Christopher Bernhard Van Gale Bishop of Munster &c   portrait of Christopher Bernhard van Gale   

THE LIFE AND ACTIONS Of the late renowned PRELATE & SOLDIER Christopher Bernard van Gale, BISHOP of MUNSTER, Prince of the Holy Empire, Administrator of Corvay, Marquis of Stromberg, etc.  
In which is an account of the most Considerable Actions of Europe in his time.  
LONDON: Printed for Benj. took, Rob. Harsord, and Sam. Carr. 1680.   

TO THE READER.  
MEN that perform great things have generally their particular Historians, who in their Writings Record their Actions; But these are many times no more than the Flatterers of their choicest and most memorable Deeds, not making any mention of their Vices and Miscarriages: a thing which this short Story of the Late Bishop of Munster cannot be said to be guilty of, at least to the utmost of the Author's knowledge. From his very Birth, to the fiftieth year of his Age there is no notice taken, no mention made of him, neither in History nor in any public Acts or Records; so that in all that time it is impossible there should be any thing considerable concerning him delivered to posterity; only that he lay under the misfortune of Res angusta domi— How he employed his time from the forty seventh year of his Age, or thereabouts, the Reader has here a short but impartial account; from which they that are pleased with variety of Transaction, and love to observe the Intrigues of Ambition, and all the wind and doublings of Human Policy, cannot choose but receive as much satisfaction as so short a Compendium can afford; and yet not so short neither, if we consider in what a narrow compass the several Lives of Plutarch lie, in few of which there is more diversity of Transaction to be found. It being a thing greatly to be admired, that a Prince of so little Power and Authority, by reason of the small extent of his Territories, should nevertheless so order his affairs, as that the chiefest Potentates of Europe still sought his friendship, at no small expenses of their own. While, by a wary and seasonable change of parties, he still preserved himself entire. But I shall not anticipate the Reader with a Preface Relation, when the Story itself is so near at hand.   

THE LIFE AND ACTIONS OF Christopher Bernard van Gall, Bishop of MUNSTER, etc.  
WHen Christopher Bernard de Galle was bred up by his Uncle Bernard Malingcrock out of mere Compassion and Charity, being the poor Orphan of an unfortunate Gentleman whose Estate the Law took from him, and who died in Prison for having slain another Gentleman, of which we shall make a more ample relation in the following Pages, he little thought that he was then hatching up not only so large a Theme for History, but one that should make it so much his business to trouble the repose of so many Countries, and bring so many Kings and Princes to interest themselves in his Affairs, while he either ruined or helped to ruin so many vast Territories.  
Histories already written are plentifully stored with examples of persons, who from the meanest condition of mankind, have been advanced to the highest dignities of Empire and Sovereignty. Of these, some have reigned and ruled with great honour and applause; but others, and they the greater number, have ruined their Subjects, and been plagues to their Neighbours. I confess, to name them all or to make a Catalogue of their Actions would be too tedious, and therefore I leave it to the judgement of them who have any knowledge of the Actions of our Bishop, whether he ought to be ranked in the lesser number of the first, or the greater number of the latter.  
Before the time that he was advanced to the Bishopric of Munster, and till the Year, 1650. there is no mention made of his name in any Book that I know of. But since that, he has given occasion enough to men both to write and talk of him; though much more to his disadvantage then otherwise, and therefore his memory will never be accounted the most Renowned in Story. Since than we find nothing remarkable in the first part of his Life but what has been already observed in the Preface, we shall presently go on to his Election to the Episcopal Dignity, which was as full of troubles and interruptions as his Government afterwards. Nevertheless before we come to that, it will not be amiss to say something of his natural disposition, by which (not bridling but rather fomenting his Passions) he executed those things which were done by him when he had power and opportunity to do what he intended.  
The Sieur Valkenier in his Europe Troubled, p. 138. describes his humour to be ambitious, martial, restless, inclined to change, and altogether covetous to heap up Riches for his Heirs. Certainly his Ambition and Passion for the Wars which he occasioned were immoderate, and this was the main motive that incited him to undertake so many Actions. It was more for ruining his Neighbour's Country then for preserving his own or his own subjects. More addicted to seek occasions for War, then to sue for Peace. He loved the Art of War better than the Art of Preaching. He wore at the same time the Helmet and the Mitre, the Sword and the Crosier, but preferred the former always before the latter.  
And indeed he was a good Soldier upon several occasions. He was subtle and full of ● atagems, and very artfully dissembled his Designs till ripe for Execution; and continued open Friendship till he was ready to strike these whom he designed to fall out withal. When he intended Eastward, he seemed to bend to the West. Our State, among others, has had often experience of this particular. His Conduct, besides that he was never deceived by his Generals in the number of his men, appeared at the Siege of Groaning, where his Order and Discipline were without blame.  
Toward the end of July he took a review of his whole Army. In the Morning he called his men to their Arms by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet. After that he caused Proclamation that every Commander should forthwith repair to their several Charges, and Order the Soldiers under their Commanders into their several Ranks and Files, as well the Horse as the Foot; Then he appointed certain Commissioners to count the Ranks and Files, and tell how many was in every Company. The Roll being completed, was delivered to the Bishop, who paid out his money according to the Compliment of men given into his hands. By which means he knew exactly how many men he had in his Service, Every Month he made the same review, whereby he did not only gain time, but prevented the deceits of Officers upon the like occasions.  
Besides all this, he had the Courage of a Soldier; and he shown his undauntedness at the same Siege. He went frequently into the Trenches, to take care of things, and to correct such miscarriages as he observed, never trusting to any one person but himself. And still as he passed along, it behoved the Soldiers either to be delving or shooting; So that they loved his room much better than his company. Sometimes he stayed two or three hours in the Trenches, hazarding his person in the most dangerous places. Nevertheless he was prudent for all that; for he never exposed himself to those dangers, but he was attended by nine or ten persons, habited like Footmen in the same Livery as himself, which prevented his being discovered by the Enemy.  
Thus our Bishop showed himself to be a brave and vigilant Captain: but such a one as undertook unnecessary Wars, and such as the occasions thereof were sought by himself. Should it be objected that the Sword of a Prince, and the Bishops Crozier have no correspondence together, it may be answered that he was not only a Spiritual but Temporal Prince. Should any one go farther and ask the same question as was asked the Bishop of Cologn upon the same occasion, If the Devil take the Secular, what must become of the Spiritual Prince? We can give no answer till we hear what the Bishop said for himself.  
His restless humour has been sufficiently apparent. He never could be at quiet; but there was a necessity for him to be in Arms, or in some contest before the Chamber of Spiers, sometimes against his own City and Subjects, sometimes against the State's General, the Dukes of Lunenburgh, etc. No person that had any intricate and perplexed cause needed have done any more then gone to him; for he never denied them his Assistance, especially if he perceived any advantage accrueing to himself.  
All the world knows how inconstant he was in his words and his actions. The Alliances which he confirmed by solemn Oath and his Episcopal Cross, endured no longer than stood with his Interest and Convenience: He never continued long in Friendship with any Prince, whom he did not either leave in the lurch, or else become his Enemy. England, France, the Low Countries, and several others can well testify the same.  
His Avarice was a great, if not the principal cause of his Inconstancy. For when he had got the sum agreed upon, he offered his assistance to another, to make a new profit to himself, though it were to the disadvantage of him that was the first purchaser.  
He was so much a slave to his Covetousness, that it was usually said of him that he would serve the Devil for money; he would willingly have had all the money that was in the world, for gain was the chiefest part of his Religion, Neither did he spare any deceit, or act of violence which was profitable to him: For which reason he was a continual stumbling-block to his Neighbours, and a thorn in their Eyes; so that the Emperor never durst put any confidence in him, finding him to be of the disposition of Ishmael whose hand was against all the world.  
The Sieur Valekenier has very well observed that profit had the only Ascendent over him, as being the only thing whereat he aimed. The words of that famous Writer are these: For, saith he, Whatever filled and crammed his Chests and Coffers was his Interest as he has openly confessed himself, and has given the world reason to believe by his actions. And indeed, as he is an Ecclesiastical Prince, that cannot leave his Bishopric to his Kindred, and will therefore be nothing endamaged by the ruin of it, for that reason be only endeavoured to heap together vast Treasures for his Heirs, who could expect from him nothing but ready money. So that if the States of the United Provinces had offered him more money than the French, he would have soon laid aside his old Antipathy, and have become their choicest Friend. Though he knew well, that if by the uncertain chance of War be should happen to be expelled his Bishopric, a rich Abbey in France (well deserved by his Faithful services) might prove more profitable to 
Europe troubled p. 183.  him then all his Bishopric, whose Inhabitants were so impoverished.  
Beside what we have already said, he was altogether void of pity. He is accused to have pocketed up the money which has been sent by other Princes or Kings to make a divertive War for their convenience, and then to have laid insupportable burdens upon his own Subjects. That he quartered Soldiers continually in great numbers upon his Subjects, who made no sin of violating married women, ravishing Virgins and committing daily Robberies, the relations whereof never moved his heart. When a considerable person and very aged, belonging to the Chapter of the Cathedral Church, laid before him one day the miserable sufferings of his Subjects, as well by their Taxes, as the Insolence of the Soldiers, he made answer. That it was not for him to suffer himself to be insulted over by his Neighbours, but to defend his Honour. Which could not be done without a War; and to make War there was a necessity for money and Soldiers. The first he could legally demand from his Subjects, as being set over them for their safety and honour. For the other, it was impossible to Discipline them so exactly. If his Subjects did suffer any hardship, he was sorry for it. But as these inconveniences were the companions of War; he hoped ere long for better times. That if they considered what others suffered, they had reason to count themselves happy, and to thank God that they had a generous Prince that would take no affront, but was mindful their Honor. He suffered his Soldiers to commit those insolences in his Enemy's Countries that the people dreaded the very name of Munsterians. The French were rigorous enough in those Places and Cities of the Low-Countries where they had their Garrisons, but not to be compared with the Bishop's men for cruelty.  
It is credibly reported that at the Siege of Groaning, some of his Chief Officers expressed their sorrow for the loss of so many brave and valiant persons; and desired him to have pity upon the miserable cries of the wounded, beseeching him at the same time that care might be taken of them, to which he returned for answer, How! Are you one of my Officers and suffer your heart to melt upon the sight of a few dead men, or the sight and groans of the wounded? A good Soldier ought to have as little Compassion as the Devil. However he would sometimes disguise his Natural Cruelty, and appear tender and pitiful, for fear of distasting his Soldiers, and being also afraid lest his Subjects should have an utter aversion against him.  
There are some perhaps who having read thus far may accuse me of prejudice and partiality. But they must know that as yet, we have not begun the History, we have only made a preliminary description of the humour and disposition of the Bishop, in respect of whom we thought ourselves not so much confined to the Duty of a Historian as to the bounds of Truth, wherein we have followed the best relations of the time, as well in High Germane, as Dutch.  
Ferdinand Duke of Bavaria Archbishop of Cologne, Bishop of Hildesheim, Paderborn, Liege and Munster, died in the Year 1650. The Archiepiscopal See fell to Maximilian Henry Duke of Bavariae, after he had been eight years' Coadjutor to his Uncle. A while after he was also Bishop of Liege and Hildesheim. The Bishopric of Munster fell into the hands of Signior Christopher Bernard de Galle, though by virtue of an Election altogether confused and extraordinary, caused by the dissension between the Dean and the Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Munster, of which more in due place.  
Historians differ as to the employment which Monsieur Christopher Bernard enjoyed before he was Elected. Some will have him to have been Warden of the Chapter. Gotfred Schultz in his Chronicle of the Year 1650. p. 23. writes thus: ' At Munster the Chapter of the Cathedral put by several considerable persons that stood for the Ecclesiastical Dignity, and at last chose for their Bishop, Monsieur Christopher Bernard their Warden. In the beginning of the little Preface there are these words; A Warden was advanced to be Bishop. But in the eighth part of the Theatre of Europe. Fol. 91. we find that his Uncle Malingcrot, Dean of the Cathedral had advanced him in the Chapter. Both the one and the other may be true, that is to say, that first he might have been only Sacristain, and after that preferred higher, and so by his Uncle's means attain the Bishopric.  
Monsieur Christopher Bernard, was scarcely advanced to the Chair, but word was brought him every day, that the Citizens of Munster not being satisfied with his Election, talked of him with a great deal of scorn and contempt: that they continually divulged bitter Lampoons and reproaches against him, and that they gave little respect to his high Dignity. Part of this indeed was true: but his Flatterers had added much more than was really so: and this it was that exasperated the Bishop against them: however he concealed his hatred for a time. Many of the Magistrates were willing to have punished the Authors of those Satyrs; but others privately favoured them, so that they could not agree upon that point among themselves.  
It is reported that this discontent among the Citizens on the one side was this, that after the Chapter had in such an irregular manner passed by so many persons of worth, they should advance to so high a Dignity not only the son of a private Gentleman, which was tolerable enough, but the son of a Criminal, which was insufferable. On the other side because they well enough understood by several actions of Christopher Bernard in his mean Estate, what they were to expect from him, when he came to be a Prince.  
Monsieur Bernard Malingcrot his Uncle a very learned man, as most Writers affirm, but very selfwilled withal, became his mortal enemy after his Election, and prosecuted him publicly every where not only in his common speeches but his writings, reproaching him that his Election was neither regular nor just; that it was faulty both in the manner and the person, and that Christopher Bernard ought not to be acknowledged for lawful Bishop. All which more incensed the people against him, as being a person that had never been in any credit amongst them, whereas Malingcrot had lived in long Reputation within the City.  
And now it will be time for us to declare the reason why the Uncle so hated his Pupil, as also to relate the manner of the Bishop's Election, and what happened before and after.  
It is a thing well known by the Pope's Bulls or Right Ecclesiastical, that when the Episcopal See happens to be vacant, it is the Deans duty to assemble a Chapter within six months, for the choice of another Bishop, otherwise after the expiration of that time the Pope has Authority to supply the vacancy by putting in any one of his own choice.  
Malingcrot would willingly. have been Bishop himself, and indeed deserved to have been advanced to that Dignity, as well for his wit and learning as for his extraction: which may seem improbable, considering the meanness of the Bishop's birth; but is allowed however for truth, in regard that Malingcrot, was related to the Bishop by the Mother's side and not by the Fathers.  
Malingcrot therefore aspiring to the Mitre, delayed the Election much longer than was pleasing to the Canons; so that the fifth month was already at an end, and no day yet prefixed; whereby he thought more easily to have attained his ends. But many of the members of the Chapter, especially the younger sort, had little or no kindness for him. For he was a severe man, and one that while he was Dean had not only sharply rebuked them in words but also inflicted rude Penances upon them. So that they feared he would be more rigorous when he came to be Bishop.  
Thus while he delayed to call the Chapter, notwithstanding the importunities of several, the Members of the College met Christopher Bernard de Galle, the Deans Nephew at a Feast near their College. They were there very frolic, and at length in the height of their jollity they began to cry aloud, Long live Bishop Bernard. Which acclamations when they came Malingcrots ears he took them for a good Omen, in regard his name was also Bernard, believign himself to be the person intended. But soon after he was informed that the Chapter had proceeded very far toward the Election, and that they had nominated his Nephew Monsieur de Gall, to be Bishop of Munster, which Election they besought him to consent to, and confirm with his signet.  
The Dean was very ill satisfied with what had been done; he upbraided the Canons with their ill and disrespectful language towards him, according to his usual custom; and for that contrary to their duty towards him, without his knowledge and consent, they had assembled together in an improper place to make a Bishop. That it belonged to him, as Dean, according to the Ecclesiastical customs and privileges, to call a Chapter, and take their voices in order. Which not being done, but having acted contrary to Rules with a premeditated design, the Election was illegal and void: and for that reason, he would never approve of it.  
Nevertheless the Chapter would not alter the resolution which they had taken, and made their Applications to the Pope to confirm the Bishop newly Elected. Malingcrot vigorously opposed it; alleging among other reasons, that their Election was altogether illegal, being done contrary to Law and Form, without his knowledge, as Dean; without any necessity or apprehension of danger, when there was time enough to have proceeded legally; besides that they had chosen a person not fitting or proper to be admitted to so high a calling, which ought to be undertaken by persons of irreprehensible conversations. Now it was known to all the world that the Father of him who was Elected to the Bishopric had killed another Gentleman, for which reason he had been deprived of his Estate, and died in Prison.  
The Chapter alleged on the other side, that necessity had compelled them to pass to this Election. The needless delay of the Dean put them in danger of losing their great privilege of a free choice; there being so much time elapsed. As for the Criminal act of the Father of the Elected Bishop, they excused it in this manner; saying, that it could not be accounted a Capital Crime, since it was not punished with loss of life; and therefore that could be no impediment to keep his son from the benefit of their Election.  
Malingcrot replied, that then when they made their choice there was time enough to have proceeded according to due form. That it was in his breast to appoint the time, so that he left time enough for the Election. That he would not lose his privilege of limitation of time; that a particular favour to let a crime go unpunished did not justify the action. At length by his writings he so far prevailed with Innocent the X. as to forbear the Confirmation of Christopher Bernard till the fifth year, that is to say, for so long time as the Pope should live. But when Alexander the VII. came to the Chair in the Year 1655. he forthwith confirmed him in his Dignity, and so Christopher Bernard prevailed at length.  
So long as Malingcrot lived at Munster he never ceased giving out invective speeches against the Bishop, and many as well of the Council as of the people gave credit to him. For in regard that he had bred him, every one believed that he could not choose but know his Genius and Disposition better than another: And certainly the preceding life of the Bishop had not been so void of blame, but that he had given occasion enough to let the world see several of his vices. This was that which engaged the Bishop, who resided at Coesweld, to Excommunicate the Dean, his Uncle; who after that retired to Cologn, where he met with Sanfelicio, the Pope's Nuntio at that time; to whom he made out his business so well, that he was not only freed from his Excommunication, but also had liberty granted him to return to Munster.  
This very thing did not a little contribute to the ensuing troubles; particularly then when upon the Feast of St. James the Apostle he showed himself in all his Ecclesiatical Robes. Old and young, men and women, in short, all sorts of people crowded to see him, overjoyed at his return. Insomuch that there was a universal cry among the multitude, L●t Malingcrot stay with us, and let Gall go where he pleases. And this was that which made the business worse, and excited a stronger inveteracy in the spirit of the Bishop, not only against the Dean his Uncle, but against all the Citizens of Munster. He imagined, and perhaps not without reason, that he should from time to time become more odious to them; and therefore he could not hope for much good from them. For this reason he required the Townsmen, that for the security of his person, they would receive an Episcopal Garrison; and because they gave him a denial, he sought how to attain his ends by force.  
Before we go any farther, we will give the Reader a description of his Town which is seated in Westphalia. This Diocese contains twelve Cities, whose Magistrates are all of the Roman Catholic Religion; of all which Munster is the Metropolis. The Inhabitants are particularly addicted to Tillage: they also breed and feed great store of  and Sheep, but especially Hogs, of which they make great advantage, by reason of the vast quantities of Westphalia Hams which they send abroad into Foreign Parts. The Nobility govern the Country, and live in their Castles; but the Country and their Herds and Flocks afford them their maintenance. Only for their Agriculture, they have the privilege to be served by the Country people that are under their jurisdiction, being as it were their slaves, and whose duty it is at the first word to be at their service. The place where now the City of Munster stands, was formerly called, Mimgarde in the Dubigines or Dulgumnies. It received the name of Munster from the Latin word Monasterium, signifying a Cloister or Convent, which Bishop Armaud the first, in the Reign of Charlemagne, in the Year 785. when this Province was first made a Bishopric, caused to be built there in honour of the Holy Virgin Mary. The Land round about it no way to be despised, no more than is all the rest of Westphalia. The City has nine Gates well provided and guarded with Bulwarks and Bastions. There are three to the East, that of St. Maurice, St. Servaise, and Horsed Gate. Two toward the South, St. Ludgers and St. Giles'. Two to the West, St. Mary's Gate, and that of the Jews field. Two to the North, that of the Cross, and Newburgh Gate. The City is encompassed with a double Wall and a double Moat; which the River Aa fills with water, and then discharges itself. It contains also five Colleges, that of St. Paul's the Cathedral, St. Ludgers, St. Maurices, St. martin's and one more.  
The Bishop therefore not being able to incline the Citizens to answer his expectations, adjourned the Chapter of the Cathedral, and the greatest part of the Nobility to Coseweld. There the business was variously consulted, but they could not come to any agreement, so that the Assembly broke up.  
In the mean time Malingcrot, from whom the Bishop had taken away the Office of Dean, and who lived as an exile at Cologn, resolved one day to revisit the Town of Munster, and to celebrate the Feast of St. James. But before he could get into the Town, he was discovered by the Bishop's men, taken Prisoner and carried before the Bishop, who seriously exhorted him to quit his Rebellious humour and not to envy him the honour wherewith God had favoured him. But these calm words took no effect. On the contrary he began to upbraid his Nephew, with what he had done for him after his Father's misfortune, and how he had preserved him from the jaws of misery; that he had made him a Canon, and then a member of the Chapter. But that after all his kindness, he had rewarded him with nothing but ingratitude.  
Thereupon the Bishop made sure of him; ordering the Jesuits and other Ecclesiastical Persons that were at his Devotion to persuade him, but all to no purpose. So that at length he dispossessed him of all his Dignities, and put him under a Guard of Soldiers in a certain house in the Country; and in that condition he ended his days. He shown himself however very Liberal to all the poor Students that came to visit him, of which his bounty drew a good number. But he received them all civilly, and never dismissed them but with a handsome gift, telling them withal this Lesson: When it shall be your turn to come to preferment, said he, remember me in your writings, and consider what it was reduced me to this condition.  
Now in regard the Bishop continued his Levies, the City of Munster could not but easily conjecture, that he was making those Warlike preparations against them. Nor did he want the assistance of others; For though Francis William Bishop of Osnaburgh, and Adolph de Veck, Bishop of Paderborn, loved their Tranquillity too well, to interest themselves in his troubles; yet the three Ecclesiastical Electors of Mayence, Treves and Cologn, sent him some of their Troops. Before he came to any Acts of Hostility, he dispatched to the City Monsieur de Morien, hereditary Marshal, to make an agreement with the Inhabitants. The Council put in writing the causes why they could not entirely confide in their Prince, and what it was that burdened the City. And indeed the Peace would soon have been concluded, would his Highness but have remitted or at least abated the burden of their Taxes. Nevertheless a Truce was agreed upon thereby to prevent farther extremities.  
With these hopes the Pacificators parted, and M. the Marshal took with him the Articles proposed by the City together with their first Declaration. At that time Nicolas Dragter Syndie of the City, coming from the Hague, was taken Prisoner by the Bishop's men; which yet more exasperated the Townsmen. Soon after open acts of Hostility began. The City put itself in a posture of defence. The Citizens stood to their Arms and took their Oaths at the Council rather to lose their lives than the Liberties and Privileges of their Ancestors.  
The Bishop's Army was reported to be Nine Thousand strong, in Horse and Foot. He assailed the City very vigorously, shooting continually, and threw Fire-Balls into it, which set fire on several houses. The Ecclesiastical persons ran to the Churches, to beseech Almighty God to infuse thoughts of Peace into the hearts of the Bishop and the Citizens. The old people and children, who were not fit for labour, went every day in public Processions from one Church to another, accompanied by the Dominicans. The lusty women were divided through the City, and had their particular employments allotted them, some to fill Tubs of water, others carried Raw Hides to clap upon the Granado's and Fire-Balls that were thrown into the City. There was no place free from the Cannon-bullets which flew thick about their Ears. Insomuch that as one of the Priests was saying Mass in the Church of St. John, while he was Elevating the Host, a Bullet took him away from the Altar. Nevertheless the Citizens made a Sally and killed a good number of the Episcoparians.  
