A Brief Description of the Present State of Germany

A Description of the GREAT EMPIRE OF GERMANY: Together with an Account of their Government both Civil, and Religious, wherein many Memorable things are contained.

G Ermany is divided into ten Provinces, which are called the Circuites, or Circles of the Empire; whereof the first Circuit is of the four Electors besides the River of Rhine, viz. of the Archbishops of Mainz, Collen, and Treere, and the Counte Palatine. The second is the Circuit of Franconia : The third of Bavaria : The fourth of Austria : The fifth of Suevia : The sixth of the Rhine: The seventh of Westphalia : The eight of Saxonia Superior : The ninth of Saxonia Inferior : and the tenth of Burgundia. All the which Circuits are Governed by ten several Heads, that are chose out of the Nobility, and do use that Office commonly during their lives, or according to the will of the Emperor, and the States of the Empire, as hereafter in the end of this Book it shall appear, where the division of the same Provinces shall more at large be set forth. And as all these ten Circuits are but one Body; so do they consist in three estates, viz. of Churchmen, Temporal Potentates, and Free Cities, the which all have one Head, that is the Emperor: who at present hath his residence at Vienna in Austria, to whom, as for Homage, they pay yearly some little Tribute; and in cases needful for the state of the Empire they contribute Men, Weapons, and Money extraordinary, everyone according to the assessement made in the division of the said ten Circuits of the Empire. The which extraordinary contribution is given by the consents of these three estates being lawfully called to some place certain, by the Emperor, unto a Parliament, which they term a Diett.

The Churchmen have three heads, which are Archbishops, and Electors: of the which, the first is the Archbishop of Mainz, High Chancellor of Germany, with whom remain all the Acts of the Diettes. And he hath authority seed vacante to call the rest of the Electors to a Diett for the choosing of an Emperor, which is always done at Frankford upon the River of Mene.

Next unto him is the Archbishop of Colen, High Chancellor of Italy ; and after him the Archbishop of Treer High Chancellor of France, the which two do take their place in the Sessions alternis vicibus, by turns.

And here is to be noted, that these three Spiritual Electors have not their Office of Electorship, nor their preferment of the Archbishoprics by succession of Inheritance, but by election of the Cannons of their Cathedral Churches, who commonly choose such to be their Archbishop as is a Gentleman of a good House.

Further in this Ecclesiastical estate are comprehended all the other Archbishops, and Bishops of Germany ; as the Archbishop of Saltzburge, which is one of the Ancientest, and in respect of his Mines of Salt, Silver, and Gold, is counted the Richest, whose Revenue is yearly to the value commonly of one hundred and fifty thousand guilderns.

The Archbishops of Magdeburge, who is called the Primate of the Empire, whose Revenue is likewise great, for out of one City called Hall, he receiveth for the profit of Salt that is gotten, every Saturday at night, five hundred Dollars, all charges deducted.

The Archbishop of Bream, and Bisontz, with about twenty five Bishops that have great possessions, and in respect of their Cities, Castles, and Provinces are called Princes of the Empire: Amongst the which the Bishop of Munster in Weastphalia, who is also Bishop of Esenburge, and Padeborn, is counted one of the chiefest.

Of the Temporal Lord's there are counted likewise four chief, the which are also called Princes Electors, and have each one a several Office which they use in their Stiles for any honor in the service of the Emperor, at his coronation.

The Count Pallatine of the Rhine is the greatest amongst them, and is chief Sewer to the Emperor, and Sede vacante, vicarius Imperij in Pallatinatu, whose chief Court is commonly at Heydelberge upon the River of Neccar, his Liuetenant in the Office of Sewership, is always one of the House of Nortenberge by Inheritance.

Next to him in all Sessions of Parliament, but before him in the Wars (the Emperor being personally in the Field▪) is the Duke of Saxon, whose principal House is at Dresden in Misuia, upon the River Albis, who is High Marshall of the Empire, and beareth in all Triumphs the Sword before the Emperor. His Lieutenant in that Office of high Marshalship, is always one of the House of Papenheim by Inheritance.

The third place of the Temporal Lord's, and the sixth place of the Electors, hath the Marquis of Brandenburge, who is high Chamberlain; whose Court is chiefly at Birlyn in Marchia upon the River of Spre. His Liuetenant in the Office of high Chamberlain, is always one of the House of Falkenstein by Inheritance.

There is also a seventh Elector who is Cupbearer, and hath no other Office, nor authority in the Empire, but only in the Election, a voice, when the other six are equally divided, and then on that side that he giveth his voice, there doth the matter prevail. And the same is ever the King of Bohemia, which is now Emperor himself. His Lieuetenant in the Office of Cupbearer is always one of the House of Lymburge by Inhetance.

The seventh Elector was appointed long after the other six, viz. in Charles the fourth his time, and the rest in the time of Otho Tertius.

All these four Temporal Electors, have their Authority by succession of heritage, and the eldest of the House hath always the place of Electorship; they have power, and Authority after the death of the Emperor to choose a man, whom they list, or during the Emperors Life to elect a King of the Romans, who always doth succeed the Emperor, as the Prince of Wales doth in the Kingdom of England, and the Dophin of France doth the French King.

After the Lord's Electors, are reckoned the Noblemen, and Princes of their Houses, as for example: The Duke of Bavire whose residence is at Monachum, or Munchen in Bavaria, where his yearly revenue is said to be six hundred thousand guildernes, with the rest of the Palsegraves, whose Feodaries are the Ringraves, the Earls of Erbach, and Isenberg.

The Duks of Saxon, whose Feodaries are the Counties of Mansfelde; Swerzberge, and Stolberge.

The Marquesses of Brandenburge, whose Feodaries are the Earls of Reppein, and Vyer Rotton, (which Earldom now the Earl of Houlstine possesseth) and the Barrons of Potlas.

The Dukes of Brunswick (whose yearly revenue is two hundred thousand guildernes) the eldest of that House, who is called Duke Julus of Wolfenbottel ) receiveth every day through out the year one, hundred Dollers out of one Silver Myne at Gloster only, besides his other mines of Lead, and Copper &c. his Vassales are the Contz of Regenstein, and Barrons of Warberge.

The Dukes of Lumburge, and Harburge, who are of the House of Brunswicke.

The Dukes of Lawenburge, and Princes of Anhalt, which are of the ancientest House of Saxon.

The Landesgrave of Hessen, whose Country is very great, for they be also Earls of Catzenelbogen, and have in Hessia seventy Cities, their Vassals are the Earls of Rippan, of Hoyz, of Trefeld, of Lipe, of Sulmos, of Witstem, of Nefsowz, and of Shaumborcke.

The Duke of Wirtemberge (whose yearly revenue is two hundred thousand Florins, or Guildernes.

The Dukes of Pomer and Mechelburge.

The Marquesses of Baden, with a number of other Princes, Marquesses, Earls, and Barrons, of all the which, in all Conventions, and Dietts of the Empire, next after the seven Electors, the four Dukes, which are of Suevia, Brunswick, Bavaria and Lothering, do take their place. And after them, the four Marquesses of Misnia, Marchia, Baden, and Brandenburge. And next unto them the four Landgraves of Muring, Heses, Litchtenberge, and Elsotz. After them the four Burgraves of Magdenburge, Normberge, Renake, and Strumburge. And after them the four Earls of Savoye, Cleve, Zilie, and Schwartzburge. And next to them the four Barons of Lymsperge, Tasis, Westerburge, and Aldenwalde. And last of all, the four Knights of Andelaw, Meldin, Stomeck, and Frawenberge.

