The history of the Turks Beginning with the year 1679. Being a full relation of the last troubles in Hungary, with the sieges of Vienna, and Buda, and all the several battles both by sea and land, between the Christians, and the Turks, until the end of the year 1698, and 1699. In which the peace between the Turks, and the confederate Christian princes and states, was happily concluded at Carlowitz in Hungary, by the mediation of His Majesty of Great Britain, and the States General of the United Provinces. With the effigies of the emperors and others of note, engraven at large upon copper, which completes the sixth and last edition of the Turks. In two vol. in folio. By Sir Paul Rycaut, kt. eighteen years consul at Smyrna, now his Majesty's resident at Hamburg, and fellow of the Royal Society.

ANNO, 1680.

* 1.1The greatest part of this Year passed in Treaties and Negotiations between the Poles, the Moscovites, and the Turks; none of the three remain'd in perfect good un∣derstanding with each other. The Poles had not as yet ratify'd their Peace with the Turk, having according to their usual Custom deferr'd it to the determination of a Diet, which was purposely delay'd, un∣til it appear'd how Matters would suc∣ceed in Hungary. The Moscovites enter∣tain'd a Treaty with the Poles, proposing a League Offensive and Defensive with them, with design to create a Jealousie in the Turk; in expectation thereby to Con∣clude their Peace on better Terms; and when they found the Turks inclining and condescending towards them, they then seem'd cold towards the Poles, and more remiss and indifferent in their Negotiations with them. The Turks likewise play'd their Game between both these Parties; not determining with which to close, because Matters did not in all Points agree with their expectations. The Moscovites acted doubly, and with reserve, but the Poles were more open and free in their Propo∣sals, and Action; they were sensibly touch'd with the loss of Caminieck, which was the Fortress and Bulwark to their Kingdom. Nor were the Dependances or Country thereunto belonging as yet set out or limitted, which were at present as large and extensive as the Turks were plea∣sed to make and assign them; they were Judges in their own Cause, and had power sufficient in their own hands to make good whatsoever they should determine.

The Poles during these Negotiations,* 1.2 Treated with the Sword in their hands, and prepar'd for War; and so far press'd the League with Moscovy, that in fine it was concluded, which had been a great security for Poland, in case the Moscovites had kept their Faith with any regard, and respect to their League so lately agreed.

But whilst Couriers with Dispatches pas∣sed and repassed between the Courts of Poland and Moscovy, the Turks having got notice of this Negotiation, presently made such Offers to the Moscovite Ambassador residing at Constantinople, that the Terms were accepted,* 1.3 and a Peace clap'd up be∣tween the Czar, and the Grand Seignior, which might have tended to the utter ru∣ine of Poland, had not the Design against Hungary (which the Turks had meditated for a long time) diverted the storm and fury of a War so much expected and dreaded by them. Nor was the Moscovite Ambassador in Poland much out of Coun∣tenance, when he was reproach'd with the breach of Faith; for that Nation was ne∣ver esteem'd in the World to have been easily touch'd with a tender sense of Ho∣nour, or scruples of those Matters which are call'd Faith, or Honesty; but rather have made such inconsiderable Trifles as those to become subservient to their greater interest and advantages.

But lest the Turks should repent them of the Bargain they had made, and strike up with the Poles, who had just reason to leave the Moscovites in the lurch,* 1.4 the Czar dis-speeded with all hast an Ambassador Extraordinary to the Port, together with the usual Presents; such as two thousand Sable Skins, twelve Hawks, and other Cu∣riosities; signifying by his Letters, that his aim and intention of that Embassie, was only to ratifie those Articles of Peace which were offer'd and agreed in a late Treaty. The Ambassador was receiv'd with such an unusual Wellcome, that he was surpriz'd at the strange Caresses which were shown him; which not only assur'd him that the former Conditions would most certainly be granted; but he wish'd his Master had given him Instructions to demand something of a higher and more

important Nature from the Turk. In short, when the Ambassador came to Treat upon Particulars,* 1.5 he found that this extravagant kindness was like the Embraces of a Strum∣pet, false and vain; and that the Turks were so far from an Agreement, that they would scarce grant or make good any one of those Propositions which they so lately promis'd; so the Ambassador was oblig'd to return as he came, without ease in any thing, unless of his Presents, of which the Turks took care to take off the burthen from him. With this piece of Policy had the Turks out-witted the Moscovites, and expos'd them to the disdain and reproach of the Poles; who could not very speedily be perswaded to believe that either their Faith or Friendship was worth the trouble of another League or Contract. Nor could the Moscovites, as dull and stupid as they are, have the face to offer at another Treaty with the Poles, which they had so lately rejected and violated for the sake of their false Friend.

When the Ambassador was return'd to Mosco, he found all that City and Country in great Combustions, caus'd by the two Brothers contending for the Government, after the Death of the Czar their Father: But so soon as those Troubles were ap∣peas'd, by agreement of the Brothers to participate equally of the Sovereign Power, and joyntly to Rule,* 1.6 they dispatch'd other Ambassadors to the Port with new Instru∣ctions. Where being arriv'd, their Presents were again kindly receiv'd, and their Per∣sons Treated in such a soft and gentle manner as the Turks commonly practise, when they intend to delay and protract the issue of an Affair to an uncertain time. For tho' the Turks were resolv'd to carry on the War in Hungary, yet the time was not fix'd when the same should be de∣nounc'd; the term thereof depending upon preparations and provisions of vast Sums of Money, and other Uncertainties necessary thereunto. And for that Reason the Mos∣covite Ambassador was still kept in hand, and detain'd at the Port.

But in fine, when it was resolv'd that the War should be carry'd into Hungary, (which Resolution was first taken in the Year 1681.) then the Vizier concluded a Truce with the Moscovites for twenty Years, upon Conditions which the Czars sent by way of their Ambassador residing at the Court of the Tartar Chan, call'd Bau∣cha Sarai, whose chief Business there, was to Redeem and Exchange Prisoners; the which Letter directed to the Grand Vi∣zier, was to this effect.

AT the instance of the Tartar Chan We have wrote to the Czars, that he would be pleas'd to grant you a Peace, as desir'd by you. In answer unto which, he hath given us to understand, that he will consent thereunto; provided, that besides Kiovia, you renounce all Title and Pre∣tence to Tripol, Staiki, and Vasikow, which have always been Dependences there∣upon. And that you farther promise, that your People shall not Inhabit, nor hold Fairs, Commerce, or Markets on our side of the Nieper; but that all that Country shall remain desert, and waste as it is at present. And that from the Towns of Tripol, Staiki, and Vasikow, to the Isles of the Cosacks Zoporoges, you renounce all your pretensions unto us. This is what we demand, and with∣out these terms we shall conclude nothing with you.

The Vizier having resolv'd on a War against the Emperor,* 2.1 receiv'd these Pro∣positions with full satisfaction; and im∣mediately return'd Answer thereunto, in a Letter wrote to the Czars, full of their usual sublime Expressions, and of high and fulsom praises of their Wisdoms and Gran∣deur. Signifying that in the Name of the Grand Seignior he did accept and confirm all the Conditions propos'd; desiring him to send an Extraordinary Ambassador to confirm the Treaty. But lest the Czars should refuse to send a new Ambassador, before the other then residing was re∣turn'd; the Vizier about six Weeks after∣wards gave License for his Departure, and accompanied him with Presents of greater value, than those which the Grand Seig∣nior had formerly bestow'd upon the Czar.

Of all these Particulars, Kaunitz, who Resided at Constantinople, in the Place of the Secretary Hoffman lately there De∣ceas'd, gave Intelligence to the Emperor; signifying also, that after the Moscovite Ambassador was arriv'd with Ratification of the Peace, the Grand Seignior would soon afterwards remove to Adrianople; in Order as was most probable, and in all appearance to a War against Hungary.

This Matter was acted in the year 1681, which we have anticipated, that we might not abruptly break off the Treaty with Moscovy, the nature of which may be best understood, when it is carried forward in one Piece; which having done, we must look back again to the year 1680. and to the Actions of the Malecontents.

Tekeli was very active all this time in Recruiting his Army, and preparing for War; and having compos'd a Body of four thousand Transilvanians, he march'd with them to the General Rendezvous, intending as he had done the year before, to take upon him the Command of the Army. But when he came thither he was strangely surpriz'd to find the same refus'd to him by Count Wessellini, Son of the late Paul Wessellini deceas'd;* 2.2 who so resolutely contended for the Chief Command, that nothing could decide it but the Sword. In short, both Parties drew out into the Field, and charg'd each other; and after a long Dispute Tekeli got the Victory, and put Wessellini and his Forces to the Rout; and having pur∣su'd them with a Detachment of his For∣ces, the Competitor Wessellini was taken, and brought Prisoner to Tekeli; who causing him to be tied on his Horse, sent him to Prince Apafi in Transilvania; after which, Tekeli without a Rival took upon him the sole Command of the Army.

The Emperor besides a War against his Rebel Subjects, was under great Mortifica∣tions, and Troubles; his Imperial Palace at Vienna was burnt, the Plague Rag'd violently in his Hereditary Countries, and in his Army, [ 1680] of which the Baron de Kau∣nitz,* 2.3 and other principal Officers died. And at the same time nine hundred Pai∣sants of the Circle of Braslaw in Bohemia arose in Arms against the Counts Galas, and Bredaw their Lords, pretending that they were treated like Slaves, and refus'd to pay the Contributions which were de∣manded for the Emperor.

Howsoever, to make the Justice of their Cause appear, they sent four Deputies to Prague, to make known unto his Impe∣rial Majesty their many Aggrievances, which were so Tyrannical and Burthensom as could not longer be sustain'd; and there∣fore they desir'd that Council might be assign'd them to plead their Cause against their Lords at the Bar of Justice. But instead of hearkning to the Petition of these distressed Paisants, the Deputies were Imprison'd; and to stifle this Tumult in the beginning, two Regiments under the Command of Count Piccolomini were sent to reduce them; upon the appearance of which, the Mutineers dispers'd, and fled every Man to his own home.

But this Combustion was not long suppress'd, before it burst forth again in a more violent and outragious manner than before; for four thousand of these dis∣contented Paisants were got together in a formidable Body, Conducted by several Reformed Officers, with Colours flying, and Drums beating, and with Mottos on their Ensigns, which serv'd to incite o∣thers to joyn in their Rebellion. They at first attempted a Castle belonging to the Count de Thun, (who was Envoy about that time in England, for the Emperor) where they expected to find Arms; but missing thereof, they proceeded on other Designs, but were interrupted, and stop'd by Count Piccolomini, who was sent with Forces to reduce them to Obedience. Whereupon these Rebels made a second Experiment, of sending their Deputies to represent their Aggrievances, who were as before clap'd into Prison. But Advices coming, that some other Counties were up in Arms in like manner, and for the same Cause,* 2.4 the Deputies were set at Liberty; and a General Pardon Granted to all those who would lay down their Arms, and remit their Pleas to be Treat∣ed at the Tribunals of Justice. Upon this Declaration, five thousand submitted, and return'd to their own Habitations. And the Emperor himself, upon hearing the Cause between the Lords, and the Paisants, did determine that the Paisants should be oblig'd only to Labour three days for their Lords, whereas formerly they were constrain'd to the Service of five Days in the Week; having but one single Day allow'd them for the Care and Support of their Family.

In the mean time,* 2.5 the Resident for the King of Poland, at Vienna, press'd very instantly to have the League between his Master, and the Emperor against the Turk to be Compleated, and Sign'd; to which at length this Answer was given. That so soon as the Poles had drawn the Mos∣covites into an Union with them; and that the Turks had also declar'd a War, that then the Treaty which was already drawn, should immediately be Sign'd.

Tekeli on the other side, offer'd New Propositions of Peace, and in the mean time desir'd a Cessation of Arms. Upon which, the Emperor having call'd his Council, it was Resolv'd by them, that all Treaties with him for the future, should be absolutely deny'd; in regard, that by experience he had always been found false, and perfidious in every Trea∣ty, having broken his Faith and Promises whensoever it serv'd his turn not to per∣form them. Besides, it was well remem∣ber'd in what manner he had formerly made use of Cessations of Arms,* 2.6 to de∣bauch the Minds of the Emperor's Sol∣diers, and to seduce and divert them from their Loyalty, and Allegiance. More∣over, the Propositions now tender'd, were of the same nature and temperament with

those which had been so often rejected, and which tended to the diminution of his Imperial Majesty's Authority.* 2.7 As namely, the Emperor was to suffer the People to make Choice of a New Pala∣tine, according to the Ancient Constitu∣tions: That the Estates of the Malecon∣tents which had been Confiscated for their Rebellion should be restor'd; and that the German Garrisons should be with∣drawn out of all the Towns of Hungary, and Troops of that Nation admitted into their Places. These being the Old and Stale Points so often controverted and re∣jected; it was concluded that Tekeli did not again repeat and make offer of them, in hopes of an accommodation, but to amuse the minds of the People, and to serve some purpose, which he desir'd to con∣ceal.

At the same time Count Serini, to whom his Estate Confiscated had been lately restor'd; had by some secret Infor∣mations fallen into suspicion of keeping a Correspondence with the Malecontents; for which Reason he was taken into Cu∣stody,* 2.8 and his Papers seiz'd; and several other Hungarian Gentlemen committed to Prison for Complices with him in the same Plot; and were all afterwards car∣ried to Prague, where Orders were given to take the Informations, and draw up the Indictment against them. Accordingly the Examinations were made, and a close inspection into certain Letters wrote in Characters to Count Tekeli, which gave just Cause of Jealousie and Suspicion of an unlawful Correspondence. Howsoever, when the Letters came to be Decyphered, and nothing found to be therein contain'd, but Arguments and Perswasions unto Te∣keli to accept the Offers made by the Emperor; the which he urg'd and en∣forc'd by assurances in such Case, of be∣ing instrumental in the Marriage with his Sister the Princess Ragotski (for whom he knew that Tekeli conserv'd a Passion) Se∣rini was then acquitted, and restor'd a∣gain to his Estate,* 2.9 after a Months Impri∣sonment; and License given him to Visit his Sister the Princess at Mongatz. At his Arrival at this Court, he was joyfully Wellcom'd by all those who had a ten∣derness for that Family; and the Princess her self receiv'd a seasonable Consolation from the Company of her Brother; be∣ing then in Mourning, and in Affliction for the Death of her Mother-in-Law, the Princess Dowager; which Occasion Count Tekeli took to pass the Complement, by an express Messenger of Condoleance with her.

