MOCK-MAJESTY: OR, The siege of Munster.  
BEING A TRUE STORY OF THOSE fine things, wherewith King JOHN BECOCK, At first a Butcher of Leiden by profession, and his companions the ANABAPTISTS, pleased themselves after they were become Masters of that City.  
You shall here likewise have the issue of the whole MOCK-SHOW.  C. TACITUS. Quidam, ut imperium subvertant, libertatem proferunt; si subverterint, ipsam aggredientur. Idem, Histor. lib. 1. Malignitati falsa species libertatis inest. 
ELEUTHEROPOLI, ANNO ' ΑΝΑΒΑΠΤΙΣΤΟΜΑΝΙ'ΑΣ, C. XIIX.  

Imprimatur,  
James Cranford.   
London, Printed for J. S. and L. C. 1644.   

TO THE WORSHIPFUL, Mr. RICHARD LITHGOLD, Mr. JOHN CHILD, Bailiffs of the ancient Corporation of Kingston upon Thames:  
For their endeavour for the public good; For their vigilancy in their Place, and Office:  
Especially, For the assistance, and encouragement, of their Minister, in preaching the Word, and suppressing novel Fancies:  
THIS IS DEDICATED, Willingly, Deservedly.   

TO THE INTELLIGENT READER, Baptised, or Rantised.  
THou must excuse me for this pretty new stamped word. It is pity but it should signify something in English. Whether it do or no, it is not a week since I first met with it, and that in a way of scorn, and contempt, of the Baptism of our Church. 
a Ch. Blackwood in his book entitled, The storming of Antichrist in his two strongest holds, etc. very lately published.  He that goes about to naturalise it, and make it a Denizen, is one that ●●kes upon him also to question the truth of that Relation, which we have in 
b Joan. Sleid. Commentary X.  sleidan's commentaries, concerning 
c Blackwood praef. pag. 12.  the tumultuous carriage of the Anabaptists in Germany, as himself speaks; making the Author thereof, for differing opinions sake in matter of Religion, to make no conscience of violating that sacred rule, which directs and binds every Noble Historian, 
* Ne quid falsi audeat; nequid veri non audeat.  That he dare speak nothing false; nor yet conceal any thing that is true. Not a little troubled to see so injurious, and false an imputation, laid upon the truest History; that ever was written since the Acts of the Apostles; I was the more incited, to communicate again to the public view, and that in a language which we all can understand, that part thereof, which concerns those tumults more especially: and I do look for better grounds, for the confuting thereof, than such weak surmises, and exceptions, that he was 
d Blackwood, b. p. 12.  a contrary minded Historian; or, that (d) it is not lawful to believe an History, from the mouth, or pen, of an enemy. More Christian, and rational charity, 
e Gal. 4.16.  I am sure, hath been observed to direct the souls and actions, even of Heathen men themselves. And I forbear not to make use of St. Paul's question herein: Is he therefore become your enemy, because he speaks the truth? As for our Author, he hath as faithfully, as ever did any, observed what the 
f Fl. Joseph. contra Appion. lib 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Herodian. l 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  learnedst of the Jews requires in a good Historian, To relate nothing, which he could not maintain from his particular, and certain knowledge thereof, by 
g Tot rerum, qu●● gesserat, aut à fide dignis acceperat, notitiâ fretus, Comment. scribere aggressus est. Thuan. lib. 17, de Sleidano. Vid. Meich. Adamum. in Philosoph. German. in Sleidano.  personal employment in the action; or else had not received it from the hands of such, whose truth ought not to be called into question. What, in this respect, is objected against him by Matthaeus 
h Orat. de Ordat usu Histor.  Dresserus, upon the bare word, and assertion, of his friend Christop. Carlevilius, hath as much weight in it, as Mr. Blackwoods' surmises. And of what spirit Dresserus was, learned men, who have perused his books, certainly cannot be ignorant. Only I am sorry, to see any Reformer join, or at least, agree with so great a stickler for the Sea of Rome; and that in a censure against a Protestant, of such known piety and integrity. It is hard to gainsay what the noonday looks upon and witnesses: And now to deny, what our forefathers, and all Christendom well-near taken notice of, with no less wonder than shame, were to endeavour to swagger truth out of the world. The great respect and entertainment, which Sleidan had here, when he was 
i Jo. Sleidanus in Anglia communi Protestantium nomine legationem obiit, Theod. Beza in Ie●.  Embasadour to the Court of England in the general name of all the Protestants of Germany, shall be both a testimony of his prudence, faithfulness, and other abilities in pablique affairs; and also an assurance, that this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or fragment, of that his most excellent History, shall find welcome with us in an English, though somewhat a courser dress. How sacred and venerable he esteemed 
(k) Diligentissimè fimul & verissimè historia perscripta. Beza, ibid. Historiam huc illuc usque exacta fide, & diligentrâ pertexuit. Th●anus An. M.D.LVI. v. Gesner. in Biblioth. Henr. Pantaleon. Prosopograph. lib. 3. & alios sexcentoes.  truth to be, and how religious a thing he accounted it to swerve in the least matter from the nice observing of it, if any man be not Christian enough to have charity to believe the man himself herein, others then in this case shall more than abundantly witness it. Thuanus, (k) Beza, &c. Papists, Calvinists, Lutherans, and men of what Religion soever, that are not yet more blinded by faction, then led by reason, will give satisfaction in this behalf, even to such as are extremely scrupulous. And if all these will not work in Mr. Blackwood a belief of sleidan's truth, in respect of this Relation, then let his own namesake, and Countryman, and perhaps kinsman, 
(n) Lib. 2. De Vinculo Relig. & Imp.  Adam Blackwood, 
(l) Omnia nudè, simpliciter, & bonâ fiderprout quaeque res acta fuit, re●ito: nec enim de meo quicquam addo ●nec in ullius hominis invidiam, aut gratlam aliquid scribo. Ego sanè, quod sine ostentation● dictum esse velim, ita sum affectus, ut siquid in hoc opere minus verè perscriptum esse scirem dispecturus illud sim, & lectorem iple moniturus ultrò, ne fidem habeat. Sèd plane confido, futurum, ut nulla mihi vaniras objici possit, etc. Sleidan. praefat. ad Elector. Saxoniae.  a very learned writer tell the story; and what both his credit and judgement was concerning the same. Now you must pardon him, if he do perchance.  

