A compendious history of the Catholick church from the year 600 untill the year 1600 shewing her deformation and reformation : together with the rise, reign, rage, and begin-fall of the Roman AntiChrist : with many other profitable instructions gathered out of divers writers of the several times, and other histories / by Alexander Petrie ...

CHAP. II. Of EMPEROURS.

1. ROBERT Count Palatine of Rhine was Emperour, An. 1400. with universal consent; but not with such reverence as his Ancestours, be∣cause of the alienations granted by Charls the IV. and the late contempt of Wenceslaus. Robert was prudent, and calmed all the jars within the Empire. When he had brought Germany into tranquillity, he went to be crowned in Italy; and to protect Florence against the potent warriour John Galeacius, Duke of Millain, as the Florentines had invited him with large promises; but they fled in the day of battel, so his expedition was unprofitable and disho∣nourable. Neither could he be moved to stay in Italy, although the Gibe∣lines and the Pope, made larger promises unto him. When he returned, he was no less troubled with the factions of the Anti-Popes, and schism in the Church. He indeavoured to assemble a Councel, but the Anti-Popes would not consent. He died An. 1410.

2. SIGISMUND King of Hungary (and brother of Wenceslaus, as yet alive) for his valour, in fighting against the Turks, was judged worthiest of the Empire. Both the Popes did seek his favour, and pretending the au∣thority of confirmation, sent and confirmed his election. Platin. He spared no travel to remove the schism, and went personally unto both the Popes; and seeing no other remedy, he went unto the Kings of France, Spain and England, for assembling the Councel at Constance. It was once appointed

to be held An. 1412. but it was delaied, because Ladislaus, King of Naples (standing up for Gregory the XII.) had taken Rome, and kept it as Lord thereof: he died the same year, and the Romans returned to the obedience of Pope John. Then the Councel was proclaimed, every where, to begin at Constance Novemb. 1. An. 1414. We will speak of it by it self. The Bohe∣mians were offended for burning their Preachers, John Huss and Jerom of Prague; and they feared not to assemble in the fields, to the number of 30000. and communicated, in both kinds, upon three hundred Tables erected for that use; then they rushed into several Churches and Monasteries, and broke down the Images. Io. Cochl. Hist. lib. 4. Their King Wenceslaus died, An. 1420. without children. Then wars waxed in Bohemia; for Sigismund, as nearest heir, sent Governours to rule it, untill he returned from the Wars against the Turk in Hungary; there he was unfortunate. In the mean time arose John Trosnovius (commonly called Zisca or Cisca, that is, one-eyed) a man of good Parentage, and brought up in the King's Court, and a cou∣ragious Souldier; the Hussits chose him to be their Captain; their Army was reckoned to consist of 40000. they possessed the Fortresses of Prague, and were Masters of other Cities and Castles; every where they broke down Ima∣ges in the Churches. Aene. Sylvius Hist. Bohem. Cap. 38. At that time, one coming from Picardy, perswaded many Bohemians, both men and women, to walk naked; and besides other fond errours, they defiled themselves with promiscuous lusts, and called themselves Adamites. Cisca abhorred them, and although they proffered to join with him, yet he scattered them, and killed some of them. Io. Naucler. Before the Governours were arrived from the Emperour, Cisca was grown so strong, that they were glad to seek peace. Pope Martin thought to affright them with his curse; but the Hussits did not fear his thunder. When the wars of Hungary ceased, the Emperour inten∣ded to march into Bohemia; if he had gone thither suddenly, it seems, the Bo∣hemians would have submitted; for they sent unto the Emperour in Mora∣via, to seek peace; and the Emperour condescended unto tolerable condi∣tions; all the people were joifull, under hope of peace, and liberty of religi∣on. God would have it otherwise, that his good mettle might shine, and be better known unto the world. Sigismund would first punish some offences committed, in Vratislavia, against his Governours; and was severe against the chief of the rebellion. This news coming to Prague, did so affright the people, that they were afraid of the like rigour; and resolving to refuse the Emperour, writ their Letters through all the Kingdom, as if the Emperour intended the like cruelty amongst them. Aene. Sylvius ibid. cap. 39. All the people, with uniform consent, put Cisca into Prague, for their defence against Sigismund, An. 1421. Whereupon followed eleven battels (or rather pre∣parations) described loc. cit. cap. 44. &c. Cisca was alwaies victorious. Un∣less their enemy had written so, it were almost incredible. The most notable were these; Sigismund came to Prague, and besieged it six weeks: All that space Cisca, and his Bohemians, had the better in every skirmish; and the like was in other parts of the Kingdom. The Emperour was forced to break up from Prague, and to go unto Cutua. Then Cisca left the City, and joined with the Tabbrites (so named from a Town which they had founded, at that time) and not being contented with victory in defence, he took some Towns and Castles from the Imperialists. Then the Emperour went against a Mona∣stery, which held as a Castle for Cisca; nothing doubting to carry it, his Army was so numerous. Cisca came unto their relief; and the Imperialists, at the only sight of their adversaries, were so far from opposing, that they ran away suddenly; and the Emperour durst not stay in any part of all Bohe∣mia.