Tekeli being now Recruited with con∣siderable Numbers both of Turks,* 2.10 and Tartars, divided his Army into three Bo∣dies; the one Commanded by himself, and the other two by Petrozzi, and Palaffi-Imbre, with intent to enter into the Hereditary Countries by three several ways. Against which Forces the Emperor sent Count Staremberg Governour of Vi∣enna, and Major General Haran, with all the Troops belonging to Moravia, Stiria, and Austria. Staremberg had the fortune to Encounter one Party of them as they were breaking into Moravia, and gave them a Repulse; howsoever in their Re∣treat they took a Redoubt, which was built upon the Waagh, in which were three hundred Soldiers, whom they to∣tally Defeated. In Revenge of which, Count Dunewald Routed another Party of the Malecontents,* 2.11 consisting of five hun∣dred, of which, three hundred were kil∣led upon the place, and fifty Officers and Soldiers taken Prisoners, with four Colours, on which was this Inscription.

Comes Tekeli qui pro Deo, & Patriâ pugnat.

Count Caprara with ten thousand Men advanc'd as far as Erlaw, to observe the motions of Tekeli; Count Staremberg at∣tended Palaffi-Imbre, whose Design was to enter into Moravia, and by a Detatch∣ment from his Army, overthrew three thousand Men Commanded by Petrozzi, who with much difficulty made his escape.

The Emperor being sensible that his Enemies increas'd, and that frequent los∣ses enfeebled and abated his Army, caus'd several New Regiments to be rais'd, the Officers of which were all chosen and put in by Father Emeric the Emperor's Confessor, and Abelé the Chief Secretary of State, by which two the good Empe∣ror was entirely directed, and govern'd, which General Montecuculi having observ'd, and how Men were preferr'd by favour only to Great Commands, who were nei∣ther Soldiers, nor capable of those Trusts, he took the freedom to advise the Empe∣ror,* 2.12 that in the choice of his New Offi∣cers, respect was had to Favour, rather than unto Merit; and that little good Success could be expected from such un∣able and improper Instruments. The Au∣thority of so Wise a Minister of State, and so Old a Captain, prevail'd so far with his Imperial Majesty, that the former Com∣missions granted by Recommendations of Father Emeric were call'd in, and others issued, unto such who were Warranted and

Vouch'd by more competent Judges of Mi∣litary Affairs.

Towards the end of this Campaign, Fortune seem'd to favour both sides with various Successes;* 2.13 what the Emperor gain'd in one Place, the Malecontents re∣cover'd in another; so that all Countries were fill'd with Blood, and Ruine, and Destruction of the People, without any hopes or prospect of coming to a con∣clusion. Upon consideration of which, the Pious Emperor commiserating the Af∣flictions of his People,* 2.14 resolv'd to make one Trial and Essay more, to see if it were possible to bring Matters to an end, by way of an Amicable Agreement; and to that purpose, he conven'd a Diet at Oedemburg, where the Malecontents gave in these Grievances, made in Transilvania, and Written Originally in Latin.

GRAVAMINA Binarum Superioris Hungariae Regiarum ac Liberarum, Cassoviensis & Epperiensis, Civitatum Articularium, quibus ibidem degentes Uni∣versi Cives & Incolae Trium Nationum Evangelici, partim in ne∣gotio Religionis Evangelico, partim Libertate Civili-Politica, con∣tra 25, 26, & 41 Articulos Diaetae Soproniensis Anni 1681. gra∣viter injuriati essent, cum adjunctis eorum Postulatis. Quoad Negotium Religionis.

[ 1681] PRIMO, Nemo ibit inficias, prae∣attacto 26 Articulo Soproniensi speciali suae Majestatis Serenissimae Gratia, per expressum hisce forma∣libus verbis, In aliis vero locis, juxta benignam suae Majestatis Resolutio∣nem loca pro aedificandis Templis, Scholis, & Parochiis erigendis, pro commoditate eo∣rundem Augustanae & Helveticae Confes∣sioni addictorum, per certos Commissarios designanda decernuntur, Sancitum esse, ut Evangelicis, ademptorum templorum, schola∣rum, & parochiarum loco, per suae Ma∣jestatis Serenissimae destinatos certos Com∣missarios, loca commoda, & congrua, & qui∣dem citra aliquam locorum exterorum restri∣ctionem, in ipsis civitatibus superioris Hunga∣riae, juxta genuinum & literalem dicti Articuli itae sonantis Clausulae sensum, Ac tandem in li∣beris ac Montanis Civitatibus, &c. ac in Su∣periore Hungaria omnibus itidem civitatibus similiter loca pro aedificandis templis, scholis, & parochiis assignanda conceduntur, Designentur & assignentur; tantum tamen abest ut initio mensis Januarii Anno adhuc, 1687. dudum transactis in superiorem Hun∣gariam clementissime ordinata Excelsa Com∣missio Regia huic suae Majestis pientissimae re∣solutioni expressissimae{que} & clarae menti ejus∣dem articuli satisfecisset, ut potius maximo horum cum abusu perplacenti{que} sua interpre∣tatione, & evidentissima liberi ejusdem Exer∣citii Evangelici, è meditullio memoratarum civitatum, eliminatione, loca incommoda & dedecorosa, extra{que} dictas civitates, nulla sub∣urbia habentes, adeo remota existentia cam∣pestria, iisdem Evangelicis designasset.

Proinde & sanctissimae eatenus declaratae suae Majestatis resolutioni, & expressissimis alle∣gati Articuli verbis; Firmiter insistentes, virtute horum commemoratorum designatorum inconvenientium locorum totalem Cessationem, aliorum verò commodorum & congruorum à quibuslibet censibus & contributionibus Civi∣libus ad mentem Articulorum 8, 1647. & 12, 1649. Annorum, eximendorum in memoratis civitatibus, earundem{que} maeniis, ita citra ullam ambiguitatem sensus, innuente Artic. praecitato 26. interiora Civitatum loca, non verò exteriora involvente, sibi, ceu veris le∣gitimis Patriae civibus, tam immerita è me∣ditullio Civitatum relegatione haud dignis de∣signandorum justissimam concessionem, & benig∣nissimam assignationem humillime exorarent.

Secundo: Innegabile etiam est articulo ante∣cedenti 25 aeque ad benignissimam suae Majestatis Serenissimae Resolutionem Clarissimis his ver∣bis, Omnibus & ubi{que} per regnum (nullis scilicet Regnicolis Evangelicis, cujuscunque tandem status & conditionis existentibus, sed nec ullo regni loco exceptis) juxta artic. 1. Anni 1608, ante Coronationem editum, liberum Religionis suae exercitium in genere permissum; ac insimul ut nullus regnicolarum in libero religionis suae exer∣citio in posterum quoquomodo (sub se∣vera alioquin poena attacto 26 Artic. So∣proniensi expresse allegata) turbetur, Cau∣tum esse: Eo tamen nihil pensi ducto, ubi iidem Evangelici Cassovienses & Eppe∣rienses diplomatico hoc eorundem exercitii jure, quo ab antiquo semper publice usi fu∣issent, de caetero quo{que} intra easdem civita∣tes earum{que} moenia (tanquam loca, ut prae∣missum, articularia primitus{que} etiam solita & consueta) vel in privata etiam domo ritu suo cum actibus suis ministerialibus, congrua item juventutis Scholastica informatione, aliis{que} libere uti & frui idem{que} continuare voluissent; per magistratum & clerum loco∣rum, nullatenus sunt admissi, verum severe prohibiti & interdicti; iisdem ceu alienige∣nis, communium{que} regni libertatum incapaci∣bus, ad supra specificata incompetentia loca, impraesentiarum us{que} relegatis & amandatis.

Quare hic quo{que} nixi benignissima suae Maje∣statis Serenissimae Resolutione & Articulari in∣dultu legalem omnino liberi religionis Evangeli∣cae exercitii, ad mentem citati articuli 1. An. 1608. priori suo statui, intra moenia nimi∣rum dictarum civitatum fiendam reductionem & restitutionem stabilem{que} & firmam con∣servationem:

ad us{que} verò commodam & op∣portunam erectionem & aedificationem novo∣rum templorum, scholarum, parochiarum (cum iisdem pro nunc ob summam pauperiem, & graves portionum, bellicarum{que} contributi∣onum pensiones non sufficerent,) ejusdem exer∣citii ibidem interea in certis privatis com∣modis aedibus ex integro cum convenienti Ju∣ventutis scholasticae hactenus imperturbata in∣stitutione, imperturbati usus & fruitionis aequissimam permissionem, & gratiosissimam fa∣cultatis attributionem dimississime implorarent.

Tertio: Certum pariter campanarum & sepulturae praeprimis communem & indifferen∣tem usum saepe attacto 26 Articulo Sopro∣niensi, expressis verbis, Usu Campanarum & Sepulturae pro Catholicis ibidem degentibus, ae{que} ac ipsis (scil. Augustanae ac Helve∣ticae Confessioni addictis) libero relicto, oeque Evangelicis atque Catholicis ubilibet liberum esse admissum & relictum: Evange∣licis nihilominus Cassoviensibus & Epperien∣sibus per Magistratum Catholicum, & clerum locorum simplicissime est denegatum, denega∣tur{que} adhuc dum Funerum porro eorundem in∣tra moenia praefatarum civitatum cum solitis suis cantibus, aliis{que} consuetis ceremoniis, condecens & publica deductio & sepultura, aeque contra clementissimam suae Majestatis Serenissimae inclytis statibus & ordinibus Regni, publica in Diaeta Soproniensi, 1681. die de∣cimo mens. Decemb. gratiosissime alias datam resolutionem, iisdem severa cum comminatione cavetur, & plane non admittitur.

Hinc, in eo etiam Articularem Campana∣rum communem usum funerum{que} Evangelico∣rum tam intra, quam extra civitatum moenia, juxta pientissimae suae Majestatis Serenissimae Diaetaliter, ut attactam datae Resolutionis con∣firmitatem, publice & imperturbate dedu∣cendorum, antea quo{que} solitam & consuetam admissionem instantissime paterent.

Quarto, Manifestum quo{que} vi similiter sae∣pius citati Artic. 26. ad finem adjectae ge∣neralis clausulae, Salvis semper eatenus le∣gibus Regni Diplomate Regio firmatis, Quoad ulteriores Augustanae & Helveticae Confessioni addictorum legitimarum praeten∣sionum suarum promovendarum Acquisitiones, ablatorum{que} repetitiones, conditas leges Reg∣ni, salvas & illibatas relictas, consequenter{que} quoslibet Potentiarios actus prohibitos esse, adeo{que} nullo etiam (lege jure naturae, 206. A. de Reg. Jur.) ut contra ductum naturae, cum alterius detrimento & injuria fieri debeat locuples, admitti his nihilominus non curatis, praeattactorum utrorum{que} locorum Civilis Ma∣gistratus Catholicus & Clerus, propria dun∣taxat licentia omnia Cassoviensium & Eppe∣riensium Evangelicorum pia legata, & certa dona possessionaria, ex pio Evangelicorum zelo ad Ecclesiarum & Scholarum suarum necessi∣tates & usus testamentaliter ordinata & col∣lata, coetum praecise Evangelicum concernen∣tia, (Cassoviensibus siquidem quatuor domos, intra moenia ejusdem Civitatis situatas, qua∣rum unam dictus loci Magistratus egregio Mi∣chaeli Dómeczki judicatus sui in Officio jam vendidisset, & abalienasset: Unum adhaec hortum, & certas terras arabiles in territorio ejusdem Civitatis existentes; prout & unam vineam, alias Varghaszóló dictam, in promon∣torio Tokayiensi adjacentem: Epperiensibus vero certas itidem vineas, diversis in pro∣montoriis partium superioris Hungariae situa∣tas, una cum reditibus & proventibus) via facti & potentiae occuparant, & ad se per∣traxerunt, quae de facto violenter tenerent, usuarent, & majori ex parte in prophanos usus contra sensum Articulorum 11 & 14 Anno 1647. summa cum Evangelicorum in∣juria & damno converterent, nec ipsi restitu∣erent.

Quocirca hoc in casu etiam ad praescriptam legem & Constitutiones Regni provocantibus, praemissorum violenter ademptorum, occupato∣rum, & tentorum omnium piorum legatorum & bonorum possessionariorum Evangelicorum, (sua, non aliena, repetentium) cum suis redi∣tibus, & proventibus, ex dictamine etiam communis justitiae, unicuique suum tribuen∣tis, effectivam & realem rehabitionem & restitutionem jure merito impense sollicita∣rent.

Quinto: Constat similiter, quoad soluti∣onem Catholicorum Plebanorum & Ministro∣rum Evangelicorum non solum saepedicto 26. Artic. Clarissimis verbis, Interea nec Catho∣lici Ministris Augustanae & Helveticae Con∣fessioni addictis, nec vero horum sequaces Plebanis Catholicis solvere obligentur: Sed ad mentem etiam ibidem citati 11 Artic. 1647 anni, Ne Evangelici status Catholicis Plebanis, & è converso status Catholicus Evangelicis Ministris ad ul∣las solutiones pendendas sint obligati, Satis evidenter provisum esse, Immo subse∣quenti 12 Artic. dicti Anno 1647, quoad Actuum Ministerialium quoslibet usus expressa per haec verba, Ubi vero parochias non haberent Auditores Evangelici, soluti∣onem pendant suae Religionis Ministris, cujus videlicet Ministerio, seu opera, usi fuerint, sicut & Catholici parochis Ca∣tholicis: Ubi autem hactenus auditores Evangelici non solvissent plebanis Catho∣licis, imposterum etiam ad nullas soluti∣ones praestandas ullo sub praetextu cogan∣tur ad solvendum, prout nec Catholici Evangelicis.

