TWO LETTERS OR EMBASSIES.  
The one Sent by the States of Bohemia, to the Elector of Saxony: The other from the Pope's Holiness to the Emperor, concerning the Troubles of Germany.  
Printet, at Amsterdam. 1620.   

To his assured Friend, H C. at his Lodging near Bishopsgate in London.  
Sr. If I should send you over the Relations both in Latin, Dutch, and French, which come to this Town concerning the variety of News about the troubles of Europe, I should weary you with the multiplicity of Books, and myself with the cunning of transportation: Besides, I am sure to be prevented in sending you News, because it will be stale ere it come to your hands by my means: Therefore I desist from either troubling you or myself in that kind, and yet have I chanced on something, which I am sure none can help you to, but by my means: So it is then, that there, came to my hands two several Copies of several Letters, one from Wittenberg, as the sum of an Embacy from the States of Bohemia to the Duke of Saxony, concerning his Desertion of the King in these tumultuous times: another from Mr. Fodringham in Vienna, written by the Pope to the Emperor, concerning the pacification of the Troubles, and admission of a Peace (if the motive might be correspondent to his Honour) rather than adventure to be terrified with so much effusion of Blood, or hazard the Dignity of the Empire, by letting the Wars go forward. And these as you see I have Printed here in Amsterdam, and they are so pleasing to the Inhabitants here, that I presume, they will be as acceptable there to all the well-willers of the Bohemian Affairs: and so wishing your Contentment in the over-reading, be bold that whensoever any thing comes worthy of you, you shall not fail of it. For I am still your Friend:  
WILLIAM BARLOW.   

The Introduction.  
Rumour having played a true woman's part through the City of Prague, concerning the Duke of Bavaria's coming to Lintz, and the Duke of Saxonyes' declarative Letters to the Emperor, that the marquis Spinola was approaching with a formidable preparation to assist him, and he himself would not be behind in any duty, which belonged to his observation, or the Dignity of the Empire: thrust herself at last into the presence of the King, and the greatest Councillors of Estate, but in such a manner, as if she durst justify her lavish tongue, and took a pleasure in the ampliation, which yet briefly had these main passages:  
1 First, that Saxony and Bavaria combined themselves to illustrate the glory of the House of Austria, and by no means to leave either Emperor, or Empire in the cruel hands of revolters, if either they could procure their delivery, or by any providence conserve their renown:  
2 That the marquis Spinola had more forcible reasons in his approaches, as resolving to reduce the Subjects of Bohemia (whom he termed Rebels to the Emperor) to their pristinate obedience, wherein if he found any retardance, he would show them the angry faces of 20000. men, so provided out of the storehouse of Power and Policy, that the world should record it as a remarkable precedent, and they be confounded to understand, what their wilfulness had incurred.  
3 That presently Don Lewis de Velasco, having fortified weasel, and left a sufficient Garrison both in it and other Towns subject to surprises upon the advantage of his absence, should follow him, as a second in the prosecution of greater Designs.  
4 That the Catholic Bishops, and other secular Princes, would fill up this well bound sheaf with their Arrows, and make the Hieroglyphic an absolute resemblance of indissolluble and unresistable strength.  
5 That these free Cities of the Empire would open their Gates, yea break down their walls, rather than this Sinon's Horse should stand without, and not offer sacrifice in the Temple of Pallas.  
Thus was this Mattachene of report danced even in the King's Castle and Palace, and if mischief had had a trick to affright them indeed, or startle their resolutions from standing in their firmness, it so fell out, that it ran like a voice of Thunder, and meant to follow one another in sequence. But it should seem, no arm of Flesh could turn the frame of Heaven about: and there was a stronger hand ready to throw a stone to strike nabuchadnezar's Image in pieces: For they were all so far from being daunted, or terrified with imposturing apparitions, that they were rather exasperated, and encouraged to Opposition: Yea it is said, that the invincible and Heroic Queen kneeled down with lifted hands to Heaven, desiring God to accept of her, as a propitiary Sacrifice, rather than his justice might not have her prosperous course in the punishment of sins, or the now glory of her Husband suffer diminution, or so much as a control from the Enemies of the Gospel, and adversaries of the Kingdom's prosperity: To this (besides the admiration at her magnanimity) both King and Nobles, Citizens and Commons, Gent. and Soldiers, Protestants and Papists, Priests and Clergy men, yea all that had participated with the particulars, combined themselves to shake off these drops of threatening rumour, and be sheltered from the greater storm of a public Enemy.  
Notwithstanding it was thought convenient to send an Embacy to john George Duke of Saxony, and Prince Elector, to put him in mind of the ancient League and amity, which ever continued between the Bohemian State and the House of Saxony, and to know from a personal information, how he stood affected in this War, or disposed to the assignation of his Forces, or what might be the cause of his desertion in this so great a business, which concurred with the propagation of the Gospel, and the Liberty of oppressed people. Whereupon there were two out of each of the three States of Bohemia deligated to this employment with an orderly proportion of attendants, besides a Secretary of eminency, who came in good time to Presula, and there found the Duke.  
It is said, that at the first, there was some difficulty in their entertainment and admission, as from a King indeed: For 1. whether private emulation against the Palsgrave's advancement, whom before he held in equal rank with himself. 2. Or sinister occasions like untoward weeds choked up the growth of better Corn, 3. Or nearness of Consanguinity drawing his love to the Emperor. 4. Or a jealousy concerning the diminution of the greatness of the Commonwealth, being thus dilacerated and divided. 5. Or a superstitious blindness in the case of the Roman Religion wrought him out of the possession of better thoughts, or diverted him from that respect so meritorious a Prince excited, I will not now dispute: only I am sure he would neither willingly allow them the titles of such a King's Ambassadors; nor afford them that audience, which their message both imported and deserved, till at last his Council being most of them well affected to the King, and his Religion, over wrought him to condescend to the Law of Nations and Liberty of all royal Provinces: So they had a Day of audience, and the Duke for all his mind was entangled with an intricate business, and far reaching Projects, yet heard them the sooner, the sooner to be rid of them, and so the Secretary thus began:  
FREDERICK by the grace of God King of Bohemia, Duke of Bavaria, Palatine of the Rhine: and so as followeth in his Majesty's just Titles, with the three States of the Commonwealth of Prague, and Protectors of the Incorporated Provinces, sendeth greeting to the High and Mighty Prince JOHN GEORGIUS, Duke of Saxony, juliers, and Cleves, Elector of the Sacred Empire, etc.   