The third estate consisteth in the Free Cities, which are in number at present (as some say) seventy two: and have been heretofore eighty five. All the which do acknowledge no other head but the Emperor, to whom they pay a small Tribute yearly, not amounting in all to the sum of fifty thousand Guildernes : from the which payment also certain of these Cities are exempted, and pay nothing but at the General contribution of all the states at the Diett, as shall hereafter appear.

Touching the policy of these three estates of the Empire, it is to be understood, that everyone hath within their own Dominions an absolute power to Coyn Monies (which serve not in any other Teritories, but in their own, except Dollers, which according to their rate are currant in all places) to determine by Law, to execute Justice, to dispence and deal with their Subjects according to right, and equity, as they list.

But forasmuch as it would be too tedious to speak of every Princes Government apart, namely, seeing that in most things they have one order and form; I shall therefore give an example of one, or two of the most principal, which may serve for all the rest. And because among the temporal estates the Count Pallatine (as was said) is the chiefest, I will begin with him.

At Heidelburg, where his Court is, he hath a very fair House adjoining to his Castle, which is called his Chancery. In the which place are five principal Counsels, or Courts.

The first is his Privy Counsel, where he himself, with a few others, whereof the chiefest be Doctors of the Civil Law, do daily sit to consult of matters of Importance touching the state of his Country: The answering of foreign Princes Ambassadors, dispatching of his Ambassadors to foreign Princes: the bestowing of his Children in marriage, &c.

The second Counsel, whereof the Chancellor is chief, is of a few Civillians, where all matters extrajudiciall (as they term it) are handled and compremitted, and in case they cannot by the arbitrators, be ended, then are they, by the Chancellor, referred to the third Counsel, which is called the Hossegerichte, which is of a great number both of Doctors, and Gentlemen. In the which all Civil controversies and causes between his Subjects, and Actions, both personal, and real, are by Law decided, and in the which, the Subject, if he be injured by his Prince, may have the Law against him, from the which Court, it is not lawful to apeal to the Chamber of the Empire, except the cause doth surmount the some of six hundred guildernes.

The fourth Counsel is the Consistory Court and is of Civillians, and Spiritual men, wherein all Church matters, both for Doctrine, and Discipline are determined: Testaments proved, and controversies in marriage decided.

This Prince hath reformed this Court, and whereas before, it had no other Counselors then Spiritual men, now he hath joined together with them, certain honest discreet Ministers, some of his wisest and best-learned Counselors.

The fifth Counsel (whereof the Camer Master, that is the Chamberlain or the Treasurer is President) is of certain Doctors, and of household Officers, in the which there is accompt taken of all his Revenues, how his debts are to be paid, his Household ordered and served, his Lands set and lett, his Customs and Tolls examined.

This Prince maintaineth commonly in his Court of all sorts of People twenty four Tables, eight persons to every Table, the which do eat commonly in two several places. In the one place, which is a fair large Chamber, sitteth himself, his Wife and Children, at one Table standing alone in the upper end of the Chamber: and his Gentlewomen, and Preachers at two other Tables, and about ten Tables more adjoining to those, two Tables which stand in a row, on one side of the said Chamber, whereat do sit his Gentlemen, who immediately after the Prince is set down, do likewise sit and eat continually at one hour, which is at ten and at five of the clock.

In the other place the rest of his Family; as his Guard (which are twenty four Halberders) with others of his Yeomen, and Groomes, together with all the Officers and Gentlemen Servants, who likewise eat together at one time, which is at nine and four of the clock: before which hours they are continually warned by the noise of eight Trumpets and two kettle Drums.

His Household Officers, be the Marshall, the Steward, the Treasurer, the Secretary, and the Clarke of the Kitchen: The Marshall first placeth all men and seeth good order kept: the Steward seeth all things provided for the House and Houshould: The Treasurer disburseth the money: The Secretary taketh the accompt and writeth the Letters▪ The Clarke of the Kitchen seeth all things ordered in the Kitchen, and everv one served according to their degrees, and of all the Houshould expenses keepeth a Book. The Prince is served in Silver with four courses, besides fruit, and in every course nine covered Dishes, which three Gentlemen with their Caps on their Heads, do always bring to the Carver, having the Marshall to go before them with his staff, and when they have delivered their Dishe, they sit likewise down at a Table appointed only for them in the same Chamber. There waiteth ordinarily on the Prince at the Table, a Sewer, a Carver, a Gentleman of his Chamber that waiteth on his Cup, and taketh the same, and two or three Pages that wait on his trencher which the Carver always giveth. The Carver giveth everyone to eat in like sort as it is at the Lord Majors of London his Table. All the other Tables be served by the Princes Guard. In the Princes Chamber, one of his Preachers doth always say Grace, both before and after meat, and in the common Hall the Clark of the Kitchen, who is there in the Place of the Marshall, causeth likewise thanks to be given to God by one of the poor Scholars that the Prince keepeth of purpose. The meat that is left in both places is always forthwith given to the poor by the Almner.

His Counselors have always allowed them everyone according to his virtue and quality, a very good stipend both for his Fee and diet in their own Houses.

There is straight Discipline in his Court against swearing, Blasphemy, and Drunkenness, Whoredom, Fighting and all other kinds of Vices, in which cases notwithstanding, some more respect is had to the punishment of a Gentleman, then of another, and yet none spared.

Dauncing also is forbidden in his Court, and throughout all his Land.

The charge of his Stable hath the Master of his Horse, & every Gentleman that by his commandment keepeth any Horses, is allowed Oats sufficient, and for every Horse tweny five Dollers the year, towards pay and stable room; and every Yeoman twenty five Guildernes.

And because I have entered into some discourse of his Houshould matters, it shall not be impertinent to show this Princes order, and conversation, how he spendeth his time: both because the example is notable and worthy of all good Princes to be followed, as also because that hereby he winneth great favor of the peopele.

His order is to arise every morning at five of the clock, and at six he cometh to his Chapel, with his Wife, Children, and Family, where one of the three Ministers (which he always keepeth in his Court to say Grace, preach, and administer the Sacrament) after a Psalm sung by Children, which are kept in his Court for that purpose, doth preach and pray until seven of the clock, and then the Prince goeth straight away into his Court Chancery, where he tarrieth until ten, which is the hour to dine. At dinner he commonly sitteth two hours, and after dinner one hour, talking with his Wife and Children. After he riseth up (which is about one of the clock) he goeth straightways into his Closet, where he tarrieth till five, in perusing and reading his Subjects supplications, which are duly given to him as he goeth and cometh from the Chancery: the which supplications, the next day he sendeth to every Court as the matter requireth, where immediately justice is administered. At five of the clock he goeth to supper, where he sitteth two hours, and afterwards either walketh, or otherwise passeth the time with his Wife, and Children until it be nine, and then he calleth both the Gentlemen, Grooms, and Pages of his Chamber to his Privy Chamber door, where they hear him pray half an hour, and so he goeth to rest. This is the conversation commonly of this good Prince, the which order he breaketh not but upon some very great occasion.

Somtimes as he sitteth at his Table he heareth his Musicians, whereof he hath five, playing excellently well on Shalmes that be made, the one like a Halberd, the second like a Crossebow, the third like a Boarstaff, the fourth like a Handgun, and the fifth like Javeline. The same Musicians have also Cornetts, Violins, and Virginals, which they mingle one with another, as it is the Princes pleasure to hear them: Other pastimes he exerciseth not, except when he hath no supplications of his Subjects to read, which is very seldom. He then hunteth the Stag or Hind, according to the season of the year; or else seeth his Sons and Gentlemn ride his great Horses and run at the Ring, or else rideth about certain Villages, and converteth the Curates, to the understanding of the true Doctrine of the Sacraments, wherein a number of his Country are not yet well persuaded.