Quoad stolarium vero proventuum solutiones, vigore ejusdem Artic. 11, subsequentium ver∣borum tenore, Stolares autem proventus,

seu solutiones, in quibusvis locis Plebani Catholici & Ministri Evangelici à suae Re∣ligionis auditoribus totaliter percipiant.

Positivam exstare legem & constitutionem, ut Evangelici Evangelicis, & Catholici Ca∣tholicis solvant: His tamen non obstantibus, ad solvendum praecise Catholicis Plebanis ali∣isque, inviti coguntur Evangelici: Dum non solum salarium hebdomadale cum aliis acciden∣tiis, ex publico civitatum aerario, (in quod Evangelici numero & frequentia Catholicis triplo Majores ac plures, ut plurimum infe∣runt) per Magistratus locorum Catholicis Ple∣banis continue penditur, sed & stolares etiam proventus praecise pro iisdem vendicati & attracti ipsis solvuntur: Evangelicis vero Ecclesiae Ministris & Scholae docentibus maxi∣ma cum injuria denegantur.

Eapropter quoad aequalitatem & aequita∣tem salariorum hoc in passu quoque non citra legalem rationem, uti Catholicis Plebanis, aliisque, ita etiam Evangelicis Ministris & Scholae docentibus, ex communibus proventi∣bus, publicoque civitatum aerario, parem & coaequalem, citra ullam difficultatem penden∣dam exsolutionem: Secusne utri partium ad∣ministrandam solutionem, verum ad mentem praecitatorum articulorum, ut quilibet status suos interteneat & exsolvat sibi servientes, iisque etiam suos pendat stolares proventus, clementissimam, justitiaeque & juri consonam Constitutionem efflagitarent quam subjectis∣sime.

Sexto: Cuilibet in propatulo publicum est, vi Artic. 25 Praedicantibus & Scholarum Magistris non solum liberum in regnum redi∣tum, liberam{que} in Regno mansionem, sed & li∣beram Religionis suae professionem & exercitiì functionem concessam: Adhaec{que} in partibus Hungariae superioribus vi subsequentis 26 Artic. inter ceteras Regias ac liberas Civitates Cassoviensem quoque & Epperiensem Civitates pro locis Articularibus, libere & publice ibidem Religionem Evangelicam exercendi, constitutas, & stabilitas, adeoque, ut post hac nullae exercitii turbationes ab utrimque, sub poena in Artic. 8 Uladislai Decret. 6. expressa fiant, definitum esse. Civitatis nihilominus Epperiensis Ma∣gistratus eo processit licentiae, quod omnes tri∣um nationum Evangelicos Ministros, citra ali∣cujus promeritae caussae significationem, vel alicu∣jus benigni suae Majestatis Serenissimae mandati productionem praetextuoso solum ut inauditum, titulo Dominiì terrestris (quod nullum omnino vel in civiles, semper pari cum eodem Magi∣stratu communi civili libertate gaudentes, nedum spirituales, speciali libertate exemptas Ecclesiasticas personas haberet, sed nec etiam quoquomodo sibi vendicare posset, anniversa∣rio, eoque ambulatorio Officio gaudens) ausa proprio & privato, maxima suae Caesareo Regiae Majestatis Serenissimae Authoritatis cum diminutione, praespecificatorumque arti∣culorum vilipendio, eadem Civitate, ejusdem∣que territorio ipso festo S. Bartholomaei Apo∣stoli Anni praeteriti 1688, summo cum dede∣core expulerit Articularem{que} ecclesiam Eppe∣riensem Evangelicam suis Ministris, max∣imo ejusdem in spiritualibus exercitiis cum defectu & damno orbaverit & privaverit.

Ob id insontium & innocue exturbatorum exulantium Ministorum Evangelicorum Eppe∣riensium ad priora eorundem defungenda mu∣nia Ecclesiastica, realem & effectivam restitu∣tionem, nullamque amplius quorumcunque ad∣mittendam expulsionem: Quin, qua horum Ep∣periensium, qua Cassoviensium etiam Ecclesia∣sticorum Ministrorum Scholae docentium Evan∣gelicorum, uti praesentium, ita & futurorum, vi juris patronatus semper vocandorum, in domiciliis & residentiis suis, sive propriis, sive conductitiis, intra moenia earundem civitatum habentibus & habendis, secure & imperturbate semper permanendi & habitandi, benignissimam concessionem, eorundemque perpetuam protectio∣nem, devotissimis supplicarent precibus.

Quoad libertatem porro Civilem-Politicam.

Septimo: Nemo nisi legum expers negave∣rit, initio specificato 41 Artic. Diaetae Sopro∣niensis, gratiosissima Regiarum ac liberarum Civitatum Communium libertatum ac privile∣giorum Confirmatione, desuper{que} ibidem alle∣gatarum, ac passim etiam conditarum legum & Articulorum Regni renovatione expresse con∣stitutum esse. Ut eaedem leges & articuli tam per Cameras, quam Officiales bellicos, ac alios quoscunque strictissime observentur; neque (eaedem scil. liberae ac Regiae Civitates) in libero Electionis Magistratus Civilis jure ac aliis Privilegiis, ipsorum longo usu robo∣ratis, à quopiam quoquo modo turbentur.

Adhaec tamen moderans memoratarum Civi∣tatum Magistratus, ingessione inclytae Came∣rae Scepusiensis Artic. 83. 1647 anni, alias pro∣hibita, tantam sibi vendicavit pro lubitu agendi licentiam, ut jam omnes Cassovienses & Epperienses Senatores, aliosque Officiales Evangelicos ad publica officia & dignitates civiles gerendas bene meritos & aptos, ex mero duntaxat privato affectu erga Religionem, contra manifestas praefati Artic. ibidemque citatorum signanter vero Artic. 13. 1608 ante Coronationem 44. 1609 & 12. 1649. annorum constitutiones, apertissimo, communium liberta∣tum & privilegiorum civilium cum praejudicio, notabili verò Evangelicorum civium oppressi∣one à publicis dignitatibus & honoribus, officiisque civilibus degradaverint & re∣moverint: horumque loco aut minus ido∣neos aut negotia civitatum nihil intelli∣gentes, magisque privata curantes cives Catholicos, summa dictarum civitatum cum ruina damnificatione, & interitu, surrogave∣rit & constituerit. Quamobrem Primo: Liberi

Magistratum & Communitatem civiles eligendi juris, hactenus diversimode, contra praespeci∣ficatas leges Regni positivas, per inclytam Ca∣meram Scepusiensem interturbati, ac ex parte Evangelicorum penitus eversi, unice & mere penes easdem Civitates, earundemque utrius{que} Religionis Catholicae & Evangelicae juratos cives permanendi, priori suo statui admittendam reductionem solidamque conservationem, nul∣loque amplius modo ejusdem, à quopiam sub poena alioquin renovatorum, superiusque anno∣tatorum Articulorum intentandam interturba∣tionem.

Secundo: Civilis mutuae concordiae conser∣vandae, nocivarumque dissensionum & simulta∣tum fomitum reprimendarum gratia eorundem Magistratuum & Communitatum civilium, ab∣sque ullo Catholicae & Evangelicae Religionis discrimine, ex honestis, benè meritis, iisque aptis juratis civibus, fiendam liberam Electi∣onem officiorumque, & quarumvis aliarum dig∣nitatum civilium, ad mentem praespecifica∣torum Articulorum 13. 1608. ante Coronati∣onem, & 44. 1609. annorum indifferentem & coaequalem collationem & distributionem, mu∣tuamque ad honores civiles publicos promoti∣onem.

Tertio: Observandae alternatae aequalitatis, bonique civitatum publici caussa, judicatus & Tribunatus officiorum, juxta praecitatorum & 12 Artic. 1649. anni sensum, alternatim & mixtim annualiter gerendorum, gratiosissi∣mam annuentiam & permissionem, profundissima animorum cum humilitate rogarent & postula∣rent.

Praerepetitarum Liberarum ac Re∣giarum Cassoviensis & Epperi∣ensis Civitatum Universi Cives & Incolae trium Nationum Evan∣gelici.

Gravamen Regiae Liberae{que} Civitatis Carponensis Evangelicorum.

NOn sine gravi animi dolore suae Majestati Serenissimae repraesentandum quoque duxerunt Regiae ac liberae Civitatis Carpo∣nensis universi Nobiles pariter & ignobiles, Praesidiarij item, seu Confiniarij utriusque or∣dinis stipendiarij milites, incolae simul & cives Evangelici: Quod dum juxta benignis∣simam suae Majestatis Serenissimae resolutionem, Artic. 26, Soproniensis Diaetae Anni 1681. clementissime insertam, inter alia inclyti Regni Hungariae loca, pro aedificandis novis Tem∣plis, Scholis, & Parochiis erigendis, pro com∣moditate Augustanae & Helveticae confessioni addictorum per Commissarios designanda, per expressum nomine tenus his verbis: In Gene∣ralatu Antemontano, Levae, Carponae, & Fu∣lekini, &c.

Eadem civitas pro Articulari loco, libere, & ex integro ibidem Religionis Evangelicae exercitium usuandi & fruendi fuisset, essetque declarata, & stabilita; excelsa, nihilominus Commissio Regia anno praeterito 1688, ad mon∣tanas Civitates ordinata ad memoratam quo∣que civitatem deveniens, nescitur quibus ex rationibus, ubi ad mentem praecitai Articuli & clementissimae suae Majestatis Serenissimae ibi∣dem contentae resolutionis & declarationis loco ademti templi, scholae, & parochiae Evange∣licorum pro commoditate praespecificatorum ibidem existentium & commorantium Augu∣stanae Confessioni addictorum, alia loca omnino commoda & apta ad mentem Articuli 19. 1647. designare & ordinare, eosdemque in pacifico usu ejusdem exercitij imperturbatos relinquere debuisset, remotis potius in con∣trarium ab Officio ejusdem Ecclesiae Evange∣licae Ministris, & Scholae docentibus, univer∣sos nobiles pariter & ignobiles, quae praesi∣diarios, qua incolas & cives Evangelicos à continuo libero eorundem usu & exercitio, à memoria hominum ibidem practicato & ha∣bito, in eodemque usu reali, ut praemissum, articulariter relicto, certo licet cum respirio, ad ulteriorem nimirum suae Majestatis Sere∣nissimae benignissimam resolutionem, & gratiam, maximo tamen exercitij spiritualis, nullam moram patientis, cum praejudicio, optimique ejusdem juris Articularis verbo & indultu Regio firmati cum derogamine, severa sub comminatione inhibuit, & penitus abstinere coëgit. Inhaerendo proinde firmissime Regio huic & articulari indulto, peterent instantis∣sime, sibi in eadem civitate, ejusdemque moeniis, non solum loca aedificandor. Templi, Parochiae & Scholae commoda & idonea per quos interest, designari, & exscindi, verum∣etiam articulare eorundem liberum Religio∣nis exercitium cum communi & indifferenti Campanarum & sepulturae usu, ita dictante eti∣am praeallegato 26 Artic. Soproniens. suo pri∣stino statui & ordini reddi, reduci & re∣stitui.

Gravamina regiarum & liberarum Veterozoliensis, Breznobaniensis & Libethbaniensis Civitatum E∣vangelicorum.

AEQue lamentabili cum querimonia expo∣nunt quoque earundem Regiarum & li∣berarum Civitatum universi Evangelici affli∣ctissimam & infelicissimam suam in negotio Religionis suae sortem, ut qui tenore genuini & sani ensus Articulorum Soproniensium libero Religionis suae exercitio omnibus & ubique per Regnum degentibus, juxta claram & evi∣dentissimam Artic. 1. ante Coronationem 1608. editi, inque 25 Artic. Sopron. confirmati expli∣cationem (nullo Regni statu, minus quarto, qui

Regiae & liberae Civitates Regni, qua pecu∣lia sacrae Coronae, indifferenter essent Excluso) benignissimo indulto & resolutione Regiis, alias concesso & admisso, vel in privato saltem per∣agendo, privari minime potuissent, sed nec debuissent; immo vero virtute subsequentis 26 Artic. Sopron. generaliter de civitatibus lo∣quentis, ac non nisi in exemplum ex utroque ordine tam Montanarum binas, quam liberarum cìvitatum similiter binas adducentis & deno∣minantis, pro se quoque erigendorum novorum templorum, Parochiarum & Scholarum, loca commoda & convenientia, ab ordinata Anno 1688. Regia Commissione obtentum & assig∣natum iri, certo sperassent; horum tamen nihil consequuti, in majorem sui aggravationem, & Religionis suae apertissimum exterminium, amo∣tis, & exturbatis per eandem Commissionem Regiam, omnibus ordinariis Evangelicae Eccle∣siae eorundem Ministris, totali libertate exer∣citij Religionis privati & prohibiti essent: Universis actibus Ministerialibus Ecclesiasti∣cis alibi locorun apud Evangelicos uti volen∣tibus, severe interdictis; è converso omnibus stolaribus Proventibus, sicut & aliis solutio∣nibus Evangelicos Ministros praecise concernen∣tibus, pro introductis Plebanis, paucos omnino in Veterozoliensi & Breznobaniensi, Libeth∣baniensi vero Civitatibus nonisi unum cives & incolas Catholicos habentibus contra ex∣pressam annuentiam Articulorum 11 & 12. Anno 1647. invitis Evangelicis, inconsuete, viaque facti vendicatis & attractis, adhaec quoque Inhabitatores & cives, sine discrimine, ac potissimum opifices & Mechanicos Evangelicos ad Caeremonias Religioni ipsorum contrarias compellere omnimode conantibus, nec de facto desistentibus. Ob id, pro Articulari liberi exercitij beneficio, pariterque ceu aliis ita his quoque civitatibus, pari libertate cum iisdem gaudentibus, nec hoc in passu deterioris esse conditionis valentibus, locorum novis templis, scholis, & Parochis erigendis, & aedificandis omnino commodorum & idoneorum gratiosissima admissione & per quos interest excisione, sic{que} integrali eorundem restitutione, quam demissi∣ssime instarent.