Most Mighty & Illustrious Prince,  
We cannot Conjecture, except it please you to enlarge yourself, wherein any aspect of ours hath been malevolent toward you, or occasion raised itself to such an height, that you think it meet, either with a rough hand to keep it under, or forcible arm to bring it to humiliation.  
As for the particulars of the Kingdom, & all our suffrages in this so well contrived Election, I hope you expect not more at our hands now, than you have received diverse times by private Letters, or daily read out of justifiable Treatises: As for the secret of preservation, which comes from instinct of nature, and glorious manumition of distracted subjects; I hope you make no question of the lawfulness, & necessity of our well begun Courses. As for the grievances of the Commons, and convulsions of the Provinces, wherein no man lived secure, while the tyranny of our Governors lasted: The opening of our graves, the disquieting of buried souls, the displacing of settled offices, the tears of Widows, the cries of Orphans, the wring hands of Matrons, the ravishing of Virgins, the outrages in every City; and in a word, the complaints of rich and poor have long before this, Echoed in your Ears, & drawn commiseration from your Hart.  
As for the secrets of Government, what can be more employed out of all prescription, than the glory of God, 2. The honour of a Kingdom, 3. The good of the People, 4. And the renown of the Prince. In all which, it is well known our Princes have failed; As 1. dishonouring God by a manifest approbation of things contrary to his word, 2. Disgracing the Kingdom, by violating her Laws, abrogating her Privileges, threatening her Peace, subiecting her to strangers, and tying her as it were to the whipping-Poasts of cruelty and injustice, 3. Abusing the People, by affrighting them with the rages of exorbitant actions, and suffering no man in the security & benefit of his own possessions, 4. As defaming themselves, by the scandalous Imperiousness of wicked Counsellors, and weakness of judgement to be overawed in all their actions, by the passionate wilfulness of such as were enemies to God and men.  
As for the cause of Religion, Remember I pray you what the Statist Steephen King of Poland was wont to say, That he was a King of men, but not of Consciences; A Commander of bodies, but not of souls: And what unheard-of mischiefs have the Jesuits bred, the Inquisition procured, the Pope contrived, the Emperors continued; and all long of that terrible Vow the Jesuits caused him to make; rather to lose the Dignity of his Title, the benefit of his Diadem, and the comfort of his Life, than a Protestant should enjoy the liberty of his Conscience, or a Church publiquly opened for the exercise of true Religion.  
As for the Emperor himself, if your Love were never so great, or your passion transported beyond limitation; what government did ever admit of the Usurpation of strangers? and how dangerously have the hearts of all Kingdoms been eaten upon by the hungry teeth of mercenary Soldiers?  
Were not the Goths and Vandals brought in as auxiliary to the Emperors of the East, and when they learned their Discipline, and had possession of their Arms, they learned also to turn their Pikes into the breasts of the weaker side, and so was Europe subjected? Thus again was Britain diverse times Conquered, Spain overrun by the Moors, and the rest brought unto all unrest by this course.  
For what can we expect less than desolation and dissolution of Government & Religion? If either the Emperors had continued in their former outrageousness, or Ferdinand who doth now attempt to fill your free Cities with Garisond Spaniards, or allow of the usurpation of such as would deride our miseries, and triumph to see us feed upon one an others bowels, with a ravening desire of confusion.  
As for reputing us Rebels, or the diminution of the Emperor's Titles and glory of the Austrian Family, we have only from being slaves, made ourselves subjects of a Lawful Prince, wherein the proofs are extant from all times and authority; and neither that, nor any thing here spoken, need illustration from the Laws of our Country, or the credit of Authors, who have diverse times seen a King of Hungary, a King of Bohemia, and an Emperor of Germany, in several distinct Persons: Nor do we see why Austria's few years of possession, should debar all other Famelies from the Empire itself, especially dam up our encloasures, that we shall not give liberty to our own immunities and Privileges.  
And therefore is there neither such cause of repining in you, nor cruelty in him. For alas, what must be the end of these dissensions, but the pulling of Germans peace & prosperity in pieces, and the filling our fields with the slaughtered Carcases of Innocents', whose Fatherless Children will cry for vengeance, till the heaven's power it down upon the heads of the delinquents.  
As for any thing else, which either you have, or can object; it hath been long since answered: and although Princes need not give an account of their actions, yet have we published our iustifications, and written both to yourself, the Emperor, and Bavaria: So that if the war continue, God knows, we are mere defendants, and our King is his substitute for Religion and the Commonwealth, and would be loath to see you bring fuel to the flames of this disturbance, or make the tyranny and ambition of another a pit to praecipitate yourself in without recovery.  
Therefore (Most Illustrious Prince) seeing these things are so, and autentically approved by all sufficiency; why should your disallowance either manifest a willingness to infringe the amity, and Confederation with the Bohemian State: or show a tumour of some private passion against an immaculate Prince, and loving Neighbour, or the Union of other Princes, who have combined themselves to withstand a public Enemy.  
So that if neither the general cause of the Empire's peace; the blessed work of the Propagation of the Gospel; the private respect of our grievances; the ancient combination of the Provinces; the extraordinary worth of our King; nor any other motive be the thread, to lead you out of the Labyrinth of this disquiet, yea manifest seduction to eternal confusion: Remember your own Ancestors, and the glorious actions, whereby they have shined like fair moving Planets in perspicuous Orbs, from whose influence could proceed nothing but sweet presages.  
O what a Story is registered of your FREDERICK Duke of Saxony, about the year 1520. for Luther's security and defence against the then malicious adversaries of the Gospel! even when the Pope's indulgences and Pardons brought remission of sins, and plenary freedom out of Purgatory! when the Dragon watched the woman, that her birth might be devoured! when fire and vengeance was threatened against the Heretics, and the Emperor himself proved the Church's Champion, and took upon him for Rome's sake, to Curse and fulminate against Zealous professors, or any innovators of the Papistical Hierarchy.  
Then did the Noble Frederick guard Luther to Worms, and in the presence of the Emperor demanded of Erasmus, whether his reasons and arguments were consonant to the word of Truth? and they might (as the Bereans did) try the Doctrine by the Scriptures. Then were the Prophecies of Hierom of Prague, & john Hus remembered and Disputed upon, as if even now they had their time of expiration. Then was john Hilton a Monk imprisoned for discovering the abuses of the Roman Clergy, and released again for continuing constant in the case of the reformed Religion, both against the will of the Pope and Emperor, and all by a Duke of Saxony. Then was Veselus, Picus Mirandula, Laurentius Valla, Erasmus of Rotterdam, and many others acceptable to your Ancestors, and they gloried in nothing more, than the protection and patronising of such Saints of God. Then could that worthy Prince hearing of a storm, that struck the Angel on the top of the Pope's Palace to the ground, praesage, it was an ominous sign of the fall of Babylon, and decay of the Pope's glory; and when not long after he heard of 31. Cardinals made at a time, yea in such a time, when a Lightning & Thunder struck the Child out of the Virgin's arms, and the Keys out of Peter's hands, being both Images in the Church, his Zeal and devotion burst out, that sure God was offended with them, and would reduce their ambition, and profane Ceremonies to a better humiliation and conformity: And this was Frederick of Saxony.  