When this Prince hath any War towards, or otherwise upon some urgent cause for the Weale of his Country, and conservation of his State, he calleth (as the manner is of all other Princes in Germany ) a Parliament, which they term a Landstage, to the which all the Nobility of his Country, and certain Burgesses of every City within his Dominions do come. By whose common consent, either a Subsidy is granted to be levied of all his Subjects or else new Statuts are made, or old revoked, or reformed, according to the state and necessity of the time, the which Statuts are called Quandtz ordnuce : and are always expounded by the rules of the Civil Law, when their intent is not well otherwise to be understood.

This Princes Country lieth, partly along both sides of the River Rhine from Argentine unto Collen, the which he Governeth himself, and partly in Bavaria superior, whereof the principal City is Amberge, upon the River of Fills, where his eldest Son, Duke Lewis doth Govern under him, and hath the same order in Administering Justice (as near as the manner of the Country will permit) as his father hath at Heidelburg, from which place notwithstanding the Subjects may appeal to Heidelburg, because that is the highest Court by reason that the Elector, who is chief of that House, dwelleth there.

This Prince, although his Father was a great Papist, yet he being persuaded by one of his Sisters that was of the Religion, and chiefly instructed by Eberhard, Earl of Eberbache, a godly and wise Gentleman, and then Steward to Ottho Henry, his predecessor in the Electorship, as soon as he came to the same estate, which was in Anno 1558. he reformed the Religion in his Country, as much as was possible for the obstinacy of the Lutherans. And at this day throughout all his Dominions the Gospel is sincerely preached, Images, and other superstitious Ceremonies which the Lutherans throughout all Germany yet use) were abolished, and the Sacrament as well administered, as it is at present in the Church of England, for the which his reformation he was like to have suffered great trouble in the Diett at Augusta, in Anno. 1566. Where the Emperor Maximilian that now is, with all the Electors, and States of the Empire, his Eledest Son Duke Lewis, and his Sons in Law the Dukes John Fredrick, and John William of Waymar in Saxon, and the Dukes of Swebrooke, and Wirtemberge, were so earnestly bent against him for the same, that in case Duke Augustus, the present Elector of Saxon, had not been, many supposed that he should have been committed to Prison. and deprived of his Electorship. In the which Convention he did so wisely, Godly and constantly defend his cause before them and against them all (having only the Duke of Casimere his second Son that stood always by him, with the Bible in one hand and the confession off Augusta in the other, that he did convince them and put them all to silence, and during his abode there, caused his Preachers openly to set forth the true Doctrine of the Eucharist, in their Sermons in his House at Augusta, where they had a wonderful audience, to the great grief and dispight of all the Lutherans.

But to knitt up the discourse of this good Princes Government, and Godly conversation, I think it not superfluous to show what word he useth in all purposes and events, and the which I heard him utter the eighth day of April last in Anno 1569. when a great part of his estate at Heidelburge was suddenly by casualty in the night set on fire, and the whole in great danger to be utterly burnt and consumed notwithstanding the exceeding great watch that is nightly there kept by four men, which at every quarter of an hour do blow great base horns, and at every hours end do sound Trumpets in four quarters of the said Castle: At that time, even in the extremity of the flame, he said with his hands lift up to Heaven, not once but often, ( Herenach dine will ) which is to say, Fiat voluntas tua Domine. Thy will be done, O Lord.

Now like as before is shown of the Count Pallatines order of Justice, in like sort may be said of the Duke of Saxon, now Elector, saving that his Counsels, and Courts of Justice be not all at one place. For his Chancery where he holdeth his Privy Counsel and Exchequer, are at Dresden, which I declared before to be the chief place of his residence; unto the which all the rest of his Courts do appeal, and from the which his Subjects do in no case appeal to the Chamber of the Empire, as was said that the Paulsgraves subjects may. And further his Court called Croffegricht, where the differences between his Subjects are decided and whereunto himself, if he do his Subjects wrong, may be sited, is kept always in the City of Leiptzigke, in Misnia. And his Consistory Court, which is not so well reformed as the Palsgraves Court, is holden in two places, the one at Misen in Misnia, and the other at Witemberge in Saxony.

In all this Princes Provinces Adultery is punished with death, and Fornication with whipping and bannishment.

This Elector, albeit he keepeth not so many Tables in his Court as the Count Pallatine doth, yet he keepeth a greater State, and giveth ordinary entertainment to more then the Palsgrave doth. For besides his ordinary guard, whereof there be fifty Holbardiers, and as many Harquibushers, to whom he giveth monthly, besides their Liveries, which are black cloaks, for their diet and Fee five Guildernes, when they sit still, and six Guildernes when they travel He hath continully about him fourteen Rittmasters, that is Captains, which are able to bring him on the sudden for all events, three hundred Horses apiece, of the which everyone keepeth ordinarily twelve Horses, for the which twelve Horses each of them hath allowance of the Prince, yearly five hundred French Crowns and for their yearly Fee of Captainship one hundred and fifty French Crowns the piece, and these Captains are all Gentlemen that are for the most part married, and keep Houses themselves at Dresden, where the Court is. To the rest of his train, to whom he giveth meat and drink in his Court, he alloweth besides provender yearly for every Horse fifty dollers, and some Gentlemen he alloweth six Horses, to some more to some less, according as he favoreth them, and according to their quality, and for every Horse he alloweth them a Servant, who hath his livery, meat, and drink at the Princes charges in the Town.

Of all the Princes of Germany, the present Elector of Saxony, is the richest, and of the greatest power, both of men and money: for his yearly Rent of Assise is reckoned to be above seven hundred thousand dollers, besides his Taxes, Tolles and Impositions of Beer, and Wine, &c. which is accounted to amount yearly to as much more.

The said Duke hath one hundred and thirty four Seignories, and in the same twenty Earldomes, and sixteen Barronies, he hath of late gotten into his hands by the consent of the Cannons (for the term, as he hath promised, but of one and twenty years, but as it is thought forever) three Bishoprics of Mersburge, Misen, and Nawimberge : and out of the last only he hath yearly for Impost of Beer about twenty four thousand dollers. His Mines of Silver, Copper, Brasse, Tin, Lead, &c. which he hath at his Cities of Friberge, Anneberge, Maryberge, Sueberge, and Swertzberge, &c. which be fair Towns, and maintained only by the said Mines, do yield him yearly wonderful riches, whereof I could learn no certain yearly sum, because the commodity is uncertain, some years better, some years worse, according to the goodness of the veins, in the which there are working, above ten thousand able men for the Wars, besides a great number of poor impotent Men, Women and Children, which have there livings only by the same. Of the which works their i sone at Friberge, wherein is a singular art used in drawing of the Water out of a Well that is above one hundred fathom deep, and in most places not a fathom broad, into the which I went down with Mr. Henry Killegrew & Docter Christofer Chemius, the Count Pallatines Ambassador, the twenty first Junij 1569, we all being apparrelled with such garments as the workmen and Miners thereof do use, and as the manner is for all such as will see their works: but when we were descended almost four hundred stairs by very narrow ladders, they two were almost dead with the damp and close air, so as they were constrained to cause the guides, who conducted every of us with a Lamp, to return, by means whereof I could not see the bottom of the Water work, whereof I did not greatly pass, because those works, and the Engines used in them be exactly set forth by Georgius Agricola of Remuitz in Saxon in two great Volumes Printed at Basel by Frobenius. But among other commodities which grow out of these Mines, there are three sorts of Stones, in a work in the Town of Swertzberge, whereof the one is named Magnes, commonly called the Loadstone, which properly draweth Iron to it, and the othet Andromedes, which putteth Iron away from it; the third is called Merga, which being made into powder & drank in a little white-Wine warmed, is approved to be very good for a bruise.

