THE REASONS which Compelled the States of BOHEMIA to reject the Archduke FERDINAND etc. and enforced them to Elect a new KING.  
Together, WITH THE PROPOsition which was made upon the first motion of the choice of th'Elector Palatine to be King of BOHEMIA, by the States of that Kingdom in their public Assembly on the Sixteenth of August, being the Birth day of the same Elector Palatine.  
Translated out of the French copies at. Dort. Printed by. George Waters.   

VERY CONSIDERABLE REASONS WHY THE Archduke FERDINAND neither could, nor indeed aught to be admitted to the government and possession of the Kingdom of Bohemia, etc.  

1.  
HE was not chosen King of Bohemia according to the accustomed manner, and the ancient observed privileges of that Kingdom; but rather was never chosen at all; only would be admitted and Crowned, as shall be cleared in the amplifying of this first, and the third Article.   

2.  
He attained to this coming in and Coronation (which was done in the life time of the Emperor Mathias) by sinister means, and unlawful practices, through the suggestion, and aid of some unfaithful, and disloyal Members of that Kingdom; corrupted partly by gifts and promises, and partly by sharpness of threatenings wherewith they were attempted by the States for the time being, and for that purpose assembled. Which election (notwithstanding.) was made upon this condition; that if he did not punctually observe his promises, the States were neither by Oath, nor by any other way obliged unto him.   

3.  
He did not only not observe the Conditions; but divers ways directly, and de facto contraried that Oath which he had made to the States, and those reversal letters which he hath given the Provinces, and (which is more) he did not only intrude into the government of that Kingdom in the life time of the Emperor Mathias; but after his death, as he hath done while he lived, and (indeed much more) declared himself an open Enemy there; and all this, to the end, to root out the true Religion in those parts, and to deprive and Frustrate the States of that Crown and the incorporated Countries; as of the free Election of a King, so of their other Privileges; and (of purpose) to bring them wholly under the Spanish yoke: whereby he Forfaicted all he could there pretend unto, after the death of the Emperor Mathias; and so did absolutely dissolve and lose the Oath of fidelity given him by that Kingdom, and those Provinces; as shall hereafter in another more ample declaration, (not yet published) be particulary demonstrated to the view of all the world; this following exposition serving in the mean time, for a brief information on every point.  
For the first reason, it may be universally known, that the Bohemian Nation hath always, ever since the Country was inhabited, had the free Election of their Prince; which from time to time, (Careful of holding their own due) they have observed, as much as in them lay that were true to the State of their Country, as will plainly appear both by Histories, and by their privileges, and other rules proper unto them. And this Free Election (their ancient Custom) hath since also been yielded and confirmed unto them, authentically, from Emperors, by their Golden Bulls, and increase of Privileges. For example, there are yet to be seen the originals, of three Golden Bulls of th' Emperor Frederick, dated in the years of out Lord, 1212, 1216. and 1231. by which he confirmed the Kings, chosen by the States; and said expressly: That the States of that Kingdom, have power to choose a King of their own free will; and that the Roman Emperors were to give their Regal right to him whom they Elected. This acknowledgement and confirmation hath been reiterated by divers other Golden Bulls, and Letters Patents of the Emperor Charles the 4th. in the years 1248 and 1370. thereby is made a reassurance unto them of the Priuledges granted by the Emperor, Frederick; wherein (besides) is a more ample mention made, that the Bohemians have free power to elect a King, and it is agreeably confirmed by the Golden Bull of the same Emperor (at that time King of Bohemia,) which he granted to the whole Roman Empire. Where speaking of the Seven Electors, what belongs to their office in particular, and what Principalities might fall to the Empire; the seaverill Chapter hath these word. That if any of their principalities come to be 〈◊〉, or thence to fall to the Emperor it shall be in the power of the Emperor of the King then Raignig to have the ordering of it, as of a thing lawfully fallen to him and the Empire; Saving always the Privileges, Rights and Statutes of 〈◊〉 touching the free Election of a King; in case that Kingdom should come to be void; and Saving those likewise of the Empire that have power and right to choose a King of Bohemia, according to the tenor of their Privileges, and those good and ancient Customs (besides) which they have obtained of the Emperors & Kings of the Romans: which by this law and Imperial Edict we have no meaning to deragate from, or to preindice in any kind whatsoever; but most religiously to protect them, and to cause them to be observed, not only for the present, but ever lastingly for the time to come; in every point and Article agreeing with their true form and tenor, etc. as it is more largely expressed in that Golden Bull given at Neurembergh 1356. and published.  