In the midst of all this roaring of the Cannon, the Nobility sought all means imaginable to bring things to a reconciliation. To which purpose they assembled together at Gueest. Thither the Nobility flocked in great numbers, being ill satisfied with the Bishops proceed; and some there were that did not forbear to say openly, That a Siege so pernicious and violent was not the Act of a Prince, but of a Tyrant. They also sent to his Highness their Letters of complaint in reference to the said Siege; The Contents whereof were, That the agreement, which he was about to have made before, had been prosperously concluded, had he not so soon begun open Hostilities. That without the knowledge and consent of the Nobility and the Cities in general, he had brought Foreign Forces into the Country, and raised men upon his own particular Authority. That he had assaulted the City of Munster like an Enemy contrary to the privileges of the Country, which he had confirmed himself in these words, We will not make any War or Alliance with any person, without the consent of the Chapter of the Cathedral Church and other Estates of our Country. And expressly against what was concluded at the assembly at Coesweld, that all new Levies should be put off, etc.  
Then they complained that he had put the Country, that had not yet recovered the miseries of the preceding Wars, into a new confusion, that he had shed the blood of the Innocent, made many Widows and Orphans whose tears and moans cried loud to Heaven. And therefore they besought him to raise his Siege, and send away his Foreigners; and for his own right, to stand to the determination of the Imperial Court. That he would no more oppress either them, the City or the Country, but that he would assume the Peaceful thoughts of a Father, a Prince, a Bishop and a Pastor of the Church. Otherwise if he would not lend an Ear to their just complaints, they protested their innocence of all the misfortunes that should fall upon his Highness and the Country. This Letter was dated the first of September, 1657.  
The Bishop answered fully, that he had never other thoughts than to preserve his subjects in repose with the care and fidelity of a Father. That he always was for Peace and Union, but the City of Munster by its obstinacy had deserved not only this, but a far more rigorous punishment. That he had proceeded no otherwise than a Prince and Sovereign Lord ought to proceed against Rebels. If the City or Country should suffer any damage thereby, time would repair it. That the City had rejected the Justice of the Imperial Chamber, in regard they had desired succours from the Hans Towns and the States of the United Provinces. In conclusion he desired the Nobility to assist him as their Prince, to reduce a Rebellious City to Obedience.  
In the mean time the Bishop endeavoured by all manner of means to do what mischief he could to the City. Night and day he played with his great Guns, and sent in his Bombs and Fire-Balls which did great Execution. Which so heightened the indignation of the Townsmen against the Bishop, that because they would not forget the year wherein their houses had been so ill handled by Fire, they caused new Colours to be made with these words GaLen InCenDIt VrbeM, The numeral Letters whereof are M. DC. LVII. With these Colours they marched about their Streets, and these Ensigns they flourished upon their Bulwarks. As for their Bishop they gave him no other Title than that of Murderer, and Destroyer of their City. The women themselves, at other times mild and tender hearted, animated their Husbands against him, as an Oppressor and a Tyrant.  
In the mean time the Pope sent a Letter to the Bishop which did not very well please him. For that therein he advised him to forbear all farther acts of Hostility against the City, or otherwise he threatened to Excommunicate him. The Electors of Bavaria and Saxony wrote to him also to the same effect, but in vain, for he still pursued his design.  
The sixteenth of September the Bombs caused a terrible Fire at Munster, which lasted from Midnight till Morning. Of all the former Fires this was the most lamentable. After which the Bishop made a proposition to the City, to receive a Garrison of a thousand men, and to Cashier their Commander Wittenburg; upon which conditions they might have Peace. But they by no means would give their consent.  
The three Electors Treves, Mayence and Cologn, exhorted the City to submission; but all to no purpose. The Citizens exasperated would not be reappeased. The Commonalty encouraged one the other, and lifting up their hands, cried aloud. Be of good Courage Munster, be of good Courage, the Hollanders are coming to thy assistance. For the State's General had sent them some succour. Nevertheless they were much endamaged by the Bombs and Granado's. Two Churches, and above two hundred Houses were already reduced to Ashes. Afterward the Bishop made a general Assault, but was repulsed with loss. The seventeenth of October a Truce was made for four days. Which so enraged the Citizens, that they openly reviled the Council, and were within a little of laying violent hands upon them.  
All this while the Deputies of the Chapter of the Cathedral, of the Nobility and the Town did all that lay in their power; so that at length an agreement was made the twenty first of the said Month. That no person should be called to account for the troubles past, neither in Munster, nor without the City, nor suffer either in Body or Estate. That the Prisoners on both sides should be released. That the Council of the City should retain in their service three hundred Foot, and admit of five hundred Episcoparians, as also the ordinary Guards of the Bishop's Body, both Horse and Foot. That their Commander should take an Oath, not to act any thing contrary to the Privileges of the City. That when the Bishop was in the City, he should give the Watchword, and in his absence, that the Citizen's Council should appoint it. That, in regard the Dispute about the Keys was before the Imperial Chamber, the issue of their sentence should be expected. In the mean time, that the Citizens and Council should open the Gates of the City to the Bishop at all times, when by him required, or thought convenient, and that they should give him all the honour and respect due to his Person and Quality. On the other side the Bishop promises to preserve the Privileges of the City, and the Burgomasters and Council promise to keep their Oaths inviolably.  
The Bishop would not have consented to Conditions so favourable, had not the forces of the State's General been upon their march for the relief of the City. They consisted of forty five Troops of Horse, and ninety seven Companies of Foot. This Army made an alteration in the Bishop's thoughts, who in the beginning of December, made his Entry into the City. He was received as became him, by the Council. The Townsmen were in Arms all along the streets as he passed. But not a person would uncover to him, as he road in his Coach, nor give him those Volleys of honour which are customary: their outward behaviour being correspondent to the inward thoughts of their hearts. And this was the end of the Siege. Of the besieged about fourscore were slain; but the Bishop lost above two thousand. This was also the second agreement between the Bishop and the City concluded in 1657. The former being made in the Year 1655.  
Though the Peace were concluded, the Bishop still retained in his service several Troops and Regiments; and he entered into Alliances with other Princes, without the knowledge and consent of the Estates, and by consequence, contrary to their confirmed Privileges. Which caused both suspicion and hatred; so that there was no good intelligence between the City and the Bishop. The Burgomasters mistrusted the Bishop, and the Bishop had no affection for them. This was the occasion of new differences which increased from day to day; from whence might easily be discovered the flames of a new approaching War. Whereupon the City sent their Deputies to the States of the United Provinces who returned with a favourable answer.  
About this time a report was divulged over all Westphalia, that the Munsterians were resolved to admit the public exercise of the Reformed Religion into their City to oblige the State's General. But the Council published an Edict, wherein they declared this report to be a mere Invention. And thus things passed on, till the Year 1660. at what time the flames of a new War burst forth again.  
By the Treaty in the Year 1657. It was concluded that the old and new differences between the two parties, lying before the Imperial Chamber at Spiers, should remain as they were. At length the Chamber came to a Final determination, to this purpose, that since the City could not sufficiently prove their rights pretended in reference to the Garrison, that the Keys, Walls, Gates, Bulwarks and Watchword should be at the disposal of the Bishop as their Prince. The Burgomasters and Counsellors were much dissatisfied at the sentence, and craved a rehearing. On the other side the Bishop complained, that they refused to submit to the sentence of the Chamber, and demanded Mandate of Execution, which was granted him, if the City at the end of two months did not fairly comply. In regard then that they did not submit, but sought for Foreign assistance, upon the tenth of Jan. 1660. the Council received an Order Imperial that they should recall their Deputies out of the Low-Countries, and cancel whatever had been treated upon, under penalty of Excommunication. Neither had they above two months' time to show their submission to the Chamber, and their promise of amendment and obedience for the future. And this affair the Bishop managed so well that all things went according to his wish.  
The City trusted in the succours that were promised them by the State's General, who had assured them of assistance, in pursuance of the League made with the Hanse Towns, wherein Munster was comprised. So that at the same time the States sent a Letter to the Bishop, desiring him that he would either pursue his action at Law, or make a fair agreement, lest they should be forced to concern themselves in the business.  
Nevertheless, a little while after the Munsterians sent Orders to their Deputies at the Hague to return home and desist from Treating any farther. This was after the Imperial Command.  
The Bishop made great complaints against the City at the Emperor's Court, sharply accusing them of disobedience to the Emperor's Orders: withal requesting that the Emperor's Orders might be put in Execution. The Council wrote to the Emperor that they had obeyed, and had Commanded their Deputies home from the Hague, upon which their being Excommunicated was put off. Thereupon the Bishop, not being able any longer to curb his unquiet humour, began to block up the City with his Forces. The Emperor sent to let him know, that he expected, he should desist from all Acts of Hostility, and permit the City a free Trade. But he slighted the Emperor's injunctions, and prosecuted his own affairs. Whereupon the City, for the maintenance of their Liberty, put themselves in a Posture of Defence  
The State's General endeavoured to compos● the differences, and to that purpose sent their Deputies to Munster, but without any success. It the mean time the Bishop's Soldiers exercised all Acts of Hostility, spoiling and burning th● Corn upon the Ground, that the Townsmen might have no benefit of their Harvest. Or the otherside Monsieur Aitzma earnestly recommended to the State's General the care of the Town, to which the chiefest part of the Provinces were readily inclined, but the Province o● Holland would by no means consent. At the beginning of November the Council of the City sent a Letter in C●phers to Monsieur Aitzma earnestly pressing him to put the State's General in mind of their promises; but notwithstanding all the endeavours of Monsieur Aitzma, though Friesland thought it necessary; though Guelderland, Overyssel, and Groningen were of the same opinion, yet Holland opposed them all. Brandenburg also dissuaded the relief of the City. So that Munster was now left to itself, not a little complaining against the United Provinces.  
The twenty first of Jan. Bernard Zimmerscheyd, the Burgomaster with six others of the Council, ventured out of Town to the Quarters of the Bishop, where they were heard by two of the Bishop's Counsellors. They implored his Highness' favour toward the miserable Inhabitants of the City, and besought him for the love of God that they might be admitted into his presence to understand his resolutions. Thereupon the question was put to them, whether they did not acknowledge in the presence of God that they were Rebels. The Burgomaster, shrugging his shoulders, excused the Magistracy so far, that it was not in their power to curb the violent humour of the Populacy. To which he was answered in this language. Obey then the Emperor's Commands, disband your Soldiers, bring the Keys of the City to your Lawful Prince, and receive his Garrisons, otherwise your Prince will teach you with a far more numerous force to reverence and obey your Sovereign.  
Thereupon in regard there was no Corn left in the City, nor no money to pay the Soldiers who were already two months in arrears, there was a necessity of submitting to whatever the Bishop required; which brought them to an absolute surrender the 18. of March upon these conditions. That the Gates should be guarded by the Episcopal Troops; that the Citizens should refuse the assistance of the State's General and of all others. That they should pay the Bishop at present 40000. Crowns, and afterwards an Annual tribute of 7. or 8000. Crowns, upon which consideration they should have their pardons. That six persons should be excluded from this pardon, who were nevertheless to be free from Corporal punishment or life. That they should receive an Episcopal Garrison without limitation. That they should surrender the Keys to the Bishop; and that whatever concerned the security of the City should be absolutely at the Bishop's disposal.  
Scon after, in a great deal of hast he began the foundation of a Citadel, called Munster's Craw-bone. He regulated all the Colleges and Fellowships of the City, and set up a new form of Government, which began to require an account from some part of those who had formerly born Offices. Four Receivers were put in Prison upon pretence of having falsified their Trust. One of the Counsellors, excluded from pardon, was constrained to pay the Bishop 2000 Crowns, and an Ancient Burgomaster as much; after which they were both banished the Country.  
Thus Prince Christopher Bernard reduced the City of Munster under his subjection. And now he might have lived in quiet, had not his boisterous and r●stl●ss humour stirred him up to new undertake; and therefore to find himself employment, he roused up quarrels that had lain long a sleep. He set on foot an old dispute, and published a writing concerning the contest about Borculo; in reference to which affair it was by him alleged, that the Imperial Council of Spiers had given sentence in savour of the Bishop, declaring that that Signory was a Fee belonging to Munster, and by consequence escheated to him. In opposition to this the Count of Stirum had the Decree of the Court of Gelder's, as being in possession, who thereupon, a while after▪ caused an answer to the Bishop's cla●m to be published in writing. This was done in the year 1662. The year following the Bishop sent Monsieur Braybeck, Dean of the Cathedral of Munster, as his Ambassador, to the Hague, where he attended the State's General with a Memorial, desiring them in the name of his Prince, that they would favour his just demands, and restore to him the Signory of Porculo and its dependencies, which the Arms of the States had put into the possession of Count Justus of Limburg, in regard it was done by the Province of Gelder's in the Year 1616. Moniseur De Estrades also, the French Ambassador, was very serviceable to the Bishop, and smartly put the States in mind of having a respect to Justice and the Alliance between his Master and the Bishop.  
The Deputies of Gelder's affirmed that they took the business upon themselves▪ However certain Commissioners were named, but nothing more done that Year Next Year, Monsieur Braybeck pressed the same demand again. For which reason the State's General would have ordered certain other Commissioners to inquire into the affair. But the Province of Gelder's would by no means consent thereto, because they had pas●d sentence already; as also for that the Signiory of Borculo belonged to their Province, and by consequence the business concerned them in particular, and not the Generality.  
At the same time the Prince of Lichtenstien had laid claim to a certain debt which he charged upon the Signiories of Esens, Stedesdorp and Witmond, which his Mother-in-law had enjoyed by the death of her Brother-in-law. This debt was demanded from the Prince of East-Friesland, who was by the Imperial Chamber condemned to pay it. The Bishop of Munster altogether for having his Oar in every Boat, had so brought it about, that the Emperor offered him a Commission to put the Imperial sentence in Execution. In the mean time he laboured to make the best use of the Opportunity, and to bring his matters about to his chiefest advantage.  
To this effect, he so wrought it, that these two powerful Neighbours the Prince and he, under a pretence of hunting the Wild-Boar, should meet together in Westphalia, in August▪ 1663. The Bishop was very urgent with the Prince to deliver him up Eyderland promising in lieu thereof to take upon himself the whole deb● of Lichtenstein, and that he would satisfy the clamer. Had this proposal succeeded according to hi● wish▪ he would have ordered it so, that the Prince of Lichtenstein should have gotten little enough But in regard this request of his was looked upo● as prejudicial to the State's General, this Proposal did nothing please the Prince of Friesland and therefore he objected several Obstacles; particularly that the said Eyderland was under the protection of the State's General, and engaged for a certain sum of money. So that no such thing could be done, as well in respect of his Brother, as in respect of the States, who had a share and interest in this affair. Nevertheless he took time to consider of it, as a thing that required a more thoughtful deliberation.  
Six days after the Bishop sent Monsieur John Schuylemburg, who was fled from Groningen, to the Prince to persuade him with all his might to give him the the possession of Eyderland. The Magistrates of Groningen had sudden intelligence thereof, and gave present Order to the Commander of the Fort of Langueracker to seize upon Schuylemburgh with a party of Musketeers; but he having secret notice thereof, escaped in a Country man's Cart to Aurick; where he showed his Orders to the Prince of East Friesland, whom he very zealously urged to the same surrender but had from him a generous denial. So that Schuylemburg by byways was glad to recover Munster as well as he could.  
Nevertheless the Prince offered to pay at the Feast of St. Michael or fifteen days after, at Meppen, in the Country of Munster, to those of Lichtenstein the Rents of 135000 Crowns, grown due since the end of the last Diet: and after that at the Feast of St. Gregory, 166●. the Capital of Vianne also, of 135000 Crowns; and in three Years next following, the Capital or Principal of Bierum, with the Interest. Lastly to pay Annually the fourth part of the Rents escheated before the end of the Diet, upon condition that the Bishop of Munster would make good his propositions to the Prince of Lichtenstein, who was not likely to get better.  
The Ambassador of Munster assured the Prince that if these Conditions were observed he would stay the Execution which he had a Commission to make; which was put into writing and signed by both sides. The first time was hardly elapsed, when the Prince desired some little longer time. But the Bishop unwilling to let slip the opportunity, immediately dispatched away some Forces from Munster to Eydersconce, belonging to the Prince of East Friesland, to begin the said Execution. There were not above eight or nine men in the Fort at that time, because the Prince expected no such sudden Attacque, so that the Episcoparians suddenly made themselves Masters of the place. Elverfield, whom the Bishop sent upon this exploit; was more wary in keeping it afterwards, refortifying it, and storing it with all manner of Warlike Provision and Ammunition.  
When the News of the surprise of Eydersconce was brought to the Hague, they presently adjudged the Bishop's manner of proceeding irregular, and unhandsomely carried, in regard the States had written to him, that they would pay the first 135000 Crowns either to him, o● the Prince of Lichtenstein, when they of East Friesland had given them security for the money, which would be done in a short time. More than that, they resolved to raise a considerable Force to employ, as they should see cause, if the Bishop refused to restore the Fort upon the payment of the first money.  
Nor could the States be blamed for interesting themselves in this affair. For besides that they were obliged to take into their Protection the Prince of East Freesland; they had just reason to suspect a Prince, who was of such a turbulent humour as to seek all occasions of quarrelling, and sought nothing more than to nestle himself upon their Frontiers with a Foreign Militia; a Prince who demanded from them Borculo and other places; and a Prince who was not a little supported by France.  
These Forces therefore being raised were committed to the charge of Prince William Frederick of Nassau, Governor of Friesland, consisting of Ninety nine Companies of Horse and Foot, in all 4971. men.  
In the mean time, the States used all their endeavour during the Winter, to free the Sconce without the effusion of blood. To this purpose they writ to the Bishop and the Prince of Lichtenstein, offering their mediation; they desired them to send their Plenipotentiaries to Lierwert, as they would also theirs. They professed to pay the first upon quitting the Sconce: but they could have no answer. On the other side Everfield the Governor, sent to all the Bailiffs and Receivers of Friesland, within a month's time to bring with them the Registers of all the Revenues, and charging them withal not to pay any money, but to such Receiver as either the Bishop or the Prince of Lichtenstein should appoint.  
Seeing therefore that they could not persuade the Bishop by fair means, the State's General resolved to go on with their designs. However they writ first to the Bishop, to give him notice of their intentions, letting him know that they were obliged to protect the Prince of East-Friesland, and his Country against all manner of violence; and at the same time offered satisfaction for Lichtensteins' debt. At last they advised him before the tenth of May to quit the Fort and Country, or that they should be forced to make use of such means as God should direct them.  
The Bishop answered, That he had always made it his business to live in a good Correspondence and Amity with the United Provinces; that he had not been severe with the Prince of East Friesland, but had given him his own time; and therefore the State's General had no such reason to use such threatening language.  
While this Letter was upon the Road the State's Forces were marching from their several Garrisons to the General Rendesvouz. In the mean while M. Brabeck came from the Bishop of Munster to the Hague to make an accord: and all things seemed to look with a fair prospect. The Prince of East Friesland was ready to pay. The Bishop or the Prince of Lichtenstein were ready to receive the money; so that there was no farther dispute but only about the quitting the Fort. At length an agreement was made the 25. of May. The Prince of East Friesland was to cause 270000 Crowns to be paid at Meppel for the first and second payment; as also 150000 Crowns for Interest. The Bishop of Munster was to give an acquittance, and the fifth of June he was to begin to quit the Fort, that is to say, the next day after the payment of the money.  
Men thought that now every thing was concluded upon. So that Order was given to Prince William of Nassan to forbear any acts of Hostility against the Fort, which was already Besieged, and reduced almost to the last extremity. The 31. of May, New Style, being the last day of the Truce, and the time appointed for the Plenipotentiaries of Munster to be at Prince William's Quarters with the confirmation of the League, four or five persons accompanied with one Horse man passed from the Prince of Tar●nt's Quarters, who was General of the State's Horse▪ by Stapelmer, which was Prince Williams Quarrer. Among these were two Ambassadors from the Bishop. The State's Deputies observing it, went to them: but they told them without any Compliments, that they were sent by their Prince to Treat with the Plenipotentiaries of the Prince of East Friesland, to whom they were going with that intent. The State's Deputies made answer, that they hoped they had Orders to Treat with them also, as being the State's Deputies in the Army, but they made them the same cold and careless answer as before.  
Now in regard it was five hours after the Conclusion of the Truce, and for that the States Deputies were altogether ignorant of the meaning of so strange a proceeding; and had reason to doubt whether they were the Bishop's Deputies or no, since they would not declare who they were; besides if they had that absolute power, that it ought to be examined and known; it was thought fit to continue the Attacque, as they did the next day. So that the Fort was battered from six batteries with sixteen pieces of Canon, several Granado's were also cast into it, which did good Execution.  
In the mean time the Bishop's Plenipotentiaries got to the Prince of East Friesland, and produced the accquittance. But all very ill drawn, and which gave no satisfaction. The Ambassadors of Munster also publicly declared that their Lord and Bishop could not stand to the accord as it was worded in writing. So that it being then impossible to discover his designs, signs, the Siege was carried on with greater violence, and the Besieged were forced to surrender upon Articles the fourth of June; and to receive the State's Garrison.  
Several of the Neighbouring Princes understanding these proceed, had no good wishes for the Bishop, as being a plague both to his Neighbours and his Subjects. The Princes of Brunswick, Wirtenbergh, and Hessen disapproved his proceed, as being a very unjust thing to prosecute an Execution, or to remain in possession of the Lands Mortgaged, when payment was offered upon just acquittances. They were more glad to see the Eyder Sconce taken by force, than that it should have been quitted by agreement; to the end the Bishop's wings might be in some measure clipped. For such an Execution had not been made in several Ages; And should it come to be used, none of the Neighbours could hence forward be secure, since few Princes were to be found without teeth.  
Thus ended this War, which was but the beginning of another that followed, far more dangerous. The turbulent Bishop, who had already been in Action against the Prince of East Friesland, the Count of Bentheim, the Count of Styrum, the Count of Floderf and others, studied to make use of the first opportunity to assault and revenge himself upon the State's General. But it behooved him to stay till some other Prince, more potent than himself, should think it convenient to make use of him: An opportunity that soon presented itself. For the English being then engaged with Dutch in a bloody War, and prudently designing to find them work by Land, as well as by Sea, make agreement to that purpose with the Bishop, and furnished him with money. Who thereupon immediately began his Levies and raised a considerable Army, both of Horse and Foot. It was not known where the storm would fall; So that East Friesland, Oldenburgh, and all the Neighbouring Princes were much concerned. The State's General and their subjects were no less startled in regard of the great preparation which the Bishop made of Bombs, Granados and other Fireworks.  
The States had most reason to be jealous that the storm would light upon their heads. And therefore they Levied an Army of 4500 Horse, and 40500 Foot, of which 5600 were designed for the Sea. It was also necessary that the Forts should be provided, and therefore because those Forces were not sufficient, they resolved to take into their service some of the Lunenburgh Companies. They also advertised the King of France of the Bishop's preparations, proposing at the same time whether it were not convenient to prevent the Bishop of Munster, and send a flying Army into his own Country, and to carry the heat of the War thither, rather than to suffer him to enter the Low-Countries. But the King of France did not like that proposition, judging it more proper to stay and observe which way the Bishop would move. For otherwise the whole Empire would be in an uproar, if they should attack the Bishop first. The Low-Countries, said he, has Enemies enough; and therefore it is not good for them to awake sleeping Lions. The Bishop is of no such importance, but that it will be easy to put a stop to him. And therefore it will be better to abide his small power, than all the Force of the Empire. This Counsel was approved and followed.  