By the benefit and great quantity of Iron and Copper which are gotten in those Mines, the Prince hath furnished such an Armory, at his City of Dresden, as by report of them that have travelled far, the like is not to be found in any other place in Europe, I shall describe the order thereof as I did see it the twenty fourth of June, 1569.

First the House is built four square of Free stone, the two lengths are each one of them three hundred foot long, and the breadths each one of them one hundred seventy five foot broad, everyone of these lengths, and breadths hath three rooms or Stories. In the lowest rooms are the great Ordnance, being about fifty six double Cannons that carry a shot, which waieth one hundred and sixty pound, and three hundred and fifty Culvernis, half Cannons, Cannon pieces, Sacres, Fawcons, Rabnets, and other small Field pieces, all of brass ready mounted on very good carriages, and furnished with all things necessary, as shot made with the Hammer to an infinite number, Chargers, Scowrers, Horsetraines, Pioneers tools, &c. And every of those have three or four great pieces hanging for them on the walls, eleven harquebushes, a crock. In the two uppermost rooms or stories are Armor, as Corslets, black and parcel white, very good and of the newest fashion, Calivers, long Curriours; Daggs, Pikes armed and unarmed, Lances, Halberds, Partisons, Holy water sprinkles, two handswordes and swords with basket hiltes, thirty six Ensigns, Drums, Fiffes, and all other things necessary for the furniture of four Regiments, to every Regiment ten Ensigns, and to every Ensign three hundred men, which is twelve thousand Footmen, and Curaces for the proof for two thousand Horsemen, so that of the sudden this Prince is able to furnish into the Field fourteen thousand men with Armor in every point, which is only in his City of Dresden.

His Cities besides at Lipsia, Wittimberge, and Guicca, are said to have also their several Armories, besides that every Subject in all his Dominions, to his ability is bound to have his proper furniture both for himself and his Servants, for as many as every man keepeth, a Corselet, a Harquebush, a Halberd, and a Pike, of the which (that are able to bear Armor) the Prince, if need require, may well make into the Field eighty thousand men, whereof six thousand shall be Horsemen, leaving his Country notwithstanding with sufficient Guard. This Prince as he hath not the perfect knowledge of God like unto the Count Pallatine, even so is his conversation such as misliketh all men universally; he is misliked for his inaffability, forever since the Wars of Gottha, he hath kept himself so secret, as no man, except one or two of his Privy Counsel, can either see him or speak with him, he keepeth himself still within his Privy Chamber, where he learneth to play on the Virginals, the which exercise he doth so earnestly apply, as almost he never ceaseth but when he must either eat or sleep. Not long since his mind was to learn the Latin Tongue whereof he was utterly ignorant, and now he hath so profited in a short time therein, that he is able commonly to understand anything that is either spoken or written in Latin. The great delight that he hath in hunting the Stagg, and wild Boar, bringeth him some time abroad, but then he is so accompanied on either side with all his Guard, and with at the least, four hundred Horsemen that no man almost, for what cause so ever it be, is suffered to come to his speech: he seldom giveth any Princes Ambassadors audience in his own person, but answereth them by his Chancellor or chief Counselor. The Princes of Germany do not love him, (although by reason of his great power and authority, they flatter him) because of his extreme dealing with his kinsman, Duke John Frederick, from whose Father Duke Maurice, this Electors Brother did take the Electorship and the most part of this living besides (all which the said Duke Maurice, dying without issue male, left unto Duke Augustus his Brother, whereupon such displeasure grew between these Houses (as I shall hereafter declare) that the eldest Son of John Frederick the old Elector, is spoiled both of all his Land & Liberty.

Further this Duke Augustus is hated of his Nobility and Gentlemen, as well for the cause last recited, as also for purchasing of late the Lands of one Miltitz, a Gentleman in Misnia in a manner against his will, for the which he paid one hundred and sixty thousand Guildrnes, and as it is said, the Woods only on the same Lands, were worth as much. He offendeth his Nobility also for his other cruelties, in tormenting of Men with such Deaths, and specially for cutting in four pieces of late on Carolutius, a Gentleman of an ancient House and one of his Houshould servitors, who albeit he had committed things worthy of death, yet the manner of his execution seemed so strange, and was so odious to the Gentlemen of his Court • , as they all went forth of the City that day that he suffered death. The People of his Cities love him not for his Covetousness, because there is no traffic nor handleing whereof there may arise any commodity or gain, but he getteth it into his own hands. As for example, the gain that they were wont to have in buying and selling the Mettall that riseth of his Mines, he hath now taken into his own hands. Besides that he maketh Silke, dieth Cloth, selleth Malt, and handleth everything himself whereof any profit may grow. He hath furthermore raised such tasks and impositions upon his People, and hath turned the Tenants out of certain Lands that he lately purchased, whose Ancestors have held the same time out of mind: and they know not now where to place themselves again, and hath converted the same to his own use, in such sort as throughout all his Country there is great complaint of him. All these things are the more grievous, and specially marked, by reason that the memory of the late Princes his predecessors, is fresh, who albeit in some respects wanted not their faults, yet generally, for affability, mercifulness, and liberallity, were very much commended; The cause why this Elector was s • irred to deal so extremely with his Cozen John Frederick, I think it not amiss to insert in this place, as well because it is not yet to my knowledge set forth truly by any other, as also for that upon the grudge between the Princes of this House, dependeth almost the Weale or ruin of all Germany, by reason of the Alliances that either part hath with the most Noblest Houses, not only in Dutchland, but in other Kingdoms near about. The story as I have heard it credibly reported is this, In Anno 1567, John Frederick of Wymar in Saxony, Son unto John Frederick the late Elector of Saxony, kept within his Jurisdiction one William Grombache, and certain other Rebels to the Empire, for the which cause he was also declared by a public Decree, a Rebell to the same State of the Empire. This Grombache was an Ancient Captain about threescore and ten years old, born in Franconia, of a Noble and Ancient house, and from his Youth was brought up in the exercise of War, and was of nature sediciously disposed, always attempting new designs in his Country; for in the Wars that Marquess Albert made against the Bishops and Churchmen, he took part with him, and never left him so long as he kept the field. And although he was oftentimes called home by the Bishop of Wertzburge, whose Vassall he was, under the pain of Confiscation; yet he continued with the said Marquess until he was overthrown: Whereupon the Bishop seized on his Goods and Lands. After the overthrow of Marquess Albert he went into France to Henry the second, of whom he received great sums of money to levy Soldiers to serve against the Emperor Charles ; but peace being concluded between them at Amienz in Anno 1558, he returned into his Country, where, by secret means he had caused the Bishop of Wietzburg to be slain, in Anno 1557, because he had confiscated his Lands.