Now howsoever Charles the 4.th after he had confirmed the Bull of the Emperor Frederick, did withal add some other clause to the confirmation (which doubtless he did for the advantage of himself and his successors) that is to say, The intent thereof aught to be thus understood; that in case the Issue male or Female of the direct line Reyall should come to fail; that then the Free Election of a King shallbe in the power of the States of Bohemia and the Provinces belonging to that Kingdom. This exposition (notwithstanding) took no place, nor was ever observed. First, because it was directly contrary to ancient Statute and Custom; and against the meaning of that Bull of the Emperor Frederick. Secondly, suppose it possible such a Law might have been observed; it could yet extend no further then to the race of the Emperor Charles, as descended from the House of Luxenburgh; that is to say, until the death of his two Sons, Wencestans and Sigismond; who after they had been Roman Emperors and Kings of Bohemia, died with out any lineal Heir; and left none to succeed but their Sister Elizabeth, married to Albertus' Archduke of Austria; to whom she brought a Son called Vladislans. After the decease of this Vladislaus, the States of Bohemia by virtue of their Freedoms and Privileges, elected a King: who was neither to the House of Luxenburg, nor of that of Austria: namely King George of Kustat; whom the House of Austria was so far from not approving of, as on the contrary Frederick the 3. the first of that Family, than Emperor of the Romans, did confirm and ratify the Privileges of the Kingdom of Bohemia to the said K. George; as doth amply appear by the said confirmation, Dated, 1459. Thence it may easily be seen, that the foresaid clause, and condition inserted in the Confirmation of Charles the Fourth was utterly abolished; and by that means the Kingdom of Bohemia is declared Free, and not tied to any particular race or Family.  
And that Bohemia hath a Freedom of Election, and is in not kind a Kingdom hereditary; the following example will justify: for although King George left Sons behind him, yet there was not one of them that ever came either to govern, or to be Elected there. But after the Father's departure, the Bohemians Elected and Crowned Vladislaus; of the Family of the Princes of Lituania, Son to Casimir King of Polonia, Anno 1471. On whom the Emperor Frederick conferred the Tenors, and confirmed them unto him; as it is to be seen at large in the Act for that purpose, 1480. Now where it will be objected that this K. Vladislaus by his Letters patents in the favour of his Daughter Anne, (first acknowledging that the States of Bohemia merely of their own free will had Crowned, and received his son Lewijs for their King) did then ordain that his Son Lewijs coming to die without Issue, the inheritance of the Kingdom should remain with his Daughter Anne; to that objection, this Answer. Since (as hath already been said) the clause of restraint inserted by Charles, is wholly annihilated; and that the States have had their Election free; (as by examples there hath sufficient testimony been given) that is to say, That the house of Austria inherited not the succession of the Kingdom, after the Election of K. George; nor even the Sons of the same George preferred against the choice of Vladislaus King of Polonia; by the same authority of reason (therefore) it was much less in the power & prerogative of Vladislaus to ordain his Daughter heir to the Kingdom, against the privileges of the Country; without both the convocation & the consent of the States, so as (indeed) she could not inherit the Kingdom after her Father but after her Brother: and was Queen then, but as being the Wife of another elected King. That there was no convocation of the States, it is an unquestionable truth, and it follows necessarily, they gave not their consent, neither did they ever permither in any thing effectually to enjoy the Government. But after King Lewijs was fallen in battle, and that the heroic Prince Ferdinand Archduke of Austria had married the Lady Anne, that sister of King Lewijs; the States of Bohem (then) of their own Free will, and by virtue of their Privildges; Elected Archduke Ferdinand for their King, 1526. Indeed the King according to custom being once crowned as Sovereign, the Lady Anne, afterwards, was Crowned as his companion, and no otherwise. And if even at that time, the Freedom of the State's Election will yet be quarreled withal, let King Ferdinand's reversal letters be inquired of, they will satisfy for it. They were given at Vienna the Thirteenth of December, 1526. And for their better strength the oath he gave the States will declare itself.  
But there hath very lately been discovered a strange fact-committed upon those reversal Letters of Ferdinand the Emperor done without the knowledge, much less the consent of the body of the States. The said Letters having been copied in Parchment out of the original, and inserted to the other Privileges of the Country in a book expressly appointed for that purpose; (and that the original itself was placed there with other privileges; and that the said reversal Letters, themselves, (as it is said) were annexed to the Statutes and Ordinances of the Country for the space of Nineteen years together, remain yet to be seen:) It is now found out that after the expiration of those nineteen years, that is to say in the year 1545. some person not yet come into public knowledge, in the Register of the Country's customs, upon the margin of those reversal Letters writ these words, following: The Letters were rendered his Majesty by the States of Bohemia, in the general Assembly of the States of the Country at the Castle of Prague, on Monday after the Ascension of the most blessed Virgin Mary in the year 1545. and in place of those, were other Letters given to the said States of the Kingdom in the Bohemian tongue, which were likewise inserted into this book in the leaf etc. Done at the Castle of Prague, the Wednesday after St. Aegidius day, 1545.  