At length a Trumpet arrived at the Hague from the Bishop, with a Letter to the State's General; which was indeed no more than a Declaration of War. He first complained of the affront and damages which he had received, which obliged him to demand satisfaction; and to secure himself for the future. To which end he placed his refuge in God, and the succours of the Potent Princes his Allies, which the Providence of God had raised him. That the State's General had nothing to do to meddle with the Execution of the Sentences of the Empire. That they had fallen upon his Country contrary to all Equity. That they had plundered the Houses of his Nobility. That they had deprived the Husbandman of his labour; they had tormented, beaten, roasted his subjects; they had not spared God himself; they had handled the Cross of Christ worse than the Turks would have done; burnt his Churches, dishonoured the Sacred Host, and taken Eyder Sconce from him in despite of the whole Empire, regarding more their own interest than the advantage of East Friesland: all which he was then forced to suffer, having sent a part of his Troops to assist the Emperor against the Turks. That they detained from him his Signiory of Borculo; and moreover, that the Court of Gelder's had condemned him in the sum of 150000 Livres▪ They had taken, and put to the rack severa Roman Catholics, out of a hatred to their Religion. All which things he had sent to let then know, to the end they might give him satisfaction and security for the future, etc.  
The States made answer that they had never made War upon him in his own Country; only that they had been constrained the last year, where he entered their Territories, and took from then the Fort of Eyder Sconce, to repel Force wit● Force: and that they had not only given him, but the Emperor an account of their actions That they have been always obliged to protect East Friesland against all violence: being no● only a Frontier of their Dominion, but engaged to them for several great sums of money. Tha● though their Army had marched through som● part of his Territories, yet that plunder and pillage had been restrained under pain of death. That they could not imagine such a spoil of Churches and Temples, but that it was only a pretence to colour his designs. However if any such damage had happened, he ought to have demanded satisfaction at the time when the crimes were committed, and not eight or ten months after. And therefore the States might with more justice require satisfaction from him, since he had put them to such vast charges for the retaking of Eyder Sconce, which was engaged to them: which when they had done, they meddled no farther with him. That they were surprised at his demand of Borculo, as a Signiory which they detained from him: When it was well known that that dispute had been ended, not by Judges interested, but by such as had been chosen by both parties. In the same manner was the business of the 150000 Crowns, which he owed to the Count of Styrum, brought to determination. That it had been always their desire to live in Peace and Friendship with him, but since he had attacked their Forts and Places of strength, and had begun to harrass their Territories, they would not neglect any means, that God should afford them, to bring him to reason, till they had received full satisfaction for the damages which they had sustained.  
The Bishop was so high and so hasty, that he would not stay the return of the Trumpet, nor the State's answer: but of a sudden enters Overysel, harrasses the Country with Fire and Sword, made himself Master of Euschede, Oldenseel, Ommersum, Almelo and Diepenheim. H● found Borculo quitted, only there were in th● Castle a hundred men Commanded by Ensign Eek, who plied their Guns so well, that he wa● forced to sound a Retreat after he had sustained no small loss. But he renewed the Assault wit● more men, and tired the Garrison with numbers, till they were forced to surrender. After that followed other places, which could not defend themselves, as Lochum, Wildenbergh House Dorts de deutecorn, etc. so that the passage of th● Issel lay quite open.  
The State's General were very much disturbed at an Invasion, so terrible and so unlooked for▪ They had to do at the same time with the puissant King of England and the Bishop of Munster▪ There was a necessity for their Ships to be provided with men, and their Forts and Frontier Towns with Garrisons, which caused so great a scarcity of men that they had hardly enough to withstand the Bishop. Thereupon they made new Levies and sent the Count of Waldeck to the Princes of Lunenburgh for a supply of 6000 men. But they refused without the consent of the Elector of Brandenburg; and he refused, unless they would suddenly quit Orsoy, as also the Castle of Guennip and Emmerick or the Wessel, when the Peace should be concluded with the Bishop. The Elector also desired the States, that their Garrisons in the Cities of Cleves should forbear to make any incursions into the Country of Munster, as he had also requested of the Bishop that those Garrisons should not be molested by him. Nevertheless the King of France sent them above six thousand Horse and Foot, the choicest men which he had in his service, Commanded by M. Despradelles, a valiant and experienced Captain.  
As for the Bishop of Munster's Forces they committed all sort of outrages imaginable: For in regard he seldom paid his Soldiers, but left them to subsist upon Contributions and Plunder, every one pillaged and robbed for himself. The Emperor offered his Mediation to the States to reconcile the difference; but they answered that they could not enter into a Treaty till the Bishop had quitted all the places which he had taken. They also wrote to the States of Munster to persuade the Bishop to restrain his men from committing those murders, and acts of violence and cruelty, in that barbarous and unheard of manner, and to quit the places which he had taken, or otherwise that they should be sound to proceed against them both in general and in particular according to the common Customs of War.  
In the mean time the Bishop had sent a part of his Forces into the Province of Groaning. They marched over the Moor or the Bourlang to the Convent of Ter Apellel, and made themselves Masters of it. Which caused a great Ter●or at first, but the fear was soon over. The Dutch got together about four hundred Foot and eighty Horse. These between Sellinguen, and Lipzenbuysen, set upon 1600 Episcoparians, killed a good number and took a hundred Prisoners. The rest fled to the Marshes, and in great fear quitted Ter Appellel, the Dutch in this enterprise not having lost above thirteen men.  
Another Party of the Bishop's Forces, consisting of five thousand men, made an Incursion into the Drenth, and marched directly to Groningen. At the Bridge de Punter they were repulsed with loss: but near Suydhaven they got over, thinking to have surprised Winsschoten, and Beylinguerde. Prince Maurice came with equal Forces to Scheemte and Miende with an intention to have enclosed them in, but they made a shift to get out another way.  
The most part of the Bishop's Army caused a continual fear all along the Yssel. The Bishop himself lay at Deuteron, where he caused the Country people of Troent and other Places to acknowledge him for their Sovereign and to come to an agreement with him, that two thirds of the Crop should belong to him; and one to the Husband man. Here the reproach which the Ambassador of France cast in his teeth, in the name of his Master the King of France, was a a sharp one, That though he were an Ecclesiastical Lord, he had falsified his Faith, since he had engaged to France, not to enterprise any thing against the Low-Countries without his Master's knowledge, which promise he had ignominiously broken. He desired assistance at the Diet at Regensbergh. But it was answered him, that he had undertaken that War of his own head, without any provocation of the Hollanders, and therefore even let him end it of himself. The Empire did not think it convenient to meddle with needless and unprofitable Quarrels. If he had brought his affairs into confusion, his best way would be to quit himself as well as he could. Several of the Roman Catholic Religion, repaired every day out of Holland to the Bishop, some out of hopes of booty, others to assist him and to exterminate those that they called Heretics, and with an intention to spread the Roman Catholic Religion. Whereupon the States issued forth a public Placaet, that they should return again within fifteen days upon pain of death or perpetual Banishment.  
The Bishop being repulsed in the Province of Groningen, harassed and ruined all the Villages that could not defend themselves. His Troops that had been in Wischoten, and Heyliguerlee, for want of Provision, were retreated into the Country of Westwoldinger while the State's Troops retook Lochum. After that the Army of the States increasing and the Lunenburgh Troops approaching, the States of Munster began to fear being overlayed on the one side by the State's Forces, while the Lunenburghers assailed them on the other; and therefore sent their Deputies to the Bishop, and the Bishop's Counsellors themselves represented to the Bishop the danger he was in, desiring him to think of Peace. But he made them answer either in his sury or else in his despair. He would hazard all Westphalia in this enterprise. Let the worst come to the worst, he had nothing to lose.  
The States had a design to visit the Bishop in his own Country; for which purpose they had already 17000. men upon the march: but the fierce cold of the Winter then approaching stopped their progress, so that the Soldiers were forced to retire into their Garrisons. The Bishop's Troops also quitted the field, after they had offered Battle to the Hollanders. Between Delden and Enschede they attacked 1200 Horse and Foot, who were sent to make themselves Masters of the Castle of Wickelen, and put them to a considerable defeat: and thus ended the Year 1665.  
The next Year the Elector of Brandenburg● had taken the State's part, upon certain conditions, and laboured to reconcile the differenc● between the States and the Bishop. The State were altogether for Peace, and the Bishop saw that the Fortune of the War began to turn, fo● he was wholly expelled out of the Province 〈◊〉 Groningen, and the Commanders for the Stat● General were preparing to lodge their Troops i● his Territories so soon as the season would permit; which made him bend his Ear to an accord; to which end he desired nothing more than a meeting at Cleves.  
In the mean time some attacques were made by parties of both sides, but of little consequence, till at last a Peace was concluded in April, upon several conditions, The chief of which were, That there should be an Act of Imdemnity for all, except Traitors. That the Bishop should quit all places which he had taken during the War. That he should withdraw his Forces out of all the Territories of the States Dominions. That the Bishop should disband his Troops after the Ratification on both sides, and should retain no more than what the Mediators should determine to be sufficient for his Garrisons, which was 3000 Horse and Foot, and that he should not raise any new Levies unless it were for the security of the Empire, or of his Alliances, provided also they were not prejudicial to this Treaty. That the Bishop should quit all Alliances prejudicial to this Peace, and never make any new War against the Republic. The States for their parts oblige themselves to perform the same promises on their parts. That the Bishop shall quit his pretences to the Signiory of Borculo and its dependencies, without prejudice to the rights of the Empire. That neither the Bishop, nor his successors nor his subjects should intermeddle with any affairs that concern the State's General. That the Emperor, the King of France, the Electors of Mayence, Treves, Cologne and Brandenburg, the Bishop of Paderborn, Pal, Nieubergh, and the Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh, shall be Cautionaries for the observation of these Articles.  
This was the sudden conclusion of this War so suddenly entered into. The confirmation and publication whereof was made by the Bishop the 20. of April, with these words. Promising to observe and inviolably to follow in all points and clauses the said Instrument, and not to suffer any proceeding or act to be done against the said Articles.  
But within a few years after it appeared how well he kept his word.  
The Bishop had also sought to pick a quarrel with George William Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburgh, concerning the Office of Herbstad, and other things. As also against Ernest Augustus Bishop of Osnaburgh, touching the City of Hoxter. But these things were also adjusted in the Treaty with the States: so that the Bishop was constrained to quit his unjust pretensions.  
The time agreed upon for the Bishop to quit those places which belonged to the State's General being come, the Bishop raised still some new Cavils first in regard of the Prisoners, and then as to the Contributions; touching the quitting of some particular places; concerning East-Friesland; and as to some damages which he had sustained. This was the occasion of another meeting at Noordhorn in the Country of Benthem, and another Treaty in the month of June. He evaded after a strange manner some words of the Peace: by which it appeared that it was sorely against his will, that he quitted Borculo, for he kept that place as long as possibly he could. And being pressed to performance by M. Syburg the State's Envoy, he cried out, My City of Borculo; my City of Borculo, that belongs to me both by the Law of God and men! Than after a short sinlence, he added, I will take care that it be quitted.  
After the conclusion of this Peace the States recalled to mind the inconveniencies they had suffered upon the Frontiers of the Spanish Low-Countries, not only from the Munsterians, but also secretly from the Spaniards themselves under the name of Munsterians. For that reason they resolved to make their complaints at the Court of Madrid and to demand satisfaction by M. Rensmoude then their Ambassador in Spain. To which purpose they send him a Letter to this effect for his Information.  
At what time the Bishop of Munster was designing to a attack this Commonwealth, he was known to have made public Levies at Brussels, Louvain, Anwerp, Gaunt, Bructelst, Gelder's, Santuliet, Liar, Gueel and other parts. Some of the Governors and Officers of the King of Spain were so kind as to Cashier their own Troops and Companies, and suffer them to List themselves in the Bishop's service, which was the reason that so many Robberies and Violences were committed against the subjects of this State by those that quartered in the Spanish Frontiers. Gentlemen of Quality were massacred in their Houses and Castles; many were taken Prisoners, beaten, put to ransoms, or carried away with their goods. These Munsteria● Birds of Prey always made their retreats to those places where they had been raised under the Jurisdiction of the King of Spain. There they were in safety, there they sold their stolen good belonging to the subjects of this State: not i● huggermugger, but publicly; as if the Frontiers of the King of Spain lay only for a convenient prejudice to the Low-Countries.  
The States had made their complaints by thei● Deputies to the Spanish Ambassador, requiring satisfaction and security for prevention of th● like disorders for the future: but yet no recompense was made to their content and satisfaction. On the contrary the Levies continued publicly, and several places were assign● within the Jurisdction of the King of Spain f● the Rendesvouz of those Levies. Whole Co●panies marched out of Brussels for Wille● broeck, and all by the connivance of the Ma●ques of castle Rodriguez Governor of the Low Countries.  
In the said places they had formed designs against several of the most important Frontier Cities and Garrisons belonging to the States, of Breda, Clundert, Willemstad, Lillo, etc.  
Of these and several other vast injuries and damages they had often complained, but could never obtain satisfaction.  
These and many more complaints the States ordered their Ambassador to exhibit to the Court of Spain, to which the slow Spaniard had not time to give an answer this Year. So that the so long talked of Year 1666. made its exit with no other advantage to the Hollander than the Peace of Munster. But in the Year 1667. that unquiet man of God began again to make considerable Levies both of Horse and Foot. The State's General having intelligence thereof, and no way confiding in him, wrote him a Letter, to let him know, that it was conorary to the seventh Article of the Treaty, seriously requesting him to desist and not to give his neighbours just occasion of jealousies and suspicions. Thereupon he returned the States this answer, That when he had made a Peace, it was his care to keep it. But considering the great Levies made by his Neighbours, he could not but think it convenient to raise so many men, as were allowed him by the Constitutions of the Empire, the Instructions of the Peace, and the privilege of Princes. However that he had no design to employ them, but only for the security of his own Country, and no way to the detriment of his Neighbours, more especially of their Lordships the State's General. What should they do? For they then knew not how to rely upon the words or protestations of the Bishop, yet they could do no other than seem to be satisfied with his Apology.  
The same Year he caused more disturbances by choosing for his Coadjutor Ferdinand de Furstenbergh, Bishop of Paderborn, Prince of the Holy Empire, Count of Pyrmont, etc. against the consent of most of the members of the Chapter, who would fain have chosen the Archbishop of Cologn. But the Bishop of Munster spoiled their design, by excluding some of the members, inveigling others with fair promises, and menacing others, and so by force advancing the Election of the Bishop of Paderborn.  
But to put a specious gloss upon this Election the Bishop published a large relation thereof, of which we will give the Reader an abstract; only it must be considered, that this was the Bishops own work, and that therefore he framed it after the most advantageous manner for himself. In the forefront he places Pope Alexander the sevenths' Letter, being a serious exhortation to him to take a Coadjutor and a Successor.  
Pope Alexander the seventh.  
Venerable Brother, our greeting and Apostolic Benediction. The Letters which we have sent you from time to time, apparently testify how much we are overjoyed to understand with what care you interest yourself in the advancement and establishing of the Catholic Religion, and that you have reduced to your Obedience the Rebellious City of Munster. But in regard that both experience and Histories assure us, that the Benediction of prosperity loses its glory, when we take no care to Establish what we have acquired, and do not make use of the means which we have learned to our cost by the same experience, and by which the Universal Religion and Peace may remain inviolable. Methinks therefore there can be no better means to take away all occasion of disputes that may arise after your death, by the Election of a Successor, than to think of taking a Coadjutor, to cut off all opportunity of discord which may reduce your Country to confusion and misery. And therefore we exhort you seriously to deliberate speedily with your Chapter concerning this matter. And if you are engaged, according to the custom of some Chapters in Germany, not to take a Coadjutor without the knowledge and consent of the Chapter, we discharge you by virtue of this our present Letter from any such obligation, and give you withal the Apostolical Benediction.  
Written from Rome the 16. of September, 1665. The eleventh Year of our Pontificate. J. Florentine.  
There are some who have made the following remarks upon this Letter. 1. That the Bishop, according to the opinion of those who were acquainted with the business, made it his own request to the Pope for this Letter. 2. That those who are called the Vicars of Christ are of a different judgement. Pope Innocent the X. would never confirm nor acknowledge for lawfully Elected Bishop Christopher Bernard. But Alexander the VII. was no sooner mounted to the Papal Chair, but both Confirmation and Legitimation were allowed. 3. How it is possible that the Roman Catholics should confide in their Princes, whether Ecclesiastical or Secular, seeing the Pope can so easily discharge and disengage them from their Promises, Oaths and Allegiances confirmed and concluded even among the Roman Catholics themselves.  
The Bishop received this Paternal exhortation with a wonderful respect; and in regard he had been acquainted with the disorders in the last Election, he earnestly desired to make choice of a Coadjutor. To this purpose he caused the Members of the Chapter to assemble the 23. of May, where he proposed his design by two of his Counsellors; who in a short speech represented to them, that it was not unknown what praiseworthy actions his Highness had performed in the beginning of his Government, having delivered and retaken the Forts and Cities of his Country, as Coesweld, Veche, and Beverguere. That he had composed several differences with a most pious care and zeal; that he had reduced the City of Munster to his obedience, and so firmly settled Peace within his Territories, that all his Subjects quietly enjoyed the Estates which God had blest them with. But since his Highness was now in the Sixtieth year of his Age, and that by consequence he could not expect to live long; as also for that to prevent the disorders of Elections, his Holiness had advised and exhorted him by his Letters, to take the first opportunity to choose a Coadjutor and Successor; He was resolved so to do. He knows, said they, that there are persons capable of the Employment both here and in other places; but his Highness would propose noperson in particular. If they had a mind to choose any Neighbour Prince, or any other Catholic Prince, he would by no means be their hindrance, but leave the Chapter to its liberty. To which he expected a fair answer.  
Then the Pope's Letter to the Chapter was produced as follows.  
ALEXANDER VII.  
My well-beloved Children, our greeting to you, and our Apostolic Benediction. In truth you have not deserved a little honour, for having assisted your Bishop in reducing and quieting the City of Munster, and in the confirmation of the Catholic Religion. But you will be thought worthy of a greater honour, if by yonr unanimous Counsel you establish upon solid foundations what you have s● happily obtained: But since experience tells us that after a Voyage prosperously performed, there is most danger to be feared at the entry of the Haven itself, you have the same reason to fear that after the decease of your Pastor and Bishop (if while he is yet living, you do not take care to choose another Successor in his place) lest the winds of discord should drive your Vessel upon dangerous Rocks, and cause you to lose what you have acquired with so much labour. Therefore We admonish you that in order to Ours, and the will of your Protector, to whom We have discovered the thoughts of Our heart of Our own accord, setting aside all partiality, you assemble unanimously, and make choice at least of such a Coadjutor, who is to be also your future Successor, whose virtues and merits may be able to sustain so ponderous a weight. And to you, my beloved Children, We give Our Apostolical Benediction, as a Father.  
From Rome the twenty sixth of September, 1665. In the eleventh year of Our Pontificate. J. Florentine.  
This Letter being Read, and the Bishop's Agent withdrawn, the Chapter fell to debate the proposal. Some of the Canons of the Cathedral Church were of opinion, that the affair was of that importance, that it required a longer time to be considered of: and that the question ought to be put, whether a Coadjutor were to be chosen? and this too to be consulted at leisure. Others thought it more convenient to comply with his Holinesses Exhortation, and his Highness' desire, who better knew the condition of the Church and Country. Nay they thought they had already neglected too much time in fulfilling the Pope's will, who had desired a settlement of this affair toward the end of the Year 1665. and that now the Year 1667. was far spent, by the intervening of several accidents, and that by consequence the business ought to be no longer delayed. Thereupon it was carried by the major part of voices, that the 19 of July, should be appointed for the Election of a Coadjutor, and that the Letters of Citation should be dispatched, notwithstanding the Protestations of the rest.  
Thus there happened a great contest between the Members of the Chapter, not so much in reference to the Person, whom they intended to choose; but whether they ought to admit of a Coadjutor or no. As for the Protestations of several, they were little regarded. Others say, that the Bishop had packed the voices under▪ hand; and that he had gained to his party som● by promises, and others by threats.  
In the mean while the Elector and Arch Bishop of Cologn, Maximilian Henry, had transferred his Canonship of Munster upon M. Ern● Leopold de Bockenford, the Baron of Neselr● his, upon M. Armand Theodore de Bockenford and the Baron de Lebradt his, upon M. Willia● de Ween, whose Plenipotentiaries appeared 〈◊〉 Munster in the Month of June, and there demanded, that after the usual examination 〈◊〉 their Nobility, their Master's Escutcheon mig● be publicly hung up in the Chapter house. Th● two first were refused, as not having right 〈◊〉 admission into the Chapter. The first because the Translation was made from one kins● to another, contrary to the Edict of Pope Pi● the V The second, because it was adjudge that the Letter of Transportation was defective. However the first was admitted; perhaps because they durst not offend an Elect● and an Archbishop.  
Armand Theodore de Bockenford, and Hen● William de Wend, protested three days after against the resolution of the Chapter; and persisted for hanging up the Escutcheons. T● Dean thereupon, a second time, consulted th● opinion of the Chapter, laid before them th● inequality of the voices, to which he added his own, and pronounced Sentence, that the Escutcheons should be hung up, though the rest that opposed it had at least as many voices as the Dean, according to the Episcopal Narrative.  
These so ordered it, that not only the Escutcheons were not hung up, but also took away the Deans vote, that theirs might be the more effectual. And for so doing, they urged, That they had permitted him to be Dean for so many years upon sufferance, whereas he was no Priest, which the Dean ought to be, and that notwithstanding, that by virtue of that obstacle, he was to have no voice in the Chapter, according to the Canon Law, yet he had always given his voice in all things. But now they from whom he had taken the plurality of voices, by his second vote, being no longer satisfied, had taken from him the privilege of voting, till he had showed the Bishop his admission into the Order of Priesthood. Beside that they had sufficient to object against the Translation of the Arch-Bishops Canonship upon Ernest Leopold de Bockenford, and therefore they publicly protested as well against his reception, as against the hanging up of his Escutcheon; though it had been before unanimously consented to, because, at that time, there was no obstacle to the contrary.  
Others relate this affair quite after another manner than the Episcopal Narrative. That is to say, that the Bishop would not have the three new Canons received by those whom he had packed, because they should not act against them in the business of their Escutcheons. And that they had excluded the Dean, because they knew he would not be a party in their Cabals. That for the same reason also he was to lay aside others, of whom he had hitherto taken no notice, notwithstanding that their sentiments and actions were then as well known as now. That they themselves who now refused the Dea● and the other persons, had a hundred times solicited them for their voices upon other occasions, and without any opposition, had acknowledged them for lawful. That the Bishop by this and his consequent Actions would bring it to pass, that those who did not exactly approve his designs, should oppose him on purpose, that he might thereby take an occasion wholly to exclude them.  
Seeing then that the Members of the Chapter (that is to say, they who had excluded the said persons) were jealous lest the Dean, as also the Vicar Baron of Bucholtz should find a way to make any farther interruption, either by giving their voices illegally or by any other means, they requested his Highness to stand by the resolutions which he had taken, by all manner of expedient means, and to forbid the Dean upon a penalty to give his voice any more; that the errors already committed might not spread themselves any farther. Now because the Bishop could not refuse this request, as well for that the fact was apparent, as also that he might not seem to neglect Justice and the Holy Canons, he commanded the Dean in writing, to forbear giving his voice in the Chapter, till he had made himself out to be a Priest. This same Dean was M. Jodocus Etman de Brabeck, whom the Bishop had formerly employed to the State's General to demand the Signiory of Borculo, and upon several other Affairs. Besides that, he excused the Dean from his Employment, as being accused by a part of the Members of the Chapter, for having acted against some Ecclesiastical Laws in the Translation of prebend's, etc. Which suspension should continue, till such time as he had the Pope's Absolution. This he caused to be published by his Commissaries in the usual place.  