Afterwards in Anno 1564, he was commanded by the Duke of Guise to Levy certain Soldiers for the service of the French King, whose Colonel he was, against them of the Religion in France ; but peace being then also concluded, he was not there employed, whereupon he returned home, and with part of those Soldiers whom he had taken up with the French Kings money, he marched against the other Bishop of Wertzburg and Bamberg the which succeeded him that before he had killed, where he not only by force recovered his goods taken away by the said Bishop, but also spoiled and made havoc of both those Bishoppricks; for which cause he procured to himself the Bann of the Empire and was Proclaimed a Rebel, by reason whereof he was forced always to keep a good guard of soldiers about him, for the safety of his Person. But in the last Dyett holden under the Emperor Ferdinand, an Edict was published, that no man of what Degree soever he were, should keep any man in Arms except it were by the public consent of the States of the Empire. Notwithstanding Grombache did not only keep his old band of men still together, but also Levyed new, and practiced with some Personages of Name and Authority to enteprise somewhat for the liberty of such as were oppressed and sustained wrong in the Empire. Of the which enterprise the forenamed John Frederick of Wymar was one of the chiefest favorers, being persuaded by the same Grombache, that then the time served him to recover the Electorship, the which was taken by force from his Father, and that the most part of the Princes of Germany would aid him therein. Whereupon, in the Dyett holden by Maximilian, the Emperor that now is, at Augusta, in Anno 1566, by the common consent of all the States, the said Grombache was declared a Rebell of the Empire, with all his adherents, and order taken to proceed against him as against a seditious man, and disturber of the Commonwealth. This notwithstanding, Grombache continuing his faction, was received by John Frederick into his Castle of Gottha, the which was of such force, as they in all respects thought themselves safe from their enemies.

But Augustus now Elector of Saxony, being in the aforesaid Dyett, appointed the Emperors Lieutenant for the Wars, and having at the charges of the Emperor six thousand horses, thirty Ensigns of Footmen, and forty pieces of great Ordnance, besieged the Town of Gottha, and Castle of Grimsteteine, which thing the Citizens and certain Captains there perceiving, and weighing with themselves that the matter was taken in hand by all the Estates of the Empire, were contented to yield, both Grimbache, the Town and the Castle to the said Elector, who as soon as he was entered, took John Frederick, and sent him, with a sufficient guard to the Emperor, with whom he remaineth still a prisoner in the City of Presburge, in Hungary, above one hundred English miles beyond Vienna, near Turkey, and executed above twenty of the chiefest Rebels, whereof Grombache, and D ^r Pontanz, Chancellor to Duke John Frederick, with certain others, were quartered quick. This Victory was so joyful to the Elector Augustus, that in memory thereof he caused Dollers to be coined with this Inscription, Tandem bona Causa triumphat, A good cause at last prevails. After he had sent Duke John Frederick away Prisoner, he caused his Castle, which was one of the fairest houses, and strongest fortresses in all Germany, and the principal Manor house of the old Elector John Frederick, to be utterly razed and destroyed, so as there is not one stone left upon another. I heard as I passed through the town of Gottha, that the razing only of that Castle Grimsteteine and the Walls of Gottha, cost him seventy three thousand Guilderns, which the States of the Empire (as I hear) do grudge to repay, because, as they allege, repay they did not consent to the razing thereof.

Grombache, and divers others that were executed with him and since, before their death confessed, that their intent was to have killed Augustus, and to have reduced the Electorship to John Fredicks house, whom notwithstanding, Grombache in that respect did clear, as not privy to that enterprise for the killing of Augustus, and protested that he was not culpable in anything but in defending him, to the which he said, by great persuasions he had also allured him.

And moreover because his brother, Duke John William, would not agree to this enterprise, but ever withstood the same, the said Grombache found means to set dissention, betwixt him and his brother about the partition of their third brothers part, who died a little before the same time; for the which cause Duke John William was content to assist Augustus, the Elector, against his brother in the siege of Gottha. By means whereof both his brothers parts were given unto him, the which he at present enjoyeth. Notwithstanding there is now a heart-burning betwixt the Elector Augustus and the said Duke John William, as well for the cause of their Electorship, that moved his foresaid brother to the former enterprise, as also for certain controversies in Religion that are between their Preachers, whereof I shall speak further hereafter.

Now because I have not heretofore touched the manner and custom that the Princes of Germany have in the devision of their Lands, I think it good in this place to show what I have learned thereof. The manner commonly of all the Noblemen, Princes, and Gentlemen in Germany is by their last Will to dispose to every Child their Portion, both of Lands and Money. The Women, so long as there liveth any Male of the Name, do never inherit any Land. He that hath many sons and beareth an affection to one more than to another, if he be a great Prince, then he calleth the Gentlemen and great States of his Country and Cities together, and by their consent establisheth in his life time the division of his Children's portions, and giveth to some more to some less, according as he favoreth, and as his Estates will agree, whose consent commonly dependeth upon the Princes pleasure. But to disinherit any son, or to make too much an unequal devision of Land, is very dangerous, as it appeareth by that which John Selden writeth in the fourteenth book of his History, touching the devisions of the Lands of the Dukes of Saxony, whereof sprang the first quarrel betwixt them of that house, and was cause of a great Civil War in Germany.

Such inequality in Partition is not therefore lightly seen, except it be for certain such causes as are prescribed in the Civil Law; that is, in case the Son conspireth his Fathers death, or doth not his endeavor to redeem him out of Prison if he be taken by their Enemies, &c. If the Father dieth Intestate, then do his Children divide his goods equally pro raeta Portione: Sons have the Land, and the Daughters the Money; and in case there be no Money left, then the Sons are bound everyone out of his portion of Land, to pay a certain sum of Money towards the Dowry of his Sisters. In the which cases there are certain Ordinances whereby everyone knoweth what to have, according to their quality.

The Subjects of all the Princes and Gentlemen in Germany, do hold their Lands, ether in Feodo, for paying a chief rent and acknowledging Homage, or in Fee-Farm, paying a certain Rent, either in Money, Corn, or Wine, or in all. Or else there are Tennants, at the will of the Lord for so many years, and for so much Rent as is agreed between the Lord and the Tennant. There is almost no Prince, Nobleman, nor Gentleman but hath certain Vassals that of right do owe them their labor, some to sow, some to mowe, till, carry, ditch, hedge, &c. by whose labor their Demesnes are for the most part Manured.

Thus I have as briefly as I could, set forth by the examples of the Count Palatine and the Elector of Saxony, the form of Government in Political matters of the two first Estates, that is to say, of the Spiritual and Temporal Potentates, who both in their Household service, and Civil Affairs, have also the most part the same Order and Form that the foresaid Electors have.

Touching the third estate, which I said was of the Free Cities, thus much is to be understood; that of the same Free Cities, some are merely Subject to the Empire, as Augusta, Acona, Argentina, Francfordia ad Menum, Lubeca, Hamburga, Vlma, Colonia, Spira, Noriberge, &c. And other some, for that they were once under another Lord, to whom everyone yet acknowledgeth a certain duty, do therefore yield no such contribution, as the Imperial Cities do: as for Example: Magdeburge, Erford, Breme, Brunswicke, Luniburge, &c. have each of them a several Lord, who is either the Bishop, or Duke of the name that everyone is called by, to whom they owe their Homage and a small Duty besides. But they use notwithstanding their own proper Municipall Laws, which have their ground on the Civil Laws, and their Ancient Customs, as the Imperial Cities do, from the which their Laws, Ordinances, and Customs, it is lawful for the Citizens in some cases to appeall to the Chamber of the Empire which is at Spires. They are all Governed, either by Democriti's, that is by certain chosen out of the multitude of the common people, or by the State of Olygarchy, that is, by a few of the Wealthiest and most Principal of the People: Or else by Aristocracy, that is, by a few of the best sort, not in respect of their Wealth, but of their Virtue.