Now that this point was in this manner ever effected, or that the States in their full Assembly did ever render those reversal Letters to the King and received other patents in their place, it can no way be found: For in the general Assembly held the same year at the Castle of Prague (which at this day remains quoted in the Register of the Country) there is not any mention made thereof; no not so much as in the proposition itself then opened on the part of the King. Neither were the Letters Patents supposed to be given instead of the first assurances, according to that, form addition written in the said book; but afterwards included in another. It may thence be easily judged that the writer of those added words (whosoever he was) did it out of a private authority, to please some other persons. Thence likewise it may very easily be perceived to what aim, the corruption was directed; namely by this means to frustrate and deprive the States for the time to come to the Freedom of their Election. As indeed those Patents do nothing agree with the first Assurances, save only in this, That the States ought to look to themselves, that the said election of King Ferdinand may not derogate nor be preividiciall to their Privileges. But the said Reversals have in them another sense directly contrary to all the Privileges and Freedoms of the Country, both old and new, and particularly in this, that there are again alleged the insertions both of Charles the 4th. in his confirmation, and of Vladislaus for the advancement of his disposition towards his Daughter; which as hath been said, is long ago made void, and was observed only in one case alone; the States (notwithstanding) having always retained the free Election.  
Now that this was not done to violate the Privileges rather than to confirm them, we refer to the judgement of the whole world. The reason why, the States have not received perfect knowledge of all these indirect passages until now, is, that from time to time they have been concealed by the principal Officers of the land, who were Roman Catholics. For the States in the divers pursuits of their cause, aswell to the general Assemblies of the Country, as otherways, could never get so much as a hearing of the Privileges read; much less a possession of the writings or copies of them.  
Howsoever, it is evident that the Emperor Ferdinand himself, did very well judge and consider that this Kingdom, and the Provinces incorporate, were not Hereditary, and that those Letters Patents could take no place, nor be of force with Posterity against the ancient Privileges and Statutes. It is evident in this, that the same Emperor called a general Assembly of the Country in the year 1549. where he desired of the States of Bohemia, that Archduke Maximilian his eldest Son, might after his death be received for their King. Which the States accorded unto, to the end that in the life time of his Majesty, his Son might carry the name of King, upon condition (nevertheless) that he should not be invested in the government during the time of his Father. According to which Condition (and likewise by virtue of certain interchanged Articles) the Coronation of King Maximilian and his wife Queen Mary, succeeded not until the year 1562.  
In like manner Maximilian coming to be Emperor presented his eldest Son Rodolph, and desired he might be accepted of and Crowned King of Bohemia for the future, which the States consented unto, accepted of him, and declared him then upon certain present conditions, and afterwards drew from him his Letters of Assurance.  
Furthermore, were the Kingdom and the Provinces incorporate Hereditary to the House of Austria, it is to be believed, that it had been altogether unnecessary to seek to the States by request for the Succession; since upon the terms of Inheritance every eldest Son coming to survive the Father, there must have descended a right unto his own person for his title to the Crown, without any intercession: as the Archdukes of Austria themselves do exemplify by their own claims to their Countries of inheritance. It may hereunto be added that from the Acceptation, and declaration of those two Kings Maximilian and Rodolphe there can no prejudice fall upon the Freedom of Election, since both of them being the eldest Sons of Kings of Bohemia, their success in all reason might happen to be the more easy; and yet it was not done without both seeking and obtaining the willing consent of the States. Thence therefore there can no argument be drawn that the States by that Act have quit the right of their free Election.  
If yet there will be something inferred thence to the contrary; the proceeding of Rodolphe himself will confess that inference an error. For being unmarried, and without Children, it was the design of the Archduke Mathias as the eldest Brother to his Imperial Majesty, to procure himself first nominated King of Bohemia, the Emperor yet living; and by the intercession of his Majesty, that afterwards he might be Elected and Crowned according to custom. And in this case where lineal heirs have failed, it never sufficed the conferring of the succession upon another, to have these words used only: Acceptation, Declaration, and Coronation; but there was always regard had aswell of the one part as the other, to the saving of the Free Election, which the States have by virtue of their ancient Privileges from Frederick the Emperor and others. As indeed the Emperor Rodolphe, himself also did anew in all indifferent understandings, very authentically confirm and ratify the same Privileges to the States in this point, that his Majesty sought and interceded to them for his Brother the Archduke Mathias, that by virtue of their Privileges and freedoms, and of their own bounty, and free will, they would first design his Brother for King of Bohemia, and afterwards Elect him. Accordingly the Archduke Mathias observed the same sense, and desired he might be Elected after the ordinary custom. It follows that his Majesty the Emperor interceding, and the Archduke being so Elected, they have both of them very manifestly acknowledged and confirmed that in such a case howsoever, (if not otherwise where the right line is extinguished) the States have a free Election. Which besides the authority it receives from Privileges and Customs of ancient use, it hath more than sufficiently been ratified likewise, not only by a contract passed before Prague in the year 1608. between his Imperial Majesty, the Archduke and the Provinces; but also by the proposition made on the part of the same Emperor in the general Assembly of the States; and by the Letters of Assurance from both their Majesty's Imperial and Royal.  