After him succeeded john Frederick, of whom the Emperor was as suspicious as the other: and therefore as it were to serve him into the amity and league of Spain and Austria, they contrived to marry him to Lady Katherine the Emperor's sister, and so thought themselves secure of him: Notwithstanding when he was sent for to bear the Sword before the Emperor at Mass, he would not go, till he was resolved of diverse Divines, whether he might or no with a safe Conscience: I will not (saith he) make a precedent of imitation of naaman's the Syrians going into the Temple of Rimmon with the King, to pollute myself with an unlawful mixture: whereupon they resolved him, that he might go, because he was sent for, but not endure Mass, because it was so gross a sin, and filthy an Idol.  
I will not name the release of the Lantsgrave of Hesse, nor other disceptations against the Emperor, and all wrought by the House of Saxony, even to make sad again the hearts of elated men, who at last grew disaffected with their own glory: So that when Charles the 5. saw their resolutions to deny him a succession in the Empire for his Son Philip, he took a calmer course, and left his Brother Ferdinand to wrestle with the German Protestant Princes, and went himself directly into a Monastery.  
With what a fair and even course were the affairs of Rodulphus Emperor carried, as advised by your Princes to proclaim the Confession of Auspurg, which they had bought out with great sums of money of Maximilian and Ferdinand his predecessors? whereby the Protestants had many sweet intercourses to hear the word of God, and thought no pleasure of the world comparable to the blessed society of God's people; but to nearer times.  
How careful was your Brother Christian the 2. late Elector of Saxony, of the peace of the Empire, and in a manner jealous of the liberty of the Protestants, lest it might fall into the hands of Violence? This made him write to Mathias King of Hungary, concerning the elevation of the House of Austria, that sure he took a wrong course both with the Church and Commonwealth, especially ourselves, whom he found startling from the obedience of a tyrannous Government, and affrightings of unconscionable Usurpation. For said he, what will you get by your Spanish Garrisons, and Spanish factions in those Kingdoms, but an unwilling & enforced obedience to your present Authority, and utter rejection to your future Posterity? what will the tyranny of the Inquisitive Jesuits come to, but a plain infatuating and imposturing of your Zeal and Devotion, and the people's manifestation of murmurings and grudges against so fearful a work? what will the bringing in of the Inquisition itself contrive, but in the beginning, curses and repine from every man's mouth, and in the end hate and rebellion in every man's heart?  
To this effect were your Brother's Letters, and what hath followed, I need not enlarge; seeing now the clamours of War on every side echo out the same, and our iustifications have been as a Bonarges, or the sound of many waters.  
Nay, did not Duke john Ernestus not long a go send to his own University of jena, and then they of jena to the University of Wittenberg, and therein to persons of name john Maior Superintendent, and john Gerrard, Doctors of Divinity for the sollution of certain difficulties in 〈…〉 Designs, especially the waging of 〈…〉 of Forces? who returned answers, that 〈…〉 to the word of God, either to assist the Papists against the Protestants and professors of true Religion, or according to your own State positions (which you would now have the business of the Empire) to bring in Strangers to tyrannize over the peace of contracted Neighbours, wherein the Law of Nations have been always so prevalent, and the Customs of Germany so powerful, that even opposite Princes have laid aside for the time all ill will and unkindness, to unite their Forces against a common Enemy, or propulse unusual innovation. This act was played by the Triumuiri at jerusalem against the Romans, by the dissentious Britons against Caesar, by your own Provinces against the Goths and Vandals, till they were quite driven into Italy and Spain.  
And what unkind hand hath now thrown filthiness or dirt into the pure stream of your former resolutions? or what fearful incantation hath vnbound you from the mast of constancy, to hearken to the Sirens song of ambitious deceivers, who are resolved to shed the blood of Innocents', and under the colour of revenging the wrongs, wherein we are supposed delinquents, and foraging the Palatinate with pretence to divert the War thither, as by Spinola's formidable approaches may appear, lie in wait for nothing, but the general diminution of Germans happiness, and particular pollution of God's altar with the trumperies of men's inventions?  
Oh harken not to so 〈…〉: nor give way to a contamination, 〈…〉 wiped off: For though you could be 〈…〉 to forget Us, yet remember yourself: Though you could give way to the desertion of Bohemians amity, yet there is no forsaking of mercy, nor the love of God and heaven: Though you could rejoice in the sinking and beating down of an enemy, yet be not an enemy to your own soul, nor hazard the loss of eternal reward: For it is now God's cause, and the people will live and dye in the defence of their Religion: Oh that the Emperor himself would hearken to the voice, that told Saul, there was no kicking against the prick! and if a Lightning from Heaven struck him from his horse and made him blind, what shall the armies of God's Angels do, when he means to deliver his people? Be not therefore transported to fight against God, or with the old Giants to begin a new war, and throw the mountains against Heaven. For I am fully persuaded, that you think, how Antechrist is not only discovered, but know, he shall be punished, yea laid open in this world to the hissing of all the passengers; and then woe to the Princes of the earth, that have worshipped the Beast, and drunk of the Cup of the Strumpet, that rideth upon the Beast.  
But leaving Religion, which yet will not be left out of God's account, What stumbling block of offence hath been further laid, or who hath cast these rubs in your smooth walk to amity & former combination?  
Is it the person of our King you malign? Oh say not so: For if ever Titus was called Deliciae generis humani, He may well be proclaimed the Prince of happiness and Peace, as a man composed by Nature, ordained of God, selected by Prophecy, confirmed by Miracle, and established by all our suffrages, as if the Dignity belonged unto him, as a Prince, and other blessings, as a happy man.  