So Cisca took more Towns and Castles. Before the Town Rabi, his one eye was pierced with an Arrow; but his reputation was such, that he continued in his government, and that Army was led by a blind man; a thing never seen nor read in any other History, saith Sylvius ibid. The Em∣perour levied another Army, and sent for the Elector Princes; then came the Bishop of Mentz; the Count Palatine; some Dukes of Saxony; the Mar∣quess of Brandenburg, and other Bishops of Germany: the Emperour or∣dered them to enter, with their forces, into Bohemia on the West; and he, with his Hungars, did enter on the East. Blind Cisca goeth to the fields, and when he was ready to join in fight, the Imperialists were so amazed, that they were soon overthrown; and some principal men amongst them were slain. Cisca followed his Victory one day, and brought back rich spoil. A Florentine leading 15000. Horse and Foot, fell among ice, and many of them were drowned. The Bohemians, being so victorious, would chuse a King to resist the Emperour; they sent and invited Vitold, Duke of Litua∣nia; he was glad to be a King (Cisca was no less discontented) and acce∣pted, and within a short space resigned his Title unto the Emperour; who returned against the Hussites. Cisca is still victorious, and 9000. Imperialists were slain. Now Sigismund thinks he cannot be King of Bohemia, without the good will of Cisca: and that age saw the Emperour (whose name barba∣rous Nations did fear, and all Europe did reverence) make supplications and prayers unto an old blind Heretick, as Sylvius speaks Cap. 46. But (saith he) whom man could not overcome, the finger of God did kill. He should rather have said, Whose weakness was strengthned by the power of God, against the malice of men, he could not be undone by craft not power of men; for Cisca, in his old age, was willing to hearken, and to bring the Bo∣hemians under the command of the Emperour, and so under the yoke of the Pope; but God's appointed time was not yet come, and he would not suffer the Treaty to be closed, nor will leave his people; howbeit they then in despair call themselves Orphans: After the death of Cisca, they were di∣vided into two factions, and led by two Captains, Procopius the elder and the younger. All these circumstances gave some courage unto Pope Martin; he sent a Cardinal, the Bishop of Winchester in England, unto the Emperour, with a charge to renew his forces against the Bohemians, and sign the Ger∣mans with the Cross. An. 1427. three Armies were levied; from the Sea Coast went the Duke of Saxony; the Marquess of Brandenburg from Fran∣conia; and the third from Rhine, Bavier and Suevia, under the Conduct of Otho Bishop of Trevers. These entred three waies into Bohemia, and joined together; when they heard the Bohemians were approaching (a thing most strange, yet reported as true by Sylvius cap, 48.) they were so terrified, that without seeing the enemy, both Captains and Souldiers, without shame, a∣bandoned the Fields and ran away. The Hussits pursued, and got all the Baggage and Artillery; and not being contented, they sally out of the King∣dom, and return with rich spoil. The Legate accused his crossed Souldiers of so base cowardize, and exhorted them to turn their faces against the vile Hereticks; nevertheless they ceased not to flie, untill the Victors left pursu∣ing. Ibid. At that time were wars also between Millain and Florence; and between the French and Spaniards in Naples: But Pope Martin not being sa∣tisfied with so much spilt blood, sent another Legate, Julian Cardinal of St. Angelo, to perswade the Germans to assume the cross once more against the Bohemians. An. 1430. The Bohemians, by their Letters sent abroad, did lament that so many men were slain through the deceitful malice of the Pope; who, like to Satan, was rich in promises unto them which would fight against

