The Swedish intelligencer. The second part. VVherein, out of the truest and choysest informations, are the famous actions of that warlike prince historically led along: from the victory of Leipsich, unto the conquest of Bavaria. The times and places of every action, being so sufficiently observed and described; that the reader may finde both truth and reason in it.

Heere followeth the Declaration or Manifesto of his Highnesse the Duke of Bavaria; which we before mentioned and promised you. Received from a good Friend: and already translated by an able Gentle∣man.

FOR as much as among the multitude of false rumours, that are promiscuously divulged, aswell within, as without the bounds and territories of the Empire; concerning those affaires that are now presented upon the stage of action, in this scene of Warre: those that ring low∣dest, (though with least semblance of truth or credibility) are such as deepely trench upon the candor and sincerity of my intention. The which seeme not so much to have beene first broached, by the inventers of fayned novelties; and such light spirits, as are enamoured with false curiosities: as to have beene set on foote, by the capitall enemies of my renowne and reputation. Such as have fixed the eye of their intention, upon a higher (though more igno∣ble and malicious designe) then to amuse the world, with the relation of unprofitable fables. In regard whereof I was forced to beleeve, That I could not neglect these injurious calumnies, without doing deepe wrong unto mine honour: and that I stand obliged, to avow and give a manifest decla∣ration to all the world, of the certitude and sincerity of my most private intentions. Which therefore I now resolve to

doe, by this publike Act and open Protestation: even as from the beginning of this warre I have endevoured to have done, by the cleare testimony of my publike and undoubted actions; a great deale more effectually, then I possibly can doe by waight of words, or by any tenor of verball pro∣testations.

Now then, having first invoked and called downe upon mee, the direfull wrath and just vengeance, both of God and man; if in this serious businesse, I either faine or dissemble: I doe protest, that the most powerfull and soveraigne mo∣tives, that have beene the cheife conductors of all my actions (aswell in the times of peace, as in this of warre) have beene from their first origin and beginning, and at this present are, and by Gods gracious assistance hereafter ever shalbe; no o∣ther, then the zeale and fidelity, which I owe and have solemnely sworne to his sacred Imperiall Majesty, and the reestablishing of the Catholike, Apostolike, Roman Faith in the territories of this Empire; from many faire parts where∣of, it hath beene treacherously exiled; with no lesse impi∣ous Sacriledge, then cruell tyranny. So that in this, my de∣signes have not aimed at any other end, then the glory of God, and the discharge of my owne conscience.

I put on armes, at the first commotion of the treacherous revolt in Bohemia; and have not yet laid them downe, in the preservation and defence of so noble and just a cause. And how I have comported my selfe in them, I need not remem∣ber: for all Christendome will beare record with me, that with just cause, this age hath given already, and all succeeding ages shall give hereafter; immortall thankes to the God of armies, for the glorious atchievements with which he hath blessed us. A part of which memorable exploits, his divine goodnesse hath beene pleased to execute by my weake hands; and his sa∣cred Imperiall Majesty hath received such satisfaction in my indeavours, that he hath beene pleased to affoord me a large occasion to receive much greater from him, in the heape of massy honours; wherewith he hath vouchsafed to recom∣pense

the weake services I have done to the state of this Em∣pire, and that of Gods Church; the advancement of both which, are linked and chayned together, in the inviolable bond of one common interest.