Gravamina Liberarum ac Regiarum Civitatum Sancti Georgij, Ba∣zingae, Tyrnaviae, Szakolizae, Kúszegh, & Ruszt.

LAmentabiliter deplorant & exponunt istae liberae & Regiae Civitates affli∣ctum & turbatum Religionis suae statum, adeo{que} infelicitatem, ubi quamvis juxta genuinum sen∣sum articulorum Soproniensium in hac Religi∣onis Materia conditorum libero Religionis ex∣ercitio omnibus & ubique per Regnum degen∣tibus, &c. concesso & admisso existente, eo magis clariori hujus Articuli 25. explicatione in confirmato ibidem Anno 1608. Artic. 1. ante coronationem contentae, ne quidem hae Civitates libertate hac exercitij vel in pri∣vato saltem peragenda, privari possent ac de∣berent: imo beneficio articuli subsequentis 26. Sopron. generaliter de Civitatibus loquentis, loca templis, Parochiis & Scholis apud se erigendis sibi assignatum iri omnino sperassent, nihil tamen praemissorum obtinuerunt: quin potius pro majori sui aggravatione, & extrema Religionis suae internecione totale exercitium Religionis suae inhibitum: Ministri ipsorum amoti & exturbati, ita ut ne Civitates qui∣dem istas iis ingredi liceat. Frequentatio ta∣lium locorum, ubi adhuc Religionis exerciti∣um vigeret, Baptismatumque, & aliorum Ec∣clesiasticorum rituum ibidem usus & accepta∣tio absolute gravissimis sub poenis inhibita, adeoque ad infirmos suos, & in agone consti∣tutos admissio Ministrorum Evangelicorum in totum vetita, generaliter vero totale exerci∣tium Religionis suae contra sensum praescrip∣torum articulorum denegatum, ex adverso vero Inhabitatores Evangelici ad caeremonias contrarias compelluntur. Pro cujus exercitij liberi articulari beneficio, simulque ad instar aliarum Civitatum locorum erigendis Templis, Par hiis, & Scholis commodorum admissione & excisione (cum una libertate gaudentes cum aliis, ne in hoc quidem sequior ipsorum condi∣tio esse debeat) humillime supplicant.

Gravamina Liberarum ac Regiarum Trenchiniensis & Modrensis Ci∣vitatum.

DOlenter sane conqueruntur hae duae liberae & Regiae Civitates, quod quidem be∣neficio Articuli 26 diaetae Soproniensis, loca aedificandis templo, Parochiae & Scholis iis∣dem excisa & assignata per Dominos Commis∣sarios essent, atque liberum exercitium Reli∣gionis suae permissum; circa hujus tamen non∣nulla Essentialia requisita & necessaria ipsos plane extra articulariter, imo contra genuinum sensum eorundem articulorum per eosdem Com∣missarios esse circumscriptos & coarctatos. Et primo quidem circa Ministros suos, seu praedi∣cantes, qui ad certum numerum essènt restricti: imo ut defuncto, & è vivis excedente eorun∣dem aliquo, expost alterum in ejus locum intro∣ducere non liceat. Vicinorum & circumjacen∣tium locorum Evangelici (quibus etiam vi praecedentis 25 Artic. generalis clausulae, Omnibus & ubique per regnum degentibus, &c. liberum etiam exercitium concessum fuisset) ne Ministerio & sacris eorum uti audeant & talia loca frequentent serio interdictum. Ipsis denique Ministris visitatio infirmorum ex∣traneorum & in agone constitutorum, strictis∣sime

inhibita. Opifices & Mechanici contra similiter mentem dicti Artic. 25. ad caeremo∣nias sibi contrarias, processiones quippe, & ad has consuetorum vexillorum comparatio∣nem sub gravi mulcta compelluntur. Baptis∣mata, & alij ritus Ecclesiae circumjacentibus Pagis administrari vetiti. Plebano catholico ex publico proventu Civitatis salarium ordi∣natum, Evangelico vero ex propria auditorum pecunia, sicut & Scholae Rectori, ut solvatur. Scholae similiter triviales tantum, id est, ali∣quantum legere & scribere tradentes concessae: super cujusmodi circumscriptionibus, siquidem praescripti Articuli omnino silerent, singulas ta∣les difficultates & gravamina sua ad genuinum sensum eorundem articulorum & aliorum per hos confirmatorum, accommodanda & reducenda, humillime instant.

Gravamina superioris Regni Hun∣gariae, Zempliniensis, Abavyva∣riensis, Unghvariensis, Saarossien∣sis, Thornensis, &c. Comitatuum insimulque oppidorum submon∣tanorum, in Dominio Rákoczi∣ano existentium Nobilium & Ignobilium Incolarum Evangeli∣corum.

CUm maxima sui oppressione repraesentare coguntur iidem Evangelici suae Maje∣stati Serenissimae, quod quamvis sua Majestas Serenissima, in Artic. 26. Soproniensis diaetae, duobus in locis, primum quidem tenore sub∣sequentium expressissimorum verborum, In aliis verò Comitat. veluti in Szalodiensi, Vespri∣niensi, Jauriensi, Comaroniensi, Abavyvariensi, Saarossiensi, Zempliniensi, Ugocziensi, Be∣reghiensi, Thornensi, Honchensi, Neogra∣diensi, Szolnock & Heves, nec non Pesth, Pilis & Soldt unitis, item Szubolczensi, Ungh & Szathmariensi, siquidem de prae∣senti essent in actuali usu omnium fere tem∣plorum ibidem habitorum, ideo eadem pro actualibus eorundem possessionibus usuanda relicta sunt. Expost verò subsequentis similiter Articularis clausulae; Templa demum, in quo∣rum actuali possessione iidem Augustanae & Helveticae Confessioni addicti de facto sunt, modo praevio prae manibus eorundem, una cum Parochiis & Scholis, proventibus que eorundem propter bonum pacis, ut nimirum quietè & pacificè vivant, relinquuntur, sese benignissime resolvere dignata fuerit, praeviis in comitatibus universa Templa, Parochias & Scholas cum suis proventibus propter bonum pacis, unionis, internamque tranquillitatem Regni publicam prae manibus ibidem existen∣tium & degentium Evangelicorum actualiter relinquenda & pacifice usuanda, positiva lege clementissime constituerit: eo nihilominus non obstante, in Comitatibus signanter Abavyvari∣ensi, Saarossiensi, Zempliniensi, Thornensi & Ungh existentia Evangelicorum templa po∣tiori ex parte per eosdem Evangelicos aut fundamentaliter erecta, aut ex imis ruderi∣bus re-aedificata, Scholae item & Parochiae, una cum eorundem proventibus, similiter per Evangelicos testamentaliter collatis & appli∣catis, nec unquam per dominos Catholicos pos∣sessis, contra apertissimum ejusdem articuli Soproniensis sensum, gratiosissimamque suae Majestatis Serenissimae, occasione etiam & beneficio novissimae Posoniensis diaetae in conso∣lationem status Evangelici renovatam & ra∣tificatam resolutionem, in dominio praesertim Rakocziano, oppidis Comitatus Zempliniensis, nominanter Szantho, Thallia, Môd, Keretz∣thur, Tarczal, Liszka, Benye, Tolescua, Ug∣helly, Patak, Borssy, (quae quidem oppida tum tempore conditi praespecificati Articuli Soproniensis, quam expost etiam in actuali pa∣cifico dominio Templorum, Parochiarum & Scholarum suarum fuissent, ac ulterius etiam vigore ejusdem articuli imperturbate persistere debuissent) prout & confinio Tokay (alias per eundem articulum in dominio sui templi per expressum relicto & denominato,) pagisque quamplurimis in eodem dominio existentibus, ipsis Evangelicis per inspectores eorundem bo∣norum Manifesta vi adempta sunt.

His accederet, quod contra apertissimum Soproniensis similiter Articuli 25 sensum, praespecificatorum oppidorum in attacto comi∣tatu Zempliniensi existentium Incolae tam nobiles, quam alterius etiam conditionis post memoratam occupationem templorum, apud privatas domos quoque continuatum Religionis suae exercitium, alia virtute Artic. 1. Anno 1608. ante Coronationem editi, ad quem se idem 25. Soproniensis diaetae articulus mani∣festè referret, tam in Fisci Regij, quam alio∣rum Dominorum Baronum ac Magnatum bonis liberum relictum, severissimis sub minis sepo∣nere tam hactenus coacti sunt, quam de prae∣senti etiam coguntur.

Praedicantes verò eorum benignissima suae Majestatis Serenissimae resolutione, vigore prae∣scripti 25. Artic. ab exilio revocati, intra praefixos jam aliquot vicibus terminos, sub amissione bonorum & capitis, è dominio eodem aut exire, aut reversalibus ad nulla umquam munia Ecclesiastica ibidem exercenda sub ea∣dem cautione sese obnoxios reddere cogun∣tur.

Praeter haec, quamvis praecitati Articuli Soproniensis, & quidem 25. ne Augustanae & Helveticae confessioni addicti ad caeremonias religioni suae contrarias quoquo modo compellan∣tur: Articulus verò 26. ne Catholici Mini∣stris Augustanae & Helveticae confessioni ad∣dictis, nec verò horum sequaces Plebanis Ca∣tholicis ad mentem Artic. 11. 1647. solvere

obligentur, manifeste declararent; tamen in utroque, & praesertim in solutione Plebanis Catholicis fienda, militari quoque brachio as∣sumpto, in contrarium coguntur.

Quin utut tenore saepius allegati Artic. 26. usus sepulturae & campanarum indifferenter, uti Catholocis ita & Evangelicis esset liber relictus, nihilominus exsanguia Evangelicorum corpora contra ipsum jus Christianitatis in solito sepul∣turae loco terrae mandari impediuntur. Sed nec usus campanarum per Evangelicos licet com∣paratarum, & fieri curatarum, ipsis admittitur. Imo, quod manifestam omnino persecutionem Evangelicorum saperet, ipsis quoque Nobilibus certa bona quamvis exemptitia, & jure etiam Regio confirmata intra corpus praeattacti do∣minij Ragotzkiani possidentibus, ac alterius etiam conditionis hominibus, nisi professioni suae Evangelicae resenserint, ac renunciaverint exterminatio & exclusio de Bonis iisdem, in eodem dominio habitis, per inspectorem bono∣rum Rakotzkianorum identidem minitatur. Non absimiliter in Comitatu Abavyvariensi provisor bonorum Regeczianorum in bonis iisdem per certas suas literas Evangelici exercitij cultum interdixit, ac intra quotuordecim dies Parochis Evangelicis migrationem è bonis iisdem sub amissione bonorum & capitis inti∣mavit, vel si ad modum privatorum seculari∣um ibidem remanere vellent, strictissimis Re∣versalibus ad nulla umquam munia Ecclesiasti∣ca ibidem sub amissione pariter bonorum & capitis exercenda sese adstrictos reddere desi∣deravit, ac actu etiam templa in possessionibus Fony & Bodokáuyfalu una cum appertinentiis occupavit.

Pariter in ejusdem Comitatus Abavyvari∣ensis oppido Sepssy dicto, ubi nullis sub praetex∣tibus templum à possessoribus Evangelicis oc∣cupari potuisset, proventus decimales ex ter∣ritorio ejusdem oppidi Parocho Evangelico pro∣venire soliti, ad intimationem inclytae Came∣rae Scepusiensis per Tricesimatorem Sepssiensem sunt occupati, qui de facto etiam in sequestro tenentur.

Aeque in Comitatu Unghvariensi in oppido Nogymihali, pagisque Vinna & Sztara: sicut & in Comitatu Saarossiensi, in possessionibus Tolczeck, Asguth & Soovar, Evangelicorum templa, Parochiae & Scholae, cum universis appertinentiis praeallegato Articulari modo actualem in usum & possessionem Evangelicis relicta, per dominos Catholicos via facti sunt adempta.

Denique in Comitatu Thornensi, in possessi∣one Somogy, medietas proventus, per certam conventionem jampridem initam Parocho Evan∣gelico cedens, pariter adempta est.

Quae omnia contra benignissimam suae Maje∣statis Serenissimae mentem & articularem re∣solutionem adversus supramemoratos Evange∣licos, maxima optimorum jurium suorum Ar∣ticularium cum injuria & eversione actu ipso attentata exstitissent, eadem uti firmissi∣me crederent, cum reali & effectiva violen∣ter ademptorum restitutione, suique redinte∣gratione, adhaec introductorum abusuum subla∣tione clementissime remedenda, in paternum suae Majestatis Serenissimae sinum humillime effuderunt.

Iidem praecitatorum Comitatuum su∣perioris Regni Hungariae ac Oppi∣dorum in dominio Rakocziano exi∣stentium incolae professionis Evange∣licae.

Par ratio est Comitatuum Articularium Szalodiensis, Vespriniensis, Jaurien∣sis, Comaroniensis, Bereghiensis, Szol∣nock, & Heves, Szatmariensis item ac Pesth, ac Soldt unitorum.

Gravamina Universitatis Evangelicae Nobilium in Comitatibus Lyp∣toviensi, Thurocziensi, Arvensi, Trenchiniensi, Zoliensi, & Hon∣thensi existentium, pro evidenti remonstratione eorum, in qui∣busnam iidem contra Articulos Sopronienses in Negotio Religi∣onis laesi & turbati essent: Qui∣bus immediate subjunguntur eti∣am humillima Postulata eorun∣dem, aeque pro dictis Articulis conformitalium Gravaminum su∣orum mitigatione, reductione, & complanatione.