In the mean time the Ecclesiastic Fiscal had made an exact search into the lives and conversations of those Gentlemen who had voices in the Chapter, knowing that the Sacred Canons excluded all from the Election who were punishable. And thereupon, a certain Ecclesiastical Person was accused before his Highness, for having publicly kept a Concubine four and twenty years, and for having to do with several other women, to the great scandal of the Clergy and people; Besides that in the Administration of the Arch-Deaconry, he had assumed to himself a greater Authority than the Pope, dispensing, with an unsufferable arrogance, with several Marriages in the first and second degree, and commanding the Priests to finish those Marriages which he had concluded Lawful. Which things being known and not punished by the Dean, therefore they desired, that for his negligence he might be suspended from his Employment.  
The Bishop presently consented, and caused publication thereof to be made in the usual place. The same misfortune befell two others. 'tis true they Appealed; but their Appeals were rejected.  
Upon the 16. of June, being the same day that the Bishop was to attend the Funerals of the preceding Bishops of Munster, by eight of the Clock in the Morning came a Public Notary to him as he was just entered into the Church in his Epicopal Habit, and ready to be attended up to the Choir by the body of the Clergy, and put into his hand a writing from the Dean, to let him know, that though neither in pursuance of his Oath, nor by virtue of any agreement, he was obliged to take upon him the Order of Priesthood, of which there were several Precedents to be produced, not only in the Diocese of Munster, but in several other places; nevertheless that he had received the Order of Deacon the second of July, and the Sunday following the Order of Priesthood; and consequently before the publication of the Decree by which his vote was taken from him, because he was no Priest; and this was confirmed by the Copies of two writings annexed.  
The Bishop took them without any appearance of being displeased at the importunity of the Notary. But he remembered him for all that the same day, to the end he might take it for a warning not to be sawey another time; telling him withal that he should produce the Originals, because the Copies were not sufficient. Two days after the Notary came more confidently than before with his witnesses, and by an unusual way getting into the Antichamber, showed himself to the Bishop, than just Habited in all his Formalities, and ready to go to hear Divine Service, accompanied with his Chaplains, Canons and Courtiers. He was so offended, that he gave the Notary a bloody rebuke, commanding him from thence forward, not to come any more without leave before Persons of his Quality; or if he had any thing to show him, to give it to his Vicar General. The Notary obeyed, and gave the Originals to the Vicar General, to prove that the Dean was both Deacon and Priest. But the Bishop still found out something or other to cavil at. As that it was done by another Bishop, out of season, without any necessity, etc. Beside that, he commanded him to prove that he had observed all those things which the Church of Rome enjoins upon the like occasions. Thus the Episcopal Narration. Others go further, accusing the Bishop not to have done well by the Dean and other persons, and that by these delays, and denials to hear their justification, he only kept them in suspense, till the Election were passed, according to his desire.  
We have told you, that the day of Election, was by one part of the Members appointed to be the 19 of July. The 18. was the Feast of St. Maximus the Martyr; whose Relics had been brought six years before into this City with a great deal of Ceremony, as being given by the Pope to the Bishop, and were showed in the Cathedral, where they were put for the defence of the Diocese, in the place of those Relics which the Anabaptists had burnt a hundred years before. But it is observable, that the Feast of the Relics was kept a day before the Feast of St. Maximus. The second day, the Bishop would needs go to Church, with all his Episcopal Ornaments. But because the day before, contrary to the opinion of all men, there was but a small appearance of Canons to wait on his Highness to the Choir, he was apprehensive that the same thing would happen at this great Ceremony, to his shame and the scandal of the people, who were wont to flock to that Procession. And of this he was the more jealous, because contrary to his Orders, they had decreed a meeting of the Chapter upon the Festival-day, at a time when they should be at Divine Service, and without any necessity.  
So then when he thought that the Canons were assembled in the Choir, he sent his Lackey to let them know, that he intended to come to Church. But contrary to his Orders, they were got before into the Chapter House to debate about the admission of the three new Canons. Thereupon the Lackey went to the oldest Beadle, to tell the Canons that the Bishop was prepairing to come to Church. But though he were come very near it with all his Court, there was not one that stirred forth to meet him. Thereupon the Beadle was sent a second time to tell them the Bishop was at hand. A great part of the Chapter upon that seemed willing to rise, but the Deans party overpersuaded them not to stir, desiring not only the admission of the three new Canons, but also of another young Canon, whom they had sent for with a French precipitation.  
In the mean while the Bishop stayed at the Church door, to be conducted by the Canons through the body of the Church to the Choir, and to receive the Holy-water Pot from the chiefest of the train, but all to no purpose; not a man stirred, but only one, who told the Bishop that the greatest part were ready to obey him; but that the rest would not consent. For this cause he made a protest, by his First Chaplain, and Apostolic Notary upon the contempt which they had put upon him in the Face of the whole world; and withal sent word to the Canons of the Chapter to come forth and do their duties, by giving him those honours and respects which were due to him, being at the Church-door and in his Episcopal Robes; or else that he would pronounce sentence of suspension against them all for their disobedience. Upon which they put it to the vote, and the major part carried it, that they should obey, and break up the Chapter for that day. Though others were of opininion that they could not be constrained by threats to attend upon the Bishop as he commanded them: but that it was at the good will and pleasure of every one; and that therefore the Assembly should not dissolve. Now when the Bishop had stayed a long time in vain, he was fain to march by himself through the body of the Church, to the Choir, madded at the very heart, and not a little to the astonishment of the rest of the Clergy, Magistrates and people. After the offering of the Sacrament, he assisted at the Caonnical Prayers for the Vicars and Canons and after that, at the great Service of St. Maximus the Martyr. In all which time not one person appeared, to the great scorn of his Highness, and scandal of the Clergy, till at length the Chapter breaking up, the Canons came an hour after and seated themselves by the Bishop who had performed Divine Service alone by himself.  
The Bishop was deeply concerned at this affront; and therefore he thought it absolutely necessary to make an example of some, to the end he might reduce the rest to submission and obedience. And therefore by virtue of his Episcopal Authority he discharged four of the Members of the Chapter, till they should make submission by a public satisfaction and recantation. This he gave them to understand by the Pope's Notary, before the Charge of the Holy Ghost. Among the four, three were Arch-Deacons, and of them one was the Bishop's Chaplain. That very day had been appointed for the Election of a Coadjutor, and therefore the Charge of the Holy Ghost was to be celebrated in all the Churches. The Bishop also resolved to assist at that Mass, of which he gave the Canon's notice, who were met at six of the Clock in the morning; at what time one of the Canons showed four Copies of the Metropolitan, in favour of the three new Canons, which could not be admitted, as also of the other three whom the Bishop had punished with suspension: signed the sixteenth of July.  
One part of the Chapter which they say was the least, desired that the Copies might be read, and that they should be submitted to before they saw the Originals. But the major part were of opinion that they ought to receive the Copies, as coming from the Metropolitan, with all respect, but that they should forbear to read them, because they had had a second notice that the Bishop stayed for them at the Church door. Thereupon the most part went to meet the Bishop; Others protested against them, as if they had refused to read the Metropolitans Letters, and submit to them; and stayed in the Chapter House.  
The Bishop offended at their obstinacy, and their refusal to give him the honour which was due to him, commanded them by a Notary to attend in the Choir upon pain of suspension, but though he sent a second time, they took no notice of it. After Service was ended, the major part again returned to the Chapter. Whereupon the Vicar, Lord of Bucholts, caused a Protestation to be openly read by the Secretary; and afterwards made another Protest by word of mouth against violence and oppression; adding also that he made his Appeal; which being entered, he presently withdrew out of the Chapter, being followed by ten other Canons.  
The Bishop's party made a Counter Protest. After that the Metropolitans Letters were read; but because it was not mentioned whence they were written, they were somewhat suspected. Thereupon they also Protested against the Letters, and Appealed. In the mean time, the Bishop sent to the Chapter, to tell them, that he had pardoned the four which he had Suspended, and that therefore they had their liberty to take their places in the Chapter, and to give their votes truly at the Election, as well as the rest. 'Tis thought that he had brought to his bow those whom he had Suspended; lest otherwise, the choice, made by an Assembly not complete, might be taken for illegal and of no force. Or, according to the opinion of others; because he thought them to be so highly offended, both they and their Favourites, that they would scorn to accept of so small a favour, and that therefore he should thereby have a good occasion of an excuse for excluding his opposers, as being their fault. And indeed instead of appearing, they declared publicly that they could not be present at the Election, nor consent to it because of their suspension; as also for that the Metropolitans Orders were not obeyed, and that they had begun the Election already.  
Answer was made to this Protest, That there was no person hindered or excluded out of the Chapter. That the suspension, of which themselves were the cause, was taken off, so far as concerned the Election. That the Metropolitans Originals had never been seen; That the Election was not concluded, and therefore they had still their votes, and Liberty to speak freely.  
Now after they had expected two hours the return of those that were sent, there was but one of the whole number that returned to give their votes. And therefore those that were present proceeded to the Election, and chose for Coadjutor and Successor to the Bishopric of Munster, Ferdinand Bishop of Paderborn, Prince of the Holy Empire, Count of Pyrmont, Canon of the Chapter of this Province: who notwithstanding he was in possession of the Bishopric of Paderborn, yet might be Elected Coadjutor and Successor to the Bishop of Munster by virtue of an Indulgence from the Pope, which was shown. But some concluded from hence, because they had seen the Indulgence before, that the Bishop had laid his Plot with the Pope before hand, and then with the Canons of his Faction.  
We have handled this matter the more largely, to let the Reader see that as our Christopher Sernard was advanced to the Episcopal Chair, by the quarrels and dissensions of the Chapter, it was in the same manner that he chose to himself a Coadjutor and Successor to his Bishopric. But trouble and turmoil haunted his unquiet and restless spirit as the shadow follows the substance.  
In the Year 1668. the King of France had again invaded the Low-Countries, under the Jurisdiction of the Spaniards, taking Cities one after another; and for that reason the State's General thought it necessary to arm themselves for War, as well for their own preservation and security, as to put themselves into a condition that might render them able to procure Peace between the two Nations. To this end they treated with Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh for a supply of 600 Horse, and 3600 Foot. This small Army had no way to get into the Low-Countries, but with great loss of time and many inconveniences. And therefore the States sent the Sieur De Amerongen to the Bishop to acquaint him with this affair, and to desire him, that those Forces might march the nearest way through his Territories, promising that his Subjects should not receive the least detriment thereby. The Envoy also from the Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh made him the same request.  
The Bishop's answer was, that in August last passed, he had entered into an Obligation with the Electors of Mayence, Cologn, and the Duke of Nieuburgh, not to assist either of the two parties, as also not to permit the march of any Troops through his Territories, and that therefore he could not consent to their request, till he had sent notice thereof to his Allies before hand, to know their minds; to whom he also offered to send an express for that purpose. The Sieur De Amerongen remonstrated to him, that this permission of passage did not enterfere with any thing that he had concluded with those Princes; because the State, had not raised those Troops, but to be capable to make War, with an intention to procure Peace, and that they had not the least design to make use of these Forces against either of the two parties, unless constrained by utmost necessity. But all those persuasions wrought nothing upon him: He spoke fair enough, but he persevered in his first answer, though by the first Article of the Treaty which he had made with the States, he were obliged to permit their Soldiers free passage through his Country.  
At last upon the urgent importunity of the Sieur De Amerongen, he told him, seeing that the Peace was already concluded between France and Spain at Aix La Chapelle, that he thought he might give Liberty, at least he would not impede the march of the said Troops of the Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh through his Country, provided they did no wrong to his Subjects, but paid for what they had; which was promised him. At this Conference the Bishop twice assured the Ambassador with great asseverations, of his good intentions to the States, and that he had resolved to live by them in a good correspondence and as a friendly Neighbour.  
In the mean time he had violated the Treaty which he had concluded with the States, as having already made considerable Levies. To one Footman he gave eight, sometimes ten Crowns; and all the world knew, that it was not out of own pocket; so that when they added to this his so long time refusing the free passage of their Soldiers, they could not but of necessity suspect him. And indeed the plot that lay concealed under these probabilities appeared afterwards. He was in truth Allied to France, and made his Levies with that King's money, to Attack the United Provinces. Certain Counsellors also of that Bishop had already written into Holland, before that Monsieur De Amerongen was arrived in the Territories of Munster, that it would be a difficult thing for him to obtain Liberty for the State's Soldiers to pass that way. Nor would he have ever consented, had not the King of France, overawed by the Triple Alliance, made a Peace with Spain. For though the Bishop made use of the foresaid excuse, he had secretly sent to the King of France to know how he should behave himself upon such a ticklish point, and had obtained the Kings, before he gave his own consent.  
By this Peace the Bishop was no longer in a condition to assist France, nor to execute the designs which he had projected against the Low-Countries.  
Now though that in the Treaty of Peace with the State's General he had quitted all his pretensions to the Signiory of Borculo; yet it was always his eager desire to have that Territory united to the Bishopric of Munster. And as an argument for it, the Munsterians  discoursed, that their Bishopric was the only Bulwark against any Enemy that had an intention to invade the Provinces of Gelder's, Friesland, Groningen and Embden; so if the Estates, would but keep a good Correspondence with the Bishop, those Provinces need to stand in fear of nothing. And therefore it would well be worth their while to quit that stumbling block, and surrender Borculo to the Bishop. But because he well knew that he should never obtain it by specious pretences, he still made it his business to lay hold upon all opportunities to get that Signiory into his clutches by force; and as much more as he could. But the Peace had put a conclusion to that affair: however that he might not be idle, he occasioned new Trouble in Westphalia.  
The Count of Benthem had renounced the Reformed Religion and had made public profession of the Catholic in the City of Coesvelt. O this, people discoursed variously, as their affections lead them; some thought that the Coun● finding his affection grown cool for his 〈◊〉 Wife, was desirous to Marry another, and t● put the children which he had by the first into▪ Religious House. But there was no probability of his doing this, so long as he professed the Reform Religion. But being turned Papist, the● was a likelihood that the Pope would easi● permit him, who dispenses with many things more heinous than that.  
Others think that he was persuaded there 〈◊〉 by the Bishop of Munster, desirous to prejudi● the Low-Countries by the loss of so eminent● person as the Count  
However it were, so soon as the Count had changed his Religion, the Bishop began to concern himself in his affairs. Presently, with a party of Horse and Foot, and fourteen pieces of Canon, accompanied with the Count of Benthem he claps down before the Castle of Benthem, believing that the Countess, who was within it, would stand upon her defence; by reason that the place being built upon a Rock, is so well Fortified by its situation, that it is impregnable, and can only suffer by fire. But the Countess, having sent her four, others say six children to the Hague, sent her Husband the Keys of the Castle, into which the Bishop and the Count entered both together.  
The Sunday following the Bells rung to Sermon as formerly; and the Gentlemen and servants belonging to the Count, with other people assembled to Church, as they were wont to do. But when the Minister came to perform his duty, they would not let him come in, telling him that he had nothing now to do there. This very much surprised those of the Reformed Religion, but there was no remedy but patience. Immediately after that, the Fort was surrendered into the Bishop's hands to be kept by his Soldiers under the command of a Major, The Catholic Religion was introduced and exercised therein, and the Jesuits had an allowance of Lands and Goods bestowed upon them to build a College there. The Countess was carried to Munster, and lodged in the House of the Sieur Romer, a Burgomaster of the Town. From thence she wrote a Letter to some of her intimate Friends, assuring them that her trust was only in God, and that for all the world she would not alter her Religion.  
In the mean time the Bishop of Munster told some of his Friends, that he wished with all hi● heart, and that he would give some thousands that the States of the United Provinces woul● concern themselves in this business, that h● might but have an opportunity to march against them.  
Nevertheless he sent to the States to assu● them he had no ill intentions: and that he woul● live by them like a Friendly Neighbour. That h● had done no injury to the Reformed Religion in regard it was freely allowed in the Town● Benthem. But when they demanded of him t● have this promise put in writing, he refused i● The Town of Steinfort, wherein the Count w● lately deceased, was kept by his Garrisons, und● pretence that it was a Fief of his Diocese. Nevertheless he let alone the nether County of Benthem, and also Schuttorp and Nyenbuys bein● a Fief belonging to the Province of Over Yssel.  
Certain it is that the Bishop had had a pique at the Count of Benthem for many years, an● in the end you find how he brought his designs about. He writes a Letter to the State's General upon this Subject, signed at Hostmer the 14. of September, 1668. that the Soldiers who had been before the Fortress of Benthem, were absolutely free from the Oaths of Fidelity which they had sworn to him, and Cashiered out of his service; and that presently after they had given their Oaths to his Imperial Majesty, to the Holy Empire, to the Circle of Westphalia, and the Holy County of Benthem; which was testified by the Count himself in a Letter dated from the Castle the 28. of August; and yet the Bishop in the same Letter, immediately after the words already recited, says, We must confess that we did assist the said Holy Count, for the security of his Castle and Person.  
Thus hitherto the Flames of War between the States of the United Provinces seemed to be in some measure extinguished; and yet upon every slight occasion you might perceive that the Embers were but covered up, to kindle the materials of a new fire. This same Prince, altogether given to quarrel, never desisted from making his Levies, either privately or publicly; which gave the State's General sufficient occasion, and that not without reason, to be jealous of his proceed. For they knew him too well, to be deluded by his fair words. In the Year 1669. he augmented his Levies to a very considerable number. Yet no person could dive into his intentions. He assembled the States of his Diocese: and though by his last Wars they were very much impoverished, for he not only shore his Sheep, but flayed off their skins, he demanded of them a considerable sum of money; that is to say, that they should furnish him between the Feast of the Purification and Easter, with a hundred seventy five thousand Crowns, and as much more between Easter and Michaelmass.  
The Estates would by no means agree to this, because the Bishop had not dismissed certain Troops of Horse, and several Reformado Officers, without which being done, they would not break up their Assembly; for they were certainly assured that he was meditating some unnecessary War. The Bishop to inveigle them, and the better to obtain his ends, dismissed the Lieutenant General of his Artillery, a Major General, three Captains, six Lieutenants, and four Ensigns: but the deceit of his heart was quickly discovered, by his soon after Listing these very Cashiered Officers again into his service. And besides this, he kept an exact correspondence at Paris; the French money was also very plentiful at Munster; which bred no small mistrust among his Neighbours.  
In the midst of these Transactions, the City of Hamborough began to taste of his turbulent spirit. Some persons had persuaded him, that they could find a quicker passage for the Post-Letters that passed and repassed through his Countries, if they might be furnished at Haerburgh and not at Hamburgh. The Bishop very inclinable to lay hold of this opportunity, ordered that all Letters and Pacquets directed into Holland should be sent back; and stopped up the Post-Road. This caused the Magistrates of Hamburgh to fix upon their Posts, that no person should send any Letters to the Low Countries, but by the Post-Masters of their City, and because the Bishop would admit no Posts but his own to pass through his Territories, and still raised great Forces besides, publicly giving out that no person should prescribe him Laws in his own Country, there was some apprehension that this affair, first stirred by the Trouble-world of Munster, would come to the decision of dry blows; the rather because the Dukes of Brunswick were also concerned.  
At that time the State's General began to mistrust the King of France, fearing that he would one day invade their Dominions, because that by their good management, they had prevented him from making himself Master of all the Low-Countries, knowing he had no kindness for them ever since. As for the Bishop, too many things were variously reported of him every day, that no body knew what to believe. Fear and terror so possessed the Country of Gelder's, that many people retired into the strong Holds of Doesburgh and Arnheim; which caused the like consternation in all places through which they passed, though there were nothing certainly known which way the Episcopal Troops intended their march. The Inhabitants of Grol were no less in fear, because that some of the Bishop● Troops were seen roving about the Country every day: but their dread increased upon the report that the Bishop's design was upon Borculo, Hoogheim, Holten or some other place.  
The same thing was reported of Groningen● but without any certainty. It was also said that some other Germane Princes were in Confederacy with the Bishop, and that when thei● forces were joined, they would make up a ve● puissant and numerous Army; but that fear ha● no foundation at that time, in regard things were not yet ripe for action. In the Year 1670 he picked a new quarrel with Duke Radolph Augustus of Brunswick Wolfenbuttel, about th● City of Hoxter, six Leagues a this side Casse● Ever since Martin Luther's time, and the Wa● of Smalcald, there had been great contesting abou● this place between the Duke of Brnnswick, Lunenburgh, and the Abbot of Corvay, to whom this City belongs with five or six Villages, the yearly Revenue whereof amounted to 5000 Crowns. But at last this affair was determined, and the agreement approved at a Diet of the Empire.  
Thus it remained till the death of the last Abbot, after whose decease, the Monks of that fair Abbey had chosen the Bishop of Munster to to supply his place, though not by a unanimous consent. And now was it possible that he, who was so little a lover of Peace, should let such an opportunity as this fall asleep? There were at Hoxter two Protestant Churches, of which there was no use made; and therefore he wrote to the Duke of Brunswick, Lunenburgh, to request one of them for the Roman Catholics. But the Duke, as Protector of the City, made him answer, that he would never consent that the Privileges of the Cities should be taken from them, but that he would preserve them, according to the  agreement, and the Peace made in the Year, 1649. And thus the business rested till some differences arose about the privileges of Brewing; So that the Duke for the preservation of a Protestant City, was forced to send some Companies both of Horse and Foot to Guard it.  
The Bishop of Munster was highly offended at the placing of this Garrison in the Town, and as he was one that sought all occasions of contention and War, he thought he had now found a smart opportunity. To this purpose he wrote immediately to all the Electors and Catholic Princes, except the Duke of Nieuburgh, complaining of the injury done him, and exclaiming against the Duke of Brunswick, as a disturber of the Peace, who supported his Rebel Subjects against him that was their lawful Sovereign, and hindered the exercise of his Authority in his own Territories: desiring therefore the Catholic Princes to send him their assistance for the recovery of his right, and for the reparation of the damage and shame which he had undergone.  
Besides all this, he published a Manifesto▪ wherein he endeavoured to justify his pretences, laying all the wrong upon the Duke, making use of very sharp expressions, and laying aside all thoughts of composure and accommodation, saying that he was resolved to prosecute such a disturber of Christendom.  
The said Duke having read the Letter, published a Counter Manifesto, wherein he declared that the Bishop had not touched at all upon the most considerable matter; and that he founded his right upon an ill grounded process touching the Brewing of Hoxter. The Princes of the Circle of Lower Saxony, nay the King of Sweden himself had written to the Bishop, advizing him to forbear such oppressions, and to leave the City the full enjoyment of their Privileges: the same thing did the Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh▪ But the more they requested Lenity, the more rigorous and tyrannical was he: so that the poor people were almost ruined. He had taken from the Council of the City, their Judicial power in Civils; so that they only retained the shadow of a Magistracy without any Authority, and all this under pretence of their having Mortgaged their Jurisdiction; which was false. Or granting that were true, yet could not he be Judge in his own cause, nor assume to himself all the Jurisdiction as a Judge; much less to Levy such unheard of and cruel Executions, which had hardly left one Beast upon the Lands belonging to the City. Nay the Execution Cart had been in every Street in Hoxter, where the Bishop's Officers took away their very Victuals, Bread, Meat, Bacon, their Linen and Beds from under them, etc. The Officers of the Council of Hoxter were also imprisoned for executing the Commands of the said Council, and new Prisons were made to shut up the Burgesses of Hoxter themselves, as fast as they could catch them.  