Wherefore I verily beleeve, that no reasonable man (that doth not suffer himselfe to be wilfully coozened with malici∣ous conjecture, and groundlesse divination) can frame his judgement to conceive, that I would now change my first resolutions, and alter my designes: at such a time especially, as when I have so important a Subject, and binding obligati∣ons, to renew and reenforce them more then I could foresee, or imagine at their first undertaking. For if that be true, which now passeth for currant in a great part of the World: that the prime and chiefest ayme in this new combination and conspiracy, is to reinvest my Cosin Count Frederick in the dignity of his Electorship, and estate of his territories; from which he hath beene most justly throwne and dejected, for hauing falsified his oath and loyalty to his Imperiall Maje∣sty, by the religious bond of a sacred oath not long before con∣firmed to him; and rebelliously sought to dispossesse him of his Crowne and dominion: I say, if this be the true cause of these bloudy commotions (as they would make the world beleeve it is) then I am the man, against whom they should have discharged the gall of their intemperate fury. And therefore to imagine, that I would joyne in league and con∣federacy against them, that have no cause to take armes, but in defence of my right: is to presume against the nature of things, and to frame a dictamen, contrary to the principles even of common sense it selfe.

And if there be nothing but this to rectifie, what concer∣neth it my Lord the Emperour, and the whole noble family of Austria; that I should rather enjoy the dignity of an Elector, then my foresaid Cosin; or that I should possesse a part of that estate, of which he hath beene so justly depri∣ved? Or to what end should they endeavour to prejudice the pretended restitution of them both, if I were pleased to yeeld

my consent thereunto? Verily it would seeme a pleasant and sportfull warre, that should be undertaken to force me to be more rich and powerfull, then I my selfe desired.

But men may say (peradventure) that the King of Spaine also possesseth a good part of the Palatinate; which I grant he doth: but this is so farre from ingaging me to relinquish any part of my just claime, that it is rather a powerfull rea∣son more firmely to oblige me, to uphold and maintaine mine owne claime and just tytle; seeing him borne downe with the concurrence of so puissant* 1.1 a Monarch. Where∣fore, if wee rest in the principles of reason and humane prudence, it can neither have likelyhood, apparance, nor colour of truth; that I should now be changed and become another man, then heretofore I have beene.

And if any man have fancied so prodigious a change and alteration in me, for that they have knowne me lesse pleased with some designes & proceedings of the Austrian Family, in some cases, wherin the cause of Religion was no way interessed; he might from thence have groundedly collected, that in case the Cause debated, were onely concerning the raising of their particular greatnesse, and extent of their fortunes; there yet sur∣vived in my brest, sufficient sparkes of freedome and generous worth, to have opposed their wills, and contradicted their in∣tendments (I not judging them justifiable, rather then have made this strained and ridiculous inference upon it, that I fra∣med a resolution to band it with the route of their enemyes: they especially, being such, as with all the streame of their strongest endeavours, make profession to pursue and persecute the faith I professe. I know very well, in what esteeme and ho∣nour I am obliged to hold the race of that* 1.2 renowned Fa∣mily, and I thinke also, that the higher exaltation thereof, may in time become prejudiciall to the repose* 1.3 and generall free∣dome of the Empire. But that which toucheth my heart with highest straines of just feare, and that whereof great and good Princes (in my opinion) ought to be most sensible, and (if I might be beleeved) is, that that illustrious Family (as ancient

and noble as it is) should by the world be conceived to have a straighter obligation, and greater interest in the defence of Religion, then concerneth other Princes that are truely Catho∣like.* 1.4 Verily, this is all the jealousie I have of this glorious and Majestique Family. This is the onely point of honour, which I could find in my heart to debate and maintaine a∣gainst it. And if this Family shall alledge the plenteous showers of prosperity and temporall blessings; where∣with God hath heretofore, and doth yet most especially oblige them to the peculiar defence and patronage of his glorious cause: his Divine goodnesse forbid, that I should oppose my selfe to the honour and happinesse of so just and holy a fortune:* 1.5 although there-hence should ensue the di∣minution, yea even the fatall ruine of me and all mine.

