso∣ner before the Bishop.
Who (deserved¦ly) checks him.
His jesting an∣swer and pro∣posall.
King of the Anabaptists put 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Non-plus.
ANNO 1536.
He is convinced of his offences.
H•••• deserved, and severe 〈◊〉〈◊〉