They got their liberties, either by purchase of money, or else by the favor of the Emperor, or by force of Arms from that Prince that was their Sovereign, and have by that means of liberty, such traffic, and handling, as they are grown so rich that they have fortified their Cities, and Territories in such sort as they fear not the force of the Enemy be they never so mighty. There are four Cities which are called by an Ancient name, The four Cities of the Empire, and are free, that is, Augusta, Metis, Acona, Lubeca : Whereof Metis is at present under the French King, and is not free as the rest be. Also there are four other Cities which are named the Dorffes, that is, the Towns of the Empire, viz. Bamberga, Erlistadia, Haganoa, Ulma, whereof, Bamberga is now under a Bishop, and Salistadium, under Archduke Ferdinando, the Emperors brother that now is. There be also four other Cities which are termed The Boores of the Empire, that is, the Villages, but yet are notwithstanding great Cities, as Collen, Regensburge, Constantia, and Saltzburge : the which three last are all Subjects to the Bishops of that name.

There be many other Cities of great fame, and force, as Magdeburge which sustained the siege by the space of thirteen months together, of the Emperors Lieutenant, Duke Maurice, Elector of Saxon, and others the mightiest Princes of Germany. In the which siege they took Prisoner George Duke of Mechelburg, and in the end compounded not with so unreasonable conditions as the other Cities did, in the Wars of Smascald. For they would never agree to receive the Interim no more than the Cities of Brunswiche, Hamburge, Lubecke, and the sons of John Frederick, the Elector of Saxon did.

Breame standing upon the River of Wesar, is likewise famous for resisting Duke Erike of Brunswicke, Lieutenant General to the Emperor Charles the fifth, where he besieged the same in vain, and was in the end, by the help of the Hamburgers conducted by Coúnte Peninge, chased away from thence and forced to leave his great Ordinance behind him.

Brunswicke, standeth near the River of Owker, which taking in another little River, called the Sconder above the Town of Zell, falleth into the Weser, the which City of Brunswick, hath been at variance with their Dukes from the year of 1536, until this present year 1569. Henricus Senior Duke of Brunswick, besieged it a whole year in vain. Henricus Junior, the Father of Duke Julius that now is, besieged it twice, once by the space of six weeks, and another time eight weeks together, and prevailed not. The said Duke Julius is now agreed with them, and entereth the Town with seven hundred Horse, the third of October next; but is not to remain there with any force. In this City is an Ancient Monument of a monstrous Brazen Lyon, the which beast Duke Henricus, surnamed Leo, is said to have brought thither with him out of England. There is also made in this City the best Harnis for the proof, and otherwise, and the best Daggers, and Firelocks that be in all Europe. Lübeck, upon the River of Trowe, hath as it were conserved the King of Denmark in his seat, against the Swede, but is at this day greatly Impoverished because of the continual Wars they have had with the King of Sweden, and stopping of a River between them and the City of Hamburge called the Trow, with Jasper Bucolt, a Gentleman of that Country, because they refused to pay a small towl unto him, hath of malice thrown a number of great trees and stones into it, so that they cannot traffic too, and for Hamburge by water as they were wont to do. But are driven to carry all their wares by land, which is greatly to their discommodity.

Hamburge standing at the mouth of the great River of Albis, about one hundred English miles beneath, is famous for the number of Beer-brewers, whereof there are dwelling there, householders seven hundred and twenty.

There is also Ausperge upon the River of Leche, in the which are the richest Merchants in Europe, namely the Fowlkers, Peimels, Schorers, Bawingartners, &c.

Frankford standing upon the River of Mene, is famous for the two great Marts that are kept there yearly, and for the Election of the Emperor.

Regensburge (as was before said) is now under a Bishop, but once was merely subject to the Empire, where Caesar Frederick the third, in Anno 1446, did hold a Dyett, to the which Diet for certain respects, a strait commandment was given by the Emperor, that no Earl should bring more servants than three, nor no Knight nor Gentleman more than one. At the same time there was a Gentleman named Babo, of Abenspurge, the which by two lawful Wives, had eight Daughters, and thirty two sons all living at one time, and of good Age and Stature, and hearing of this Dyett, brought his thirty two Sons thither, being all appareled in red, and thirty three Servants with them, all well mounted, his Sons riding before him, and his Servants after him. And when the Emperout heard that the said Babo was come to the Dyett with so many Horses, he sent for him and asked wherefore he had broken his Commandment? To whom Babo answered, May it please your Majesty, I have not transgressed your will, for I and my thirty two Sons of my Body lawfully begotten, and therefore right Gentlemen, have but thirty three Servants, which is for every Gentleman a Servant, according to your Majesty's commandment. The Emperor marvelling at the blessing of God, gave unto him at that present great possessions to maintain his Geneology with all, and caused a Monument to be made in the City of Regensburg of him and his Children, the which at this day remaineth there to be seen. But now there is none alive of that House; for in the Wars that were between the Dukes Albert, and Christopher of Bavaria, in Anno 1485, Nicholas of Abensperge, which only remained of all that Stock, was slain by a servant of the said Duke Christophers, and his Inheritance given away.

Exford upon the River of Vnstra, an old University founded in Anno 1392, in the which Martyn Luther first studied and became a Frier in that City, and there remaineth to this day for a Monument of him, the pulpit wherein he made his first Sermon.

Noriberge upon the River of B • gnitz, notable as well for the good Government, as also for resisting the force of Albert, Marques of Brandenburge and for all kind of Iron work which is there made excellently well.

Luneburge upon the Aller and Elmenawe, famous for the golden Table which is in Saint Michaels Abby, and is almost two yards long and a yard broad, set full of old Rubies, &c. It was given by Duke Erneste of Stuplecorne, who was Elector of Saxony, and Duke of Brunswick and Luneburge &c. who wan the same Table at Dice of a Jew, as is reported. There is in the City of Luneburge, which is distant above twenty eight English Miles from the main Sea, a Salt pit, out of the which six men by a Pumpe do continually both night & day, changing every five hours fresh Men, draw so much Salt Water as serveth fifty four Houses in, every of the which Houses there be four Leaden Pannes that boil in a day and a night a Wagon load of Salt, which is sold for six Dollers 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 one time with another, which amounteth yearly to above one hundred thousand pound Sterling. The Spiritualty hath the most part of the commodity thereof. There are in every House three Laborers at the least, so as by the benefit thereof a number of poor People are set on work.

Collen is an ancient University founded in Anno 1388, and a great City; wherein is said to be for every day of the year, a Church. In it also are three Idols of pure Gold, which the blind Papists believe to be the Images of the Wise men that offered to our Savior Christ, and are thought to be brought thither by the Bishop of that City from Millian in Lumbardie. In the same City are also I cannot tell how many thousand Virgins skulls, which the doting Antiquity believed to be slain in England for the Testimony of the Gospel Vlma standing upon the River Danubius, a very great and Rich City.

Aquisgrave that once was the Seat of Carolus Magnus, and after the place of his Sepulture, where the Emperor ought also to receive his first Crown as King of the Romans. In the which City is kept for a relique, an old Linnen clothe which the gross Papist shame not to affirm to be the Virgin Mary's Smocke, like as not far off at Fere, they Dream also to have the Shirt of our Savior Christ, by the which no small gain riseth to the proud Prelates from the poor simple People.

Argentine or Strasburge, standing upon the River of Brushe, is one of the strongest pieces in Germany. In the which there are seven hundred and odd gardners that are Houshoulders and are no small maintainers of that Commonwealth.