Moreover the States of the Reformed Church of the Crown of Bohemia, (after the persecutions they had sustained) were competently provided for by his Majesty the Emperor Rodolphe their King with an Edict of Pacification upon the cause of Religion, and the free exercise thereof, according to the agreement with the general Assembly of the States, in the year 1608. and as it hath since been confirmed in 1610. at the request of the Electors of the Empire solicited by the States. And their said Majesties confirmed certain accords passed between those of the Religion of the Gospel, and the Roman Catholics, as also between those of the Religion of the Gospel themselves. And all this for the conservation, and advancement of mutual Amity and agreement, in such a manner, that in whom soever the least opposition or contradiction that can be imagined, should be found to be intended against that Edict of Pacification, or the other accords, he should be proceeded against as a disturber of the public quiet.  
From these proceedings our people generally did promise themselves that thence forth they should live in a peaceable condition together, both under his Majesty and the succeeding Kings of Bohemia, and that every man might serve God safely and obey the Magistrates. But incontinently upon it, and fine likewise, these promises met with persons of turbulent and wicked dispositions, who, by the suggestion of an evil spirit have laboured to make the world understand, that nothing could be more contrary, to their minds then the free election of a King, and the free exercise of Religion. And out of that malevolent nature refused to sign the Edict of pacification, and the agreements passed with the matter depending on them which his Imperial Majesty and other peaceable Roman Catholic Estates had by example invited them unto, but bent themselves with all their might partly by their secret Conspiracies, and Fraudulent practices, and partly by abusing their offices, and by their impudent malice to overthrow the whole work of Peace, and to dispose even his Majesty himself to the consent of this ruin; not withstanding that presently upon it in a public Assembly of the States they were protested against, that in case the States of the Religion of the Gospel should come to be yet further molested, the offence should be imputed to them alone, and they should be proceeded against, as troublers and infringers of the public ●●…iet. This caution wrought no regard in them, but on the contrary, they were so far from it, as even in the life time of the Emperor Mathias, it was the principal point of their study to provide themselves for the time to come of such a Lord as their enterprises might expect countenance, and assistance from. And indeed they did so successfully advance their affairs, that in the year 1617. they procured that Archduke Ferdinand, of whose courses all Christendom have taken notice, that he was no sooner entered the government of the Country than he persecuted those of the Religion, in such a manner, as at last without making of any difference between the condition of person & person, he chased them quite away; and in the pursuit of his inhumanenes, he caused the bodies of the Dead to be digged out of their Graves, and exercised such Cruelties upon them, as might have tonuerted a very barber's education to a gentleness of Nature, by beholding, or but by hearing only of the hatefulness of the Persecuttan. This Archduke Ferdinand was called to Prague, adopted by the Emperor Mathias for his Son, and afterwards by greatness of threatenings, and by promises, and presents bestowed upon some disloyal, and treacherous members, and by their Conspiracies with the enemies of the Religion of the Gospel, he was received, declared, and Crowned for the King of Bohemia, to succeed, but not Elected. For they would by no means give ear to the moving of an Election during the whole time of the giving of voices.  
Now touching the other things of passage in this admission, & Coronation; it shallbe spoken of in the second Article. This shall suffice to conclude with, for the first point, that he was not chosen King of Bohemia according to the accustomed order, nor the virtue of the ancient observation of the Privileges, & Statutes of the Country.  