ET siquidem Lyptoviensis, & Thuroczien∣sis, Arvensis, Trenchiniensis & Zolien∣sis Comitatuum Gravamina & querelae in omnibus fere punctis ac difficultatibus conci∣derent, ac aequaliter procederent, brevitatis ergo hic etiam conjunguntur. Et hi quidem Comitatus manifeste & merito in eo se inju∣riatos & turbatos querulantur, quod per illu∣striss. D. Comitem Georgium Ardody, qua Commissarium, & reliquos penes se habitos, contra genuinum sensum & tenorem dictorum articulorum Soproniensium Ministri, seu Prae∣dicantes eorum Evangelici, qui post occupati∣onem in his Comitatibus universorum templo∣rum vi articuli 26. Soproniensis libero exer∣citio Religionis ad Residentias & Domos pri∣vatas Nobilium translato existente, vocatio∣nem & munia sua taliter longo tempore perage∣bant omnes (praeter duos inarticulariter deno∣minatis locis relictos) extra Comitatum & locum, ubi tum mansissent, sub quindena sunt proscripti & relegati; vel si eorum ali∣quibus

emigrare non placuisset, talibus Rever∣sales super simplici abdicatione Ministerii con∣tra expressam in Artic. 25. similium cessatio∣nem subscribendae propositae, nec secus toleran∣dos stricte & sub incaptivatione eorundem de∣mandatum esset.

Scholae non aliae quam triviales vel sicuti eadem Commissio explicaret, aliquantulum legere & scribere docentes, ac eae quoque in locis sal∣tem duobus Articulariter, ut proemissum deno∣minatus permissae: Caeterae omnes clausae & interdictae, ac Rectores passim exturbati, cum interim Artic. 25. tam Praedicantes, quam hos Officiis suis in integrum restituisset. Cultus & exercitium Religionis in domibus & residen∣tiis Nobilium, oratoriis item & capellis, qua∣les plurimae darentur in dictis Comitatibus per Ministros Evangelicos peragendus strictè pro∣hibitus, miraque sane circumscriptione ita li∣mitatus, ut siquis Nobilium in aedibus suis cultum Dei peragere velit, non alium quam unum ex duobus illis relictis Ministris accer∣sere, & eorum opera uti praesumat, idque pro sua solum & famulitij sui necessitate.

Solutiones qualescunque (extra stolares du∣orum saltem in quovis Comitatu assignato∣rum locorum) omnes Plebanis Catholicis ex∣solvendae decretae: Imo jam passim ubique mi∣litari assistentia mediante per Plebanos ab eo tempore extorquentur.

Villani, seu rustici, ab exercitio suae Reli∣gionis, Baptismatum, Copulae, Introductionum, Sepulturae, ac Sacramentorum suo ritu perci∣piendorum usu, frequentatione item Articu∣lariter assignatorum locorum absolute arcen∣tur, & inhibentur: E contra verò ad Caere∣monias sibi contrarias per vim & fortia com∣pelluntur.

Insuper in Comitatu Thurocziensi erunt templa in possessionibus Bella, Zaturcza, & Pribacz, Evangelicorum sumptibus aedificata, & ante conditum Articulum non reconciliata, non habito tamen respectu articularis excepti∣onis sub initium Artic. 26. appositae, indiscri∣minatim omnia sunt occupata. Campanarum item & sepulturae usus, nisi cum praescitu & exsolutione Plebanorum permittitur.

In Comitatu Honthensi verò, qui juxta Artic. 26. Soproniensem Universa Templa (tam∣quam quae tempore conditorum eorundem Ar∣ticulorum prae manibus Evangelicorum fuis∣sent, ac vi illius Articuli de caetero etiam usui relinquenda innueretur) libere & paci∣fice possidere debuissent illustrissimus D. Comes Volffgangus Kohary ejusdem Comitatus supre∣mus Comes ex delegatione (uti se declaravit) illustrissimi D. Comitis praefati Georgij Erdodi, adjuncto sibi vicecomite Comitatus, occupavit, excepto unico exili in contemptissimo pago Dri∣eno dicto, non pridem per Evangelicos aedifi∣cato. Ministris praeterea Evangelicis omnibus serio praecepit, ut Parochiis ac locis, ubi ha∣ctenus mansissent, actutùm excedunt, nisi in∣captivari velint. Nobilibus quoque inhibi∣tum, ipsos vel in privato quoque tolerare ullo modo audeant. Cum tamen Comitatus iste nomine tenus in Articulo praescripto in eo tum actualiter habito usu templorum adtunc pos∣sessorum, ulterius etiam confirmaretur, ac sta∣biliretur.

Humillima eaque Articularia prae∣mentionatorum Comitatuum Po∣stulata haec sunt.

QUandoquidem sua Majestas Serenissima tam per Confirmationem dictorum 25. & 26. Artic. diaetae Soproniensis, in novissima diaeta Posoniensi Artic. 21. 1687. editam, quam etiam rursus in personali audientia Able∣gatis praescriptorum Comitatuum elargitam resolutionem, praedictos Artic. in omnibus pun∣ctis & clausulis se observaturam, & per alios quoque serio observari facturam verbo suo Regio resolvisset, juxta simplicissimum proinde & clarissimum eorundem Articulorum sensum in sequentibus sese accommodandos, redinte∣grandos, restituendos, & per expressam ex∣peditionem, seu decretum, confirmandos prae∣fatorum Comitatuum Evangelici humillime im∣plorant.

Ut juxta mentem 25 Artic. dictae diaetae Soproniensis omnes ipsorum Ministri, seu Prae∣dicantes, & Rectores, libere in medio sui re∣manere, ac professionis suae exercitium, atque munia extra quamvis limitationem peragere valeant: Cum hoc ipsum idem Articulus (tam Praedicantes, quam Scholarum Rectores, illos etiam qui ante proscripti fuerunt, cassatis ip∣sorum Reversalibus priori libertati & voca∣tioni restituens) per expressum permitteret, ita ut siquidem omnes tales Praedicantes ad duo loca excisa, & in Artic. 26. denominata restringi & collocari non possint, relaxata & sublata juxta uberiorem ejusdem 26. Artic. sensum & indultum, in oratoriis Arcensibus & Residentialibus Dominorum, Magnatum & No∣bilium exercendi Religionis exercitij inhibiti∣one, similes extra parochiales Praedicantes ibidem in privato accommodari valebant.

Templa & Capellae non reconciliatae, per∣que Evangelicos aedificatae, ex mente simili∣ter dicti Artic. 26. pro exercendo cultu Reli∣gionis nostrae, ubicunque in dictis Comitatibus reperirentur, nobis relinquantur, & restituan∣tur.

Similiter ex Constitutione & decreto toties fati Artic. 26. quatenus praescriptorum Comi∣tatuum Evangelici ab omni prorsus solutione (juxta expressa Articuli verba, & aliorum ibidem confirmatorum) Parochis Catholicis praestanda liberi maneant, & immunes, ac tan tum suos Ministros exsolvere sint obligati.

Ultimatè, ut omnibus sui in medio existenti∣bus cujuscunque status & conditionis homini∣bus Religionis suae exercitium maneat & sit liberum, non exclusis etiam Rusticis juxta paragraphum Artic. 25. Omnibus & ubique, &c. & aliorum ibidem confirmatorum; nec ullus ad contrarias caeremonias compelli praesumatur. Generaliter verò quatenus in omnibus dictorum Articulorum beneficiis & indultis conserven∣tur, nec una pars alteram sub poena ibidem apposita quoquomodo turbare expost audeat.

Comitatus porro Henthensis extra praemis∣sa cum ceteris Comitatibus sibi Communia Po∣stulata peculiari, eoque Articulariter per ex∣pressam sui denominationem eidem attributo jure, pro restitutione etiam occupatorum tem∣plorum, in quorum videlicet actuali usu & dominio tempore conditi Artic. fuisset, hu∣millime instat.

Gravamen Oppidi Gyongyôs.

QUerelatur idem oppidum in eo, quod dum juxta Artic. 26. Soproniensis Diaetae expressam concessionem, ad verba: In aliis verò Comtatibus, veluti Szaladiensi, Veszpri∣niensi, &c. & Heves (in quo oppidum hoc situm esset) siquidem de praesenti, &c. Item, Templa demum, in quorum actuali possessione iidem Augustanae & Helveticae confessioni ad∣dicti de facto sunt, &c. in actuali possessione & dominio Templi, Parochiae & Scholae, suorom Helvetico Evangelicorum, (ex quo in horum actuali etiam usu & possessione ante, sub, & post Diaetam Soproniensem usque ad infra∣scriptum tempus pacifice perstitissent) imper∣turbate relinqui debuissent, maximo regij & Articularis hujus indulti, optimique juris sui cum praejudicio ex mandato & Commissione Rev. D. Archiepiscopi Strigoniensis Georgij Szechenti, & illustrissimi D. Comitis Georgij Erdody, per egregios Johannem Almassy He∣vestiensis, & Franciscum Schútter Pesthiensis Comitatuum Judices Nobilium, violenta as∣sumtorum armatorum plebeiorum hominum in∣vasorum manu, primum Templo, perrupta me∣dio Zingari ejusdem fenestra, eodemque im∣misso, ac sic ab intus violenter penetrato, ada∣perto, & potito, ex post Parochia & Schola, in nobilitatibus alias fundis per Evangelicos propria pecunia comparatis, aedificatis, tan∣dem verò omnibus horum appartinentiis, unde∣cim nimirum vineis, quinque molendinis, uno macello, domo similiter una partim testamen∣taliter per Evangelicos collatis, partim pro∣priis eorundem pecuniis conquisitis, exindeque resultantibus proventibus, omnino Evangelicis, die 21 Maij 4. proxime praeterito 1688. via facti occupatis, privatum, Praedicante adhaec & Scholae Rectore in exilium pulsis, libero Religionis exercitio, vel in privata etiam domo Articulariter usuando, severissime inhi∣bito, sepultura in locis competentibus, & cam∣panarum propriarum usu insimul interdictis: funeratione verò demortuorum Evangelicorum (nisi Plebani Catholici eatenus, prout & Bap∣tismatum, Copulationum, & Sacramentorum Officio, ritu, & opera uti vellent) ad disre∣pectuosa quadriviorum & compitorum campe∣pestrium loca amandata totali & integro actu∣ali Articularis Ecclesiae Helvetio Evangelicae beneficio esset orbatum: quare plenariam sui, praemissorumque occupatorum, ablatorum, & prohibitorum omnium realem restitutionem & redintegrationem vi praespecificati Articula∣ris indulti, jure merito expeterent. Par ratio

Oppidi Jaszbrinij. Oppidi Comarom.

Non sine animi dolore conquererentur quo∣que cives & incolae, stipendiarij item Milites Hungarici Confinij Comaromiensis Augustanae & Helveticae Confessionis: Quod posteaquam vigore Articuli 26. Diaetae Soproniensis, ubi idem Confinium perexpressum denominaretur tam liberam publicae Religionis exercitij pra∣xin, quam Templorum etiam ac Scholarum & Parochiarum pacificam adepti fuissent, ac in iis imperturbate, & sine laesione Catholicae Religionis perstitissent, utque dum Artic. 1683. ob fatales belli tumultus, & insperatam Op∣pidi Conflagrationem Ministris eorundem Evangelicis una cum civibus hinc inde dispersis tale liberum Religionis exerciti∣um quodammodo intermitti contigisset; jam∣nunc annis & fatis clementioribus super∣venientibus, ubi virtute praescripti Ar∣ticuli 26. idem publicum Religionis suae exercitium reassumere, & Ministros suos Ecclesiasticos reducere voluissent, interveni∣entibus Excellentissimi D. Comitis à Hoffkir∣cher, dicti Confinii Commendantis, & loci Cleri contradictionibus id effectuare in prae∣sens usque nullatenus permissi, imo de die in dies gravioribus minis absterriti totali Reli∣gionis suae exercitio inhibiti, privati sunt, pro uti talem inhibitionem ulterius quoque praeattacti D.D. Catholici practicaturi tribus abhinc mensibus circiter ad pulsum tympani per plateas Confinij factum, etiam ad circum∣jacentia loca egressum Evangelicis pro pera∣genda devotione sua, sub incaptivatione, & aliis gravibus poenis, severissime interminati sunt, prohibitis etiam precibus in privatis alias aedibus peragi solitis. Hinc non absi∣militer pro Articulari sui, praemissorumque restitutione & redintegratione supplicarent. His accederet,

Inferioris Hungariae Possessionis Hodos nun∣cupatae Praedicantem Evangelicum Samuelem Riczkey dictum, non obstantibus Protectionali∣bus ex intimo Consilio Bellico eidem Possessi∣oni gratiose elargitis, binis vicibus, per homines Celsiss. & Rever. D. Archiepiscopi Strigoniensis esse expoliatum & omni supel∣lectili

domestica privatum, ultimum etiam in persona 22 praeteriti mensis Martij captum, Posoniumque ad aedes Archiepiscopales in car∣ceres deductum, ubi dire & dure tractatur, & nonnisi sicco pane & squalida aqua emace∣ratur.

Similiter superioris Hungariae Possessionis Totthfalu Praedicantem Evangelicum per Nag∣hybaeniarensis Residentiae Patrem Jesuitam, Ravasz vocatum, captum, vinctumque ad car∣ceres Szatthmarienses deduci curatum, ubi etiamnum detineretur, & miserrime tracta∣retur.

Diaetae Posoniensis, Ann. 1687. Articulus XXI. In negotio Religio∣nis renovantur Articuli 25 & 26 Ann. 1681. cum interjecta De∣claratione.

LIcet quidem in Negotio Religionis Augu∣stanae & Helvetiae Confessioni addicti Articulis 25 & 26 novissimae Diaetae Soproni∣ensis oppositam iisdem per reclamationem suam abutentes ipso facto eorundem beneficij par∣ticipes esse desiissent: propter bonum nihilo∣minus domesticae unionis & pacis, internam∣que Regni tranquillitatem, cum sua Majestas Serenissimae ex gratia & clementia sua prae∣citatos Articulos adhuc ratos fore benignissime resolvisset, eosdem status quoque & ordines ad mentem Paternae resolutionis (Cleri & ali∣orum secularium Catholicorum contradictione non obstante) pro renovatis & priori firmita∣ti restitutis censendos, acsi & in quantum ha∣ctenus ineffectuati, vel verò per aliquos abu∣sus ab una aut altera parte medio tempore introductos, violati fuissent, suae debitae exe∣cutioni, & tempore eorundem conditorum Articulorum, vel expost occupatorum, aut re∣occupatorum impendendae restaurationi, ut∣primum demandandos esse statuerunt.