Is it our revoltings you disallow of, as if either the rejection of Ferdinand were not lawful, or ratification of this our choice suspencible? Why, we have answered it to the whole world, that when Mathias had his own ends in the adoption and inauguration of this man to the Kingdom of Bohemia, for which he left him a pledge of his love the Town of Budwis: It was absolutely contrary to his own Oath, and our immunities and Privileges. For neither did the incorporated Provinces know of it, nor we ourselves condescended to the agreement: but only certain Jesuits the firebrands of Hell, ran up and down to set all in combustion, and with Meleager's mother took the torch of his Life in a rage, and held it downward, till the flame was extinguished, and other traitors of our own, moulded to another Impression by the warming hands of Spanish Papists, and all to let out the blood of their Mother, I mean their Country and Commonwealth, to see her languish and perish before their faces for private respects, or some praedestinated vengeance to fall upon their own heads.  
Is it the observation of the Emperor himself, or respect to his Family? wherein hath he deserved better of reputation, than yourself, or other Princes of Germany? or what hath been done these 100 years for the good of Christendom? or why shall this glowing meteor or exhalation darken the light of truer stars, and more radiant Planets? Hath he not abused the trust committed unto him, by betraying all your Princely liberties into the hands of Strangers, and setting up the Spaniards Monarchy in the Western world to the terrifying of all Christian Princes? For what Nation have they not been tampering withal, even to the placing of Soldiers and garrisons amongst them. I hope Italy hath known them, and the Lands of those Seas. Ireland hath had them, and felt some endurances for them. France been tormented by them; the Grisons have still their fort Fuentes: The passages of some Mountains are kept by them. Savoy is full of them. Hungary is not yet freed of them. Austria swarms with them: ourselves are but newly rid of them, some Imperial towns, as wesel and others possessed by them, and even at this instant is he calling in of greater troops amongst you.  
Is it the care of the Empire you shoot at? how can that be? when by these Wars all Government must be turmoiled, and that native beauty of our peace and prosperity made adulterate by jesabels' paintings and the thick laid colours of wicked policy, when the slaughtered Armies of Christians shall pollute your fields & Cities, and fill your swollen eyes with tears for the loss of Parents, Husbands, Children, friends, etc.  
Is it the Popes Curse you are afraid of? Why that's impossible, considering that he now resembles a fire in a painted cloth, which neither yieldeth warmth nor lustre. For his Fulminations are now made ridiculous, and his Cursings prove like Balaams' corruption, who for all the King of Moabs' promises, sang a Parable of blessings to Ifraell: nay you may be assured, that the time of his desolation is coming faster on then the wind, and the Provinces are falling away like vntempered Mortar from a wall.  
Is it Spain's mightiness you stand in awe of? Be not amated! He hath many Territories indeed; but may thank the endeavours of other Princes, as also the slackness of some, who gave way to his own servitors, when they had first offered the West Indieses to themselves: He is rich indeed, but hath much to do with his money, and greater charges to defray, then present revenues can supply! He is strong indeed, but is beholding to the Peace of other Kingdoms, and the honesty of such Nations, as make a conscience in infringing of an Oath.  
Is it the marquis Spinola's Army which terrifies you? I answer briefly with Elisha to his servant, there are more with us then with them: and it is but the opening of eyes to see Chariots and the horsemen of Heaven on the mountain tops: But I could say thus much further, that you have the more cause to adhaere to the Princes of the Union, and propulse a common enemy, of whom I will only apply that, which Count Meloun assured the English in the later time of King john, that if Lewis of France had prevailed, he was resolved to destroy all such first, as proved Traitors to their Country, and led him by the Arm to trample on the bruised body of England: So say we even to the Catholic Bishops themselves, whether War or Peace, they will repent this hard bargain with disturbance, and when they see their exaltation depressed, or liberty usurped, cry out upon the first cause of their troubles, and name the Jesuits, as so many Incendiaries of a Commonwealth.  
For had they not been better to have continued in their Elective powers for the choice of their Emperors, and let the Confession of Auspurg alone to the freedom of men's Consciences, and the quieting of free Cities? Then now to be assured, that the Protestants will never be reclaimed, nor taught other lesson then to Fight for their Religion, and the glory of the Gospel; yea to hazard their own Lives and Dignities: So that whether we, or strangers prevail, it lies in the will and choice of the Victors, to deal with the vanquished at their pleasures.  
Is there any thing else! you make a scruple of? Oh that there were nothing else, then might these Objections be easily answered, and a judicious man soon satisfied: Yet if you conceal the same, it must prove like the Ointments shut up in boxes, which seldom are smelled to the refreshing of the senses, till they be uncovered or poured out: Oh do not therefore Exaestuate your griefs by suppression, but let the wounds be opened, and gently searched, lest they grow ulcerous, rankle and prove incurable! And if any imputation lie upon us, we will be bold to say (saving the Dignity of our King) we will easily descend to acknowledgement, and you shall quickly find the benefit of satisfaction.  
Therefore for God's sake, for Religion's sake, for your own sake, for your Ancestors sake, for your Country's sake, let there be a better reposednes, and recollection of those contracts of amity, which ever were between your House and Bohemia, yea with faster bindings, and more reciprocal observation, then with any other Provincial Prince. Oh let the Liberty of the Germans, and the glory of their Cities be exposed unto you; which must otherwise feel a kind of torture by the racking hands of compulsion and hostility! Oh let the beauty of Concord (if it be possible) shine, that beginneth to hide her head under the thickening clouds of trouble, and mischiefs! I spare instances of modern times, I spare examples of old times, I spare precepts of all times, I spare your own relations from the rending a sunder, by disagreement; nay I spare to put you in mind of the present necessity, concerning the good of all Christendom.  
For although he that holdeth the Winds in his hands, hath also held the rages of the Turk from those formidable extensions of ambition and tyranny, which have formerly been displayed in the Countries of Asia, and Greece; in the fields of Hungary; before the walls of Vienna; at the siege of Malta; and many other obsessions: Yet you hear, how he hath of late visited Italy; brought 80. Galleys into the gulf of Venice, landed 2000 janissaries, sacked the Town of Manfredonio in Brutia, and carried away the inhabitants; so that while poor Christians look upon one another, with longing hearts for the pacification of these affrightings, he overlookes Us all with politic eyes to pry into our weakness, and take advantage of our dissensions. Yea, for all his League with Bethelem Gabor Prince of Transiluania, and prefixed day to Crown him King of Hungary, yet without controversy doth he make use of the troubles of Germany, and is not to be trusted in his best reconciliation.  
I could name and set down the very manner of gratefying our King, with animating him in his best prosecutions, as if he had been distasted with the Emperor's vainglorious insulting over us; but they be things beyond our Commission, and so impertinent to our purpose in hand?  