For the second reason; that is to say, how the admission, and Coronation came to pass, there hath somewhat already been spoken, and in what fashion of carriage the disloyal members were bravely employed, to reach the end of their pernicious designs. To which this that follows likewise offers itself. At the very time of the convocation of the Assembly of the States of the Country, the States were by letters Patents forbidden to treat there of any other thing, than the point touching a Successor to the Crown, which is a crime not only contrary to the ancient observation, but opposed also the decree made in a general Assembly of the Country, Anno 1610 where it is expressly, delivered, that in all the Assemblies of the States, it shall be free and lawful for them; (immediately after the deliberation of the proposition made on the part of the King) to set before them the Articles of the public griefs which then ought to be taken into mature advice and to be ordered, and applied remedy unto, before the rising of the Assembly. This was the reason that many of the States made difficulty to appear in an Assembly so exorbitant. And those which were there, gave their testimonies by their voices against such proceeding, as a thing infringing the franchises and privileges of the Kingdom, adding that the Provinces incorporate were not called thither: with these (notwithstanding) it was concluded in the holding of the last Assembly of the States; as pretending to have right in the giving of their voices for the Election of a King; having first resolved and accorded with the Provinces. These States (I say) were threatened, aswell by the unfaithful members, as by others, and in such a manner, as it was professed that if any man would undertake to carry his suffrage another way, he had need be furnished with two heads, and must look to be dealt withal as strangely as some others had been not many years ago. And seeing it was impossible to countermine their practices, and to withstand the whole faction of the Romanist; who had fished up and down to call in such as had little or nothing to lose in the Country, that those of the Religion were overborne by the plurality of voices: It must then come to this necessity, that whether they would or not, they were to give way to the acceptation, and Coronation. Which (nevertheless) was not yielded unto, without conditions. For the Archduke Ferdinand gave the States his reversal Letters, among the Articles whereof these are some that follow.  
1.  
That he thanked the States, and would he careful to acknowledge them with graciousness, and Royal benevolence; in such a measure as they should receive all contentment from his Majesty.  
2.  
That during the life of the Emperor Mathias he would not invest himself in the Government of the Kingdom; nor would he put himself upon it, without the knowledge and consent, aswell of his Majesty and the principal Officers and Precedents of the Country; as of the councillors of Estate, and of his majesties Finances, and of the chief Lords of the Country; of two persons of the commonalty of every Circuit; of six of the Town of Prague, and of other Towns deputed in the Assembly of the States of the Land.  
3.  
That if during the life of the Emperor he shall undertake to enter the Government; in that case the Estates shall no way be held, or bound to render him any obedience or duty of Fidelity.  
Now in what fashion K. Ferdinand hath made good his Oath, and observed his reversal Letters, it is notorious to the whole world; and shall briefly be shown in the third Article following.   

3.  
Concerning then the third and last reason; namely why King Ferdinand is rejected; and how he hath deprived himself, and made himself uncapable of the Acceptation and Coronation; and in sum, of all else depending thereon, which he might pretend unto:  
It is a thing most noted and manifest, that the unfaithful members; together with the pernicious sect of the Jesuits, after the Coronation became so insolent, that they did instantly set a foot divers persecutions, not only as principally in the Kingdom of Bohemia, bus also in the principalities of the upper and lower Silesia; and in many places against the States of the Religion of the Gospel, and the free exercise thereof; and expressly against the prohibition contained in the Edict of pacification; besides this, the Churches of the Religion, some they caused to be blocked up, and some they pulled down to the very ground, the persons they cast into Prison, and there held them long. And at last cut off all access and audience between his Majesty the Emperor, and the States of Bohemia, as also between him and the defendants ordained by the consent of his Majesty, forbade their Assemblies, directly against the meaning of the Law, and condemned them without either accusation or hearing. The Jesuits with much passion of joy writ to Archduke Leopold the advertisement of this Coronation, and put it in Print, confessing & reporting that the Archduke Ferdinand, aswell before, as at his entrance to the Government of his hereditary Countries, was bound by Oath to affect rather the losing of blood, and life, then to agree in the least measure that could be about matter of Religion in favour of the Heretics, meaning the true believing Christians: as it may particularly and at large be understood in the defences and griefs of this Land which are published.  
From these unlawful Oppressions it grew to this, by the conspiracies of those false Statesmen, that for a long time they looked after no other subject than war, & the effusion of blood; Insomuch, as the late Emperor was carried away and suborned by them, to the invading of this fair Kingdom and the Inhabitants with an Army, which hath destroyed a good part of it, by pillage, fire and sword. Wherein King Ferdinand did not only give testimony that he took contentment, but (which is more) became himself both a counsellor, and an executor against the Kingdom: and intruded into the Government thereof, to be invested before his time, thereby raising his purpose to be a cause of infinite unsufferable oppressions and calamities: The truth whereof is as clear as day. For the world can not be ignorant that he invested himself in the Government while the Emperor Mathias was yet living; insomuch as against the will of the Emperor he did both cast, and imprison Cardinal Klesel Precedent of the Privy Council, and one of whose employment his Majesty received service in all his Counsels. Further, in that the said Ferdinand did not only advise a War against this Kingdom, but also employed his own Forces, which he had in Friaull, to invade the Land, commanding them to make spoil of it and to put the Inhabitants to Fire and Sword.  