innocent people, but is not able to perform; who is not ashamed to pro∣claim lyes, and slander them as miscreants and hereticks; and refuseth to fight with the weapons of God's word, because he knoweth his own heresies will be disclosed; but truth is never afraid of falshood, and is mightiest of all things; but he deceiveth both in body and soul all that believe him. And they intreated all men, both rich and poor, for God's sake, and for righteous∣ness, that they would, by some means, procure a safe and friendly communing at some convenient place, and bring their teachers with them, that they may hear one another; and the party erring may be brought to acknowledge their error, and not destroy one another blindely; which if those whom they implore, will refuse to do, on the other side, they will take the Lord to be their help, and will defend the truth unto death: nor will they be afraid of the Pope's curse, who is not God (as he maketh himself) and these many years hath accursed them; but God hath been their help by his gracious blessing, &c. Ph. Mornay. in Myster. Nevertheless, the Marquess of Bran∣denburg is chosen General of another Army; He and the Dukes of Saxony and Bavier, three Bishops Electors, with others, to the number of 40000. horse, and not so many foot, went against Bohemia. The Cardinal went along with them. Where they came, they spared neither age nor sex; and no man (considering their number and apparent power) doubted of their victory: But when the Bohemians came near them, a voice went among the Impe∣rialists, that they should stay no longer; none knew whence the voice was; a suddain fear caused them to flie. Julian ran unto the Dukes and Comman∣ders, exhorting them to fight, not for possessions or worldly glory, but for Religion, Christ's honor, and the salvation of souls, Aen. Sylv. ibid. but fear was more perswasive, that they left their colours, weapons, and all that they had, An. 1431. At that time the Emperor was at Noremberg; and determined to deal no more with them by Arms, but would provide against them in the Councel at Basil; and the Legate Julian went thither. Many other broils were in the Churches of Germany at that time, as Crantz. in Saxo. lib. 11. cap. 25. sheweth: For the Bishop of Magdeburg, and his Clergy were exiled: the Church of Trevers was divided between two Competitors fighting, and both accursed; and both in contempt of the keys did their office: the Church of Mentz had controversie with the Citizens, casting out their former Senate, and chusing another; so that the Clergy were forced to leave the City: the Church of Bamberg was in the same condition: the Church of Utrecht, after Sweder's death, had contention for a new Bishop: nor could Pope Eu∣genius and his Cardinals go safely from Rome to Basil, but were all plundered by the way, even to the skin, ibid. The next year Sigismund went to Rome to be crowned; but not with such equipage, nor so looked upon as others were before. The Bohemians sent Procopius the elder, and some others to Basil; but the Nobles would not be content to be ruled by the two Procopii; for they were suspicious of them, as hearkning too much unto the Councel; nor was their opinion vain, saith Aen. Sylv. cap. 51. Mainard was the Author of this mutiny. They assembled in Parliament, and chose Alscio, a Noble∣man of small estate, to be their Governor; but all was done as Mainard would. Sigismund, after his coronation, came to Basil; where he heard some controversies decided: then he came to Ulme; where he understood that a battel had been fought in Bohemia, and the old Commanders were slain; and the faction of the Nobility were prevailing: then Sigismund sent unto Bohemia, requiring them, in a quiet manner, to accept him their King, according to his right. Mainard had privy correspondence with Sigismund; he called all the Soldiers into hovels or barns, (whereof many are there) pre∣tending