For we only come to move your princeliness to the renovation of former Leagues, and combination of a perpetual Amity, or manifestation of some cause for this your desertion in the time of such expectation. Nay, we are ready to attend you, though you exemplify no reason at all, but a glorious Spirit to manifest your Greatness, or wilfulness to prepare your liberty to support whom you please? For if it be so, there may be some hope of the compassion which will follow, when necessity shall whisper preservation in your ears, and draw commiseration from your heart to prevent the slaughters of so many Christians, and peradventure the captivity of your freest Cities: Whereas now there is not so much as a thought of providence, nor a word of prevention, nor any Positions of State, among whom this is Authentical, that weak beginnings, and the worst sort of men may be instruments to set mischief on work, but troubles are not pacified without judgement, and men of approved wisdom.  
Therefore once again (most Illustrious Prince) we beseech you, let us return to our King, as the explorators of Canaan did to the Israelites: For although ten of them did talk of Enakims and Giants of iron gates and high walls; of strong Cities & formidable passages; yet did Caleb and josua assure them of a plentiful Country and Vberant Vineyards, of sweet increases and many blessings; of well erected Cities and rich Terretories; of pleasant Fields and excellent Fruits: of all which they came to a division, and a the fullness of time glorified God for their exaltation.  
Now the same God work upon your heart to admit of some lenative impression, and send us home with a happy message, that the public good of Christendom hath overwrought you, not only to wish well to Zion, or peace to jerusalem, but to endeavour a pacification of these miseries, and some Noble prosecution, whereby the Emperor may be cooled in the heat of his revenges.   

To his approved Friend Mr. William Barlow, now dwelling in Amsterdam. GOod Sr.  
according to the reciprocal contract between us of Writing to one another, concerning such things as may pleasure either, I thought good once again to acquaint you with something worthy of your acceptation, and my report, which is the Copy of a Letter written from the Pope to the Emperor, concerning the pacification of the troubles of Europe: For although the counterchangeable oppositions of these great Princes, have made Report flow like a sea with the Accidents of the times, as in all Countries and Languages is apparent: yet for any thing we either hear or see in Vienna, neither are the Pope, Emperor, nor angry Jesuits, so confident of success, but if they could persuade their politic Honours, aswell as their affrighted Souls, they would be glad to hide their eyes from effusion of Blood, & keep their hearts within the bounds of some Charity and humane affection, as by this Letter may appear, which I wish with all my heart were published. For I am resolved the true hearted Christian will make use of it to God's glory, and his own comfort: And so I refer it and myself to your kind admission of my indissolluble Love, which sendeth you greeting from Vienna, this 26th. of October: and from your assured Friend,  
THO: FRODRINGHAM.   

Pope Paulus Quintus sendeth greeting to the Emperor FERDINAND, and King of the Romans:  
Sacred and Imperial Son;  
I Remember a speech of Tacitus, that it was a sign of Treason, or traitorous disposition, when a General meant only to write to his Enemy, when with like facility he might have repulsed him by force of Arms: so may you object against me, that you wonder at a Letter, when you expected both men and money: But than you must wonder at the alteration of times too, and peradventure the necessity of our Fortune: For it fareth not now with us, as when the Empire itself came as it were from our donation, and the Diadems of Princes were the utensels of our Household, as when Charles the Great dissipated the cloud of Vengeance, with the Goths and Lombard's, thickened against the shining sun of our Prelacy, as when the Provinces and Kingdoms of Europe were afraid of our Curse, and Excommunication of our Church: as when Religion was locked up in our Conclave, and not opened without Peter's Keys, as when a Son for our sakes would chastise the rebellion of a Father, and one Nation scourge another at the intercession of a Legate: The examples are so plentiful, that even Heretics, have gotten them in their mouths to spit in our faces: It fareth not with us, as when true devotion tied the Consciences of men to the observation of our pleasure, and no upstart Familist durst broach a strange Doctrine to our prejudice: When Faith was predominant in our hearts, and honest simplicity lived out our lives and actions, believing only what the Church did teach, and practising nothing but with modesty and obedience: then were the Haltion days of our glory, and how ever Heretics have charactered them with ignorance and superstition, yet questionless as in Martial discipline Soldiers must not be acquainted with every secret, but simply yield obedience to their Commanders: so in the matters of the Church, men were never at so much peace of Conscience, as when they knew not how to trouble their souls beyond their understandings: In a word, it fareth not with us, as when the Unity of Church and Commonwealths resembled a sheave of Arrows, strongly bound together, which was that way indissolluble, but divided a sunder they were easily snapped in pieces one by one; then were the Kingdoms of Europe of one unanimity, and if any upstart Heretics broke out, or furious schismatics approached to the holy Altar with violence, they were quickly enforced back, and taught a lesson of obedience, either by general Counsels, whereat many times 400. Bishops were gathered together, or the power of an Army, which came at our beck from all the quarters of Christendom.  
But now, and in your own particular Most dear Son, 1. The times are altered, 2. Religion is confounded, 3. And the Provinces are divided.  
1 First concerning the times, you see, that Princes are so jealous one of another's Greatness, that neither law of Marriage or Conscience can detain them within the limits of humanity, especially Charity, as rejoicing in the good one of another, but they will confederate even with those, they hate, to cast blocks and hindrances in the way of one another, if there be but a suspicion, that he runneth on too fast to Greatness: This began (for our modern times) in the time of Charles the fifth, with whom England and many other Provinces joined against the French: but no sooner was the King taken Prisoner at Pavy, but they fell back again to a commiseration of his affliction, and began to assist him in a new recovery. This hath continued against your House of Austria, and my Son of Spain: For ever since Burgundy and ye have been United, whereby Charles left the Empire to his younger Brother, you see the world hath cried out, that Spain would be the Monarch of the West, and the Jesuits by his assistance usurp the dignity of the Church, and by a new superintendency overtop the Authority of the Papacy. This hath made several Kings oppose themselves against Spain, and now several Provinces fall from your obedience, as if the Angels prophesy against Ishmael, were verified; That his hand should be against every man, & every man's hand against him. Yea this will end against the Low-Countries themselves, who fill the Seas with formidable Navies, and have such strong Cities, Ramparts, and Armies, that already they begin to be feared, and already fall under the hand of watching and overlooking. Believe it then, that in this point alone of suspicion of your Greatness, not naming other collateral causes of hate, Cruelty, oppression, defending our Supremacy, enriching yourself and such like, there will ever remain a trick of policy, if not to trip up your heels for running at all, yet to pull you back as it were by the sleeve from making too much haste, so that I see no remedy, but that you must be contented to yield to the time, and rather to keep something, then loose all: For however the greatness of your Spirit may command obedience, and the goodness of the cause plead possession; yet necessity is a predominant mischief, and they are fools that will perish in an obstinacy, repugnant to Fortune: Remember that Hannibal had possession of Italy 17. years, and might have triumphed in Rome, if he had taken his time: but when Scipio diverted the War, Carthage was besieged, and Carthage knew not, how to be relieved, till Hannibal was recalled: so the great Captain was disappointed in his Projects, and compelled to yield to the Roman glory. I speak not by way of Prophecy but precept, that in all extremities the law of preservation comes from instinct of Nature, and to prevent a greater mischief, men must, and may endure some inconvenience; and so much for the time.  