Spire also, is the Chamber of the Empire, where all controversies in Law between the Princes and the Free Cities of the Empire are decided. In the which Court the Emperor presenteth the President, who is commonly either an Earl or Baron, who hath for his Fee yearly three thousand Guildernes, and two other Barons Assessors, the which have fifteen hundred Guildernes apeice. And every Elector hath a Counselor there always resident, and every Circle of the Empire hath also one which are called Sessors Camere, who Solicit the Cause of there Princes or Estate, and have for their Fee yearly five hundred Guildernes a piece allowed them, out of the Chamber of the Empire. To this Court all the other Courts, except before excepted, both of the Princes and Free Cities in Germany do appeal, and receive by the Civil Law there a definitive sentence.

All these Free Cities for the most part do stand upon Rivers, whereof the principal are Danubius, Rhenus, Albis, Menus, Mose, Mosella, Amisia, Visurgis, Egra, Odera, Vestula, &c. Of the which Danubius falleth into Mare Euxinum by Constantinople, and the rest into the Ocean. And by the benefit of these Rivers and other small Rivers that fall into these, the abovesaid Free Cities are chiefly maintained, for by means thereof they have traffic with the most part of other Nations. The Commodities that commonly are had in Germany, are, Copper, Brasse, Rhenish Wine, Rie, Firr-tree wood, Woll, Madder, Hopps, Wax, Flax, Blew-sclate, Harnis, Harquebushes, Daggers, Locks, and all kind of Iron work, Horses, Onyon seed, Paper, Furrs, Glasses for windows, and Drinking Glasses, with such like, the which are transported from one City to another, and so to other Nations for other Comodities that they have need of.

There be also in Germany divers great and rich Cities, that partly are fallen away from the obedience of the Empire, and partly forced under the power of other Princes or States adjacent, as Basilia, Geneva, Schaffhawsen, and Milhawsen, the which at divers times have been all won to the confederacy of the Helvetians, or Switchers.

Dantzicke standing upon the River Vistula, near the Ocean, a great City and chief Market of all the North part is become Subject, together with Eluma, and a great part of Prusia, to the King of Polonia. In Anno 1525, Rostocke was taken by the Duke of Mechleburge. Constance is under the King of the Romans, Mettz, Thove, and Verdune are possessed by the French King. Vtrict, and Cambrais King Phillip enjoyeth, with many others which now are not contributers to the Empire as other Free Cities are.

The Free Cities, because they cannot otherwise be commanded, are called in all necessary affairs of the Empire, as is aforesaid, by the Emperor to the Diet : In the which Diet, as they be called three Estates, so they are three Counsels. Into the first Counsel come only the seven Electors. Into the second the Princes Spiritual, and Temporal, and for every Abbot of the Empire enter two Parsons, and for every Count and Baron enter likewise two. And into the third Counsel come those that are sent from the Free Cities.

Unto all those three several Counsels are propounded such matters as either the Emperor, or the King of the Romans, or any other Prince of the Empire hath to entreat of. Upon the which every of them give their advise a part. An in this Diet, the Free Cities give only their advise, but are allowed no sentence.

Thus much touching the political Government of these three Estates in Civil affairs. Now it remaineth that I speak something of their Religion, whereof in Germany there be three kinds especially used, viz. Popery, Calvenism (as they term it) and Lutherism. They which abide in Popery are the three Spiritual Electors, with all the rest of the Archbishops and Bishops, except the Bishop of Magdeburg, who is the Elector of Brandenburgs eldest Son and Heir, and the Archbishop of Bream, who is the second Son to Duke Francis of Lawenburg, the which two have induced their Dioces from Popery to Lutheranism. Of the three Archbishops Electors, the Archbishop of Treere, who is of a mean Gentleman's House, is the most vehement in Popery, and the greatest enemy to the other professions. The Archbishop of Mainz, who is also of another mean Gentleman's House in Hessia, called Daniel Brendell, albeit he favoreth Popery with all his heart, yet doth he suffer every man to use the liberty of his conscience throughout all his Country; And in many of his Cities the Lutherans preach the Gospel. The like may be said of the Archbishop of Collen, who is the only Heir male of the County of Isenburg, and is by reason thereof Feodarie to the Count Pallatine, Elector, who wrote to him in December last in Anno 1568. At which time the inheritance of the said County fell to the said Archbishop, that according to the Laws and Customs in Germany, he should within one year next following, being the only Heir male left in his House, either take a Wife, or else he would, as by right he might, being chief Lord, seize upon the said County: whereupon the Archbishop made answer, that he would within the said time marry a Wife, which yet he hath not done as I hear.

Of all the rest of the Ecclesiastical Princes, the Bishop of Munster is the greatest enemy to the true Religion, and the greatest suporter of the contrary. The Abbot of Fulda, who is the Emperesses Chancellor by Inheritance, hath in his Teritories all sorts of Religion, viz. Jesuits, Jews, Lutherans, Anabaptists, &c. Of the Temporal Lord's that dwell in Germany, the Duke of Bavire only maketh open profession of Popery, whose Country abideth still in the dregs thereof. As also the Country of Tirolis, and Alsatia do that are under Archduke Ferdenando, and Stiria, and Carinthia, that are under Archduke Charles, the Emperors Brethren.

Duke Francis of Lawenburg, and Duke John William of Saxony, albeit they profess Lutherism, yet being provoked, partly by poverty and needinesse, and partly by the sinister persuasion of their Preachers, who maketh them believe that the Calvenists be worse then the Papists, they have been contented to aide the Papists aganist them of the Religion: the one with the Duke of Alva, in whose hire he yet remaineth: and the other which is Duke John William in the second Civell Wars in France, served the French King. The like also did of late Philibert, Marques of Baden, who was slain by the Admiral in the last conflict of France.

There be also other Noble men of Germany, that this day live out of their Country, partly for lack of living, and partly because their Country is against their will reformed in Religion, as Duke Erick of Brunswick, and Peter Erneste of Mansfeld, who have abandoned their Country and live at present under the Duke of Alva. And the Counties of Ringrave, who serve the French King. But all these that thus have, and do serve against the Religion, are with the most part of the Nobility and states of their native Country the worse esteemed, and have the less credit The Count Pallatine, and the Electors of Saxony, have through all their Domiminions, and Circles of the Empire, commanded all their Subjects of what estate or degree soever he be, by public Edict, which now are in the service of any Papist, that they within a certain time, upon pain of confiscation of their Lands, and Goods, shall return home, and have by the same given commandment to all other their Subjects, that they, nor any of them, upon like pain, shall hereafter go unto the service of the French King, the Duke of Alva, or of any other forrigen Potentate, without their lycense and consent.

Of the Free Cities that are not Subject to any other power then only to the Empire, besides Munster, Aquisgrave, and Collen, I know not any that professeth altogether Popery, and yet in all these, any man may use his conscience without constraint to live after their order: And in Collen a number of those which are banished out of the Low Countrys for their Religion, have liberty at this day to remain; whereof the principal are the Prince of Oringe, the Countess of Horne, and the Count of Killingbrooke &c.

The Cities of Colmar, Sledstat, Kaysersberge, &c. In Alsatia Superior, not withstanding that they are after a sort Imperial, yet they be properly under the Archduke Ferdinand, and therefore do maintain Popery still; the which Religion the common people and most part of the Citizens there, do so little regard, as, if they had means, they would reform it in like sort as their Neighbors of Hagona, Turkeine, Mynster, &c. of late about three years past, have done.

The second kind of Religion that is used in Germany, is that which they call Calvenisme, of the which, amongst the Nobility, only the Count Palatine and the Grave of Embden maketh profession, and have accordingly Reformed their Countries. And of the free Cities Breme only beginneth to incline that way, by reason that the chiefest Burgomaster Danyell van Buren, and Millanus, the chief Schoolmaster there, are earnest in that opinion, and labor all that they may to reduce the State there to their mind.