Item for having himself in person held an Assembly in the Marquisat of Maravia, against the Kingdom of Boheme, where he demanded, both to join the Troops of Moravia to those of the Emperor, and their passage through the said Marquisat; and then indeed, partly by fair words, partly by threatenings he persuaded the States of Moravia to allow of the passage.  
Item for having, after the decease of the Emperor, not only taken into his pay and service all the Forces, and open enemies of that Kingdom; but also caused all the levies made before, to be advanced, and brought in many thousand Spaniards, and other forces; by means whereof horrible Cruelties, and Tyrannies were exercised, by Fire, and Sword, and Sacking: both in Bohemia, and Moravia, and much greater than in the time of the Emperor Mathias, Insomuch that they spared neither old nor young, men nor women, no not the innocent Babes, whereof many of them were in there Mother's bellies: and which is more, in worse than a Barbarous fashion digged their bodies out of their Graves, stripped them; and binding their hands and feet together, laid them stark naked in a horrible manner upon the Altars, and set them at the doors of Churches.  
And though it be well known to the world that he never entered into possession of this Kingdom; yet not withstanding, he hath not forborn by his letters to make choice of, and to admit for his Lieutenants the aforesaid treacherous Patriots who are the source, and original cause of all this evil: some of which he hath yet by his person; who for being perfidious to this Kingdom and for other great considerations were banished, of whom (notwithstanuing) he doth serve himself both in his Counsels and Embassages, manifesting thereby that he doth approve of all the mischief they have done even until this present for the abolishing, and cassation of the franchises, and Privileges of the Country, and that he makes more account of such men, then of the whole Kingdom: by which every one may easily judge, what the Provinces may expect or hope for so such a Lord.  
Especially if we consider withal the Contracts and treaties which have passed between the King of Spain and King Ferdinand, not only for so much as concerneth the Kingdom of Bohemia, and the incorporated Provinces thereof, but chiefly also concerning the free Kingdom of Hungary, and that this was done even then, when he was neither yet received, nor Crowned in any of the two Kingdoms; which Treaties as then were kept secret and concealed from the Provinces, but discovered afterwards and brought to light by a singular, & divine providence.  
In those treaties the Free Election and the Privileges (which the said two Kingdoms have by virtue of that Election) are entirely cut off, and appropriated Hereditarily to the King of Spain and his Successors; in such sort as the King of Spain doth now quit and yield his Hereditary right unto King Ferdinand; but with this restriction, that upon default of Heirs males of the race of King Ferdinand, the said two Kingdoms, with the depending Provinces, shall fall by right of Succession to the King of Spain, his Heirs and Successors: As indeed the said Archduke Ferdinand, ever since the said contracts were passed, hath changed the old style, wherewith the precedent Emperors and Kings of Boheme always contented themselves; for that the emperors Ferdinand, Maximilian, rnd Rodolphe did ordinarily write: Our Kingdoms and Provinces Hereditary; but the Archduke Ferdinand doth write now in this fashion: Our kingdoms Hereditary and Provinces. By this we may again easily judge, what was the drift of King Ferdinand, and why he would not be chosen, but only acknowledged in Bohemia; namely to suppress the Free Election, and accordingly to be Lieutenant of the King of Spain in these Countries, until such time as he had in the end entirely reduced them to the Spanish yoke and servitude. But if the States had then had any knowledge of the said contracts, doubtless they had sufficient cause, both to contradict, and oppose themselves against it. For all men know, that the Kings of those Kingdoms which are not Hereditary, but subsist by a Free Election, (as hath been formerly proved touching the Kingdom of Bohemia) cannot make any contract with a stranger Prince without the approbation and consent of the States, and all such treaties are in themselves void and of none effect. Such and the like treaties might prove exceeding dangerous to the Empire; for by this means the King of Spain would thrust in a foot to the Empire, as King of Bohemia, from whence would necessarily follow that he must be Elector of the Empire, by virtue of the Golden Bull of the Emperor Charles the 4.th, and so hereafter would affect and pretend also to be King of the Romans, at which all the Spanish practices do level and aim, which would be expressly contrary to the Golden Bull, and the Oath of the other Electors; as also against the Ordinances and constitutions of the Empire, and by this means the Imperial Crown would be quite taken away from the German Nation, and be made entirely Hereditary as they have endeavoured, and practised to make the Crown of Bohemia. All which, together with that hath been written by the States of Bohemia to the College of Electors lately held at Frankford: as also how they protested against the Election of the person of King Ferdinand to the Crown of the Kings of the Romans; will plainly appear by their writings.  