2 Concerning Religion, which yet is not the Emperor's plea, nor the Empire's cause, you see the alteration: many good Mothers bring forth bad Daughters, Truth begets hatred, Familiarity contempt, Charity idleness, and Knowledge presumption, with such like. For ever since the common people have been licenced to read the Scriptures, and make their own interpretations, they have startled from the obedience of the Church, and cried out upon liberty, as though their Consciences like untamed Heifers were let loose, and they tied unto no rules and Laws but of their own devising: this hath made so many mechanic men presumptuous, and silenced women audacious; that a poor ignorant Cobbler dare compare with a Father of the Church, and a tattling woman instead of being instructed by her Husband, take upon her to rule both husband and family: This hath set on work certain strange spirits to rail upon order and conformity, even in the Churches of Heretics themselves, that they have denied them to be Churches, but the unswept rooms of Antechrist, because of some enormities, and imperfections in men and Government, which are, were, and shall be in this militant Church, till the coming of Christ to judgement. This hath divided the Countries of Europe, and taught hypocrites and foolish Libertines a glorious lesson of defending the Gospel of CHRIST and his Saints, whereby they have vaingloriously taken up Arms against the Church, and their Prnces; so that if success have not smoothly looked upon them, but justice submitted them to the punishment of Impiety, they have confounded Treason and Martyrdom together, and taught their blasphemous tongues to cry out, Sanguis Martirium semen Ecclesiae, as though every rebel and raging peasant, punished for transgression, must be therefore Charactered a Saint of God; so that this Gangrene is spreading over the whole body, and for any thing I see remediless, unless we could cut off that poisoned joint where it began. Again, if their commotions and Convulsions of the Empire itself have thrived with advantages of victory, and prevailing; then have they dared to publish the right of their Cause, and exclaim against Rome for Babylon, against our Holiness for the man of Sin, against our Church for Antichristian, against our Sons the Catholic Princes for the Kings that have drunk of the Cup of abomination, and against your Imperial Majesty, as the Beast with 10. horns spoken of in the enigmatical Prophecy of St. john: nay these things are so imprinted in the minds of most men and Nations, that every man is almost so far from retraction, or a seeming sorrow of doing amiss, that (so they may have the name of Religion in their mouths) they are ready to take up Arms against their native Lords, and think it a glory to colour their hypocritical disobedience, with maintaining the cause of the Gospel, and taking part (as a new device of Rebellion) with the Princes of the Union: And so much for Religion.  
3 Concerning the Provinces: I cannot now compare them better, then to a Wall set up with vntempered mortar, ready to fall a sunder for lack of cementing. For alas such is the impetuosity of rumour at this hour against you, that it is more fearful and terrible, than the wind that shook the four corners of jobs houses, and threw them down on the heads of his Children. To begin with the North, if we name Saxony and his neighbour Bishops to assist you: they counterprize Denmark, Sweden, Brandenburg, Brunswick, and many of that side: If we talk of Poland, they tell you, that all that way, there is Lusatia, Silesia, Moravia, as a hedge between Bohemia and it; nay they draw a longer shaft, and a stronger bow of Hungary, Transiluania, and the Turks confederacy and combination: If we mention your Uncle the Archduke, or more familiarly the marquis Spinola his Lieutenant, they stop the gap with the Truce, with the Peace with England, or else with the Armies of the States, the affinity of the Prince of Orange, and the indissoluble love of a King to his Daughter, 
King james.  which I only fear is unanswerable, and must needs say impossible to be resisted, if he either remember what a Son in Law he hath, or what Subjects proportionable to his Greatness, that without imposition (if he give them leave) long to be tampering with the Indieses themselves: If we expect Collen, and the Bishops belonging to our obedience, they present us the Lantsgrave of Hesse, Franconia, and the Palatinate itself: If we rely upon Bavaria, they neighbour him with Wittenberg, and other Protestant Princes: If we resolve upon Austria, they cry alas what is that to Bohemia, and the divided Countries of your inheritance? If we boast of money, they answer directly, there is no want in their Army, but your Soldiers repine for lack of pay: If we whisper of France, they talk aloud, there is enough to do to answer their own proportions. For Queen, King, and Princes gaze upon one another in the behalf of Favourites, factions, and people: If we rejoice for Spain, they depress the insulting, with alas, what can Spain do? Spain is too remote, Spain can spare no men: Spain hath many Garrisons to tend, as so many Nurse Children to pay for: Spain hath many irons in the fire, but as fast as one heats, another cools: Spain is tired with the multiplicity of business, and must be more then tired, if he could come over the Alps: Spain is in hazard of love, and good opinion in the world, as rather envied, then feared, and maligned then observed: In a word, Spain hath many millions and great Treasure: but I may well compare him to a glorious Steward of a House, who must defray the charge of a 1000.l. a year expenses, but the Lord will but allow his servant 800. toward it. If we reckon up our own Provinces, I cannot liken them better, then to Argos his eyes, whereof the one half wakes, while the other sleeps. For Savoy neither dares trust Spain, nor truly love us: must keep his Frontiers, and watch Geneva, looks upon the Marquisate of Salusse with soar eyes, and upon Province with a hungry heart; dares not speak aloud against France, though he whisper for some indignities received: but either to succour you, or ourselves, he is both unwilling and unprovided. Mantua and Modena run the same course, but with slower pace, and indeed because no body regards them, as able to do either hurt or good, they are made the wiser to look to themselves, and not to meddle with other folk's business. Milan is like a bird in a golden Cage, that may sing to answer proportion with nature, but if the casement be open, she will take the benefit of her liberty: so that however they seem Religious, yet hath Spain much ado to over-watch them. Genoa is not worth the naming for your business, for if it were as rich again, it hath much a do to pay the Merchant's debts. Venice is a fearful and politic State, maketh use of our Religion, but loveth her own Greatness so well, that she is both jealous of Spain, and loathsome to Us: for we fear her revolt daily, and because she is got into the number of the Princes of the Union, will not number a man, nor a piece of Gold for your relief. Florence and Leuca, will lend you what money they can, but alas they have neither men nor Galleys, and if they had, the Venetian is so dogged he will not let them pass into the Gulf. Naples and Sicilia, could spare you men, though they want money, and many of their Nobles are willing to assist you, but to come through the Grison passages it is a long and terrible journey, and to pass into Histria, pulls the Venetian Dust into their eyes. The Swiss are very indifferent, and for money will serve either party, but considering their combination, and confederacy with the Protestants, I do not see, how they are to be trusted, or relied upon. In a word we ourselves are yours, and ye shall have our Men, if we knew which way; our Money as it comes every way; our Prayers as true devotion inciteth; our Curses against your enemies, as their Contentions increaseth; our Priests amongst your Subjects, as their affection decayeth; our Pardons for your sins, as holy Church instituteth; and our Benediction for your business, as your affairs concurreth: Only be patient and overcome your disasters with wisdom. For to that end were Virtues framed, or else why do we name Fortitude, Magnanimity, Patience, Temperance, and such like Concomitants of glory and blessedness.  