A thought it is, unworthy to be lodged in the brest of a Christian Prince; to conceive, That the glory of Gods Church (which is inviolably linked with that of his eternall Majesty) should not likewise by him be esteemed the verti∣call and highest point of his honour; and that if these two could possibly be separated (as by a long and approued ex∣perience I find they cannot) yet the case is such, that I hold it for a most uncontrolled Oracle of certaine truth, yea and an approved Article of Faith, that all humane respects and con∣siderations ought to be even sacrificed, and nothing regarded by every generous mind, when the Cause of Religion and piety to God shalbe esteemed to require it. For certainely, no subject is so straightly obliged, to set aside and forgoe the peculiar affaires of his owne private estate, for advancement of the publike and common good of his King and Kingdome (when cause shall so require it) as all Soveraigne Princes are tyed in the supreme bonds of highest duty,* 1.6 to renounce whatsoever may in this World be deare unto them; when the glory of Him, of whom they hold their Crownes and Soveraigntyes, shall come in competition, and bee ballanced with it.

I say not this, to brand them with notes of impiety, that

under pretence of humane policy and Principles of State,* 1.7 have entered into a league and strait combination with heretikes, against the sound and Orthodoxe party: Let this be accounted for an error in judgement, or some deepe misfortune, rather then an hainous crime. I will frankly leave the whole world at liberty, to direct and accommodate it selfe, to such rules of Conscience, as themselues shall like of, and value to be upright and iust. Nor will I passe any rash censure upon their procee∣dings, but will force my selfe to beleeve,* 1.8 that God hath revea∣led some secret principles to them, which have hitherto beene unthought of in all ordinary Theologie. For my owne part, I will not hinder their being esteemed true Catholikes; seeing they themselues desire to appeare and be esteemed for such: onely this I will alleadge, (that the whole world may beare witnesse, that my inclinations and motions doe not runne levell in the same line with theirs) that in the light of my simple judgement, it is all one to become an Apo∣stata from the Religion of our holy Ancestors, and to foment and nourish their rage, that endeavour to destroy it. I have had no ancient Alliance with any person: who under the faire pretence of well-wishing, might seeme to have allu∣red me to favour this combination: and if I had, I should esteeme it no lesse lawfull to breake all bands of ancient amity with them in this case, then I doe hold it most unlawfull to contract any new ones.

I am well acquainted with the forme and tenour of anci∣ent Oathes of Fidelity; which were customarily exhibited to Supreme and Soveraigne Princes, upon the solemne dayes of Inauguration and Installment: and I well remember that also, which I my selfe have taken upon like occasions. Nor doe I know any one point, which would not be directly infringed and violated, by the contrary practice in this confederacy; whereunto some would seeme to induce me, and impute unto me whether I will or no.

To say that the warre now waged, no way concerneth* 1.9 The cause of Religion, but is meerely for the interest of tem∣porall

state and honour,* 1.10 were wilfully to hoodwincke our selues, and to become voluntarily blind, in the affaires that concerne the estate of this Empire, and the universall good of Christendome. For, to take no notice of the insolent ru∣mors, with which the Protestant partisans have filled the world, since the Battell of Leipsich: to have no regard to the common Ballads and songs of ioy, which triumphant Here∣sie hath precipiticiously caused to be chanted in each corner of their publike streets and private families. To omit their glori∣ous boasts and vaine brags, That the Papists are reduced to such tearmes, as they are become iust equall with Protestants, in their undutifull attempts and treacherous complots: who knoweth not, that the most faire and plausible pretences of the King of Sweden, the Duke of Saxonie, the Marquesse of Brandenburg, the Landtgrave of Hessen, and other their confederates; have beene to hinder the restitution of Ecclesi∣asticall livings, decreed in a solemne Diet to be restored to the Church? And if this be no point of Religion, I know not what is. If I beleeve (as indeed I doe with all the powers of my whole heart) that the Catholike Church is the deare Spouse of Christ Iesus; can I put any maine obstacle, yea or so much as interpose the least diversion, to the execution of so just a Decree, without incurring the note and censure of horrible prevarication, yea even of detestable Sacriledge: uniustly thereby ravishing from Her, the lawfull endowments and revenues, of her ancient patrimony, and inheritance of her Children? Can I suffer, or rather can I have the heart to procure, (retaining still the name and quality of a Catholike) that the goods devoted and consecrated by our pious Ance∣stors, for the maintenance of Gods Altar, & for the ornament and due reverence of his divine worship; should wickedly be distracted for the levying and paiment of Lutheran forces: who wheresoever they prevaile, demolish and ruine the Altars themselues, banish the holy Sacrifice, trample the bles∣sed Sacrament under their prophane feete, massacre their Priests, and insolently triumph in the shame and spoyle of