THE GRIEVANCES Of the two Imperial and Free Cities of Ʋpper Hungary, Cas∣sovia, and Epperies; wherein are Contain'd the Injuries done to all the Protestant Citizens and Inhabitants of the three Ranks, as well in their Civil Liberties, against the 25th, 26th, and 41st Articles of the Diet of Sopron, An. 1681. together with their Demands.

[ 1681] FIRST, It must be allow'd that in the 26th Article of that Diet, by the Special Favour of His most Sacred Majesty, 'twas ex∣presly Ordain'd in these very Words: But in other parts 'tis Order'd ac∣cording to His Majesty's Gracious Resolution that Places be appointed for the Building of Churches and Schools, and Erecting Pa∣rishes for the Conveniency of those of the Helvetian Confession, and of that of Ausbourg.

That instead of the Churches, Schools, and Parishes taken from the Protestants, there should be Assign'd them by Commis∣sioners appointed from His Majesty, com∣modious and convenient Places, and that without any Restriction, even in the Ci∣ties of upper Hungary, according to the literal and genuine sense of the Clause of the said Article, which saith, Furthermore in the Free and Mountain Cities, as also in all the Cities of upper Hungary are Places to be allow'd for the Building of Churches and Schools, and Erecting Parishes.

Nevertheless in the beginning of January, in the year 1687. His Majesty's High-Commissioners appointed with so much Clemency in upper Hungary, were so far in their proceedings from satisfying either His Majesty's pious Resolution, or the true and clear intent of the Article, that even in contempt of them all, and in com∣pliance with their own false Glosses, they did assign to the Protestants inconvenient and undecent places without the said Ci∣ties, which have no Suburbs, and conse∣quently very remote in the Fields, to the evident exterminating of the free Exercise of our Religion from the said Cities.

Wherefore we do constantly insist on the most Holy Resolution of His Majesty, as it is declar'd in the express'd words of the Article before alledg'd, and by vertue thereof, do humbly implore, that instead of the inconvenient appointed Places such others (as shall be both commodious and free from all Civil Taxes or Contributions, according to the intention of the 8th Ar∣ticle, An. 1647. and the 12th, An. 1649. in the above-mentioned Cities, and within the Walls of the same, without any Am∣biguity, since the before-cited 26th Article includeth the inward, not the outward parts of the Cities) be granted and as∣sign'd to us the true and lawful Citizens, and in no wise deserving so unjust a Ba∣nishment from the midst of the Cities.

Secondly, 'tis also undeniable, that in the 25th Article, immediately foregoing, the Gracious Resolution of His most Sacred Majesty is declar'd in these very words: To all and every one through the Kingdom (no Protestant Inhabitant of whatsoever State and Condition, or in whatever part of the Kingdom excepted) according to the 1st Article in the year 1608. published be∣fore the Coronation, a free Exercise of their Religion in general is granted, and also that none of the said Inhabitants shall any wise be disturbed for the future in the free Exercise of their Religion, on the severe punishment that is expresly set down in the 26th Arti∣cle of the Diet of Sopron.

Notwithstanding which, when the said Protestants of Cassovia and Epperies would have freely us'd and enjoy'd their Right Establish'd by His Majesty's Warrant, and continu'd their way of Worship, as also the Instruction of their Youth within the said Cities, and their Walls (as places provided by the above-mention'd Articles, and formerly us'd and allow'd) they were not only not admitted, but severely prohi∣bited and hindred by the Magistrates and Clergy of these Cities, nay sent away and

Banish'd till this time, to the fore-specified places in no wise convenient for them, as if they were Strangers and wholly incapa∣ble of the Common Liberties of the King∣dom.

Wherefore in this Point also Relying on the Gracious Resolution of His most Sacred Majesty, and the Articles he has been pleased to make with us, We do most Humbly implore a lawful Restitution and firm Establishment of the free exercise of our Religion in its former State, according to the said Article 1st Anno 1608 (viz.) within the Walls of the said Cities. We also submissively beg, that till we have a con∣venient opportunity of Building and Ere∣cting new Churches, Schools and Parishes (which by reason of our great Poverty, and the vast Taxes and Contributions to the present War, we are not able now to perform) it be graciously granted to us, that we may anew freely enjoy the said exercise of Religion in certain private and convenient places, and have Schools for the Instruction of Youth.

Thirdly, Though the indifferent and common life of Bells and Burials was every where permitted, as well to the Protestants as Catholicks by these express words, of the 26th Article of the Diet of Sopron: The free use of Bells and Burials is left to the Catholicks of those places, as well as to those of the Helvetian Confession, and of that of Ausbourg.

Which nevertheless, the Catholick Magistracy and Clergy of Cassovia and Epperies have fully deny'd, and do still deny the said free use of Bells and Burials to the Protestant Inhabitants of the said Cities, forbidding them with most severe Threats, to perform the usual Ceremonies of Burials, within the Walls of the said Cities; notwithstanding the gracious reso∣lution of His most Sacred Majesty, made to the illustrious States of the Kingdom, in the Diet of Sopron, December the 10th, Anno 1681.

So that we earnestly desire the common use of Bells and Burials for the Protestants, as well within, as without the City Walls, free from any molestation or disturbance, conformable to the Pious Grant of His most Sacred Majesty.

Fourthly, It is evident also, that by Ver∣tue of the general Clause inserted in the end of the so often mention'd 26th Article in these words: Provided always, That the Laws of the Kingdom confirm'd by the Royal Charter be not hereby prejudiced.

The standing Laws of the Kingdom con∣cerning the Ecclesiastical Revenues of those of the Helvetian Confession, and of that of Ausbourg were left in force, and conse∣quently any Arbitrary proceedings forbid∣den, especially such as against the instinct of Nature, tend to the enriching of some Persons, to the Damage and Wrong of others.

Nevertheless, the Roman Catholick Ma∣gistrate and the Clergy of Cassovia and Ep∣peries, by their own Authority, and by Force have taken and appropriated to themselves, all the pious Legacies and Gifts left by Will, through the pious zeal of the Protestants, for the use of Protestant Churches and Schools, (viz. in Cassovia, four Houses standing within the Wall of the said City, one of which the Magistrate has sold, and alienated to the illustrious Michael Domeczki; a Garden and certain Plow Lands lying in the Territory of the same City; as also a Vineyard formerly called Varghaszóló, lying in the Territory of Tokai. And in Epperies certain Vineyards likewise lying in several Territories of Upper Hungary, together with their Revenues) actually retaining the same for their own use, and for the most part turning them into prophane uses, against the 11th and 14th Articles of the year 1647, to the great injury and damage of the Protestants.

Wherefore in this Case also, the Prote∣stants appealing to the aforesaid Laws, and Constitution of the Kingdom, do lawfully require, that all the pious Legacies and Church Lands (violently taken away and retain'd from them, who are the right Owners) be restor'd together with their Revenues, according to that Rule of Com∣mon Justice, Render to every one his own.

Fifthly, It is certain likewise, that for the paying of the Protestant Ministers, and of the Catholick Curates, it was evidently enough provided, not only by the often mentioned 26th Article in these words: Nevertheless, the Catholicks shall not be obliged to pay any thing to the Ministers of the Protestants, nor the Protestants to the Curates of the Catholicks.

But also by the 11th Article of the year 1647 in these words; Let no Protestant be obliged to pay any thing to the Catholick Curates, nor the Catholick to the Protestant Ministers.

Nay, in the following 12th Article of the said year 1647, are contained these words: Concerning any use whatever of the Ministerial Functions; but where the Prote∣stants have no Parishes, let them pay the Mi∣nisters that they employ, as the Catholicks are to pay their Catholick Curates; and where hitherto the Protestants did pay nothing to

the Catholick Curates, they shall not be obliged hereafter to pay any under any pretence what∣soever, nor the Catholicks to the Protestant Minsters.

Which words, together with these of the same 12th Article concerning the Reve∣nues of Schools; but in any place what∣soever, the Catholick Curates, and the Pro∣testant Ministers shall receive the Revenues of Schools, from their respective Follow∣ers only. Establish this positive Law and Constitution, that the Protestants pay the Protestants, and the Catholicks the Catho∣licks: Notwithstanding this, the Prote∣stants are forced maugre themselves, to pay the Catholick Curates, whilst not only a Weekly allowance, together with other perquisites, is constantly paid to the Ca∣tholick Curates by the Magistrate out of the publick Purse (wherein the Protestants put most, being three for one Catholick;) but also, the Revenues of Schools are ad∣judged, and paid to the same Catholick Cu∣rates, and with the greatest injustice deny'd to the Protestant Ministers and School-Masters.

Therefore they demand with all Sub∣mission and Justice, that the Protestant Mi∣nisters and School-masters, be allow'd out of the publick Purse, a Salary equal with that of the Catholick Curates, or that nei∣ther of the Parties be paid out of that Fond, but each by their respective Follow∣ers, according to the intention of the before mention'd Articles.

Sixthly, Every body knows that by Vertue of the 25th Article, not only a free return and stay in the Kingdom is granted to the Banisht Ministers and School-masters, but also a free exercise of their Religion and Profession, and by Vertue of the fol∣lowing 26th Article it is Order'd, That a∣mongst the imperial and free Cities of Up∣per Hungary, Cassovia and Epperies shall be appointed, and establish'd places for the publick and free exercise of the Protestant Religion; and that hereafter, no Subject shall be disturb'd in the free exercise of his Religion, under the pain expressed in the 8th Article, of the 6th Decree of Ula∣dislaus. Nevertheless, the Magistrate of Ep∣peries, on the very Festival Day of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, in the Year 1688 last past, dar'd deprive the Protestant Church of Epperies, establish'd by the Arti∣cles of their Ministers, and with great dishonour expel all the Protestant Ministers of the three Nations, out of the said City and its Territory, without letting them know any cause of so injust an usage, or shewing them any Warrant of His most Sacred Majesty for it; protending only an unheard of Title of Lord of the Manor, (which cannot be admitted among Civili∣ans, since they enjoy equaly with the Ma∣gistrate the common civil Liberty, nor amongst Clergy Men, who enjoy a special Liberty, nor can it in any wise be taken by Magistrate, whose Office is but for a year) to the great diminishing of His most Sacred Majesty's Authority and the Con∣tempt of the before mentioned Articles.

Wherefore they humbly beg, that the innocent and unjustly Banish'd Protestant Ministers of Epperies be restor'd, and may perform as before their Ecclesiastical Duties, and that both the Protestant Ministers of Cassovia, and those of Epperies, employ'd either in Preaching, or in Teaching Schools, present or to come (being always presented by the right Patrons,) may live quietly and safely in their own or hir'd dwelling places, which they have, or shall have within the Walls of the said Cities.

Seventhly, No body that knows the Law will deny, but in the beginning of the aforesaid 41st Article of the Diet of Sopron, where the Common Liberties and Privile∣ges of the imperial and free Cities are confirm'd, and besides the there mention'd Laws, and Articles of the Kingdom made in several places are renewed, it is expresly ordain'd: That the same Laws and Articles be strictly observed, both by the Chambers and the Officers of the Army, and by any other person whatsoever, so that they (viz. the same imperial and free Cities) be no way disturbed by any one, in their free right to chuse a Civil Magistrate, nor in any other Privilege.

Nevertheless, the modern Magistrate of the said Cities, against the Prohibition con∣tain'd in the 83th Article of the Illustrious Chamber of Scepusium, in the year 1647, out of meer private hatred against our Religion; was pleased to take upon him such a Power, as to degrade, and turn out of their publick Dignities, and Civil Em∣ployments all the Senators of Cassovia and Epperies, and several other Protestant Of∣ficers well deserving, and qualified for pub∣lick Offices and Civil Dignities, against the evident Constitution of the aforesaid Ar∣ticle, and of those that are cited in it; but especially of the 13th, before the Corona∣tion in the year 1608, of the 44th in the year 1609, and of the 12th in the year 1649, to the most evident prejudice of the Common Liberties, and Civil Privileges, and to the considerable oppression of the Protestant Citizens; and in the room of the said Senators and Protestant Officers, the said Magistrate has put Catholick Ci∣tizens either less fit, or wholly unacquain∣ted

with the Affairs of the said Cities, and more minding their private concerns, to the damnifying and even undoing of the said Cities. Wherefore we require with the deepest Humility,

First, That the free right of chusing the Civil Magistrate, and other Officers (which hitherto has been so disturbed, and wholly taken away from the Prote∣stants, against the positive Laws of the Kingdom, made in the Illustrious Cham∣ber of Scepusium) belonging properly and only to the Sworn Citizens of the same Cities, and as well to the Protestants as to the Catholicks, be restor'd and maintain'd in its former State, and in no wise any more disturbed by any one, under the pain mention'd in the renewed and aforesaid Articles.

Secondly, That in order to maintain a civil mutual Union, and put out any Fewel of Division and Hatred, a free Election be made of the same Magistrate, and other Officers out of the well deserving, and well qualified Sworn Citizens, without any dif∣ference of the Catholick and Protestant Religion; and that the Employments, and any Civil Dignities whatsoever be indiffe∣rently, and equally conferr'd and bestowed, so that the Catholicks and Protestants pro∣mote mutually one another to publick, civil Honours, according to the intention of the aforesaid 13th Article, of the year 1608 before the Coronation, and of the 44th of the year 1609.

Thirdly, That in order to observe a just equality of Turns, and procure the publick good of the Cities, it be graciously granted, that the Offices of Judge and Tribune be by Turns, and promiscuously exercised for a year, according to the intention of the aforesaid Articles, and of the 12th in the year 1649.

All the Protestant, Citizens, and Inhabitants of the three Nations, of the Free and Imperial Cities, Cas∣sovia and Epperies.

The Grievance of the Protestants of the Free and Imperial City of Carpona.