Now by the Peace of Munster and Osnaburgh in the Year 1649. the privilege of the Brewing was particularly confirmed to the Town according to its Ancient Rights. Though afterwards they were somewhat disturbed in the enjoyment of their Grant, because they would not suffer their Beer to be sold by the Province of Corvay, which they had always wont to do formerly. On the other side the Bishop had permitted the Secretary of Corvay, called Maule, who was neither Brewer nor Citizen to exercise the Trade of Brewing in the City, whereby the Citizens were deprived of their Livelyhoods, contrary to the express engagement made by those of Corvay in the Year 1656. and 1649.  
Four or five Citizens refusing to obey the privileges of the Magistrates in the matter of Brewing, opposed themselves against the Magistrate, broke into the Town House, and would have killed the Syndick, if the other Burgesses had not prevented them. Beside that they made their complaints to the Regent's of Corvay, where the Bishop's Counsellors heard them very kindly, protected them, and encouraged them to farther mischief against the Syndick and others. The Council and Burgesses of the City perceiving what the others drove at, publicly protested against their Illegal Actions, by a Notary and two Witnesses. Moreover the Burgomasters and Council of the City wrote to the Bishop of Munster, humbly laying before him the Illegal proceed of the Regent's of Corvay, requesting him with all submission to provide a remedy against them. Which evidently shows, that the Citizens of Hoxter had no design to withdraw their obedience from their Sovereign, but only to remedy disorders by way of Justice. Besides that, it was a dispute between Citizens and Citizens; and therefore to be decided by the Council of the City.  
But at length, after the Inhabitants of Corvay were resolved to proceed to execution, and had taken away the Citizens , they began to put themselves into a posture of Defence, finding also the Country people in Corvay in Arms; so that they were afraid of being surprised, the Gates and Walls of their City being almost ruined. 'tis true, the Bishop vaunted in his Manifesto, that he had used the City of Hoxter very kindly; and that he had exacted nothing from them for the support of the common exigencies. They answered, that the world might judge by his actions of the favours he had done them, and that therefore his asseveration was not true. For so soon as he was entered upon the Regency, he had laid new Impositions upon , which nevery an Abbot before had done. Moreover when the Infantry and Cavalry of Munster returned from the War of Hungary, the City of Hoxter had quartered them all, without the least Contribution of the Province. They had always paid the Taxes of the Empire and Circle. He had demanded a thousand Crowns of them for his Wars against the Turks. He required them to pay their share in the Tax upon the whole Province, though he had taken from them their Brewing Trade and removed it into the Country, quite contrary to the old agreements between the Province and the City; and instead of redressing, he had rejected their complaints, and more and more oppressed them.  
Therefore they made it out by the Peace of Munster, that the City might put itself into a Posture of Defence against all Oppression, by the words of the Article, which says, That if by neither of these two ways, (that is Composure, or Law) the matter could be determined in three years, They who are interested in the instrument of Peace, shall Unite their Forces, take Arms, and withstand the oppressor. By which it appeared, that it was lawful for the Duke of Brunswick to assist the Citizens, and the rather because he was their Protector, and for that he had no other aim than to defend the privileges of the City, and to guard them from oppression. The Bishop indeed had declared that it was not for Subjects to seek for protection without the consent of their Sovereign. But to that they answered by the express words of the Imperial Agreement in the Year 1555. Provided that this shall be no pretence to hinder them, who have been long in possession, from putting themselves under protection.  
The Bishop had also declared that the Protection of the City of Hoxter did not belong to the Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh; But that was made out to the contrary by the Letters of Protection of Otho and Magnus Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh in the Year 1332. by the Testimony of Timon, Abbot of Corvay; as also by several examples in the Years 1416. 1434. 1450. 1500. 1517. 1553. 1633. etc.  
To which they added what was expressly concluded in the accord between the City and the Province. That no Abbot shall be admitted to the Regency, unless he shall engage and subscribe beforehand to observe the agreements made with the City, and to maintain the Rights and Privileges thereof, which was done by the Bishop of Munster as Administrator of Corvay: and consequently they had never sworn fealty to him.  
It was concluded therefore, because the Regent of the Province of Corvay had robbed the Citizens of almost all their , to the number of above 450 head of Cows and Oxen, besides Horses: because he had Armed the Country people; because he had so many ways Tyrannically oppressed the City, and for that the City had earnestly desired his protection, that therefore the said Duke could not but put a Garrison into the City. Which he did not do till he had demanded of the Regent's of Corvay restitution of the , offering sufficient caution withal, that they should have what they required, in case the City were found to be in the fault. To which they gave no other reply, but only that the affair concerned him not at all, but only the Bishop of Munster.  
All this while the Bishop of Osnaburgh meddled on neither side, only offered his service toward an accommodation, testifying by his Envoy how much he was troubled to hear these disputes. One would have thought the Bishop should have thanked him for his hind proposal; but the Munsterian took it so ill, that he held him for his Enemy, and threatened him with open War, if he would not promise not to molest him in the retaking of Hoxter.  
As to the complaints of the City of Hoxter put up to the Diet of Regensburgh, against the Bishop of Munster, they were five in number, concerning Ecclesiastical matters, and thirty two as to Civil affairs. That contrary to the Peace in the Year 1649. by which the City was repossessed of all their Prerogatives both Spiritual and Secular, he had introduced the exercise of the Roman Catholic Religion, and had by violence taken away from the Protestants the Church of St. Nicolas, and given it to the Franciscans. That he had erected a Tribunal of Spiritual Catholic Justice, as he called it, wherein he exacted Fines, and punished those who had been already punished by the Council of the City. That he cited before his Tribunal the Citizens, Counsellors and Ministers of the Protestant Religion, and condemned them in great Fines; which if they refused to pay, his Officers seized upon their Houses. That he constrained the Council under severe penalties to elect Popish Burgomasters. When they made Holiday for the Festival of St. Vit, at Corvay, he caused all the Country people of the upper Villages of the Province with their wives, children and servants, to march through the City Drumming and Singing and carrying about their Images and Baubles, to the great scandal of the Protestants. If it chanced that this Feast of St. Vit happened upon an Easter-day, he suffered the same rabble to come to the Protestant Church-door and there to make such a disturbance that the Minister was forced to leave his Pulpit.  
In Civils, he had acted directly against the said Peace. He had taken from the Magistrate all their Authority as well in Civils as Criminals which they had enjoyed for many Ages. If the Burgomasters and Counsellors offered to punish any Malefactor according to their duty, he laid severe Fines upon them, and levied them upon their Goods both within and without doors. He laid an execution upon Burgomaster Wildenborer, because he had stood up for the privileges of the City, above sixteen Years before, in the time of the deceased Abbot. He had taken from them their Right of Brewing, by which it was granted, that all the Beer, bought in the Town should be bought of the Citizens only. He had refused them their ancient right of Imposts. That he had constrained the ruin'd Citizens to quarter three whole Regiments of Horse and Foot, and to provide them Fire, Salt, Meal, etc. with several other oppressions and breaches of their privileges too long to recite.  
In the mean while Colonel Bentink arrived at the Hague in the month of November, 1670. to acquaint the State's General of the cause of the Levies made by the Bishop of Munster, that is to say, to punish the obstinacy of the City of Hoxter in the Province of Corvay: adding withal that his Master, notwithstanding all the reports to the contrary, had no other intention toward the States, than to be their good Neighbour and Friend, his design being only to maintain his own rights against the Dukes of Brunswick Wolfenbuttel and Lunenburgh. After that, he departed from the Hague for Amsterdam and Vtrecht to buy Arms for his Master. But the States of the latter Province understanding his Errand, wrote immediately to the State's General, desiring that the River Yssel might be carefully guarded, more especially that the Garrison of Doesburgh might be reinforced; because the Bishop of Munster had quartered several of his Soldiers about Brevoort, which City was in the Road to the Low-Countries, and not to Hoxter. Thereupon it was resolved that the Citie● of Gelder's, Zutphen, Trise, Overyssel, and Groningen should be strengthened with an addition of 4000 Horse. In a short while after the Bishop sent a Letter, by a Trumpeter, to the State's General, wherein he wished them all prosperity for the ensuing year, offering to send them some of his men, so soon as the differences between him and the Dukes should be composed, in regard that the States had been so kind as to offer their mediation in the quarrel.  
In the mean time the King of France made great Levies both Horse and Foot. Insomuch that the Spaniards were afraid that he would Quarter his Soldiers upon them; but the King of France assured them of his sincere intentions to the Queen of Spain. However the States of the United Provinces knew not what to think. For the King bent his course toward the Conquered Cities of Flanders; in May he arrived at Tournay; and in June, he turned again toward France. At last all the world perceived that he had make all his Warlike preparations against the Dukedom of Lorraine; for in a short time he made himself Master of all that Country. Nevertheless he ceased not to raise new Forces continually, and at the same time he made ready a certain number of Men of War. He was wonderfully offended at the Prohibition against the importing of Wine and Brandy into the Low-Countries, though all the world perceived that he intended little good to the Dutch. In opposition to this Placaert, he forbidden his own subjects to lad any Strongwater or Brandy in Dutch Vessels. He also laid an Imposition of twenty four Livres Paris, upon every eight Tuns of Salt Herrings coming from Holland, which afterwards he augmented to thirty two Livers, and three months after to forty. He laid thirty per cent. upon all sorts of Spices, beside the former Impositions.  
In April 1671. by the singular diligence of the Mediators, George William, and John Frederick Dukes of Brunswick and Lunenburgh, the King of France, the Arch-Bishops of Mayence and Cologn, an agreement was concluded between Duke Radolph Augustus and the Bishop of Munster upon the following conditions. That the Duke of Lunenburgh should quit Hoxter to the Bishop. The Bishop promised for his part not to injure the City, nor the privileges belonging to it, by the Ancient Constitutions and the Peace of Munster and Osnaburgh; That the Citizens might make their complaints where it was proper; or else to the Bishop himself, who promised to hear their complaints by indifferent Judges. In case the Citizens found themselves aggrieved by the sentence, they might Appeal to another Judge, etc. Thus he promised much but did nothing.  
It was accorded by this provisional agreemeent, that the Bishop's Garrison, which he should put into this City, should not consist of above sixty or seventy men at most. But the Lunenburghers had no sooner quitted the City but he sent thither above 250 persons, their Wives and Children being comprehended in the number. Which caused an immediate grudge because they were a great charge to the City.  
The Citizens cried out, that they had capitulated only for a Garrison of sixty or seventy men, and not for their Wive. and Children: whereby they saw that the Bishop sought all the ways he could to ruin a Protestant Town: the Soldiers being allowed to commit great disorders; beating the Burgesses, and spoiling their goods, whereas the Lunenburghers paid to a farthing for what they called for.  
And now it appeared every day more and more, that the Bishop was hatching new mischief against the States, which was verily thought, could not be long concealed. Prince Maurice of Nassaw, being then at the City of Wesel wrote to the States, that about 800 of the Bishop's Horse were come to Quarter in the Village of Dingen, which belonged indeed to the Territory of Munster, but was not above a League and a half distant from the City of Wesel; and that for that reason he had taken orders for the defence of that City. At the same time news was brought of a Shepherd that had been taken sounding the depth of the Moats about the City of Wesel.  
In the mean while the Bishop had convened the States of Munster, who had promised him 100000 Crowns, to be paid at four payments by equal Portions in four months. About the same time also several Officers flocked to him, most of which he took into his Service, and gave them Commissions to raise men in his name.  
This excessive Levying of men not only disturbed the State's General, but also all the Bishop's Neighbours: and the report went, that Cologn should be first attacked, our Bishop having an Army of above 32000 men. Besides he had caused 600 Chests to be made of Fir Wood, filled with the Bulrushes, every Chest six foot square, and to be fastened together with Iron Hooks; so that in a little time he could make a Bridge over any River, though never so wide. But while he laboured to inflame his Neighbour's Territories with the fire of War, a fire of another nature seized upon the City of Munster itself, to its considerable damage. This fire began, in April, at a certain Covent in the City, which it not only burnt down, but also consumed to ashes about three hundred sixty Houses more.  
In Autumn, the same year, the King of France sent a large sum of money into Germany, of which the Bishop had his share. And now the State's General thought it time to look about them. England still stuck upon their skirts; and therefore they resolved at length to raise a numerous Army, and fortify their Strong Holds. But these Resolutions of theirs could not well be put in execution, because they could not agree in the Election of their Captain General. For some of the Provinces stood for the Prince of Orange, but others would by no means consent to that Election.  
In the Year 1672. the designs of the State began to manifest themselves more clearly. And yet the Bishop of Munster who well knew to whom he had sold himself, was so confident as publicly to assure the Sieur D'Amerongen of his intentions inviolably to observe the Treaty last concluded between him and the States▪ but however he could not in civility deny a free passage to the Forces of his Allies. For all th● while he suffered the French to crowd into his Diocese, pretending straightness of Quarters, but in truth to be near the places upon which they had their first Eye.  
At length, in the month of April, what had so long time been with so much care and policy concealed from all the world, disclosed itself to the view of all men. The King of France had joined with the King of England, and both declared War against the State's General in one day. The King of England in his Declaration, gave his reasons that induced him to it. But the King of France gave none but his own humour and his discontent.  
The Dutch being thus beset, the Duke of Luxemburgh accompanied with the Bishop of Strasburgh takes a journey into Westphalia to the Bishop of Munster, there to consult the best way to Master the Provinces of Overyssel, Gelder's, Vtrecht and consequently Holland. Toward the end of April 1672. the Bishop rendezvoused his Forces; and in May he published his Declaration against the States, containing nothing but Accusations, which indeed were no more than supposed and false pretences. He accused the States for having dealt under hand partly by promises, partly by offers of ready money with the Officers of his Forts and Cities, to have fired his Magazines, to have stirred up his Subjects to Rebellion, the more easily to make themselves Masters of his Towns and Territories. That they had caused several attempts to be made upon his person. That several fires had happened in his Towns, Signiories and Villages, not without strong presumption that they were done by the State's Emissaries. And therefore because such Barbarous actions were detested by the very Turks themselves, it behoved the Bishop to take care as well of his own Person as of his Subjects. For which reason he commanded all his Officers and Governors to have a vigilant eye upon all such kind of persons, and to apprehend them as Spies, Boutefeus', and Traitors: and lastly he forbade all manner of Commerce with the Inhabitants of the Low-Countries, under penalty of Confiscation.  
Thus we see this Grand Mercenary (for so he was generally called) now in a readiness to invade the Territories of the States, contrary to his Oaths, his Promises and Alliances.  
In that month of May the King of France began to put his designs in Execution. The first day of the month, the Towns of Rinborch, and Orsoy were invested early in the morning by the King himself, Wesel by the Prince of Conde, and Burich, by Monsieur de Turenne. Just at the the same time the Bishop quitted the Country of Benthem, and marched into the Province of Tuent. He took, without much resistance, the Cities of Enschede, Oldenzeel, Otmarsen, Almelo, Borculo, Lochem, Deut●chem, and other small places. He also commanded the Forces of the Elector of Cologn and besieged the City of Groll, which was well Fortified, but was surrendered the ninth of the same month.  
What reliance is there in those who have only the Title of ecclesiastics? When Charles the fifth passed through France and was Nobly Treated by Francis the first, notwithstanding their past bloody Wars, the King of France was highly applauded, for that he had so inviolably kept his word in reference to the free passage of the Emperor. Upon which he gave this answer, that though there were no such thing as Faith and Truth among men, yet that it was absolutely necessary for Kings and Princes to acquit themselves of their Promises. But we found it otherwise; for upon the 16. of April the Archbishop of Cologn published a Placaert of Neutrality, which nevertheless, in six week's time he utterly broke by open Acts of Hostility. Yet there was this difference to be observed between the Bishop of Munster, and the Elector of Cologn. For the Bishop offered himself voluntarily to the King of France, and sold himself to make War against the State's General, but the other was with great difficulty and reluctancy persuaded to break the Neutrality.  
After the taking of Groll, the Bishop of Munster made himself Master of Brevoort. From thence he marched to Deventer, in which City they had forbid the Trumpet, that keeps Watch upon the Tower, to found the Tune of the Song made in praise of the Prince of Orange's Great Grandfather to the present Prince. They had also forbidden the Organist to Play, and the Ministers to Pray for the Prince. They had also denied the Pulpit to one of the Ministers, because that in numbering the sins of the people, he had made mention of their ingratitude to the House of Orange. The Author of the Holland Mercury relates; that the principal Persons of the Province of Overyssel, because, they were much in debt, were frequently wont to say at their Meals; Come, all will go well enough yet; I hope to make my Fortuncs as well under the power of the King of France, as under the present Government. If this be true, we need not wonder, that by the means of such Rulers this City and so many others surrendered so easily and with so little resistance to the Enemy.  
The 13. of June the Bishop encamped before Deventer, for the defence of which place there was nothing wanting. The fourteenth he made an attempt to drive off the  which fed round about the City, but was repulsed. Upon the sixteenth he opened his Trenches; and had the Townsmen had the sole power in their hands, both Munster and Cologn would have sound work enough to have employed them a far longer time; but what ever the reason were, it was surrendered the twenty first. This put 1 250 Dutch Burgomasters, already much in debt, to a worse plunge. For first they took away from them all that they had, and then constrained them to pay for their ransom 65000 Livres. Those that were in power had broken down the Bridge of Deventer, as they pretended, to prevent unnecessary Sallies from being made upon the Enemy, though several gave their advice to the contrary. However it pleased the Bishop extremely, who was heard to say that time, Now I see that the Traitors have kept their words. See the Holland Mercury, Part 23. p. 81. The same said the Engineers, after the taking of the Town, which was surrendered after the midnight of the day before mentioned, without any necessity at all, without any notice given to the Council of War, and without the knowledge or consent of the major part, or as others report, of any one of the Burgomasters. More than that, they very ignobly forgot to make any provision for the Soldiers of the Garrison, so that they all remained Prisoners of War.  
The twenty second of the same month, the Bishop's men sat down before the City of Zwoll, wherein they carried their business after such a manner, that the Enemy found no resistance at all. The Author of the Holland Mercury gives this account of the Action. Part 2. p. 82. Colonel Vnico Ripperda relates, that coming the 17. of June, with his Regiment to Zwoll, he found himself to be but an unwelcome Guest, etc. The eighteenth the Command of the Troops of Overyssel was conferred upon the Sieur W. V Aylan, who in the presence of Colonel Bampfield, and other Officers advised the Inhabitants of Zwoll to fortify their City. But they gave little heed to him and less to the Deputies of Groningen, who would have had them have stopped the course of the River, called the Black▪ Water, so to have drowned the Country round about. To which purpose they brought money to carry on the work, but they talked to people that would have no Ears. The twenty second the Bishop's men entrenched before the Town; at what time a certain Burgomaster of Deventer. whose name was Le Espiere, with another called Benting de Brokelingcamp and a Trumpet from the Bishop entered the Town; and the said Le Espiere made a long Harangue in the Town House. Thither went Colonel Bampfield to see how affairs were managed, but they looked upon him with an evil Eye. They had, as it is reported, already in the morning singed the agreement to surrender the Town, upon Deventer Conditions. To make sure of Bampfield they desired him to march into the City with his Regiment, which he did. And then he and Ripperda went to the Town House, and entering into the Council Chamber, there they saw the Wine and Glasses upon the Table with which they had treated Le Espiere, who upon their coming in, went out at another door. The Burghers would have Treated them, but they refused it, telling them that it was then no time to drink, but to defend the Town. Bampfield proposed pulling down the Suburbs and making no agreement with the Enemy, without advising with the Officers of the Garrison. Offering to lose his head if they had not better Articles six weeks hence than then; desiring them not to sell their Liberty and Religion. To which, it is said, that the Burgomaster Crans made answer, What likelihood have we to defend ourselves with 1200 Soldiers and as many Townsmen, when the Town of Deventer, so well Fortified and provided with all things could not hold out six days? As to the pulling down the Suburbs, they said, they could give no answer without consulting the Counsellors of the Commonalty, whom they would call together to know their Resolutions. The Colonels advised them to do it instantly, and to send for the Captains of the City Trained Bands, but they refused it. Then they asked them why they had sent back the Trumpeter? Answer was made, that Le Espiere had done it. Bampfield asked them if they would send Commissioners to the Bishop? They replied, If we send Commissioners the rest of the Troops will not march toward the City. What then, said the other, must we be Prisoners of War? The answer was, They that signed the Commission will be exempted. To which the Colonels replied they would neither do that, nor be Prisoners of War neither, and so they returned to the Trenches, saying that they would make another manner of agreement. One of the Magistrates cried, If you return, you will lose the benefit of the Capitulation. But Bampfield answered, it would be better to die, than make such an agreement. And so both the Colonels the next night left the City and preserved their men. The Magistrates made their advantage of the Colonels retreat, saying, that being abandoned by the Soldiery they were forc'd to surrender, as they excused themselves in their Printed Apology.  
Whether sudden consternation or Treachery were the cause of these things is only known to God. But most certain it is, that the Bishop, with little or no hazard, made himself Master of the Cities of Deventer, Zwol, Campen, Hassels, Swartsluys, Blochzyl, Steenwich Moppel, Fort de Ommen, and also of Kuynder in the Country of Freeze.  
Thus in a few days he had subdued the whole Province of Overyssel being assisted by the Archbishop of Cologn, who shared their Conquests after the following manner. Deventer fell to the Elector of Cologn. The King of France was to keep the Cities of Campen, and Elburgh during the War, which being ended, he was to surrender them to the Bishop of Munster, who kept all the rest, except Zwoll, which was to be Garrisoned by the French as well as by him.  
On the other side the King of France had in a few days taken Doesburgh, Zutphen, Arnheim, Wiick, Montfort, Oudewater, Yselsteine, Amersfoort, Vtrecht and Woerden in Holland. Some people misinformed have very much blamed the City of Vtrecht for surrendering, but all persons that have any knowledge of affairs, will rather lament than blame them. Their ill-willers falsely reported, that they would not admit the Prince of Orange into the City, for it is known that they made it their request to him, and that he had granted their desire. They sent great quantities of Bread, Beer, and Cheese to the Soldiers that quartered about the City. They offered to receive as many men as he should think necessary for the defence of the City, with whom they would hazard their estates and lives to the uttermost penny and the last drop of blood. But the Prince received Orders to retreat with the Army into Holland. They desired him to leave the four Regiments that were paid by them; but he could not spare a man because of the Orders he had received. All their powder in the Powder-Mills was carried away by the Army. The States also, before these things happened, had sent a considerable quantity of powder to Nimighen and other places; so that they were destitute of necessaries, and abandoned by the Army, and cut off from the other Provinces. But more than this, a considerable number of the Townsmen were in Garrison at Nimighen and in the Forts upon the Yssel. He that would see more of this, let him read the deduction of the States of Vtrecht, Printed in the Year 1673.  
To this we may add for another reason the great number of the Roman Catholics, who being irreconcilable Enemies to the Reformed Religion, would have risen and Massacred them, so soon as the King of France had appeared with his Army.  
They who will not credit the account which we give of things, may read the Sieur Valkenie● in his Europe Troubled, page 620. Many Roman Catholics, says he, gave it out publicly in the streets, Let France live rather than Orange. If Orange comes we will shut our doors against him, but we will open them to the French, as soon as ever they arrive: being then at Utrecht, I often heard them speak th●se words to my great grief Let them also read what the same Author writes p. 621. etc. and there they shall see how undeservedly aspersions have been cast upon this City. But to return to the Bishop.  
After he had furnished the Cities of Overyssel with good Garrisons, and also left a good strong party upon the Frontiers of Friesland, he marched toward Coverden. But before we speak of the taking of that City, it behoves us to mention something of the little Town of Haltem, not to deprive the courageous of their due praises. Their Ramparts were very weak and defective, being decayed by time. The Garrison did not consist of above 76 Soldiers, and 180 Burghers, who had earnestly desired the Inhabitants of Zwoll and other Neighbouring places to send them assistance, but all in vain. Their Ammunition also was very inconsiderable; nevertheless they resolved to hold out.  