this most sacred and spotlesse Dove? What? can this in any Catholike Language be stiled, the preservation of the liber∣ties of the Empire, which is indeed the maintenance of that bloudy tyranny, which frontlesse Heretikes desire to execute against the Church of God? And what were this, but by Communication both of Armes and Councels, to concurre to the setting up of Heresie: even in those places, which the goodnesse of God, and the wakefull vigilance of their Prin∣ces, had to this houre preserved as pure and unpolluted? And to speake more calmely and gently of the violent cruelties, that in the times of these warres, have beene daily practised, by the continuall outrage of mercilesse Heretikes; were but to mocke God, and abuse the credulity and patience of men.

The Landtgrave of Hessen, hath he not demolished the Scutcheons of Armes of the Catholike Bishops and Princes,* 1.11 in all those places which he hath brought under his subiection, and planted his owne in their roomes and places? practising that boldly, which the holy Prophet David so much reproo∣ved in the person of his barbarous forerunners. They have, I say, advanced their Armes by their Armies, in all those places they but seeme to have subdued. Their Ministeriall Preachers, with what loud voice have they made shew to give thankes to God, for the happy successe of their bloody victories? What furious Alarmes, have not resounded in Wurtsburg, in diminution of the honour of Gods Church? since with more then Turkish and barbarous cruelty, it hath beene sackt and pillaged, contrary to the law of Nations and Articles of agreement. Have not their Pulpits at all houres proclaimed, That the King of Sweden was sent from Heaven, as a particular instrument: to advance their new pretended Religion; and for the finall abolition and utter overthrow, of Idolatrous Papistrie, as they impiously mistearme it? A thing, which such persons as would colourably excuse the intentions of great Princes; might perhaps attribute to the in∣discreete and passionate zeale of the common people: unlesse

the direfull effects, (recorded and registred in lines of blood) did beare record, That all those disasters and publike calami∣ties, were derived from no other sourse and Fountaine. Cer∣tainely, it is not the House of Austria, which alone doth suffer in this their desperate fury; it is the Catholike Church, which they endeavour to rend and teare in pieces, by the cruell at∣tempts of their inveterate malice: It is God that suffereth; and howsoever they seeke to obscure it with Pilates princi∣ples; yet, in effect, it is Christ that is crucified. Wherefore, let the King of Sweden, and those of his faction; delude the world no longer with pretences, that they intend onely to abate the greatnesse of the House of Austria, and not to trample in the ruines of Religion. The battery and spoyle of Townes and Cities; the forage and desolation of intire Pro∣vinces; are not secrets that can be concealed. The barbarous Cruelties of the debauched Souldiers, with no mantle can be covered: and much lesse, the high-voyced out-cries of the swolne Ministery, will be put to silence.

Truely the ancient histories of the Gothes and Vandals, of the Arrians and Saracens; who have crowned so many glori∣ous Martyrs with eternall Trophees, (whose ashes are yet re∣verenced, and whose memories yet flourish amongst us in everlasting Blessings) doe make no mention of greater Bar∣barismes, then are daily practised at this day, by their faith∣lesse posterity. We doe not reade, that in those dayes, there were any State-mysteries, or Reserved Cases,* 1.12 by which* 1.13 Christian Princes could be countenanced and secured, to joyn in Armes with them that were commonly stiled The very Scourge of God, and chiefe Captaines of Antichrists Con∣quests. Let all the world conspire and unite their endeavours, as much as humane policy can contrive they should doe; yet is it certaine, That the attempts of heresie shall never pro∣sper; except in the strength of our sinnes: and the Coun∣sels of their chiefest Favourites, shall neuer winne greater approbation from God, then that, which by the same inter∣pretation, may bee given to the successefull prosperity of

Turkes and Infidels. Miserable and unfortunate may they ever be, that ground their imaginary greatnesse, upon the founda∣tion of such unstable and distracted abuses.