Seeing then your case so stands, and that Bohemia hath put a trick of revolt upon you. First grounding upon some fundamental positions of an Elective Province, making the world believe they have a purpose to reduce it to her pristinate Government.  
Secondly relying upon Hungarias' examples, whose unconstancy hath yet as it were dilacerated her Kingdom, and showed the Turk a way to prey upon her prosperity, as you shall read of Prometheus on Mount Caucasus, on whose entrails a Vulture continually gnaweth, so that he is ever dying, and ever living.  
Thirdly, emboldened by Bethelem Gabor Prince of Transiluania, with whom you see the Turk hath contracted a Truce and covenant of Peace, that he might the better make War against any disturbers of his friends and confederates: For when at first the Bohemians cast themselves into his embraces, he would not close his arms, but gave them leave to return to faster holdings, and in amanner nominated the Palatinate for their Prince.  
Fourthly pretending some grievances from yourself, and Mathias, not only that you took a wrong course with their obedience, playing the unskilful Surgeon with them, to fear, cut, and Cauterize their wounds, which might have been fairly healed with lenative Cataplasms, but also that you overstretched your own strings to a higher tune than the instrument would bear, and so presuming to command all, you came at last to enjoy nothing, according to our Italian proverb, Chitutto a braccia nessuno strenge.  
Last of all, projecting the youth, bravery, and alliance of this man (especially that the King of great Britain, a nominated Prince in all Prophecy, and conference for the enemy to Papistry) would never stand still, and look upon those rude hands, which should pull down the frame of so goodly a building, they came at last to this main point of rejection of you; which must needs be their fault, and electing him, which cannot choose but be his fortune: so that in a word considering what I have said, Believe it, they that dared once to conceit the starting aside from your authority, were not so barren of understanding, but to consider what might happen, either war or peace, and so have prepared both to shut you out of their walks of their love and submission, & to keep you off as far as they can by a steely arm and forcible detention, whereat you cannot be dismayed, for this main reason, that they which will confess themselves adversaries to God, care not to profess themselves enemies to men.  
Now in this point alone all our hopes are disappointed: For first, they have traced our supremacy after Luther's own steps, and placed the stout Heretics: that though with Hercules in his Cradle they did not strangle the Serpents, yet with Hercules in the Tragedy, that killed his own children, they have like refractory delinquents set upon their father & their mother. Me their father the supreme Bishop, and the Church their mother, the blessed spouse of Christ. 2. Secondly, they have denied our indulgences, and scorned our Pardons, not caring for their sick souls, but willing to dye in desperation, as a frantic man in a Fever, that striketh his Physician, and casteth the Potion on the ground. 3. Thirdly, they have pulled down our Images, and abrogated that constitution of the Church, as if they meant to be Anathemataes, and enemies to Religion, by taking away all the means of devotion. 4. Fourthly, they have banished the Jesuits. It may be they are suspected amongst our own Priests, and have imputation rather of policy, than piety: but what is that to the cure of souls? and the estate of Lay men? I pray God I may not say by them, as Demosthenes' tale is between the Sheep and the Wolves, who were offended at the Sheep's entertaining great dogs amongst them, whereby they lived secured from their ruin: but when they had betrayed them to their dimission, than did these cruel Wolves, more cruel by the advantage of exasperation, return to their former prey and violence. Last of all, they have bewitched the foster spirited men with manswetude and good usage, whereby the Priests themselves are grown to commend their government, & the Catholics in general to show their obedience: so that they, which in former times repined to pay our Officers the tribute of the Church, disburse both money and Arms to the sustentation of our enemies: and whereas we had ever much ado to work upon their souls, these Bohemians (though of a contrary Religion) have brought both souls and bodies to their beck, and authority.  
Thus (Dear son) for any thing I see, the matter is remediless, and to complain against God, men, fortune, treasons, and such like, will rather discover a distemperature of passion, than magnanimity of spirit: nay, though there were hope of reformation. Therefore be advised by me, though patience in some things be a poor virtue, and only fit to draw on heavier burdens: yet in other business, and most occasions it reduceth the mind to consideration, and settleth the judgement for the prevention of greater mischief. It bringeth the senses to order, and keeps both soul and body in temperature: as for imputation of cowardice, and baseness, when high and glorious designs propose themselves to prosecution, remember the story of Fabius, and Minutius, against Hannibal. The Senate indeed gave ear to the aspersions of his retraction and delay, as if either he durst not fight, or knew not how to proceed, and so divided the Generalship between them, but that divided the success of the business: for Minutius failing in the heat of his forwardness, was glad to retire under the shadow of Fabius his moderation: For as sometimes the doltishness of an adversary doth animate weak troops to give the onset: so at all times the wisdom, and discipline of an enemy, doth keep in awe even equal forces for adventuring too far, and being too forward.  