The nineteenth of June the Episcoparians showed themselves before this Town, and the Bishop sent them his summons, threatening what he would do if they did not forthwith submit themselves. He had very much affrightened great Towns by his thundering hard words: but this little place answered him very courageously contrary to his expectation, that they would remain faithful to their Country till death. Their deeds were answerable to their words, for they made so stout a resistance, and plied their small shot with that vigour, that the Bishop's whole Army that lay at Deventer, were forced to be sent for to lie before this little place. At length being out of all hopes of relief, they were constrained against their will to submit and give entrance to the Bishop, who was amazed at the small number of the Garrison, knowing that he had lost in the Siege above 700 Soldiers besides a great number of stout Officers.  
The Bishop, before he laid Siege to Coeverden, was marching toward Frise. But upon his march, he received advice that the States of Friesland and Groningen had put themselves into a posture of defence, and that they were resolved to make use of all the strength they had. Upon that, in a great rage against the Frisons. he cried out, The Devil take the Priests; meaning the Ministers of Leeuwarden, in regard they showed their Zeal for their Religion and Liberty. For which reason he altered his design and marched to Coeverden. He had the good fortune to take in the Fort du Deel, the Old Fort the New Fort, Wenschoter, Zyl, Wed House and all the places round about. In the Fortress Bourtang was one Captain Prat. The Bishop laboured to have had the place betrayed to him by the contrivance of his Commissary at War, whose name was Marsel; who offered the Captain 200000 Livres, or one of the fairest Castles in Westphalia, and for the other Captains 50000 Livres a piece.  
But the generous Captain desired Marsel but to bring the Bishop and his followers to confer with him, and he would give him as many Bullets; as he offered him Livres. And he behaved himself so well, that Marsel having laid Siege to the place, was forced to raise it again in a short time.  
In the mean time the Bishop's whole Army arrived before Coeverden, which was as it were, the Key of the Provinces of Friesland and Groningen. It was looked upon formerly as impregnable, by reason of the Marshes, and Fens that surround it, and which may be easily overflowed: so that there is no coming near the Town but by three narrow passes, which were guarded by seven Bulwarks by the name of the Seven Provinces, with seven Ravelins, seven half Moons, and besides that an outwall, a high Counterscarp, deep double Motes, two Gates and a Castle Fortified with five other Bulwarks, and a deep Moat next the City. This noble Fortress after the Peace with Spain was fallen much to decay through neglect, as were many other of the Fortresses belonging to the States; and beside that, it was not over provided with Ammunition.  
The 30. of June, the place was invested by 1100 French Horse, and six thousand Foot, who most unmercifully pillaged and plundered the Inhabitants of the Flat Country, some also they put to torture, and others they murdered. The seventh the place was summoned; but the summons was rejected. The tenth it was summoned again; whereupon the Governor sent out Commissioners and made an agreement. The Enemy being entered the Town were amazed that they should take so strong and so considerable a Fort in so short a time.  
The Commissioners who were sent to capitulate with the Bishop were the Captain's Rosiers, Bachman and ●er H●eve. But here the Bishop, that thought nothing in the world so Sacred, but that he could profane and sacrifice it to his advantage and ambition, not only violated his word given by M. General St. Paul, but also the Law of Nations. For he declared two of the foremention'd Captains to be Prisoners of War; suffering only the third to return to the Town, to know whether they were inclined to surrender or no.  
This was not all, for contrary to the Capitulation signed with his own hand, he would no● permit the Garrison to go to Harlington, according to the Articles, but where his fancy thought most convenient. The two pieces of Canon● which they were to take along with them, h● would not permit to be stirred out of the Town. Nor would he suffer the Garrison to march o● with Drums beating and Colours flying; and besides all this, several of the Soldiers were plundered and constrained to take his party. The rest were conveyed to Overyssel instead of Harlington, from whence they marched to Almel● where the Bishop gave peculiar command to the Inhabitants under pain of Confiscation of their Goods and other Corporal penalties, not to supply the poor weary Soldiers either with meat or drink though they should pay for it.  
After the Enemy had taken Coeverden, they held a great Council of War, to consult what was next to be done; whether they should march into Frise, and besiege the City of Greninger, or whether they should Attack the Fortress of Delf-zyl: But they were divided in opinion, some believing this, some that to be more expedient. The Bishop would have followed their advice who were for the Attacking the place last named, had not Schulenburgh, and Broersma, two Traitors to their party, as most Writers call them, vigorously persuaded him to besiege Groningen. While they were upon the debate the Elector of Cologn came into the Council, who demanded smiling what they had agreed upon, and perceiving that some were still for Attacking Delf-zyl: No, no, said he, we must go to Groningen, that City will be ours in five days, I have my Confidents there. But he failed in his assurance.  
Till this time a favourable Gale had swelled the Sails of the Bishop's hopes. He had undertaken no enterprise wherein he had not prosperously succeeded. No place was so strong or so well fortified but that he made his way through, either through the Cowardice or Treachery of the defendants. His Master to whom he had Mortgaged himself, had penetrated even to the very Centre of Holland. So that in forty days the Confederates had taken fourscore Cities, Forts and Fortresses from the State's General.  
As for the Conquests of the Bishop of Munster, he thought himself sure enough of his prey, not believing that the United Provinces would ever reunite again, but that he should enjoy the places he had taken, and which still remained to be taken. Now, said he, to one of his Counsellors, their High and Mightinesses may be call●d their Low and Lowlinesses. Thus the Heretics are to be dealt with. The King of France is beholden to me, for without my Assistance he never could have Conquered so fast nor so much. At his request, he obtained of the Pope the Government and absolute Authority to conser all Ecclesiastical Benefices in the Territories by him Conquered. He constrained the Gentry of Overyssel to subscribe an agreement wherein they abjured the Union of the United Provinces in these words, That they both in General and Particular, being better instructed, do absolutely abjure the Union of the United Provinces, and that they shall undertake for themselves and their Posterity to be separated from them for ever. And that they do acknowledge the Bishop of Munster for their Lawful Sovereign voluntarily and without any constraint; that they will never revolt from him, but will hazard their lives and fortunes for him and with him as their Lawful Sovereign. The King of France never imposed so much upon the Province of Vtrecht, but on the contrary Capitulated with them, that the said Province should be comprehended in such agreements as he should make with the State's General.  
But the wheel of Fortune, if it be lawful for Christians to make use of the Phrase, began to turn, so that from this time forward the Tide of the Bishop's prosperity began to Ebb. It pleased God that he followed the worst Counsel of them that advised to lay Siege to the City of Groningen; and to inspire the Inhabitants of that City with courage and resolution, to repel the victorious B●shop, and to force him to rise from before their Walls with loss and shame. After which he never did any thing that brought him either profit or honour, but all his erterprises proved destructive to him.  
Groningen then was the place which he designed to besiege; for by the taking of this City, which they imagined would have been an easy matter, they had made themselves Masters of two Provinces, that and Friesland. The Place was sufficiently strong, but the Garrison was too weak; not consisting, recruits and all, of above one thousand and two hundred Soldiers. But the valour of the Townsmen and Scholars supplied that defect, as also the Conduct of the Commanders, among whom the Sieur Charles Rabenhapt was the chief. The Burghers were divided into Eighteen Companies, besides Four Companies of them who had been formerly excused. The Company of Scholars consisted of a hundred and fifty.  
The 19 of July the Country people brought word that the Enemy appeared on every side of the City. The 20. they showed themselves upon Helpen side. The same day one of the Porters of the City was executed, being accused of Treachery, because he had left open the Haven Gate a whole night together; as also a Countryman of Olde Ampt who had corresponded with the Bishop. The eleventh they made their first shot at the City, but the seventeenth they began to play furiously upon it, endamaging several houses: and after Dinner the same day several of the Officers and Townsmen showed themselves upon the Ramparts where they made merry and drank several Healths, the great Guns going off and the Drums and Trumpets sounding at the conclusion of every one.  
The Eighteenth the Bishop and Archbishop, for the Bishops of Munster and Cologn, who did not very well agree before, had now joined their Forces, which caused some to say that Herod and Pilate were reconciled, followed their business very smartly: They shot their Bombs into the City which did much mischief; some of them weighing three hundred, some four hundred pound. The Shell was about three or four fingers thick filled within with Pitch, Rosin, Saltpetre and Gunpowder. Their weight caused them to break through the Roofs and Tiling of Houses, till they met with Combustible matter enough to set whole Houses on fire. In the night time they shot great numbers of Granados into the Town, which did very much damage in several parts and quarters of the City. They were sluft with all sorts of Combustible Matter that easily took fire, and they had within them little small things like small guns about a finger's length which discharged several Musket-bullets against those that drew near to quench them: They were very terrible at first, as having wounded several people that came too near them; but let them alone till they had spent their Bullets, and they were easily managed.  
By this time the Bishop wondered very much, that the City did not send out Commissioners to Treat of a Surrender, after he had thrown so many Bombs and Fire-Balls among them. But they had too great a love for their Country and their Religion, to think of any such thing. Nay sometimes they paid him with his own Coin, which he had never met with before. Insomuch that the Soldiers in the Trenches would cry one to another, They in the City make use of the same Devils that we do.  
The 20. they plied the City with their Bombs and Fire-Balls. The first of which did much mischief; but the latter were easily stified.  
The 22. both the Bishops summoned the City, but their answer was both resolute and surly. The same day the Enemy made several Attacks upon the Auwerder. Zyl, but were valiantly repulsed. The number of the slain is uncertain; but they confessed that those Onsets lost them more men, than all their Conquests had done.  
Now though the Citizens beheld the ruin of their Habitations every day, yet were they nothing dismayed for all that, but as they met one another in the streets their usual questions were, How is your house? Mine is almost down to the ground. So is mine. But let us pluck up a good heart; this Bishop of Granados shall not have our City for all this.  
The women were no less courageous than their Husbands. They were less troubled to behold a Fire ball fall into their houses, than they were before to see a Clown with dirty shoes come into their Dining-Rooms. A certain woman, who had but one house, seeing a Bomb roll through it began to fill her Apron with some trifles and a Silver Goblet, and retiring into the street, showed those that came to help her, the Goblet, saying, Yet will I give this to his Excellency Rabenhaupt, if he will but keep the City. Another Bomb entering into the ruins of her House she cried to those that were with her, The beggarly Bishop shall not get in this way I am resolved.  
All this while the Bishop plagued the City with his B●mbs, while the besieged plied him as warmly with their great and small shot. In some of his Fire-ball● which they opened after th●y were quenched, they found a small viol full of a white matter which was believed to be rank Pason; an abominable way of making war. The Episcoparians also shot powder that made no noise, and they made use of Great Guns picked and culled for the purpose. It happened one time among the rest, that the Citizens thought that they had perceived the Enemy preparing for an Assault; whereupon the Scholars, Soldiers and Citizens showed themselves upon the Ramparts; the women also prepared themselves to carry powder and bullets to their Husbands, and because one among the rest, more timorous than her Companions, talked of Surrendering the City, they beat her well favour'dly, and sent her home.  
The last of July, in some of the Bishop's great Bombs they found a little plate of Copper, one side whereof was full of Characters which could not be read; from whence it is thought that he expected some Magical Effect: upon which a certain Doctor in a discourse upon the Siege and raising of it made this observation, That when the Bishop could not take the Town by the assistance of Simon Peter, he endeavoured to have it by the help of Simon Magus. For the Roman Catholics have more than once made use of such abominable superstitions. When the deceased Prince of Orange, Frederick Henry in the Year 1629. had besieged the City Bois le Duc, after the Surrender of the place, several Papers were found full of barbarous words and Conjurations; and in some places the name of God and several Saints were inserted. It is thought that the Priests had sold or given them to the Soldiers and Townsmen to preserve them from the Swords and Bullets of their Heretic Enemies.  
But all his Episcopal Magic did him no good: nay the more to fret him, the Scholars who guarded the Outwall, and behaved themselves very bravely, had invented several nicknames for the Bishop, by some of which he heard himself called, when he came into the Trenches, and bitterly stormed at his new Titles; his Officers also laid the affronts of their Captain to heart, and vowed to be revenged when once they got into the City, The 15. of August, the besiegers shooting continually into the Town a Canon Bullet almost grazed upon a Hogs back, but did the creature no other harm, than only sing the Bristles; whereupon the Scholars cried out from the Outwall in the night to the besiegers, that the Bishop began to shear his Hogs now he had fleeced his Sheep.  
The day before the Bishop and sent a Trumpeter to the Town, requiring first that they would let him ransom certain Officers which had been taken Prisoners in a Salley, or that otherwise they would use them kindly. Secondly that they would send some sweet meats for his money, to Treat certain Ladies of the County of Hessen that were come to the Camp. As to the first demand answer was made that it was not the custom to release Prisoners of Importance, when the Enemy was before their Walls, and as for their usage they were sure, they had better than any the Bishop allowed: and for his second request, they replied, that being taken up with Powder and Bullet, they minded little of their Shops at present.  
Soon after the Bishop perceived that his Enterprise upon this place would not have the same success as he had had in other places. The Elector of Cologn, though he had advised the Siege, began to look upon his Colleague with an evil Eye; and they began to quarrel already about the expense of the Siege and the waist of their Countries. Cologn upbraided Munster with his boasts he made of his Soldiers, his Artificial Fires, and his Miners, and yet that after the Moat of the Curtain was filled up with Faggots, he durst not venture the Onset; for fear of losing his men.  
In the mean while the Young Prince of Nassaw had written a letter in French from the Camp before Groningen dated the 20. of August. N. S. and directed to the Duke of Luxenburgh, to this purpose.  
The Face of the Affairs of our Camp changes every day. Wednesday morning last our Cannon played so fortunately, that we ruin'd five Batteries and silenced all the rest. Which gave us some hopes, by reason of the Consternation which we observed in the City; and for that a certain Monk who had escaped out of the City, reported to us, that the Catholic Burghers would desire to be excepted from Plunder, if we took the City by Assault. M. de Munster is confident that he shall say Mass in the City upon St. Lewis ' s day, But my Faith is too weak to believe those miracles, and I very much doubt our entry into the City till his Prayers have silenced Eighty pieces of Canon that continually play upon us, and have ruined his Strongest Battery of seven pieces, notwithstanding all that we can do, because the Traverses of our Battery are so narrow that we can play but upon one side.  
The 17. A Forlorn of Gentlemen sallied out of the Town and found that the Enemy had quitted their Approaches. Upon news whereof several of the besieged went forth and found in the Enemy's Trenches great store of Warlike Ammunition as Bombs, Fire-balls, Granados, Bullets, Hatchets, Shovels and the like, of which every one took as much as they could carry away. Their Retreat was very sudden, and the Infantry were in such a fright, that the Horse were commanded to recure them from flying. All this while the Bishop lay behind the Gallows Hill; but the 21. he fully and wholly quitted the place, which caused a Universal joy among the Inhabitants of the Town.  
This Bishop dislodged his Army for two principal reasons. The first was, for that his great Guns were no longer serviceable, and his Morterpieces were most of them spoiled. The second was because his Army was half in half wasted.  
As to the first reason, his Artillery was almost all spoiled and broken, so that he had not above ten or twelve Guns left, by reason of his continual firing upon the Town. As for his Morter-pieces, he had not above five or six left; For the Bishop impatient of the Protraction of of the Siege, ordered them to be double charged, so that some of his Morter-peices broke, and others were greatly indammag'd.  
As to the second cause, it could never be certainly known what number of men he brought to the Siege; but 'tis thought that they amounted to between twenty and thirty thousand; and he did not march off with above thirteen thousand. This was afterwards confirmed by a Muster made by the Bishop's Officers: by which it appeared, that his Army when they first came before Groningen consisted of above twenty four thousand men, but that he carried off no more than twelve thousand nine hundred sixty eight. So that he had lost eleven thousand two hundred thirty two.  
To these two reasons that obliged the Bishop to quit the Siege, may be added three more. 1. The coming of the Auxiliary Forces of the Emperor and the Elector of Brandenburg. 2. The want of Ammunition and Victuals. 3. The Rain that fell at that time whereby his Approaches were quite overflowed with water. However it were, the City was at liberty, and the Bishop was no more in a condition to make any farther attempt.  
We cannot here pass over in silence the most barbarous cruelty that was ever exercised upon poor sick and wounded men, who were carried to Helpen into a Barn, where they lay without straw, being looked after by six French Surgeons. The Bishop perceiving that their number every day increased, asked the Surgeons which they thought to be curable and which not; and those that were judged incurable were presently dispatched with a Bullet shot into their heads to make room for others.  
The besieged had not lost above fourscore persons, notwithstanding that vast number of Bombs, Stinking-Pots, and Fire-Balls which were thrown into the City, the number of which was said to have amounted to above four thousand: for as for the Canon-shot it was not to be counted. And indeed the effects of Divine Providence were most apparently to be seen, in reference to some persons, considering the prodigious deliverance from eminent danger.  
A Fireball, meeting with the Wall of a House, was beaten back, and falling passed between a Mennonites Breeches below the Codpiece, without doing him any other harm than only singing his Breeches.  
One of the Sheriffs of the Town, whose name was Bothenius, being just risen out of his Bed, a Fireball presently came and falling in his place burnt the Coverlet, Mat, Bedstead and all.  
The Widow of Anthony Van Essen being in Bed with her Daughter, a Fireball passed between them, and being resisted by the Bed's head, returned the same way, without doing any more hurt than burning the Bed.  
A woman sitting upon a bench before her own house, a Fireball flew between her legs, and carried away a piece of her Coats both before and behind without any farther mischief.  
The same thing happened to one of the Proposers, who sitting in his Study; a Fireball came and carried away the Seat from under him without any farther damage.  
A Servant of James Warnholts a Brewer was just drinking, but before he had ended his draught, a Fireball came and struck the Glass out of his hand without any other prejudice.  
Another Bomb lighted into the Chamber of a certain person, who not liking his Bedfellow, took it and fling it to the ground where it broke, and spoilt all his goods, but did the man no harm.  
A woman being a sleep in her Bed, by break of day was awakened by a Bomb that fell through the Ceiling just before her Bed. The woman ran out into the street in her smock, and seeing her house a fire, cried out, Though my house be burnt, the Bishop shall not have the City.  
Another woman having a little child in her Arms▪ perceiving a Bomb to be fallen into her House, all in a fright, threw her infant into the Cistern; when the Bomb was broken and quite out, she found that her Neighbours had rescued the Child out of the Cistern, from whom she took it again sound and safe.  
But to return to the Bishop. The Frizous laying hold of the opportunity, made an attempt with the assistance of the Men of War that guarded the Zuyder Zee, upon the Fort of Block Zyl, seated upon the said Zuyder Zee, between Wallenhaven, Kuynder and Steenwick, where are two sluices that give free passage to the overflowings of Overyssel and Tuent into the Zuyder Zee in Holland. This place was the first that was recovered by the assistance of the Burghers, who kept private correspondence with some of the Frizon Soldiers. The Commander for the Bishop mistrusting them, would have forced them to take an Oath of Fidelity to his Master, which they refused to do. Thereupon he threatened them hard; but they replied, They would suffer the utmost severity, before they would take the Oath which he exacted from them. Although the Frizons landed to the number of four hundred and fifty. The Commander made a Sally upon them, was rudely repulsed; and he would have reentered the Fort, the Burghers fired upon the Episcoparians, killed the Commander and opened the Gate to the Frizons; and so the Fortress was reduced under the obedience of the States.  
At the same time a certain Mennonite put a fair cheat upon the Episcoparians; For in regard he lived near the South gate, when he saw the terrified Soldiers thronging out of the City, he offered some of them his house to secure themselves; which offer of his was kindly accepted by sixty or seventy of them, among which were two Lieutenants and a Priest, whom he afterwards delivered up all together as Prisoners of War.  
Soon after the Fortress of Kuynder also fell into the hands of the Frizons: from which time the Bishop proved very unfortunate, for he got nothing, but lost a great deal.  
In the Old Ampter-Mieden the Episcoparians committed several Insolences and Rapines: and it was feared that they would have fired the Dams of Munterdam, Veendam, and Wilvank, which would have occasioned very much mischief the Winter ensuing: for prevention whereof several Soldiers were sent to Mieden. The Countrymen glad to be so guarded were so liberal to the Soldiers that they got drunk, at what time being surprised by the Munsterians, and not being able to rally themselves into a posture of defence, they were forced to fly for their lives. The Countrymen however made a stout resistance for some time, but being overpowered, they were all defeated and killed, except some few that saved themselves in the Marshes.  
After that came several Troops of Horse and Foot under the Command of St. German, Colonel of the Holland Regiment, which got into the City of Groningen during the Siege. With these Forces he marched toward Winschoten, having a sight of several parties of the Munsterians, by the way, who retreated upon their approach and quitted not only Winschoten, but also the small Fort of Winschoter-Zyl, Wedde-House, etc. and sheltered themselves under the Old-Fort, and new Fort, where they thought themselves safe. And indeed it seemed a thing impossible by force to Attack those two Forts, in regard all the Country round was overflowed. However Colonel St. Jerman sent some of his men to the places next adjoining to the Old Fort, otherwise called Bellingwolderskans, to block it up at a distance. At the beginning little good was to be done, besides that the Colonel was commanded back into Holland. Thereupon his Excellency Rabenhaupt took the business in hand, ordering Colonel Eybergen upon the same Enterpize, who being strengthened with a Reinforcement, laid Siege to the place. About a thousand and four hundred Episcoparians came out of Westphalia passing through Newfort, to relieve the Old; but they were ruggedly repulsed by two hundred and fifty Soldiers under the Command of Major Neylers, a brave and experienced Soldier, who had so advantageously posted his men, that the Episcoparians having made a second attempt retreated to the Newfort with the loss of eight hundred men slain, after which the Old-Fort Surrender'd: Of four hundred Soldiers that quitted the place, not above a hundred arrived at Coeverden, the rest deserting their Colours.  
After the Old-Fort was taken, the Newfort was blocked up; and upon the arrival of the Auxiliaries of Curland, the Episcoparians quitted Dyler-Fort upon the 16. of November. For the preservation of which place the Fort of Bourtang sent a hundred and twenty Musketeers under the Command of Captain Aitzema, who was a very young man, and wrote to the States of Groningen, that if the Episcoparians made any Attack upon him, they should find that place guarded by a courage not ordinary. But when the Munsterians showed themselves near the Fort with three thousand men, the Captain quitted his Hold, without so much as looking the Enemy in the Face, who presently repossessed themselves of Dyler-Fort, and from hence relieved the Newfort, insomuch that the Dutch were forced to raise the Siege, the season being passed.  
About the same time, two hundred Curlanders, having marched too far into Westphalia to Plunder, were totally defeated, though the Episcoparians bought their Victory with the loss of more men on theirs, than on the other side.  
And now the time was come that Westphalia, sufficiently plagued and oppressed by its own Bishop, must also taste the bitterness of a Foreign Enemy. For the Elector of Brandenburg having declared War against the Bishops of Munster and Cologn, and the rest of the Neighbouring Confederates, his Soldiers began to overrun the Country, Plundering wherever they came, and putting the Inhabitants under Contribution. They also took some Wagons laden with Cloth, Money, Provision and Ammunition.  
Thereupon the Bishop gathers his Forces together, withdraws his men out of his new Conquests, and falls into the Countries of Bergue and La March, doing great mischief. He also took Lunen, the City of Vnna, and the Castle of Beda. Nevertheless he was soon after forced to quit Vnna, upon the approach of the Brandenburg Troops; and presently after that, all the rest of the Country.  
The King of France, finding that the Bishop thrived so ill in the Province of Groningen, was somewhat jealous lest he should change his side according to his usual Custom, and therefore to oblige him to be Faithful, he promised him the Abbey of St. Germane de Esperees, so that he kept firm to his Interests.  