All the rest both of the Princes and free Cities in Germany, except before excepted, are Lutherans in profession of Doctrine, and Papists in Ceremonies: for they have at this day in their Churches, Images, Lamps, Torches, Copes, Vestments, Albes, Surplices, Crosses, Altars, and the very same Superstitious Rites and Ceremonies, both in Administring the Communion (saving that they deliver it in both kinds in their mother tongue without any elevation.) In Baptism, Marriage, Auricular Confession, and burying, even as the Papists have.

There is at this day two sorts of the Lutherans in Germany, whereof the one sort is called Truncistae, because they affirm that a man is born, Quasi truncus in regeneratione, having no power of himself to do well, and that works be not necessary to Salvation: And that the Church is too much burdened with Ceremonies. This opinion did Matthias Flaccus Illericus as Argentine maintain to be the Doctrine of Luther ; whom, Wigandus of Gena, with all the rest of Duke John William of Wimars Preachers, do follow.

The other sort are termed Sunergistae, because they say that God draweth Hominem volentem in regenerationem, and that good works are requisite to follow faith in man's justification, and that Ceremonies be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , things indifferent. Of this sort is Georgius Major, who, with all the Divines in the Universities both of Wittemberge, and Leyipzeigke, and withal the Princes of the Elector Augustus, do maintain this to be the Doctrine of Philip Melanchthon. This contention is gone so far between these Preachers and Divines of both sides, that the Princes of each side are become parties therein, for the pacifying thereof it was thought good by the wisest of either side to have the matter openly disputed, the which was done at Aldenburge, a Town in Saxony, between both the said Princes Dominions, in Feb▪ last 1569. The which Disputation is set forth in Print. But the Faction notwithstanding continueth, and to what end that will come, the Lord in heaven only knoweth. But wise men doubt that these are but the beginnings of a further mischief to come upon Germany, and the Dutch Nation, who both for their security in Religon, dissolute living, and horrible drunkenness, do exceedingly provoke the plague of God unto them.

To these three kinds of Religions used in Germany, there may be added a fourth, which is of Newtrals, such as are the Duke of Cleive, and the Emperor. And first touching the Duke of Cleive, albeit for his own part he professeth Lutheranism, yet by means of his Wife, who is the Emperors sister, and of his Chancellor, who is an earnest Papist, the Romish Religion is permitted throughout all his Dominions, to as many as like the same, who are not a few.

On the other side, the Emperor, although he make public profession of Popery in his Court; yet as well in his Country of Austria, which is a member of the Empire, as also in all his other Dominions, for the most part the confession of Augusta, is for certain respects, and after a sort, granted to such as are desirous thereof; but the greatest number of his Subjects do dwell still in Popery, The which Religion, the Emperor himself, as it is reported, doth not in Conscience like, although for some worldly respects he dare not but dissemble the same; for there are, both some of his Privy Council, whom I know, that profess openly the Reformed Religion, and Divines, both Learned, and Noblemen in Germany, the which have had secret conference with him in that behalf, who do affirm assuredly, that he knoweth the truth in Religion, & that for policies sake he dissembleth the same: but howsoever the matter doth stand, and whatsoever he maketh men to believe to the contrary, Sure I am, that in all his actions, both public and private, he hath shown himself an enemy to all those of the Religion: And on the contrary part, hath favored and supported the Romish faction, for the which respect he hath at this present so little favor with the Princes, Protestants in Germany, as both his authority is with them the less regarded, and their minds so alienated from him, as they are purposed never in their time to establish the succession of the Empire in his house, neither yet during his Reign, to come anymore themselves in person to any Dyett that he shall appoint for what cause soever it be. Wherefore considering the premisses, a man may gather hereof a State conjecture, and conclude with the saying in the Gospel, that for as much as this Nation of Germany is in so many respects divided in itself, that it shall in the end suffer desolation.

Courteous Reader▪ be pleased to take notice that these Books following, are Printed for, and sold by William Miller at the Gilded Acorn in S ^t Paul's Church-yard, near the little North Door.

• HIckes Revelation Revealed. Folio.
• Clark's Martyrology Compleat, with the Persecutions of England to the end of Queen Mary's Reign. Folio.
• —Lives of ten Eminent Divines, some being as follow; Bishop Usher, Dr Gouge, D ^r Harris, M ^r Gataker, M ^r Whittaker, &c. and some other famous Christians. 4 ^o
• —The Lives and Deaths of such Wotthies who by their PRUDENCE, POLICY, and POWER have Purchased and procure to themselves the Surnames of GREAT. 4 ^o
• —Life of Christ. 4 ^o
• —Life of Herod the Great. 4 ^o
• —Life of Nebuchadnezzar, and Cyrus the Great; the one, the first founder of the Babylonian Empire, the other, the first founder of the Empire of the Medes and Persians. 4 ^o
• —Life of Alexander the Great, the first founder of the Grecian Empire, As also of Charles the Great, commonly called Charlemagne, the first founder of the French Empire, 4 ^o
• —The Life and Death of Hannibal ▪ the Great Captain of the Carthaginians, who maintained Wars against all the power of Rome for eighteen years together in Italy. As also the Life and Death of Epaminondas, the Great Captain of the Thebans, who was famous both for his Virtues and Valour. 4 ^o
• —The Life and Death of Pompey the Great, with all his Glorious Victories and Triumphs. As also The Life and Death of Artaxerxes Mnemon, one of the great Persian Emperors. 4 ^o
• —The Life and Death of Julius Caesar, the first founder of the Roman Empire. As also the Life and Death of Augustus Caesar in whose Raign our Blessed Lord and Savior Jasus Christ was born. 40
• —A Prospect of Hungary, and Transylvania, together with an account of the qualities of the inhabitants, the Commodities of the Countries, the Chiefest Cities, Towns, and Strong-holds, Rivers, and Mountains, with an Historycal Narration of the Wars amongst themselves, and with the Turks, continued to this year 1664. As also a Brief Description of Bohemia, Austria, Bavaria, Steirmark, Croatia, Dalmatia, Moravia, and other Adjacent Countries, contained in a Map joined therewith, by which Map you may know which Places are in the Power of the Turk, and which Christians have, 4 ^o.
• —Ministers Dues. 4 ^o
• Cradock's KNOWLEDGE and PRACTICE; Or, a Plain Discourse of the Chief Things necessary to be KNOWN, BELIEVED, and PRACTISED in Order to SALVATION, 4 ^o
• Ford of Baptism. 8 ^o
• Vennour's Whole Armor of God. 8 ^o
• Cotton, on the Covenant of Grace, 8 ^o
• Culverwell, of Assurance, 8 ^o
• Records Urinal of Physic, 8 ^o
• Ravius Oriental Grammar, 12 ^o
• Peacocks Visitation, 12 ^o
• D ^r Tuckney 's Good Day well Improved, 12 ^o
• —Death Disarmed, 12 ^o
• —Balm of Gilead, 12 ^o
• Cleaveland Poems Characters and Letters. 12 ^o
• Clamor Sanguinis, 12 ^o
• Aristippus or Balscat 's Master-piece. 12 ^o
• King Charles 's Works, 24 ^o .
• Defense and Vindication of Tithes, 4 ^o
• D ^r Mays Relation of a strange Monster, or Serpent found in the left Ventricle of the heart of a Gentlemen, 4 ^o
• Estwicks Christ's Submission to his Fathers Will, 4 ^o
• Ferriby Lawfull Preacher, 4 ^o .