IT is not without a great deal of Grief, that all the Noblemen and Gentlemen, all the Auxiliary Forces, and hired Soldiers of both sorts, and all the Protestant Inhabitants, and Citizens of Carpona, think it their Duty to Represent to Your most Sacred Majesty; that altho' according to Your most Sacred Majesty's Resolution, inserted in the 26th Article of the Diet of Sopron, Anno 1681. Among the places of the Kingdom, which were to be appointed for the Building of new Churches and Schools, and Erecting Parishes for the conveniency of those of the Helvetian Confession, and of that of Ausbourg; the same City of Carpona is par∣ticularly named, and established to be one of the places, where the free exercise of Religion should entirely and quietly be en∣joyed, as it may be seen in these words: In the Division before the Mountains at Leva, Carpona and Tulekin.

Nevertheless, Your Majesty's High Com∣missioners appointed in the year 1688 last past in the Mountain Cities, being come to that of Carpona (whereas, according to the intention of the aforesaid Article, and of Your Majesty's Gracious Resolution, and Declaration contain'd in it, instead of the convenient Churches and Schools and Pa∣rishes which were from the Protestants of the Confession of Ausbourg, they should have appointed other convenient and fit places, and left the Protestants in the quiet Possession of them, according to the intenti∣on of the 19th Article in the year 1647,) did on the contrary turn the Protestant Mini∣sters and School-masters out of their Of∣fices, and with severe Threats forbid both all the Protestant Noblemen and Gentle∣men, all the Soldiers of the Garison, as well as all the Inhabitants and Citizens, to continue the Exercise of Religion (which had been enjoy'd in the same place from time out of Memory, and was confirm'd by the Articles as we have already said) till Your Majesty's further Resolution were known, to the great prejudice of a Spiri∣tual Exercise, which suffers no delay, and to the diminishing of the Right granted to the Protestants by the Articles, and con∣firm'd by Your Majesty's Favour.

Therefore they do wholly Rely on the Articles, and Your Majesty's Grant, and Humbly beg, that not only convenient and fit places, within the Walls of the said City be appointed to them, for the Buil∣ding of Churches and Schools, and Ere∣cting Parishes; but also, that they may have a Free Exercise of Religion, together with the common and indifferent use of Bells and Burials, according to the afore∣said 26th Article of Sopron, and as they had formerly.

The Grievances of the Imperial and Free Protestant Cities, Veterozolium, Breznobania and Libethbania.

ALL the Protestants of the same Im∣perial and Free Cities, set forth their most lamentable Case in respect of Religion,

that whereas they should not be hinder'd to enjoy at least in private the free Exercise of Religion granted by the Articles of Sopron, to all and every where in the Kingdom (without excepting any part of it, and less the fourth State, which comprehends all the Imperial and Free Cities of the Kingdom, belonging properly to the Crown) through His Imperial Majesty's Favour, according to the clear and evident explica∣tion of the 1st Article made before the Co∣ronation, in the year 1608. and confirm'd in the 25th Article of Sopron, but rather by virtue of the following 26th Article of Sopron (which speaks in general of the Cities, and by way of instance names only two of each sort; viz. of the Mountain Cities, and of the Free Cities) His Ma∣jesty's High Commissioners appointed in the year 1688. should also have appointed them commodious and convenient places for the building of new Churches and Schools, and erecting Parishes, yet they have obtain'd nothing: On the contrary, the Ministers have been turn'd at and ex∣pell'd by the High Commissioners, and the Protestants have been most severely for∣bidden by the same to exercise their Reli∣gion in private, or to go to any Neigh∣bouring place where their Religion is Ex∣ercised Moreover against the express grant of the 11th and 12th Article in the year 1647. maugre the Protestants and by force, the said High Commissioners have assign'd and appropriated all the proper Revenues of Schools and Churches to the Catholick Curates which they have brought in, and have very few Followers in the Cities of Veterozolium, and Breznobania, and but one in Libethbania. In fine, the said High Commissioners did by all means, and do still compell without distinction, all the Protestant Inhabitants and Citizens, espe∣cially the Trades and Handy-craft-men to Ceremonies contrary to their Religion; therefore the said Protestants humbly beg the same Liberty of Religion as is granted in the Articles, and enjoy'd in other Cities, since these in no wise deserve a worse case; and that there may be assign'd them conve∣nient places for the building of new Chur∣ches, and Schools, and erecting Parishes.

The Grievances of the Free and Im∣perial Cities St. George, Bazinga, Tyrnaw, Szakoliza, Kussegh, and Rust.

THese Free and Imperial Cities do also lament and set forth their desolate Case, and great Unhappiness in respect of Religion; that (whereas according to the genuine Sense of the Articles of Sopron, made in the behalf of Religion, its free Exercise is granted to everyone, and every where in the Kingdom) they should not be hinder'd to enjoy, at least in private the said free Exercise of Religion; but by Vir∣tue of the 26th Article of Sopron, which speaks in general of the Cities, Places should have been appointed them for the Building of Churches, and Schools, and Erecting Parishes, yet they have obtain'd none of the premisses; but on the con∣trary, have been forbidden to exercise any way their Religion, their Ministers have been expell'd, and forbidden to come any more into the said Cities; it is prohibited under the forest punishment to frequent the places where there is Exercise of Religion, to go thither, to have Children Baptiz'd, or to receive the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and to send for Protestant Mini∣sters to Sick and Dying Persons; in a word, the whole Exercise of the Protestant Religion is forbidden, against the sense of the aforesaid Articles, and the Protestants are compell'd to Ceremonies contrary to their Religion; therefore they humbly beg that they may enjoy the same Benefit as is granted in the Articles, and have places ap∣pointed them for the Building of Churches, and Schools, and Erecting Parishes, as well as the other Cities; since that Pri∣vilege is equally granted to all; and there∣fore the case of some, ought not to be worse than that of others.

The Grievances of the Free and Imperial Cities, Trenschin, and Modra.

THese two Free and Imperial Cities complain with a great deal of Sor∣row, that by Virtue of the 26th Article of Sopron, the Lords Commissioners did indeed assign to them places for the Build∣ing of Churches and Schools, and erecting Parishes, and grant them the free Exercise of their Religion; but with such Limita∣tion and Restraint as take away many things essentially requisite and necessary for the said exercise of Religion, and are directly contrary to the genuine intention of the Articles; as,

First, The Lords Commissioners did les∣sen the Number of the Protestant Ministers, and forbid others to be put in their room after their Death.

Secondly, They did forbid all the Pro∣testants (to whom a free Exercise of Re∣ligion is granted, by Virtue of that Ge∣neral

Clause of the 25th Article, to every one, and every where in the Kingdom) to frequent the Neighbouring Churches, and perform in them any duty of Religion.

Thirdly, They did forbid the Ministers to Visit the Estrangers, were they never so Sick.

Fourthly, They did Order that the Handy-craft-men, and common sort of Peo∣ple should be compell'd under severe pu∣nishment to Ceremonies contrary to their way, viz. To walk with the Catholicks in Procession, and carry processional Trophies.

Fifthly, They did forbid the Protestant Ministers to go and Administer Baptism, or perform other Ceremonies in the Neigh∣bouring Towns.

Sixthly, They did appoint that there should be no petty Schools, but such where Children could Learn only to Read, and to Write.

The Grievances of the Counties of Ʋp∣per Hungary, Semlin, Abavivar, Unghwar, Saraz, Tornaw, &c. and of all the Protestant Noblemen and Gentlemen living in the Moun∣tain Towns of the Principality of Tokai.

THe same Protestants are forc'd to Re∣present to Your Most Sacred Ma∣jesty, that although in the following words of the 26th Article of Sopron, but in other Counties, as in those of Salawar, Vesprim, Saraz, Moramoruss, Abavivar, Sellia, Semlin, Ugoza, Bodrogh, Tornaw, Komarra, Barzod, Sachsag, Novigrad, Zolnock, Hewecz, Pesth, Pelicz and Soldth united, Chege, Unghwar, and Zatmar, since the Protestants are in possession of almost all the Churches there, the same Churches are left for the use of the actual Possessors of them.

And in the following Clause of the said Article: Finally the Churches which are actually possessed by those of the Helvetian Confession, and of that of Ausbourg, shall be still for their use as before, together with the Parishes, and Schools, and their Reve∣nues, that they may live in peace, and quiet.

Your most Sacred Majesty tending the peace and general quiet of the Kingdom, has been Graciously pleas'd to Ordain, that in the foregoing Counties, all the Church∣es, Parishes, and Schools, together with their Revenues, should be left for the use of the Protestants. Nevertheless, the Churches standing in the Counties of Aba∣vivar, Saraz, Semlin, Tornaw, and Ungh∣war, (which for the most part have been built from the foundation, or repair'd from the lowest ruine by the Protestants) as also the Schools and Parishes, together with their Revenues (left to them by the Protestants in their Wills, and never be∣fore possess'd by the Roman Catholicks) have been taken by force from the Prote∣stants, as well as the Churches, Parishes, and Schools, standing in the Dominion of Rakocz, in these Towns of the County of Semlin, Zantho, Thalia, Mod, Kerethur, Tarazal, Liszka, Benny, Toleswa, Ughelly, Patak, Borssy, (which at the time of the Articles of Sopron, and after, were possess'd by the Protestants, and left to the same by the said Articles) in several Towns of the Principality of Tokai, and in Tokai it self; altho' the Church of Tokai was left, and expresly confirm'd by the Articles in the possession of the Protestants.

To this may be added, That against the evident sense of the 25th Article of Sopron, the Protestant Noblemen and Gentlemen of the aforesaid Cities of the County of Sem∣lin, have been, and are still forc'd to for∣bear exercising their Religion in private; which Liberty they had enjoy'd since the seizing of their Churches, and was granted to them by the first Article made before the Coronation, in the year 1608. and confirm'd by the same 25th Article of the Diet of Sopron.

Likewise the Ministers (call'd back from their Exile through Your most Sacred Ma∣jesty's Favour, by Virtue of the aforesaid 25th Article of Sopron,) are forc'd to oblige themselves under pain of death, and the forfeiture of all their Goods, to go out of the same County, or by strict Deeds of reversion to renounce for ever under the same Penalty, to perform any Ecclesiasti∣cal Duty in the said County.

Moreover, although the 25th Article of Sopron evidently declareth that none of the Helvetian Confession, and of that of Aus∣bourg shall be compell'd to any Ceremony contrary to his Religion; and the 26th, that the Catholicks shall not be oblig'd to pay any thing to the Ministers of the Protestants, nor the Protestants to the Cu∣rates of the Catholicks, according to the intent of the 11th Article, in the year 1647. yet they are forc'd even by Military Exe∣cution to do both, and especially to pay the Catholick Curates.

Although by vertue of the often-men∣tion'd 26th Article, the free use of Bells and Burials is equally left to the Catho∣licks, and to the Protestants, nevertheless the Protestants are not suffer'd to bury their

Dead in the usual Burying-places, which is against Christianity it self, they are not permitted neither to use the Bells though made through their care; nay the Noblemen and Gentlemen of the aforesaid Dominion of Rakotz are threatned to be dispossess'd and exterminated out of their Estates, if they do not abjure and renounce the Protestant Religion, which is a down right persecu∣tion of the Protestants. In the like man∣ner the Protestants of Abavivar are forbid∣den by the Purveyor of that County to exercise their Religion; and the Ministers are commanded under pain of Death, and the forfeiture of all their Goods to go out of it, or (if they be willing to continue there as Secular private persons) by most strict deeds of reversion to renounce for ever under the same penalty to perform any Ecclesiastical Duty; consequently the Protestant Churches, together with all their Appurtenances have been seiz'd upon by the said Purveyor.

Likewise in a Town called Sepssy of the same County of Abavivar, where the Church could under no pretence be taken from the Protestants, the Tythes of the Territory of the said Town which us'd to belong to the Protestant Minister are seiz'd, and kept in Sequestration by the _____ _____ of Sepssy, by vertue of an Order of the Il∣lustrious Chamber of Scepusium.

In the Towns of Nogymihali, Vinna, and Iztara, in the County of Unghwar, and in the Towns of Tolzeck and Asguth, in the County of Saraz, the Churches, Schools, and Parishes left by the Articles for the use of the Protestants, are by force taken and kept from them by the Catholick Lords of those Mannors.

Lastly, In the Town call'd Somogy in the County of Torna, a moiety of the Re∣venue belonging to the Protestant Minister by a Convention made formerly is taken from him.

All which having been attempted against Your Majesty's Gracious Resolution, and the Articles made in the behalf of the Pro∣testants, they present the same to Your most Sacred Majesty's Consideration, with strong persuasion that it will be Graciously Remedied; and that not only they shall be re-setled in the possession of what is taken from 'em; but also that all the intro∣duc'd abuses shall be taken away.

The same Protestant Inhabitants of the aforesaid Counties of Upper Hungary, and of the Towns stand∣ing in the Dominion of Rakoczia.

The same is done by the Counties of Salawar, Vesprim, Saraz, Moramoruss, Novigrad, Zolnock, Hevecz, Pesth and Soldth, united, which are all comprehended in the Articles.

The Grievances of all the Protestant Noblemen of the Counties of Liep∣ze, Thurocz, Arva, Trenschin; Zolnock, and Sachsag; wherein are contain'd the Injuries and Troubles they have sustain'd upon the account of Religion, against the Articles of Sopron; together with Humble Request for the Redressing of the same.

SInce the Grievances and Complaints of the Counties of Liepze, Thurocz, Ar∣va, Trenschin, and Zolnock agree in all re∣spects, for shortness sake they are put to∣gether here; the same then justly com∣plain that they have been injur'd and di∣sturbed, in that the Protestant Ministers (who perform'd the Duties of their pro∣fession in the Noblemens places of Resi∣dence, where the free Exercise of Religion was transferr'd, by Virtue of the 26th Article of Sopron, since the seizing of the Protestant Churches in these Counties) have all been Banish'd (except two, left in two places named in the Articles) with∣in a fortnight, out of the County and place where they liv'd; or if any desir'd to continue in it, he was requir'd to oblige himself by strict deed of Reversion never to perform any Ecclesiastical Duty, and forbidden to remain on any other term, un∣der pain of Imprisonment.