Since then in regard hereof the Provinces have acknowledged, and plainly seen, that it was most dangerous, and indeed impossible to enter into any treaty with such a Lord, who is not of himself, who speaks and writes peaceably, but harboureth war and bloodshed in his heart; much less for the reasons aforesaid receive him into the Government, whereof he hath many ways deprived himself: let us consider the pernicious consequence that this would have brought with it.  
1 First, hereby the said treaties with Spain would have been confirmed.  
2 Secondly, the States could not expect of such a Lord any certainty or assurance in point of Religion or State.  
3 And thirdly, without doubt the States must have paid, not only their own but their enemy's Forces, which have exercised so many Cruelties against them, and their good Friends, and have been constrained to join with their enemies, and March against their own Friends, which profess their own Religion.  
4 Fourthly, it would give occasion to our enemies to blaspheme the name of God, and to say, alas where is now our God?  
5 And five it came to that, that other Potentates, and Princes, of the Religion had never given any assistance to the said States, if they had found but the least inclination in them to enter into treaty with the Archduke Ferdinand and other enemies.  
And therefore seeing that for the reasons aforesaid, it hath been sufficiently proved, that the Archduke Ferdinand was never Elected King of Bohemia by the ordinary course, and that he himself, hath deprived himself, and hath forfeited both the Acceptation and the Coronation, which was conditionally conferred upon him (as before) by not observing either his Letters of Assurance, or Oath: As also seeing he hath exercised manifest tyrannies in the Kingdom, and passed contracts with the House of Spain without the consent or knowledge of the States: For these reasons, they understand, and find themselves to be free from him, and not any way tied unto him in what kind soever.  
And for the same reasons, agreeable both to divine and human right, (with the aid of the Almighty) they have taken the Freedom to Elect another King, as shall be more fully declared to the world in a Manifestation hereafter to be published.    

A PROPOSITION made by the States of Bohemia, in their Assembly at PRAGVE upon the Election of a King; the 16. of August, 1619. being the Birthday of the Prince Elector Palatine.  
ALbeit the Nomination of a King of BOHEMIA, requires a mature counsel and deliberation; which ought to precede the nomination; in this point (nevertheless) there is not so much difficulty, as in the rejecting of a King; which gave a beginning to this, and stands in need both of a good justification, and of a great Power, where the nomination hath no need of those aids, but but of itself follows, after the rejection.  
Now therefore since the Rejection (as the thing more importing us) is already done; the Nomination will be much the more easy, provided we stand not upon such a perfection in the choice, as the whole world cannot yield us. It behooves us to set apart all particular passions, and to have regard (only) to those reasons which are Fundamental. For there are points requisite, so necessary to be considered in the Election of a King; as it is not for any good Patriot to give his advice for the receiving of one in whom those things required are not to be found. But we may with very good assurance conclude for him, in whom they meet, more than in any other man.  
1 As in the first place, it is needful that in such a person, there be none of these matters to be feared for which King FERDINAND was rejected. That is to say, that he ought not either to persecute, or advance any for the respect of Religion, nor to exceed in the dependence of his own Counsellors, or of strangers; but to join himself with the States. He ought not to be opinionative▪ nor given to do things of his own head, but to accommodate the Customs of his House, and his, to the ordinances and liberties of this Crown.  
2 In the second place, it is required, that he affect the Estates with an acknowledgement of reputation.  
3 Thirdly, that in time both of Peace and war, he govern his Kingdom by his own presence; worthily and profitably.  
4 Fourthly, that the Confederates may receive no cause of fear from him, either of danger, or damage.  
Since than there are Five who are inferred into the treaty of this Election; that is to say, the King of DENMARRKE, the Elector PALATINE, the Elector of SAXONY, the Duke of SAVOY, and the Prince of TRANSILVANIA, it will be therefore to purpose to consider, that although there be not any one of any one of these Princes in his own particular, but is of merit both to be Praised and recommended; there is among them (notwithstanding) a certain diversity which every one by himself may prudently weigh. And forasmuch as it is not permitted us to judge liberally of great Princes; in this place (therefore) it shall suffice, without offence to any, briefly to deduce the reasons for which the Elector Palatine ought to be esteemed very capable of the Crown of BOHEMIA, and fit to maintain the present estate of the Kingdom.  
For although he be not yet above twenty three; he is a Prince (nevertheless) endued with a great judgement, bred up from his Cradle in goodness and virtue: holds continually about him persons of great quality, as well for the Field, as the State: accustomed to Courtesy; in himself of very plentiful Hopes: and at this Age he will better form himself to the Customs of the Kingdom, than if he were more increased in years. And God bestows not wisdom always according to the Age of a man but upon him that calls to God for it in his fear.  