In the mean while the Bishop's Garrisons of Steenwick and Coeverden, committed several extortions and disorders in the Drenthe which those of Groningen were not able to prevent; For though they sought every where to meet with them, they could never light upon them, in regard the Episcoparians being still advertized by their Spies, retreated in time to their Forts. Nor was there any way to remedy these mischiefs, so long as the Cities of Steenwick and Coeverden were in the hands of the Bishop.  
Of the Fortifications of Coeverden we have already spoken, the strength whereof was such, that in the Year 1594. Verdugo the Spanish General lay before it one and thirty weeks, and at length was forced to raise his Siege. But no sooner had the Bishop taken it by Treachery in four days, but he brought his Magazines thither, and from thence perpetually infested the Frontiers of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe. And for the better preserving a Garrison so Commodious, and of so great importance he not only repaired the Old Fortifications but made an addition of New Works, to strengthen the former, yet notwithstanding all this care and foresight, necessity compelled the Dutch to seek to regain it.  
This being resolved, luckily for them it fell out, that Maynard de Thynen a good Engineer, and formerly Churchwarden of the Town, gave a hint to his Excellency Rabenhaupt, that the Town might be surprised; in regard the Bishop's Garrison was very much wasted by sickness, and that they who were well, confiding in the strength of the Fortifications, kept but very slender Watches. Besides that he gave him a platform of the place, and of all the Fortifications, showing him where he might get over the Marshes when they were Frozen. His Excellency approving the proposal, the 16. of December 1672. caused all the Gates of the City of Groningen to be shut at three of the Clock after Dinner, he sent Orders for such and such parties to meet at a place appointed. He chose out of every Company in the City thirty six men, giving the Command of the whole party to Lieutenant Colonel Eyberghen, an experienced Officer. The foot were Commanded by Major Wylers, the Horse by the Valiant Major John Sickinga. All the night they spent in loading Wagons with Bridges made of Rushes, Ice-Spurrs, and all other things requisite for an Onset.  
The 17. about One of the Clock the Cavalry marched out at Steenwick Gate, and three hours after the Foot followed out at Steenhil Gate, to the number of nine hundred sixty eight, among which were several Volunteers of the Gentry, Burgesses and Scholars. Advancing near the Gallows Mount, he observed a Trumpeter coming out of the Town of Helpen, who seeing such a Force, immediately galloped back taking the Road to Halrem. But Major Sickinga being well mounted followed him, took him and sent him away to Groningen. This was one of the Bishop's Trumpeters, or as others say, belonging to the Prince of Fustenburgh, who was in the Bishop of Cologns service, who was carrying Letter to the Council of the said City. The Cavalry marched toward Gieten there to stay in expectation of the Infantry. From Gieten they marched to Exfield, Emmen, Sleen, Erren, Wachlen, and Dalen, taking all the care imaginable to prevent being discovered, and yet three Dragoons made a shift to slip away and give the Enemy notice of the whole design, which piece of Treachery was enough to have spoiled all; but Providence was pleased to order it otherwise. For after that the Garrison kept a constant watch day and and night, and were continually in Arms, which hard duty so tired the Soldiers at length, that when the Asault was given they were most of them asleep, thinking it had been but a false Alarm.  
Upon the 19 the word and signal of Attack being given; every Soldier having a wisp of Straw in his Hat, Colonel Eyberghen Commanded six hundred men to march directly toward Tellinckhuysen and from thence to Poppenhaer, carrying with them twelve pieces to make a Bridge of Bulrushes and so to possess themselves of the Counterscarp with as little noise as might be, and break down the Pallisadoes. Eyberghen himself with three hundred Soldiers undertook the Castle, a hundred and fifty of others were to assail the Gelder's Bulwark, and another hundred and fifty to force the Guard in the Citadel before the Gate of the Castle. Major Wiliers with three hundred men was to undertake the Holland Bulwark, and another Captain to force the Guard of that Bulwark. Two hundred more were to assail the Holland and Zealand Bulwarks, fifty to seize upon Benthem Gate; Major Sickinga was ordered to attack the Bulwark of Overyssel, and take care of the management of the business in that quarter.  
Which Orders being thus given, and a Council of War called between Eleven and Twelve a Clock at night, about three a Clock in the Morning they got close to the works. Eyberghen and Wylers, though good Soldiers found the execution of the Enterprise very difficult; but Thynen, the Engineer, heartened them on, and marched foremost to show them the way. By and by they heard the Sentinels calling, Who is there? Thynen made no answer, which made them redouble the Who is there, with a thousand Westphalia Oaths. At length the Onser began; and they that marched first got upon the Counterscarp, beyond the first Moat to the very Pallisadoes. The Enemy fired very furiously, but the Dutch advancing courageously, cut down the Pallisadoes and opened a passage for themselves, and so Eyberghen and Wylers mounted the Rampart, and at length made themselves Masters of the Castle, John Moor who Commanded it, being killed at the beginning of the Onset with a Musket shot. Major Sickinga aquitted himself with no less Valour on the other side, and having won the Counterscarp, and got over the Pallisadoes and Moat to the top of the Rampart, forced the Enemy to throw down their Arms and cry Quarter.  
Captain Clingh also by this time forced the Guard of Friesland Gate, which got open by the assistance of one of the Burgesses, and so made way for the Cavalry. A party of the Enemy made a stout resistance for a good while in the Market place, but finding themselves overpowered, threw down their Arms, and surrendering themselves Prisoners of War, were shut up in the Church. The Town thus won, the Victors fell to Plundering and found good store of booty. It is observable that some of the Townsmen, overjoyed to see themselves freed from the Tyranny of an insulting Enemey, abandoned their own houses to the Soldiers. Many of the Enemies had their Pockets full of money, their Coats Embroidered, and the Hilts of their Swords of massy Silver.  
The Enterprise being thus prosperously accomplished, the Officers soberly considering the strength of the place, could not choose but look upon one another with astonishment, crying one to another, How could this possibly be? behold the band of God. When the news of this success arrived at Groningen, the joy of the Inhabitants was not to be expressed. The next day was solemnised with a public Thanksgiving in all the Churches. The Courier that was sent with the News to the States was laden with Letters; and yet all the way upon the Road he was looked upon as a Reporter of falsities. At Le●uwarden he was almost crowded to death by the throng of the people: and at Amsterdam it was looked upon as a thing impossible and therefore incredible. A certain Person of Quality in his answer to a Letter which gave an account of the News from Groningen wrote these words, I am resolved never to give my money for a Letter that contains such untruths. We have false reports enough in Holland, we have no occasion of having them sent from Groningen. The Catholics laughed at the stories of the beggarly Heretics, as they called us; but when they found the news to be true, we could perceive that they were nothing pleased with it.  
It is remarkable that whatever was thought would have proved an obstruction of the design was that which chief promoted it. The Forces arrived later than they were ordered: But that made the Enemy believe that the Dragoons had abused them. The Onset should have been given at midnight, which was delayed till three of the Clock in the morning. But thereby it happened, that the Soldiers tired with watching were gone to sleep. There fell a great mist, so that Thynen who was their guide lost his way. But that concealed them from the view of the Enemy, so that they were not perceived, till it was too late. So that through the continual noise of the Sentinels crying, Who goes there, and the others answering the Round, the Assailants had the opportunity to cut the Pallisadoes without being heard.  
Now as the retaking of this Town inspired a Universal joy and courage into the disheartened people of the Low-Countries, so it bred a general consternation in the other party.  
The Garrisons of Nyenhuys and several other places in the County of Benthem and the Province of Tuent quitted their Ports. In Zwoll, Deventer and other Towns of Overyssel they were in a panic dread. So that had a small Army appeared, those places might have been easily retaken.  
But when the news of this loss came to the Bishop of Munster, he was all in a fume against the person that brought it; as if he had gone about to make him believe false reports and impossibilities. But when after a serious examination of the circumstances he found the thing to be real, his thoughts were in a strange confusion; I fear me, said he, I shall suddenly lose all that I have got, since I have lost my little Candy. His rage and discontent was such, that he looked with a surly Countenance upon all that came near him for some days afterwards, and cursed in the Devil's name more than once. He called the Officers of the Garrison Dogs, Rogues and Traitors, and those of Groningen, damned Heretics: nay he could not refrain from lamenting his loss with Tears. About a hundred and fifty of his men were slain outright, and four hundred taken Prisoners, with six Captains, eleven Lieutenants, fourteen Ensigns, and three Churchmen. In his Magazine were found sixty one great Guns, Brass and Iron, twenty four Morter-peices, thirty Petards, nine hundred forty nine Muskets, seven hundred and eighteen Pikes, five hundred and six Barrels of Gun-powdur, one thousand two hundred seventy and seven Bombs ready made up, one thousand seven hundred and sixty not finished, two thousand one hundred and thirteen Stinking Pots, one thousand seven hundred seventy and two Granades, and twelve thousand eight hundred fifty and two Canon Bullets, great store of Sulphur, Saltpetre, Rosin, Oil, Turpentine and Pitch; besides Cordage, Carriages, Wagons, Hatchets, Saws, Spades, and the like.  
But now the Emperor seeing that the Tempest which had poured itself upon the Low-Countries would not end there, but that it threatened also the Air of Germany, thought himself obliged to provide against it in time, and to prevent Holland from being ruined. Thereupon both he and the Elector of Brandenburg sent several Auxiliary Troops to assist the States to support them in their Wars, as also to divert the War from their Frontiers; thereby to preserve the Empire, which the French already had attacked at the same time that they endeavoured to lull it asleep, by pretending nothing but Neutrality, Propagation of the Catholic Faith, Eversion of Heresy, and observation of the Old Treaties. He was much displeased to see that so many Princes of the Empire had engaged in the Interests of France, especially the Bishop of Munster whose humour he well knew. He understood that for money he was become the slave of France. That upon the first opportunity his Imperial Majesty, and the Empire should find the Effects of his ill nature. That by his example, and at his instigations, so many Princes of the Empire had taken part with the French; and that perhaps many more would follow the same precedent. Thereupon he caused the Electors of Brandenburg and Cologn, as also the Bishop to be solemnly summoned, and the question to be demanded of them, in case of a War between the Empire and France, to which side they would adhere? threatening to ruin their Countries if they did not resolve within fifteen days. But the Bishop of Munster laughed at the Emperor his Master's summons, and at all his menaces and threats.  
Thereupon the Duke of Burnonville in the month of February 1673. by order of his Imperial Majesty, caused a Proclamation to be fixed upon the Posts, commanding all Officers and Soldiers who were Subjects of the Empire and in the service of the Bishops of Munster and Cologn to quit the service of those Princes and to repair to the Colours of his Imperial Majesty upon pain of his high displeasure, etc. Here the Bishop of Munster showed not only a particular disobedience, but also an extraordinary Pride, accompanied with a cautious arrogance, and his wont wiles. For he published a Counter Proclamation, wherein he declared that the Proclamation that went under the Emperor's name was none of his, but only a Stratagem of the Duke of Burnonvilles. That his Soldiers were Imperialists and in the service of the Empire; and at length he promised to save them harmless from breach of that Command.  
He thought himself upon sure grounds: For now Turenne having joined his Forces with those of the Bishops of Munster and Cologn, bend his march toward the City of Ham, which the Elector of Brandenburg had enforced with a Garrison of two thousand men, but they not finding themselves sufficient to resist so great an Army, quitted the place of themselves. There the French stopped; but the Episcoparians advanced farther; as far as the City of Weser, demanding contribution wherever they came.  
At the same time certain Frisans and Groningers making up a party together, took possession of the houses of Schuylenburgh and Rechteren, both seated upon a little River that runs to Zwoll, not far from the Fort de Ommen. These are two old Castles surrounded with thick Walls and deep Moats; by the seizing of which they very much disturbed the Episcoparians, having thereby the opportunity to keep them in continual alarums.  
Much about this time also there was great talk of a design which the son of one Keetes, a Captain of Horse, and Secretary for the County of Harragh, had against the Bishop of Munster, which was to betray both him and the City of Munster into the hands of the Emperor: but in the end it proved but a bare report. Nevertheless, the French, taking an occasion from them, played the Marquis of Grana, the Emperors Resident at Cologn but a scurvy trick, sending him a counterfeit Letter, Sealed with the Seal of the Baron of Schwerin; the contents whereof were, that the City of Munster was taken by the Elector of brandenburgh's Soldiers. Now the Baron was the said Electors chief Minister of State, from whom this Letter was so contrived as to relate all the Circumstances of taking the Town; he that brought it also alleging himself to be an express Messenger; so that the Marquis of Grana never dreamt of any device put upon him, but immediately sent away the News to all the Courts of his Master's Allies, and it was joyful news at first, till the Cheat came to be discovered.  
In the mean while the Friselanders and Groningers showed themselves very vigilant, and did the Episcoparians much mischief.  
The Garrison of Coeverden intercepted a Convoy coming from Zwoll, laden with provisions to the Fort of Ommen, which they made bold to carry to their own Garrison and there to share the booties, which were not all the Bishop's losses at that time. For the Fort of Bourtang met with a party of his men and killed above two hundred upon the place; and which was worse the Elector of brandenburgh's men, had met with two of his Regiments near Minden, which they so absolutely defeated that very few escaped their hands, which was the loss also of the City of Hoxter.  
On the other side the Episcoparians took the City of Hervoort, leaving therein eight hundred Soldiers who tormented the people after a most inhuman manner. The same outrages they also committed in the Province of Minden, but they durst not meddle with the City. But these were small refresh to the Bishops; his heart mourned still for Coeverden, and therefore he endeavoured by all ways to make himself Master of that City once more; to which purpose he tried all the tricks of underhand dealing but all in vain. These failing he had some design of Force; and therefore to make the ways passable for his Soldiers, he caused the Countrymen under his jurisdiction to provide a great number of Hurdles twelve foot long and six foot broad, made of Sparrs bound together with Osiers, to lay where the Ways were deep and otherwise impassable; by means whereof he caused a strong party of his men to march to Gransberghen, a house about two Leagues from Coeverden, and guarded by a Lieutenant and fifty six Soldiers, who bravely twice repulsed the Enemy, but being overpowered surrendered upon Articles, contrary to which, and Faith given, they were made Prisoners of War. Relief was sent by the Garrison of Coeverden, but it came too late for their own, but too soon for the Bishop's men; For the Dutch having laid an Ambush in the way by which the Enemy was to retreat, they made a great Massacre of the Episcoparians, and brought away their Prisoners.  
It was an ill time to vex the Bishop after all these miscarriages, as one of his Quarter-Masters found by woeful experience, who coming to ask the Bishop for money, put him into such a fury, that he commanded the Officer to be shot to death, which was executed accordingly. An action which alienated from him, very much, the hearts of his Soldiers insomuch that three whole Companies with their Officers quitted his service, and marched to Groningen.  
But his Excellency Rabenhaupt found himself other work to do than to murder his own Soldiers. He had already for some time kept the New Fort blocked up at a distance. But now taking along with him the Cavalry of Groningen, and a good party of Foot out of Block-Zyll and other places, together with six pieces of Canon, and having forced the Fort Aux Feres, to make his way through, he laid close Siege to the Place. The Bishop well knowing the importance of the Fortress prepared with all diligence to relieve it. And first he sent Colonel Meynertshagen with a thousand Dragoons and Foot, to get into the Fort, but they were beaten off. After that he endeavoured with a small Army of five thousand men under the Command of the Count of St. Paul, not only to have relieved, but also to reinforce the Garrison. He furiously assailed Colonel Aquila's Quarter, but he was so warmly received, that he was forced to retreat in the night after a considerable loss. The next day he renewed his Attack, but with the same success, leaving four hundred of his men behind him, slain and taken Prisoners. Among the slain were Colonel Wedel and Calkar, Majors Swante and Kesse. Eighteen Captains and two Lieutenant Colonels. Soon after the Victors, having taken the Redoubt which lay above the Dike of Stocsterhorn, gained the Fort, where he found good store of rich Pillage both in Gold and Silver, and took the Commander, two Lieutenant Colonels, five Captains, and four hundred Soldiers Prisoners.  
The richness of the Plunder showed that Country was not very kindly dealt with; but among all the Bishop's Impositions, he had one that was particular, which he only levied upon those of the Reformed Religion. They that made profession thereof in the City of Otmarsum, were to pay a thousand Crowns, in the City of Goor a thousand six hundred Crowns, and so proportionably in other Towns and Cities; and besides this he took from them the use of their Churches. The King of France nor his Governor the Duke of Luxemburgh were never so severe to the Inhabitans of Vtrecht, though they were rigorous enough. Their Impositions were grievous, yet they were equally laid as well upon the Catholics as upon those of the Protestant Relipion, the ecclesiastics not being exempted: One of the most eminent of that order went to the Duke of Luxemburgh, requesting him to spare the Catholics, and to burden only the Heretics, as well in their Contributions and Quartering of Soldiers; but he gave them a refusal in these words; As ye live, eat and drink together, so ye must pay your Taxes every one a like. Upon the same errand also the new Bishop of Vtrecht went to the King, but he found never the better reception. Nay some observed, that the Roman Catholics were rather favoured, than those of the Roman Religion, which caused some of them to say, our Master seems to be a thrice Christian Devil rather than a thrice Christian King.  
It was now toward the Latter end of the Summer, when the Bishop thinking he had been too idle all the year before, he randevouzed his Forces between Hasselt and Swoll to the number of seven thousand Horse and seventy Colours of Foot, which joined with the Episcoparians at Roveen, immediately they took their march toward Steenwich, wasting all the Country of Drenthe as they went; which inforc'd the Garrison of Groningen to send forth nine Troops of Horse, and two of Dragoons, for the security of the said Province. In the mean time the Enemy was advanced as far as Schoten, with a design to make themselves Masters of the Heeren Veen, and so to break that way into Friesland. Upon which the States of Friesland Mustered together a little Army of about eight thousand Foot, and a hundred Cornets of Horse, and sent them toward the Heeren-Veen to oppose the Episcoparians who finding such provision made against them, and that they could not force their passage, retreated, and marched with all their forces toward Steenwick. There the Munsterians and the French parted; the latter retiring into their Winter Quarters at Zutphen, Arnbeim, Doesburgh and other places, having lost in all eight hundred men in this march.  
Certain it is that the Bishop promised himself great matters, could he have made his intended Incursion into Friesland; for the Elector of Brandenburg, being now entered into an Alliance with France, he had nothing to fear from that side of the world; though by the care and diligence of the Friselanders▪ he made no other advantage of it than the loss of eight hundred men already mentioned.  
The Emperor all this while observing the Alliances made with the King of France by his own subjects and members of the Empire to the common prejudice, thought it now but time to send a considerable force toward the Rhine; and for the satisfaction of the world published his reasons for so doing, which consisted of these heads. First, for that the King of France had marched his Forces through the Territories of the Empire to Assail the Low-Countries, and taken many places in the same Territories contrary to the Peace of Munster. Secondly, Because the said Soldiers still quartered upon the subjects of the Empire at their own pleasure committed several Extortions and Rapines upon them, and particularly had burnt the Bridge of Strasburgh. Thirdly, Because the French had made themselves Masters of the Archbishopric of Treves, where they did nothing but burn, plunder and spill. Fourthly, Because the Elector of Cologn and the Bishop of Munster, contrary to the Peace concluded at Cleves in the year 1666. had undertaken an Offensive War against the States of the United Provinces, with the consent of the Emperorr and Empire, and rejecting the Emperor's commands to the contrary.  
During these Paper Skirmishes, the French were got into the heart of the United Provinces, though soon after the face of their success began to change. The Inundations in Holland, had put a stop to their Conquests there. The Bishop of Munster had been repulsed in the Provinces of Friesland and Groningen, insomuch that he despaired of doing any good in those parts; though he did all he could to regain Coeverden. To which purpose all the Summer long he had very much distressed the said Garrison by stopping the course of the River Vecht, so ●hat it was feared the place would have been forced to yield for want of water. The Dam that carried off the water was wonderfully strong, two Leagues and a half in length, and three or four Foot broad at the Bottom, and ●ight at the top. Besides the Episcoparians had built two Forts to Guard it, and planted above sixty pieces of Ordnance upon the Dam to prevent any coming near it. So that when the Bishop understood how high the water was risen, Now, said he to some of his Officers, the Devil cannot hinder me from taking Coeverden. But upon the first of October arose such a terrible storm as destroyed all the Labour and Travel of the Episcoparians, and made such a gap in the Dam, that all the Art and Industry of the Enemy could never repair again. And after that, the Tempest continuing broke down three gaps more, and drowned four or five hundred Soldiers that were upon the Guard of the Dike; and carried away Colonel Horstmans' Coach, with several Ladies in it.  
A little before this the Prince of Orange had taken Narden from the French, which caused a great consternation at Vtrecht. But that which troubled them more was, that the Prince began to bend his march toward Germany, where being reinforced by the Imperial Troops he had besieged the City of Bon, which he also took together with some other places; which made the French at Vtrecht afraid lest by making farther Conquest he should cut off all Commerce and Correspondence between them and the Enemy. And it appeared by the offer of Neutrality which they made in behalf of the City and Province of Vtrecht, in what a panic dread they were, though the proffer would not be accepted. They also offer the Bishop of Munster to change their Province with him for that of Overyssel; nay they offered to give it him, provided he would join with the Forces which were in Germany, but he did not accept their kindness, whether the Bishop considered the turn of Affairs, or whither he had not time sufficient to Consult and Treat. However it were, the King of France was constrained to quit all the places which he had Conquered; of which Woerden was the first; and after that the City of Vtrecht, though very much impoverished by the exactions of her new Masters.  
'tis thought that the main reasons which induced the King of France to quit his new Conquests, were first the March of the Prince of Orange into Germany. 2. The Alliance between the Emperor, the King of Spain and the State's General. 3. His despair of gaining any thing upon Holland, without which his other Conquests were but a burden to him. 4. He considered that the King of England was ill satisfied with his proceed, and feared lest he should make a Peace with the State's General, as he did in the year 74. 5. He was afraid lest the Bishops of Munster and Cologn should change their sides, ●●nding such a turn of their good Fortune: which jealousy of his was not ill grounded, for they perceiving the King not to be so victorious as he was, desired a reconciliation with the Emperor, to avoid a total ruin: Though because they stood upon too favourable Conditions, they were not listened to at that time; while the Subjects of the Elector were punished on both sides for the miscarriage of their Prince, For after they had been sufficiently tormented by the French, in thundered the Hollanders, taking from them their Cities, and putting the whole Diocese to pay Contribution. And it was but reason to think that the Hollanders would carry the War into their Territories, who had opened their doo●s to let in France both into Germany and the Low-Countries. Soon after in the beginning of the year 16●4. the Peace was concluded between the King of Great Britain, and the State's General, which was to them a great lightning of their burden in regard they were freed from the charges of such a vast Navy.  
All this while the Bishop had a longing desire to be Master of Groningen, not that he was in hopes to gain the place; but that he had a design to Plunder the Country, and to gratify his murmuring Soldiers with a good Booty, which was all the Pay they received from him. To which purpose in February he Mustered together 4000 Horse, and sent them toward the Province, but all the Gates were so fast barred, and so well guarded, that there was no good to be done.  
On the other side his Excellency Rabenhaupt marched with his Frizons through the City of Coverden toward the County of Benthem. At his first arrival he took the City of Northorn, wherein he left 16 Colours of Horse, and 6 of Foot. From whence he advanced toward Nyenhuys, but receiving intelligence by the way, that Episcoparians had again begirt the City of Northorn, and beat off the Outguards, his Excellency marched back toward them, with seven Troops of Horse, and five Regiments of Foot, and set upon them the fifth of April, but they still Retreated, leaving behind them Sixty Slain and Fifty Prisoners, with the loss only of three men. Two days after Rabenhaupt took the Castle of Nyenhuys by force, and thereby opened his way into the Bishops own Territories.  