This is your case, and my fear: your case, For what can you now get by this war, considering the mightiness of your foe, and the division of your people; but in the prevailing an eternal hate against your house and family? and in the failing, such contumely and disgrace, that how ever you are sure of me and my Bishops, yet the name of Emperor shall be but a titular dignity, and the obumbration of your glory bring forward at last oblivion of your greatness; nay, peradventure the loss of that Character of Emperor itself: For it fareth with the fortune of unfortunate Princes, as with ruinous walls; when a man perceives their decay and weakness, every one runs aside for mistrust of falling upon them: or else they are compared to a man's tumbling down a pair of stairs, who if he once lose his first footing, commonly never stays himself, till he come to the bottom. Again say, your adversary be subject to a defeat, as his friends increase, his forces will be renewed, and then he returns with greater violence, as in those days the Soldiers were wont to do with their machinations, who pulled back their rams and engines, of purpose to run forward with the greater fury, and more impetuosity. But if you (which God forbid) should be subject to the inconstancy of Fortune, or if you will (as many good men have been) to the chastisement of divine providence, and suffer dissolution of your Army: how will you renew the same, considering the remoteness of your friends, the weakness of confederates, the convulsion of your people, the infection of your Subjects with Lutheranism, the repining of Stiria, Curniola, and Carinthia: the murmuring of the Swiss and Grisons; and in a word, the shaking of the whole frame of your government, as you see a high and heavy topped tree loosened in the root, and standing on unfirm ground wavering, and ready to fall, & so much for yourself.  
Concerning my fear: say that success (for it is a wisdom to presuppose the worst) should bring them forward into the walk of prevailing, would they not run think you without interception? Nay could the Alps Barricado the way, or the Venetian Gulf deny them transportation, the high Hills and white Cliffs of Ancona would be a Sea mark to bring them directly to Rome, & the Apennine is but a poor mountain in respect of those they have passed: But you will say, our Friends about the Mediterranean Sea, will come in apace to prevent this mischief, and a 1000 Ships and Galleys will keep the Ostia of Tiber, after they have landed our Friends in our behalf; I think and hope so too; yet I would be loath to put it to such an adventure. For the straits of Gibraltar are wider, than the Gates of the City that Samson carried on his shoulders, and they that cannot be detained from going to the Indieses, will not be denied to come into the Levant: Our enemies have more Shipping then ourselves, and our Friends are far fewer than our Opposites, they that know the way for traffic, and commutation of Merchandise, will know the way to spoil and getting of riches so easily: Again, our adversaries are constant, sure and exasperated with zeal and fury against Us: They march like john the Son of Nimshi, and cry aloud to cast jesabel out of the window: our Friends are wavering, unconstant, and fearful of alteration, so that to rely upon them is but to trust Egyptian reeds, or a broken staff: In a word; they have Prophecies and calculations in their mouths, wishes of revenge, and eternal hate in their hearts, fury and bloody executions in their actions, and all against Rome.  
Some talk of the Scriptures, and compare the vomiting of the Priests at their tables spoken of in the Prophets to the feasts of Cardinals, and banquet in our Court: some tell a tale of Bell and the Dragon, and when they come to the devouring of so much meat, they say, that Daniel sifted Ashes in the place, and discovered the footsteps of the Priests, their Wives and their Children, and all against Rome: some conjecture of Paul's Epistles to Timothy and Titus, concerning the Doctrine of Devils, the man of sin, Antechrist and Idolatry: some descant of the Apocalypses, and dare name jesabel, Babylon, Rome in Italy, the Whore upon the Beast; the Cup of Abomination, & all against Rome: some repeat the Prophecies of the Sibyls, the Predictions of Monks and Friars, the praedil; sages of Nuns and Saints, the foretelling of Martyrs, and the persecuted under Tyrants, and all against Rome: Which though it end with blasphemous invectives, yet hath made such impressions in the hearts of Heretics, that as they have set their black mouths on work with contagious railing, so they long to set their soul hands on work, with our uncharitable destruction, and is not this a just cause of our fear?  
Therefore (Dear Son) for God's sake, for my sake, for the Church's sake, for your own sake, for our Friend's sake, and in a word, for the general cause sake both of Peter's Chair, and Caesar's Throne, Be contented to mingle a little water with your Wine, and cool the heat of your passion with some sweeter compounds, than rage and revenge: Harken to a Treatise of pacification, though it sound not such a Diapason of music, as will answer proportion, and satisfy the cares of your Majestic greatness, Admit of a Peace in this case of extremity, and remember how Abimelech though a Heathen idolater, when he saw Abraham so prosper in his enterprises, descended to contracts of amity, and came so low, as to allow him for a Prince amongst them.  
As for the Aspersions of disparagement, and extenuating the worthiness of so great a Monarch, let all be wiped away with the hand of Charity, and the avoiding effusion of Christian blood: blot out the exaggeration of your enemy's mischief against you, or the conceit of their traitorous revolts amongst themselves: Be wise in your own harms, and for your own good: Let Spain and your kindred's example induce you to imitation: they have politicly kept their distances, and for advantage made Truce with their own rebels, I mean the Low-Countries, and contracted Peace with them, whom not long ago they thought to swallow up: I mean England itself, which now to shoot against, will return their Arrows in their own bosoms.  
If this be harsh and unpleasant, as curbing the Heroycknes of your Spirit by descending so low, as making the first proffer, we will go another way to work, and rather than fail of this Blessing of peace, put on Esau's hairy neck, & rough hands, and bring to Isaac his Venison, though the voice be Jacob's: I will send a Legate: Spain an Ambassador: France an Intercessor: England a Mediator, yea it shall be so contrived, that all the States of Christend●me shall make you believe at least, they wish you prosperity, and their own good, and how ever the Children of Edom will cry down with it, down with it, yet shall the Natives of judea speak peace to Zion, and wish joy to the gates of jerusalem. You shall read amongst the Prophets in a certain Vision, that there was a great Thunder and noise, but the Lord was not in it; a great Lightning and earthquake, but the Lord was not in it; a great wind and shaking of the Trees, but the Lord was not in it: A soft and gentle murmuring of the Leaves, and the Lord was in that; so when you hear of Wars, of the marching of Soldiers, of the raising of Armies, of the thundering of Canons, of the sound of Trumpets, of the demolution of Cities, ravishment of women, & the murdering of men, with thousand of other outrages unnamed: Believe it the Lord is not in, or among them; but when they mention Peace, quietness, love, charity, remitting of injuries, pacification of troubles, and such like, the Lord is and will be there. As for the swelling tumour of Greatness, loss of renown, disgraces, giving way to rebellion, diminution of honour and such like, It resembles but the Imposturing incantation of Satan to Eva, that made her taste of the forbidden Fruit, to the utter subversion of all Mankind; so that I will say no more, but if God do come with this murmuring sweetness of Peace unto you, harken to his voice, that tuneth such pleasant notes to your souls and Consciences. But if Satan wish you to be understanding men, and like God himself to know good and evil, harken not unto him; your first Mother was deceived, and your last ruin is a contriving.  
FINIS.