We have heard and read much, of the unfortunate disa∣sters of precedent ages; but truely in this one thing,* 1.14 these of ours out-strip and goe beyond them; that in those, there wanted these subtill and elevated Spirits, that forge distin∣ctions where none are; betweene affaires of State and Religi∣on. Neither were there then found many Christian Princes, that could lend an inclining eare, to such nice distinctions. Or, if perhaps, any such was then found amongst them, his memory is buried in obscure oblivion, or his name made o∣dious and hatefull to all posterity. God of his divine good∣nesse, sooner strike me dead with a fearefull Thunder-bolt; and blot my name for ever out of the memory of men: then permit it to be registred in the lists of funestious examples, of the fine niceties and subtleties of these miserable dayes of ours. If in the field, mine eyes should be cast upon mine En∣signes; and behold them there bearing the reverend Image of the glorious Mother of God: and should reflect withall, that they were mixed with their Standards, that would di∣spitefully spit* 1.15 in her face: what repose and content is it possible my heart should find; seeing my selfe ingaged in such a strange kind of Alliance? With what confidence or assurance could I begge her succour, that is the most au∣spicious protectresse of the holy Church, and of the Prin∣ces that serve her, against whom I am banded? With what forehead, or with what vowes, durst I implore her inter∣cession, (without which notwithstanding I dare undertake nothing) when I see the victories I should atchieve, must needes proove pernicious and prejudiciall to Her honour, and that of Her deare Sonne? Is it possible I should pray for taking of Townes, into which I know the Conqueror will be no sooner entred; then with extreme violence he will pull downe the Images of the glorious Saints, tread under their foule feete, the blessed blood of our deare Lord Iesus,

which we beleeve to be piously reserved on our Altars? O you Catholike Princes pull off the maske of your counterfeit profession; or once for all, affoord us some solid ground, to iustifie your intentions; that in outward face appeare so ab∣surd and gracelesse.

You cannot have the same desires and wishes in the Church, which you conceive in your Cabinets: for there, you cannot, without blushing, beg at the hands of God, and of his blessed Mother, and of the other Saints whom you reverence and in∣voke; you cannot, I say, without blushing beg at their hands the patronage and protection of such a cause, as (like the o∣ther heresies of our times, that have beene planted by fury and persecution of the faithfull) cannot subsist; but by the ruine of the Church, and finall extirpation of the religious and true worship of God. Rid your selues, if you can, from the maze of these, not onely intricate, but iust scruples; and make us capable of those other secrets, and mysteries, and principles, the which I ingeniously confesse, I have not strength of wit to conceive.

And on the other side; in the truth which I have beene bred in, and to which I have beene moulded: I can find no difference, betwixt those that anciently bare armes in the service of Attila: in that time when in Rhemes he* 1.16 cruelly beheaded S^t. Nicasius: and those now, which by the hands of the Swede, doe massacre Gods Priests, expell his Bishops from their flock and residence, and sacrilegiously spoyle and destroy his sacred Temples. Certainely, what modesty soever these people may strive to counterfeit in their extortions; and with what disguise soever, they seeke to colour the face of their vi∣olence: being convinced by the evident testimony of their owne manifest tyranny, they cannot deny, but that they are of the ranke* 1.17 of those Princes, of whom the Royall Prophet in these expresse termes long agoe foretold: That all their Prin∣ces concluded among themselues, and by expresse decree resol∣ved; They would possesse the Sanctuary of God upon earth, as goods appertaining to their owne inheritance, which is, in a