Upon that the Bishop began to fear, lest he should be forsaken by the French, who had already quitted the Province of Vtrecht and several other places in the other Provinces, and so the flame of the War would blaze out in his own Territories. For indeed the Imperialists had plundered several of his Towns; and the Friselanders had fairly begun on their side. Upon these considerations he began to forget the Alliance which he had made with France, from whence he had received such considerable sums, and for all that the King promised him the utmost of his Assistance. And therefore by his Envoys at Cologn, he sought to be restored to the favour, and to be admitted into the Alliance of the Emperor; which at length he obtained, and a Peace was concluded between him, the Emperor, and the State's General.  
As for the Emperor he promised to submit to him, to renounce the Alliance with France, and to be regulated according to the Resolutions taken at Regensburgh for the defence of the Princes and Circles of the Empire.  
The agreement made with the State's General was to this effect. That there should be a perpetual Peace between them; That there should be a reciprocal Amnesty, and Act of Oblivion for all things past, since the Peace of Cleves, unless for such as were guilty of Treason; That the Bishop immediately after the Ratification, should restore all the Places, Towns, Cities and Villages, without any exception, which he had Conquered or taken from the States; and that he should restore to the Subjects of the States all their Lands, Signiories, and Houses which he had detained from them during the War. That the Peace of Cleves should be of full force and effect in all things not contrary to this present Treaty. That the Count of Benthem, his servants, Vassals, and Subjects should also be comprised in the General Amnesty. That the Emperor and the King of Spain be desired to be Cautionaries for the observation of this Treaty.  
The French in their Conquer▪ d Cities having intelligence of this Peace, durst not hazard themselves there any longer, though they extorted great sums of money from the Inhabitants before they departed, from Woerden 16000 Livers, Bommel 36000, Vtrecht 45000, Campen 80000, Thuel 22000, Zutphen 70000 for Contribution, and 70000 to save their Fortifications, Anberm 14000 for the Governor, and 100000 for the King, Nimmeghen 55000, and the Upper and Lower Betuwe the same sum. As for Wesel, Enmersch and Rees, the King of France had given them to the Elector of Brandenburg, so that he retained in his hands nothing of his Conquests from the States, but Graef and Mastricht, the first of which places was valiantly recovered by the Prince of Orange, and the latter restored by the Peace.  
At what time the French quitted their Conquests, the Elector of Cologn quitted also the City of Deventer after he had made an agreement for 42000 Crowns, for Contribution money. The Munsterians also in pursuance of the Treaty quitted the Cities of Hasselts, Swartsluys, and Zwoll, after they had committed several disorders in the Country.  
This turn of the tide no way pleased the Roman Catholics. At Vtrecht and in several other places, they were in hopes that the French would return; and that then they should be put into possession of the Government of the Province; nay they gave it out so in public. They were so obstinate at Otmarsum, that they would not surrender their Churches to those of the Reformed Religion, which caused some disorders at first, though they were quickly appeased.  
But though the Peace between the Emperor, the State's General, and the Bishop of Cologn, were thus concluded; yet the Elector of Cologn did not so soon forsake the French Interest, being still incensed by the Bishop of Strasburgh. However his Imperial Majesty had prescribed him a time to declare himself which was near expiration. One main obstacle was that he could not brook, that the Emperor should keep a Garrison in the City of Bon. He also demanded of the States, as the price of his Friendship, the County of Meurs, the City of Rynbork, and forty thousand Crowns toward the expenses of the War. But the States would allow him none of his Pretensions, only they were willing he should put a Garrison into Rynborck, but that he should renounce all his claim to the County of Meurs. He had also demanded free exercise of the Catholic Religion in the Province of Overyssel, but the Emperor's Ambassadors, well knowing it would never be granted, declared to him that it was not a reasonable request. For that the State's General never permitted the exercise of the Catholic Religion in any of their Territories. Thereupon seeing the Cloud coming, he quitted all his pretensions, and upon that a Peace followed between the Emperor and him, as also betwixt him and State's General; the chief Articles whereof were, That there should be a firm and lasting Peace; that after the Ratification of the Treaty, the Elector should restore to the States all the Places which he had taken from them during the War, in the same Condition as they were before they were taken, without any waist or spoil, or any demand of Contribution. That he should keep the sums already paid, but that he should release the the Hostages which he detained for the payment of such sums as were demanded. That all Lands and Signiories taken from the Subjects of the United Provinces shall be restored them. On the other side that the State should quit all their pretensions to the Town of Rynbork and the Fortifications thereof. The County of Lingen should be restored to the Prince of Orange.  
Certainly the two Bishops never dreamt that the Face of Affairs would have altered after so strange a manner, and that they should be forced to beg for Peace from the States. More especially the Bishop of Munster was deceived, who in the month of July, before sent to the City of Embden to send their Deputies to him, to Newfort, there to consult about such things as tended to their repose and security. The Inhabitants of Embden had set themselves in an exact Neutrality all the time of the War, however they send their Deputies to the place appointed, with his demands, viz. That the Citizens of Embden, should dismiss the State's Garrison, and receive into the Town for their security two thousand of the Bishop's Soldiers. To which the Deputies making answer, that they could not consent to any such proposal, till they had acquainted their High and Mightinesses, How said the Bishop's Commissioners, who are they? To which one of the Deputies from Embden replying, That the State's General were sufficiently known to all the world. Yes, the other made answer, They were so formerly, but now the world knows no such sort of men. Upon which reply the Deputies from Embden took their leaves; and gave their Magistracy an account of what had passed. But they had no such low and contemptible thoughts of the States as the Bishop had, and therefore gave him an absolute denial to his demand.  
In the mean while the King of France was greatly offended at the two Bishops, because they had made a Peace with the Emperor and the States. Munster excused himself by his Agent, that he had been constrained to make a Peace with the States, because that the next Spring, he should have otherwise been assailed not only by the Imperialists, but also by the Elector of Brandenburg, and Duke of Lunenburgh. But the King was not at all satisfied with this excuse, and that so much the less, because he had taken the other side, and sent all his men to the Emperor, who being arrived in the parts about Cologn, began to mutiny, being thereto incited by the French that were among them, who persuaded them that if they would serve the King of France he would allow them thirty Crowns a man. So that many of the Regiment of Colonel Nagel killed their Officers, and deserted their Colours. But this Mutiny was soon appeased by hanging some of the principal Ringleaders, and paying off the rest of the Soldiers. As for the Bishop he had promised the Emperor by a Collateral agreement to supply him the next Spring, in the year 167●. with a body of ten thousand men; but he found it a difficult task to be as good as his word, in regard that the six thousand that had wintered in Alsatia were reduced to two thousand ●orse and three hundred Foot.  
Thus the King of France lost two Friends but in the lieu of them, the King of Sueden instead of being a Mediator, showed himself an Enemy to the Allies, and though to his disadvantage, had in a Hostile manner assailed the Territories of the Elector of Brandenburg. Thereupon the State's General assisted the said Elector, being thereto obliged by their reciprocal Alliance, and their own Interest. Which caused the King of Sueden in February, 1675. to send an Ambassador to the Bishop of Munster, to desire him not to give passage to the Forces which the States should send through his Territories to Bremen. In which Affairs the Bishop carried himself fairly enough, for he made use of no flams or delays either on the one side or the other, but gave this plain answer, that he should be sorry there should be any War between the Crown of Sueden and the State's General or their Allies, but if any such thing should happen, that he was bound to obey the Orders of his Imperial Majesty.  
And the more to approve himself the Emperor's servant, in June the same year, he told the Sieur Fischer the Emperor's Ambassador who gave him a visit at Coesvelt, that M. Verjus the King of Frances Ambassador had earnestly solicited him with promise of great matters to take his part, or at least to observe an exact Neutrality; but that he was resolved not to lend an Ear to his Enchantments. Some applauded him highly for it, and looked upon his refusal, as a sign of his Fidelity to the Empire, and believed he would mend in his Old Age. Though others were of opinion, that if his words were true, he spoke them not so much from the reality of his Intentions, as out of fear of being utterly ruined; for otherwise, said they, he would never have refused the Gold of France, which he loved so dearly: for the money designed him was afterwards expended in Italy, Portugal and Switzerland for the raising of new men.  
More than that in pursuit of his Alliance with the Emperor, he raised a body of eight thousand men in the Counties of Rheeda and Rhitbergh, with an intention to march with this little Army towards Bremen, and to have done the Swedes what mischief he could. But in the interim he received Orders from his Imperial Majesty to march toward the County of Lip, immediately he obeyed, carrying along with him several great Guns, and put a Garrison into the City of Blombergh. He also besieged Lemgou, for refusing him entrance, and took it without any great trouble together with Waerentbolts; and when he had so done, he made the County pay him a Contribution of twelve thousand Crowns. He also did his utmost to draw the Duke of Hanover to his party, and to persuade him to quit the French and Swedes, so that now he showed himself as passionate an Enemy, as before he appeared a zealous Friend to the King of France.  
His Enmity to the Swede proceeded from his unhandsome proceed, in that he had publicly taken part with the French, contrary to his promises of Assistance, to which he was obliged by the Triple Alliance and other Treaties, and contrary to the trst reposed in him, as having received several sums of money to raise an Auxiliary Force. For these reasons he possessed himself of the Territory of Wildeshuysen appeartaining to the Jurisdiction of Bremen; he expelled the Swedes out of the Cities of Telgenbuysen and Verden, and being assisted by the Forces of Denmark and Brandenburg, he made himself Master of Otterbergh and Buxtehude.  
In the midst of these Transactions he had also made another Alliance with the Crown of Spain, and the State's General; wherein he had promised to supply them with three thousand men for a certain sum of money, but that these Levies should remain with the rest of the Munster-Troops to act with the Imperialists against the French; or where absolute necessity should require their assistance. Or if the States desired more men, the Bishop obliged himself to furnish them with eight Thousand Foot, and four thousand Horse, provided that they paid them in the same manner as they paid the three thousand already raised. This Treaty was to last ten years after the expiration of the present War. And in case that either of the three Confederates were invaded, that the other two should assist him that was first assailed. That is to say, that the King of Spain and the States should assist the Bishop with two thousand Horse, and four thousand Foot, and that the Bishop should assist them with five hundred Foot, and a thousand Horse.  
But in regard that all which the Bishop acted afterwards was in common with the rest of the Allies, we shall forbear to speak of these things, which should we undertake, we should be forced to make an entire History of the Wars in Germany, Brandenburg and Denmark, which would far exceed the purpose of this short Relation.  
Thus than we have given an account of the Birth of this Bishop, or at least we have said as much as we could possibly learn concerning it. We have also given the Reader an account of his Manners, his Humour and his Disposition, all which have appeared sufficiently by his Actions. We have also made a Relation of the Contentions and Dissensions by which he was advanced to his Dignity; as also of the effects of his Martial and quarrelsome humour, which displayed itself first against his own Subjects, then against several Members of the Empire, and soon after against the State's General. We have showed the troubles and quarrels that arose in the Election of his Coadjutor and successor. And lastly how he sold himself to several Princes to satisfy his Avarice and Hatred, and how he deserted them upon the change of their Fortune.  
Most certainly he impoverished and ruined his Subjects by his continual Wars, which were still voluntarily undertaken, and the occasions sought by himself; in the maintaining of which he did more than ordinary mischief and damage to his Neighbours. More especially he was the particular plague of Munster, Drenthe, and Twente, of Groneng, and Overyssel.  
Upon all these Transactions of his Dignifyed Life, some have made these observations: 1. That the Bishop made so little advantage by all his Wars, unless perhaps that he might hoard up some considerable Sums of ready money, that he made no addition to his Territories, and by that at his latter end he won some few places from the Swedes in the Territories of Bremen, and Verdon; which advantages, lost again soon after his death, could in no measure recompense for the ruin of his own Subjects and Diocese, of which he himself was the only occasion, nor be compared to the loss of so many thousands of men slain, murdered plundered and undone by his means. 2. That though he were a Prince of small Power, and the Master of but a slender Dominion, yet that still be so ordered his affairs, as to oblige Potent Kings to take his part, and with immense Sums to purchase his Friendship: but that so happened, by reason of the situation of his Country, so commodiously seated among his Neighbours. 3. That having so many and such Potent Adversaries, and having so often ran such perilous hazards, he has still warded off the fatal blow by his dextrous and seasonable Change of Parties. 4. That he should always have Soldiers at his service, and several Volunteers, though he paid them so ill, and many times gave them nothing at all. But the reason of that was plain, in regard he gave them an uncontrolled Liberty to commit all manner of Enormities, Rapines, and Spoils, even upon his very Allies, not excusing his own Subjects from the same Oppression. 5. That though he lived in perpetual trouble, and spent his days in the continual Toils of War, yet that he should arrive at so fair an Age, never molested with Diseases but still retaining an admirable vigour both of body and mind.  
To tell the Causes of his restless Activity will be easy; when we consider, 1. His unquiet and turbulent disposition, that would never suffer him to be in Repose, and which was also heightened and inflamed by the instigations of others. 2. The hatred and rancour which he bore the State's General, arising from some imaginary Wrong, or rather from his Religion, as being so embittered against those of the Protestant Religion, that he could have killed them all with his own hands. 3. His Ambition and Desire of rendering himself renowned by his Wars. 4. His Avarice and Greediness to heap up great sums of ready money for himself and his Heirs. 5. His vain expectations of being made Pope, in consideration of his Wars against the Heretics, and his Zeal for the Catholic Religion.  
For he was wont to say, He is not worthy to be great who makes it not his Endeavour to grow greater; wherein if the success do not answer the design, however he shall gain the Reputation of having done great things. His resolutions are in his own power, but the success is in the hands of Fortune, which willingly assists the courageous.  
As this was one of his chief Apophthegms, I find but few more that were thought worthy the Record either of History or Tradition.  
Being advised by one of his intimate friends not to undertake the first War against Holland, who told him that he would in the end prove too weak for them, that had so long withstood, and done so much mischief to the King of Spain for fourscore years together. He made answer, Come, Come, Little Saints sometimes work great Miracles.  
In like manner, when a little after his being advanced to his dignity, He was Counselled to deal gently with the City of Munster. No Prince, said he, can be called powerful whose Power does not extend itself over his Subjects.  
Being told, the first time that he made Peace with the States, That he had lost more than he had got by the War, Princes, said he, that go to War, are like Gamesters at Trick Track; for the Dice will not always run as they would have them.  
It is reported also that one time he said to one of his Generals, A little pretence of Right will justify a whole War.  
But as our Bishop had his Vices, certainly he was not without some Eminent Virtues, though I must confess I never yet could be informed what they were, and must therefore be forced to bury them in silence.  
At length the Fatal hour came, which gave him to understand, that the Greatest Princes are but vanity itself, and no more than the meanest among men.  
He lamented very cordially that he had so much over burdened his Subjects, and that his Government had been so cruel toward them; but he pleaded, That it was out of necessity, and to resist his Enemies.  
He was very much troubled about his debts; and a little before he expired he ordered his Executors, among whom was the Sub Dean and Doctor Ham, to take particular care to see them paid, telling them withal, that though he knew he owed much, yet he was very well satisfied that there was sufficient to discharge them all; which he left to their Consciences, as knowing where his money lay.  
He ordered the sum of twenty thousand Crowns for the expenses of his Funeral. He caused four Silver Candlesticks to be made of the value of two thousand Crowns apiece, to stand upon the Altar of the Chapel where he was interred, for the Wax-Candles that were to be kept perpetually burning. He also appointed the fourth of November to be the day of his Funeral, and that the same day a Chapter should be called to introduce the new Bishop. He also caused a Siver Ship to be made, in memory of a French Ship that he had taken upon the Coast of Friesland; though others say 'twas only a small Bark made Use of for the Unlading of Greater Vessels.  
So soon as the breath was out of his body every one seized upon what they could snatch; carrying away, not only his money, but also all the gold and silver Movables in his Chamber; nay they stripped him of the meanest things that were in the Chamber, leaving him alone as it were in a ransacked Room.  
He had Governed the Diocese twenty eight years, though the account of his Age is variously reported, some allowing him seventy one, others seventy two years. In the year 1667. at the Election of his Successor, he acknowledged himself in the sixtieth year of his Age▪ from which time to his death we reckon full eleven years; which is the truest account we can give of his Age.  
The present Bishop his Successor, soon after his Death, published a Pious Exhortation to all his Subject, to betake themselves to their Devotions and Prayers for the Soul of the decased, in these words.  

Ferdinand by the Grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Munster and Paderborn, Viscount of Strombergh, Prince of the Empire, Count of Pyemont and Borkelo, etc.  
To the Venerable Clergy and well beloved People of the City and Bishopric of Munster, perpetual Greeting in our Lord.  
IT hath pleased him who takes away the Souls of Princes when he pleases, to call from this life to a better, our dear Brother, Cousin and Predecessor, the Sieur Christopher Bernard, Bishop of Munster, administrator of Corvey, Lord of Borkelo, after he had Governed the Diocese of Munster to his immortal praise, with a care truly Paternal. And though we make no doubt, but that his Subjects, who in his life time loved him as a Father, and reverenced him as their Prince, will not be wanting in their Christian Duties and Prayers which they own to the Deceased: Nevertheless we have thought fit to admonish and ordain with the advice of our Reverend Chapter, That all Priests, as well Secular as Regular, depending upon the Diocese of Munster, in the daily Oblation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and others in their daily Prayers, do, with all humility recommend the Soul of this great Prince to the abound Mercy of our Lord, to the end he may obtain Eternal Salvation among the Blessed Souls whom he had made himself known upon Earth by his Virtues and Heroic Acts.  
And whereas it has pleased the Omnipotent to lay the burden of the Succession upon our shoulders, after a lawful Election approved by the Apostolic and Imperial Authority: We knowing the importance thereof, and deeply sensible of the present Troubles and Evils that threaten us on every side: earnestly desire the Prayers and Charity of our devout Subjects, that our weakness, being supported by the Power of God, may be able to support the Charge committed to Us, through the Merits and Common Prayers of our people, etc.  
Ferdinand, L. LS. Vr. Alpen. Vic. Gen.   
Thus we have seen the death of the so much renowned Bishop of Munster the Sieur Christopher Bernard; full of years, yet enjoying the vigour of his senses to the last gasp. And as it was his chance to be advanced just after the Peace made with the Emperor, France, Spain, Swedeland and the United Provinces; so he also happened to die presently after the Peace made between France, Spain, and the State's General.  
His death restored both Quiet and Repose to all his Neighbours, who were still afraid that so soon as the Emperor and France should be agreed, he would be cutting out new Employment for himself; for he never failed of a pretence. But Providence has better provided for them. For they may now assure themselves of security, under the Government of his Successor the present Bishop, and his Subjects may hope for an Age of Silver after that of Iron, as now passed off with the preceding Bishop. For it is affirmed that he is a Prince mild and pacific, an Enemy to all sorts of trouble, and one that abominates the Desolations of War; and besides all this, a lover of Learning and Learned men: and it is Generally observed that those Provinces are usually most happy, whose Princes prefer Learning before War, and Books before Armies.  
True it is that upon his Election to be Coadjutor and Successor, several Quarrel▪ and Contentions arose between the Bishop deceased and a good part of the Members of the Chapter; but we are assured that the present Bishop had never any hand in those Disputes, nor ever afforded the least Fuel to foment them. Neither was it a thing ever sought by him or desired of Christopher Bernard, who carried on his Design altogether without his knowledge. So that those disorders are no way to be imputed to the present Bishop.  
An Authentic Letter touching the Birth of Christopher Bernard Bishop of Munster.  
Sir,  
BEcause there are various Reports concerning the affair, of the truth whereof you desire me to inform you; I thought myself obliged to give you the best satisfaction I could: In order to which I have discoursed the most Ancient and most knowing persons in these parts, who all agree that the Bishop of Munster was conceived in Prison at Bevergeerde, but that he was born in his Father's Castle of Bispink. For it happened that the Father of the Bishop, whose name was Gaten Bispink, had ●ad several Quarrels with Marshal Morien, Lord of Noorkirk his Neighbour, about the privilege of Hunting. Which continuing, one time among the rest, the Marshal seized Gatens Huntsmen and Dogs, and shut them up so long, till they eat one another for want of food. Soon after they both came to Munster, where Gaten meeting the Marshal, asked him when he would send him his Huntsmen and his Dog's home? To which Morien replied, very suddenly; and withal told Gaten that he had certain Papers about him that concerned the business; but instead of showing the Papers, threw off his Cloak, and drew his Sword. Gaten, though be had been Drinking hard, drew his Sword half out, and parleyed a while, till necessity constrained him, and that his Servants call to him to have a care of himself: at what time he drew his Sword quite out and slew his Assailant. The Fact being thus Committed, Gaten never absented himself, and was therefore Imprisoned in the Castle of Bevergeerde; and when his Judges allowed him to choose an Advocate, he refused to do it, but pleaded his own Cause, and carried his business so well, that at length his Wife was permitted to come and live with him; and so it came to pass that our Bishop was Begot and Conceived in Prison. True it is that his Father was at length acquitted, but he had vowed not to stir out of Prison till his Prosecutors had paid him all the Costs of his Imprisonment and his Suit, which had lasted thirteen years; so that his Wife being near her time, returned to Bispinck, where she lay in. After the Father was dead, the Son was made a Canon of Munster; and being much inclined to War, and well versed in Military Affairs, he was made first Commissary at War; and at length, after the death of the last Bishop, advanced to the Episcopal Dignity.  
Another Letter to the same Effect.  
Sir,  
AFter I had Read your Letter, I made all the Enquiry I could to satisfy your Curiosity; but because there are few alive that were living at that time, there is very little of truth and reality to be reported. Certain it is that the said Bishop was begot in Prison, to which his Father was Committed for Murder. But Opinions are various touching the Right of the Occasion, whether it were on his side or no. The Favourers of the deceased Bishop will have his Father to be innocent, though others believe that no man durst say otherwise while ●e lived, and that length of time has caused it to be granted for truth.  
Most certain it is that there were desperate Quarrels between the Bishop's Father (who was called Gaten Bispink, from his Castle of Bispink) and the Marshal Mo●i●n about their privileges of Hunting, whereby the former very much prejudiced the latter, who because the other would take no warning seized his Dogs, and shut them up so long ●ill they were starved to death. A while after they met at Munster, and Gaten being in drink, asked Morien for his Dogs in very sharp and abusive terms, threatening the Marshal withal. B. Morien being a person of Courage, and not able to brook such Language, laid his hand upon his Sword and told Gaten that he was ready to answer him with his Sword in his hand. Some say that Gaten declined the Combat, and that he was at length compelled to fight in his own defence; others affirm that he immediately drew and fell on. However it were, the Marshal was slain, and Gaten Imprisoned at Bevergeerde, where he died in some few years after. It is reported that his Judges had given him leave to go home, after they had examined the Fact: but he refused to stir till the Kindred of the person slain should pay him all the Charges of his Imprisonment; Though others believe that to be very improbable, and an Invention only to free him from Scandal and Ignominy of a tedious fourteen years' Thraldom. After Gaten had been some time in Prison, his wife was allowed to go and live with him; and thus in happened that the Bishop was begot and conceived in Prison; though his Mother lay in at her Castle of Bispink. Thu● in Generals all agree; though there may be some incertainty in the Circumstances which aggravate or mitigate the Offence, of which people take the Liberty to jud● according to their affections for the Bishop. Which is not to be wondered at in a Fact committed so long since; in regard we ourselves have frequent experience, that Murders are by some highly defended and pleaded for, by others as much exclaimed against and condemned, which proceeds from the various judgements that affection or hatred makes upon the Causes and Circumstances of the Crime.  
THE END.