No Schools are permitted but the Petty (or as the Commissioners term it, such where Children learn only to Read and to Write) and but in two places mention'd in the Articles; all the others are generally shut, and prohibited, and their Masters turn'd out, although the 25th Article had restor'd both these, and the Ministers in their respective Offices.

It is strictly forbidden that the Divine Service and Exercise of Religion be per∣formed by Protestant Ministers in the Hou∣ses and places of Residence of Noblemen, or in the Oratories and Chappels belong∣ing to them, but with this admirable Li∣mitation; That if any Noble-Man will have the Divine Service done in his House, he shall employ no other Minister than one of the two left in the County, and that only for themselves, and their Family.

All the Payments whatsoever (except those which belong to the two Schools appointed in each County) are adjudg'd to

the Catholick Curates, and are generally wrested by the same with the help of the Soldiers.

The Peasants are absolutely forbidden to Exercise their Religion in the use of Baptism, Marriage, Confirmation, Burials, and of the Lord's Supper, as also to fre∣quent the places appointed by the Articles for the Divine Service, and are compelled with all possible violence, to Ceremonies contrary to their way.

Moreover, in many Towns of the County of Turocz, as in Bella Zatureza and Pribocz, there were Churches Built at the Charges of the Protestants, whose Members had not reconciled themselves to the Church of Rome, before the Article was made; yet without any regard to the Exception con∣tain'd in the beginning of the 26th Article, all those Churches have been seized upon, and the use of Bells and Burials is granted no more to the Protestants, unless they ask and pay the Catholick Curates for it.

In the County of Sachsag, the Prote∣stants should freely and peaceably have en∣joyed all the Churches, which were in their Possession when the Article was made, and were left for their use by the same Article; yet the Illustrious Wolffgang Earl of Kohary, (Supreme Earl of the said County, by De∣putation (as he has declar'd) of the Illu∣strious George Earl of Erdedy,) with the assistance of the Vicount of the same County, has seized the same Churches, except a very small one, which stands in a most despi∣cable Village called Drieno, and has not been Built by the Protestants: Command∣ing withal all the Protestant Ministers to go out of their respective Parishes, and places of abode under pain of Emprisonment, and forbidding all Persons of quality to enter∣tain them any way even privately; altho' the Protestants of this County had been establish'd, and confirm'd in the free use of all the Churches, which were in their Pos∣session when the Article was made.

The most Humble and Lawful De∣mands of the aforesaid Counties are these.

SInce His most Sacred Majesty both by the Confirmation of the 25th and 26th Articles of the Diet of Sopron, made in 21st Article of the Diet of Presburg, in the year 1687, and by the Resolution declar'd to the Deputies of the said Counties in their Audience, has engaged his Royal Word, not only to observe the aforesaid Articles in all their Points and Clauses, but also to cause the others to observe the same; therefore the Protestants of the aforesaid Counties Humbly beg, that ac∣cording to the most simple and evident Sense of the same Articles, they may be Redressed, Re-establish'd, Restor'd, and by an express Decree confirm'd in the following particulars.

That according to the intention of the the 25th Article of the Diet of Sopron, all their Ministers and Rectors may live freely among them, and perform the Duties of their Profession, without any Limitation, since the same Article Grants thus much, restoring both the Ministers and School-Masters, even those which were Banish'd, annulling their Deeds of Reversion.

That as many Churches and Chappels, (whose Members are not reconciled to the Church of Rome, and have been Built by the Protestants,) as stand in the said Coun∣ties be restor'd to us, to Exercise our Reli∣gion in them, according to the intent of the aforesaid 26th Article.

That according to the intention of the so often mention'd 26th Article, the Pro∣testants of the said Counties, be discharg'd from paying any thing to the Catholick Curats, and oblig'd only to entertain their own Ministers.

Lastly, That any Protestant of whatso∣ever State and Condition, not excluding the Peasants (according to these words of the 25th Article, to every one and every where,) may freely Exercise his Religion without being compelled to contrary Ce∣remonies; and that neither of the Parties presume to disturb any way, the other under the pain mention'd in the said Ar∣ticle.

Besides, the foregoing Demands wherein the County of Sachsag joyns with the other Counties, by a particular Right granted in the Articles, the same County of Sachsag requires, that all the seized Churches be restor'd to the Protestants, which were in their Possession when the Article was made.

The Grievance of the City of Gyongyos.

THis City complains, that whereas according to the express Grant of the 26th Article, of the Diet of Sopron in these words: But in other Counties, viz. in those of Salavar, Vesprim, &c. and Geves (in which this City stands) since the Prote∣testants are actually in Possession of almost all the Churches there, &c. Item, Finally the Churches, which are actually possessed by those of the Helvetian Confession, and of that of Ausbourg, shall be still for their use, &c.

It should have been left in the actual Possession, and use of all the Protestant Churches, Parishes and Schools which were quietly possessed by the Protestants, before and after the Diet of Sopron to the Date underwritten; yet to the great Con∣tempt of His Imperial Majesty's, and of the Article's Grant, and to the great pre∣judice of the Protestants Right, by Order and Commission of the most Reverend Archbishop of Gran, and of the Right Honourable George Earl of Erdody, not only the Churches, but also the Schools and Parishes with all their Appurtenances (consisting in Eleven Vineyards, Five Mills, One Butcher's Stall, and a House which had all been given by Protestants in their Wills, or Purchased with the Protestants Money,) were seized by force on the 21st of May, in the year 1688 last past, by the Honourable Jean Almassy of Heves, and Francis Setuitter of Pesth, Judges of the same Counties; moreover the Protestant Ministers and School-masters were Banish'd, the Free Exercise of Religion even in pri∣vate Houses is forbidden, as well as the use of Bells and Burials in proper places, the Protestants being strictly Commanded to Bury their Dead in remote High-ways and Commons, where all the Filth of the Towns is carried: Therefore they lawfully Demand a full Restitution of all that has been taken from them, and an exact Exe∣cution of the aforesaid Article.

The Grievance of the City of Moramoruss.

THe Protestant Citizens and Inhabi∣tants, together with the Militia of Moramoruss complain, that altho' by Vertue of the 26th Article of Sopron, (wherein the same City of Moramoruss is expresly, named,) they had obtain'd the liberty of exercising publickly their Religion, and of having Churches, Parishes and Schools; and have quietly enjoyed the same with∣out giving any offence to the Catholicks, until the fatal breaking out of the Wars in the year 1683, and the unexpected Burning of the Town, which occasion'd an inter∣ruption of the said Exercise of Religion, the Ministers and their Parishioners having been forced to disperse themselves up and down; yet since the Troubles are appeased, they desire in vain to reassume their publick exercise of Religion, and to call back their Ministers, being hinder'd from the same by the Earl of Hoffkirchen Governour of this Territory, who every day growing severer, forbids with greater Threats, the total Ex∣ercise of the Protestant Religion: Nay, three Months ago the Roman Catholicks did Pro∣claim with the Beat of Drums, that no Protestant should presume to go out of the Territory of Moramoruss, to any Neigh∣bouring, to perform the Duties of his Re∣ligion; nor Exercise it in his private House under pain of Imprisonment, and of other severe Punishments. Therefore they Hum∣bly beg, That this their Grievance may be redressed, and they re-established in the Privilege granted by the Article.

It may be added to the foregoing Grie∣vances, that one Samuel Bizkey, a Prote∣stant Minister of a place of Lower Hun∣gary called Hedes; notwithstanding the Pro∣tection granted to him by the Council of War, has been Plunder'd twice of all the means of Life, Clothes, Books and Furni∣ture, by some Emissaries of the Archbishop of Gran; and at last on the 22d of the last Month of March, was taken and carried to Presburg, into the Prisons of the Arch∣bishop, where he has nothing allowed him, but dry Bread and dirty Water.

Likewise, the Protestant Minister of Tott∣falu in Upper Hungary, has been taken by a Jesuit called Father Ravasz, residing at Naghybania, and carried in Fetters into the Prisons of Zatmar, where he is still de∣tain'd and most barbarously used.

The XXI. Article of the Diet of Pres∣burg, in the year 1687, in the busi∣ness of Religion, the 25th and 26th Articles of the year 1681, are re∣new'd with the inserted Decleration.

ALthough they of the Helvetian Con∣fession, and of that of Ausbourg, by their protesting against the 25th and 26th Articles, of the late Diet of Sopron, have unworthily abused the same, and thereby forfeited ipso facto, the benefits granted in them; nevertheless since His most Sacred Majesty tending the Union; and the general quiet of the Kingdom, through his great Favour and Clemency, has most Graciously resolved, that the said Articles shall yet be in force; the States have Order'd, That the same shall be lookt upon as renewed and reinforced, (notwith∣standing the opposition of the Catholick Clergy, and other secular Persons,) and that as far as they have hitherto been in∣fringed through Abuses, introduced by the one, or the other party, they shall forth∣with be put in Execution.

To these Agrievances the Emperor re∣turned a very Gracious Answer, and made several Proposals tending to a Peace.

And First, He offer'd a General Pardon unto all, even to Tekeli himself, provided

he would personally appear to make his Submission.

Secondly, That every Person should be restor'd to his Lands, and Goods confisca∣ted again restor'd.

Thirdly, That free exercise of Religion should be allowed; but the manner how, and the Regulation thereof should be de∣termined at a General Diet, which was judged of absolute necessity for the repose, and quiet of Hungary.

Fourthly, That all the vacant Offices, Governours and Balliages of that Kingdom, should be indifferently conferr'd upon Hun∣garian Gentlemen, who were capable by their Natural parts, and Abilities to Merit and Discharge such Preferments.

And Lastly, That his Imperial Majesty would vacate the Office of Vice-King, and return to the ancient constitution of a Pa∣latine, whose Election should be free ac∣cording to the usage of former times.

The Plague which still Raged in Austria, and Hungary prevented the proceedings of this Treaty, which might have taken ef∣fect some time before,* 4.1 and answer'd all the Demands of the Malecontents; but now so much Blood had been drawn in all Parts, and Corners of that unhappy Kingdom, that it was past the Art of Man to stanch the Bleeding: And besides, Tekeli and his Malecontents were so nearly adjoyn'd, and engaged in secret Leagues, and Alliances with the Turk, that it was almost impossi∣ble to destricate, and disentangle them∣selves from the invitations they had made, and from the Assurances, and Pledges they had given to the Turks. Howsoever, the Emperor not to leave any means unattemp∣ted, until all was become desperate, dis∣patched Count Esterhasi into Hungary in quality of his Plenipotentiary, to put those Overtures into Execution which had been fram'd, and debated in the Emperor's Council. But whilst these things were in agitation, they received another Impedi∣ment, by a discovery made of a Correspon∣dence, which several Principal Officers held with the Maleconts; upon which Filek, and two other Councellors, and Mannagers of the Revenue of Hungary were Arrested, and accused of having moved, and promoted an Insurrection in divers Counties.

Towards the end of this year, when the Armies were drawn into their Winter quarters, new Treaties were set on foot. The Baron de Kaunitz the Emperor's Resi∣dent at Constantinople labour'd to conti∣nue,* 4.2 and renew the Truce; but the Grand Vizier would not agree thereunto on any other Terms, than that it might be allow∣able for the Grand Seignior to afford aid, and assistance to the Malecontents: But this was to cure a Soar with a greater Evil, and what was inconsistent with Reason, to make a Peace, and yet to continue a War.

When the Emperor believed all Accomo∣dation with the Malecontents impossible, at least far distant; Behold on a suddain, and much unexpected, the Counts Tekeli,* 4.3 Pestrozzi and Wessellino in despight of their Engagements to the Turks, offer'd to make Terms by themselves; and to abandon their People and their Cause, in case they as∣sented not thereunto; The Conditions were to have all their Churches restor'd, with their Goods and Estates, which had been Confiscated: To which the Emperor readily assenting, there never appear'd at any time a greater probability and likely∣hood of an Agreement, than upon this o∣verture: But whereas to establish and con∣firm such an Accomodation, it was neces∣sary to convene a Diet, which by reason of the present Contagion could not be done, a Cessation of Arms was in the mean time concluded: But whilst in order thereunto a Conference was held at Tokai, Count Caprara unluckily march'd out of his Quar∣ters with a considerable force towards that place;* 4.4 upon which the Malecontens were so Allarum'd, that they Sallied out of their Winter quarters in great numbers, leaving the Treaty imperfect, and the Cessation of Arms broken and violated.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Treaties be∣tween Turks, Poles, and Moscovites.
• * 1.2

  The Mosco∣vites make a Peace with the Poles.
• * 1.3

  They fall off from it, and agree with the Turk.
• * 1.4

  An Am∣bassador sent to ra∣tifie the Peace.
• * 1.5

  The Turks fall off from the Moscovites
• * 1.6

  Other Ambassa∣dors sent from Mos∣co to the Port.
• * 2.1

  The Vizier accepts of the Condi∣tions offerd by the Mos∣covites.
• * 2.2

  Tekeli and Wessellini Fight for Command.
• * 2.3

  The Pai∣sants in Bohemia rise in Arms.
• * 2.4

  The Empe∣ror accom∣modates the Matter between the Lords, and their Te∣nants.
• * 2.5

  The Poles press to have a Treaty Signed.
• * 2.6

  The Empe∣ror refuses to Treat with Tekeli
• * 2.7

  And the Reasons why.
• * 2.8

  Count Seri∣ni suspe∣cted, and Imprisoned.
• * 2.9

  He is clear∣ed, and set at liberty.
• * 2.10

  Tekeli ••i∣vides his Army into three Bo∣dies.
• * 2.11

  The Impe∣rialists have seve∣ral Succes∣ses.
• * 2.12

  Montecu∣culi's Coun∣sel to the Emperor.
• * 2.13

  Various Successes, and Chan∣ces of War.
• * 2.14

  Overtures of Peace made by the Empe∣ror.
• * 4.1

  How the Treaty was broken off.
• * 4.2

  Kaunitz Treats with the Grand Seignior.
• * 4.3

  Tekeli and others of∣fer Condi∣tions.
• * 4.4

  Is again broken.