word, nothing else, but expressely to say: Let us maintaine our selues in the possessions of the patrimony of the Church: which long since we have confiscated, and appropriated to our selues; and which now is a part and member of our owne de∣meanes. And those that favour this wicked designe, under what pretext soever; though they seem to shrowd themselues, under never so colourable reasons of faire appearances: yet can they not faile to see themselues cleerely pointed at in the feare∣full predictions of the Prophet Obadiah: where their preva∣rication and loosenesse is branded with the note of eternall in∣famy, in the list of maledictions, which he bestoweth on them. What then, saith our Lord?* 1.18 shall I not one day destroy the politikes of Idumea? Shall I not utterly subvert the wisedome of the mountaines of Esau? The strong and bold spirits shall trem∣ble with feare, that shall surprize them from the parts of the South; and this through the default of him, that will appeare so great a person upon the mountaine of Esau. By reason of the mur∣thers and iniustice, which thou hast committed against thy brother Iacob, thou shalt be shaken and crushed with confusion, and shalt perish everlastingly, in revenge of that day, wherein thou liftest thy hand against him. Then when those who professed a strange law, inforced the armies to passe under their yoake, and the ex∣communicate did even force the gates of their Cities, and were partakers in the spoiles of Ierusalem. And thou* 1.19 also wert uni∣ted to that party, and wert no whit better, but more covert and concealed then they. O representation of our miserable times! not allegoricall, but most expresse and lively! O cruell and un∣naturall jealousie of Christian Princes! O heresie, more faith∣full to side it with their party, then the faithfull are constant to assist one another! I had rather say with the holy Prophet David, these words full of holy and religious zeale: Early in the morning, (that is, in the beginning of my thoughts and acti∣ons,) I had no other care, then to imploy my forces to the destru∣ction of sinners: Which by excellence, and in a ranke aboue o∣thers, all Heretikes are. Wherefore, the course of things passing in this manner; and my affection and sense of them, being such

as I have declared: it appeareth manifestly, that by no conside∣ration either of State or Religion; I could esteeme it either expedient or lawfull, to adhere to this faction; which were but to consent to the spoyle and rapine of the Protestant party: but am rather obliged, to commiserate and condole at their successes; and to oppose their progresse. And therefore I pro∣test againe and againe, before God and men: That I have now my sword in my hand to doe it; and that in this quarrell, I will most cheerefully hazzard my estate, my goods, mine ho∣nour, and my life.

After which protestation, which heretofore hath beene, and hereafter shall be followed, with all sutable effects and actions, by which I am possibly able to approove and verifie the same: if yet there be any, that rest doubtfull of the inte∣grity of my intentions, I shall have no other esteeme nor re∣gard of him, then of one whom I account an obstinate calum∣niator, and my professed enemy.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The French King.
• * 1.2

  The House of Austria.
• * 1.3

  Well confest.
• * 1.4

  ••ine.
• * 1.5

  ••igh.
• * 1.6

  Religiously said.
• * 1.7

  He handles th•• French tender
• * 1.8

  Neatly put of
• * 1.9

  Belike the Catholikes
• * 1.10

  ••••emselues ••ave this opi∣••••on of the ••arre: and have ••••ught it the ••rotestants.
• * 1.11

  He meanes t•• Bishop of Cul¦lens Armes, which the Landtgrave tooke downe Nienbus, by Paderborn.
• * 1.12

  True: for the ••esuites have brought them ••n since.
• * 1.13

  He touches ••he French King; who hath ••he Stile of most Christian: and is ••n league with ••he Swede.
• * 1.14

  The Bavarian Jesuites are an∣gry, that other have gone be∣yond them in their own trad•• of Statizing.
• * 1.15

  No good Pro∣testant wil do so.
• * 1.16

  He giues the French nation, an example of their owne.
• * 1.17

  They will de∣ny it, surely.
• * 1.18

  Obadiah, verse 8. to 11.
• * 1.19

  He touches the French.