that he was to march against the Lands of the Emperor, and he would give them in these barns wages for the expedition; but he shut the doors upon them, and burnt them all; and then he brought the rest of the Countrey under the Emperor's command, Aen. Sylv. cap. 51. The Em∣peror entered into Bohemia, An. 1436. with great solemnity; then Images were restored, Altars were repaired, and Monks returned into their Cloisters; some Hussites fled out of the Countrey; a time of recantation was granted unto others; and the most bold among them were punished: But Sigismund could not prevail as he would; for they preached against the Monks and doctrine of Rome; and followed their former order in their Churches; and were rising in Arms against Sigismund, ibid. cap. 52. But he died the next year, leaving only one Daughter, which was married to Albert Marquess of Moravia, and now, by marriage, Successor of the Kingdom of Hungary. Sigismund had dealt with John Paleologus, Emperor of the Greeks, to make an union with the Latines in matters of Religion, and thereby he might have aid against the Turks; and likewise through weakness of German Princes, he might be chosen Emperor; such motives were prevalent; but when he was upon his way, he heard that the Emperor was dead, and he began even then to repent of his voyage. When the Princes Electors did conveen, Pope Eugenius and the Councel of Basil sent their Legates, craving to delay the election until the affairs of the Church were setled. The Electors said, The condition of the Empire cannot permit a delay: Therefore the Orators of both parties did threaten the Electors with their curse. The Electors did ap∣peal from them and their curse, unto the general Councel that should be next and lawfully called; so they went on.

3. ALBERT the II. Marquess of Moravia, was chosen unanimously, and was gracious unto all Germany, for he was learned, wise and stout. The Bohemians, which before had fought for Religion, sent unto Casimire, Bro∣ther of the King of Poland; and he was willing to accept the Kingdom, but was hindered by Albert; nevertheless, the Bohemians and Silesians continued in a warlike posture. Aen. Sylv. cap. 55. Albert punished the Jews for perti∣nacy in their Rites. He heard that Amurathes the II. was entered into Servia, and was intending to invade Hungary; therefore when he had dealt with the two Anti-Councels for unity, he went against the Turks. Amurathes hearing of his preparation, returned into Macedonia and Thessalie, subduing all where he came. Albert dismissed his Army; and died in Hungary An. 1439. John Emperor of the Greeks conceived hopes of aid in Italy, and arriving at Venice, made choise to seek the aid of the Pope, rather then of the Coun∣cel at Basil; but at last his experience taught him, that the Pope was seeking but to inlarge his own power; and so having almost begged his bread in Italy the space of two years, he returned with no satisfaction: and having heard the scoffings of some by the way, he had no grace among his people, and was forced to quit his Crown, in favor of his Brother Constantine.

4. FREDERICK the III. Duke of Austria, was chosen Ianuary 1. An. 1440. in the 25. year of his age, and reigned 53. years. Albert had two Daughters, and left his Wife big with childe. The Hungarians sent unto Vladi∣slaus King of Poland, to accept their Crown; but when their Queen brought forth a Son, Ladislaus, they crowned him, in the fourth moneth of his age. His Mother sent him unto his Uncle the Emperor, to be brought up by him. The Hungarians thought it not expedient to want a King in time of such danger; therefore they followed their first purpose, and brought in Vladislaus: He once put Amurathes to flight, that Amurathes sought peace; and the King, mistrusting his own strength, consented unto peace for ten years: They both