He is a Prince, moderate, virtuous and resolute in his Actions; quick and sharp in his Discourse, true courteous towards all men; well Languaged; holds a fair Court, of Earls, Barons, and Gentlemen; Loves and cherishes the Nobility: employs even men of mean condition in his Service, when he finds desert in them for it; and will let no worthy service pass him without his acknowledgement, his Subjects and Country (in part the Frontiers of this Kingdom) he governs with Prudence; gives estimation to men of Honour; holds a well-ordered Council, frequents the Council Table in his own Person; takes exact heed to the opinions, and propositions of his councillors; gives good cause to have his own judgement approved, and commended in things of importance; inclines willingly to the informations of other men; loves the Common good, and therein takes pains, with zeal, and without fear: bears Compassion to the afflicted; shows himself laborious and resolved; is beloved of his Subjects; carries himself Peaceably with his neighbours, of what Religion soever they be; and for that wins respect even of those of different beliefs. For his own Religion, he is well affected; yet there is not any in his Countries though of another Profession, that finds himself disquieted for matter of Conscience or in the exercise of his Religion; so as every man may with freedom live under him, provided his conversation be honest, and good.  
There is none that can accuse him either of precipitation, or opinionativenes; a thing very remarkable.  
He is in good correspondence with those of the Houses PALATINE and of BAVIERS; and yet for that reason forsakes nothing either of those rights, or of those Duties belonging to the general State of the Country.  
And howsoever he is a Prince but young, and shows himself courteous, and sweet towards his people; for all that there is neither lightness, dissoluteness, nor voluptuousness seen in him; nor any disorder, or excess at all in his Diet; nor any Avarice, Prodigality, or other thing whatsoever, unagreeable, or contrary to the reputation of a Prince.  
For the assistance the Crown of BOHEMIA may expect from him; it is clear to every man's understanding, that he is not only not in debt; and that of his Revenue he can lay something up, but also that the King of Great BRITAIN is his Father in Law; the King of DENMARK his near Ally, and likewise the Elector of BRANDENBURG: the Prince of ORANGE his Uncle; the Duke of BVILLON his Ally; the States of the United Provinces of the Low-Countryes his Confederates: the King of SWEDEN, and the Hanse Towns his Friends; and for his Correspondents, the Duke of SAVOY, VENICE, and SWITZERLAND. He is in good credit with all the Prince's Electors, and other Princes, and States of the Empire, more particularly with those of the Union. He hath confederacies, and ancient Alliances with FRANCE. The Prince of TRANSILVANIA & High HUNGARY bears him affection. SAXONY and BAVIER, are in good terms with him. MENTZ, and the neighbour-Countryes do look upon him with Honour and respect. Insomuch as the Crown of Bohemia by his only means may get the Amity of all those, which we do now seek with so much labour, and travail; and by the same means we may be conserved, and Fortified against our Enemies; which from any other treated of in the Election can neither be expected, nor hoped for.  
And since it is a certainty that this Prince would not accept of the Election for ambition's sake, but only for the Common good; we may therefore promise ourselves that he will ever continue in the good affection he hath already shown towards this Crown, by the profitable Counsels and assistances, which aswell in his own person, as by other ways (according to the occasion) he hath made to appear: when some others, for their particular considerations, have greatly prejudized both the States of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and the Countries, and Provinces confederate.  
Those Provinces confederate, who are already in good understanding with this Prince, have to consider, that they cannot ground the like confidence upon others: (who are too much tied in respect of the House of Austria) for the receiving of a succour in time of their need. And in this case the confederacy might bring them rather prejudice, than benefit; a thing exceedingly importing this Crown, as may be seen by experience.  
Since then those qualities required, are found all to meet in the person of the Prince-Elector-Palatine; and that in those of the other Princes spoken of in this Election (the Prince of Transiluania excepted: who hath his eye upon another mark) though in themselves of great worth and merit: in regard (notwithstanding) of the constitution of our State, there are many abilities wanting, (as may be easily shown:) it will be to purpose therefore no longer to defer the Election. And so much the rather, because the Crown of Bohemia, with the countries confederate (now after the rejection) will be more disquieted than ever, and remaining without a Head, we shall find no man that will duly undertake our protection or Defence.  
FINIS.   

To the Reader.  
The Reader may not expect hereof at this time so exact an impression as the subject requireth: by reason the Copy (out of which it was Printed) was written over in haste, and by a stranger: and Printed likewise in haste, the Compositors also strangers. By reason whereof some escapes may have passed in the Orthography, the which being but Literal, may the more easily be pardoned, both to the Printer, and the Overseer no ordinary Corrector, Vale.  
john Harrison.