confirmed the peace and conditions by solemn oath, after their several maner; but as it is said of Eugenius, the oath was violated, and the King was killed in the fourth year by the Turks. Then the Bohemians would chuse another King: The Queen did advertise them of the birth and title of her Son; and some did accord: But in open Parliament, by consent of the most, Albert Duke of Bavier was chosen King. Albert refused; saying, He would not bereave a pupil: a rare example. The Bohemians then sent unto the Emperor, in∣treating him to undertake the Government during the minority of his pupil. He said, he could not; because of the difficulty of his other affairs; and he advised them to chuse Governors among themselves. The Orators, by their own motion, proffer the Crown unto himself. He said, That were unrighteousness, especially in the person of a Tutor. So they did chuse Governors; some of the Romish Religion, and some contrarily minded: These did agree upon a toleration in matters of Religion, Aen. Sylv. cap. 57, 58. Frederick wrote a Letter unto Charls King of France, shewing his earnest desire to cure the malady and schism of the Church; and this cannot be without a meeting of Princes, and chief men of Ecclesiastical and Civil Estates; and therefore as he, by advice of his Prelates and Princes, had ap∣pointed a Diet at Mentz February 2. following, so he intreated, with sincere affection, that his Brotherhood, for the glory of God, and comfort of the Church, would send Commissioners to treat, advise, and conclude in things of that kinde, belonging to the benefit of all Christian people; but if his Brotherhood would be pleased to come personally, it were most glori∣ous, and would bring forth the more copious fruit. The Letter is dated at Vienne May 1. An. 1441. Regni 1. In Fascic. rer. expetend. fol. 160. That Diet was held as followeth in the next Chapter. He ceased not until he removed the schism between the Popes; and then was crowned by Pope Nicolaus; who also did celebrate the marriage between the Emperor and Elenora, Daughter of the King of Portugal, An. 1452. He was joyfully received in all the Cities wheresoever he came, because none did fear him; and he went without shew of hostility or great power, saith Crantz. in Saxo. lib. 11. cap. 32. and there was universal peace in Italy so long as he was there; but when he left it, peace took her leave: For in Lombardy, Naples, and other parts, they returned to their wonted ambition and tumults. The Bohemians also fell at variance, and forced the Emperor to quit the tuition of their King. And the Emperor was molested by his Brother in Austria, until his Brother died. Con∣stantine Paleologus was molested by his elder Brother Theodor for a space, yet prevailed. After the battel of the Hungarians at Varna, An. 1444. where Vladislaus and Cardinal Julian were slain, Constantine went to Peloponnesus to resist Amurathes, but lost it. Then Scanderbeg left his office of Janizar, and took upon him the Government of his Father's Kingdom Epirus; for Amurathes had taken him from his Father, and promised to give him his Father's inheritance. Upon this hope the young Prince abode with the Turk, and did him good service; but when his Father John Castriot was dead, and the Turk oppressed that Countrey, and sought-occasion to kill him, his native Countrey and he had their correspondence, and he escaped from the Turk's Court: Then he fought sundry battels against the Turk, and was victorious. At last Amurathes amassed a great Army against him, which he was not able to resist by all likelihood, if the valiant Prince of Transylvania, John Hun∣niades, had not come unto him with a new Army; at that time they were both foiled; yet the Princes escaped, howbeit hardly; and the next year Amurathes died in drunkenness, Lao. Chalcocon. lib. 6. In the year 1453. Mahumet, the next Emperor of the Turks, razed Athens, for envy of learn∣ing

there; then he besieged Constantinople. The Emperour Constantine had no assistance from Christians, partly for troubles among themselves, and partly for the ambition of the Pope; who was offended with the Greeks for not submitting unto him: nor did the Greeks esteem of their Em∣perour, because he vexed them with grievous taxes: So that City was lost Iune 28. and the fiftieth day of the siege; Constantine was slain; and such cruelties were committed, as the like hath been scarcely written. The same day Galatia was rendered unto Mahumet. Christians were sorry for these losses; but private interests hindred them from attempting a recovery. In the year 1456. Mahumet entred into Hungary; then the renowned John Hunniades, with the aid of the Emperour, went against him with such happy success, (as it pleased God) that the Turks were overthrown at Belgrad; Mahumet was wounded; and Hunniades got all his Artillery and Baggage August 6. All Christendom rejoyced at that victory with bone-fires, as being themselves delivered from the fear of such an enemy. Then the Turks went against the Islands of Archipelagus; and the valiant Hunniades died in September next; but Hungary had peace. Frederick set his minde to establish peace in Germany; and suffered much for preventing eminent evils. Crantz. loc. cit. saith, His patience was useful for the time, and it was deemed to be his wisdom. Many did lament several abuses in the Church and Commonwealth; they said his answer was, The time of Reformation is not come as yet; nor did it come in his days; and it is not known when it shall come, saith Crantz. In this place the watching providence is to be remembred; Ladislaus intended (by a plot from Rome, as it was reported, saith Aen. Sylv. cap. 71.) to make an end of all the Hussites at once, in this manner: He was to marry a Daughter of France; the marriage should have been solemnized in Prague; where many Princes and Prelates were to assemble from Germany and France; besides Cardinals, Potentates, and others from Rome; who if they had gathered, might have done as they had projected. When this marriage was in preparation, and the Princes ready to take journey, Ladislaus died, after he had been tied to his bed 36. hours, not without suspition of poison, in the 20. year of his age: So Bohemia was delivered from that intended massacre, and two Kingdoms were vacant; many pretended right to the Crown of Bohemia; and the Kings of France and Poland were suitors: When all their claims and suits were heard; they, preferring the good of the Kingdom, declared George Pogiobratz their King, ripe in judgement, and a good Warriour. Matthias, the Son of John Hunniades, was then a prisoner; and Ladislaus had caused to bring him from Hungary to Bohemia, to be executed there; but when the King was dead, the Bohemians had nothing to lay unto his charge, and they dis∣missed him; before he entered into Hungary, the Hungarians proclaimed him their King; thou wilt admire, who readest this, saith Naucler, of these two young Princes; the one is carried from his throne (when he thinketh to be married) to his grave; and the other from prison (when he feareth to be beheaded) to a throne; a suddain and strange change. But Matthias lived not long; and unto him succeeded Vladislaus, the Sisters Son of Ladislaus, and married the Widow of Matthias. The Emperor strove then for the Kingdom; after a battel, these two covenanted, that if Vladislaus and his line should fall, Maximilian, the Son of Frederick, should succeed. Vladislaus had one Son, Lewis, who died in a battel against the Turks, An. 1528. and then the covenant was accomplished, and the house of Austria are Kings of Hungary. After the death of Ladislaus was strife also for the Dutchy of Austria; three Brethren, the Emperor, Albert, and Sigismund contend for it;

they did name some Umpires to decide the controversie; but it is hard to judge against the mighty. Frederick carried it. But in the year 1463. Al∣bert besieged his brother, in the Castle of Vienna, so streightly; that the Emperour sent for relief unto George King of Bohemia (whom he was wont to despise as an Heretick) and he sent unto Pope Pius, intreating him, that he would not accurse George with his Thunder; the Pope yeelded, be∣cause of that necessity, saith Naucler. And the Bohemians delivered the Emperour; but so warily, that he neither did perish, nor was victorious. In the year 1466. Frederick went to Rome; some say, to perform a vow; others say, to treat with the Pope concerning Wars against the Turk; what∣soever was his purpose, he returned in peace; and by his means, peace con∣tinued in Italy and Germany. At that time Charls (surnamed, The Hardy) Duke of Burgundy, Flanders, Gelderland, Holland, &c. durst hold all the World for his enemies; and spared not to invade and take Towns where he pleased. He had a conference with the Emperour at Lutzemburg; and amongst other purposes, he demanded the Title of the Kingdom of Naples, because it sometime had belonged unto the Empire; and now he intended to make Conquest of Italy. The Emperour knowing and misliking his am∣bition, gave him fair words and departed the City in the night. Wherefore the Duke besieged Colein: The Emperour came against him with a great Army, yet desirous of peace: They were both induced to agree, and Charls left the bounds of the Empire. But he could not live in peace; he intended to march into Italy, and to molest the Switzers in his way; but he was killed by them, in the year 1476. Then the French, the Switzers and others, repossessed themselves of what Charls had taken from them; and Maximilian, the Emperour's son, married the only daughter of Charls, and kept his inheritance not without troubles. In the year 1480. Mahumet, having conquered the Islands of Archipelagus, invaded Italy; his Bassa Aco∣math took Otranto and some other places; all Italy was in fear. Mahumet died, and his son Bajazeth was molested with Civil wars; so Italy was freed. In the year 1486. Frederick caused his son Maximilian, to be chosen King of the Romans; and made several Statutes, under great penalties, against all that should disturb the peace of Germany. The year 1492. is remarkable, first for the death of Pope Innocentius, and election of Alexander the VI: Next for expelling the Moors out of Spain, by Ferdinand King of Castile, above 700. years after their first arrival; it is written that 224000. families of the Jews were banished. Thirdly, under the name of the same Ferdinand, Christopher Columbus, sailing Westward, discovered the Isles Azores; as Americus Vespusius, in the year 1499. discovered the West-Indies, which after him was called America. Pope Alexander gave that Kingdom unto Ferdinand. When this gift was reported unto Artabaliba, King of Peru, he said; That Pope must be a fool, who gave unto another what he never had; or certainly he is impudent and unjust, who gives another man's Lands unto strangers, and stirreth up men to the shedding of innocent blood; as Benzo & Lopez do record. When all the Empire was in peace, Frederick died An. 1493. The Reign of his son was, for the most part, in the next Century.