(m) Pers. sat. 1.  Auriculas teneras mordaci radere vero:  
And here you have his own words, rendered as nearly as conveniently would permit. (n) Lindenius quidam (falsely printed for Leydensis) Sarcinator, etc. A certain Butcher, says he, of Leyden in Holland, having by his Sermons gotten to be King of the Anabaptists, stirred up a rebellion of the common sort of people, 
o He means. Thomas Muncer, and his complices, whom Luther terms Importunos concionatores, and Sanguinarios doctores, Sleid. lib. 5.  as formerly others had done, who for ten year's space destroyed and laid waste Germany, and occasioned the death of many thousands. But here I cannot sufficiently admire the sottishness of those men, who placed over themselves such a King as preached nothing else to the people, but the destruction of Kingdoms, the abrogation of Magistrates, and that all men were created by that great and powerful God to a like condition. Who either from those wild conceits he had gathered out of the Talmud, or other Judaical forgeries; or else, from absurdities taken out of the Alcoran, did teach them, that the enemies of their religion, or rather indeed of their rebellion and treason, were to be dealt withal by banishment, and imprisonment; by bonds, and stripes, and by death itself. 
(p) Fidem huic sermoni res ipsa facit: utinam mendacio ista confingeremus, & rerum ab iis gestarum veritas nostram orattonem refataret.  The truth of the matter procures itself belief. And I could wish, that all were but lies, and merely feigned; and that the truth, of the carriage of the whole business otherwise, might confute what I say. At first, when this doctrine, newly raised from hell, was scattered and spread among the people, nothing could seem more meek and simple than these kind of men. They desired nothing, forsooth, but Reformation of the old discipline, and liberty of conscience. But, I pray you, what liberty of conscience call you that, which breaking down all pales and boundaries, endeavours what it can to ruin Kingdom, and Commonwealths, and to suppress all manners and Laws? This conscience is a wolf in a sheep's clothing. And as the Sea-horse, according to 
* ●ib. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Plutarch, kills the sire, that he may more easily couple with the dam; so these mad men, that they may with more freedom abuse the Commonwealth, which is the mother of us all, to their own lusts, they strive to disenthrone, and put down all Kings and Magistrates, who are the common fathers of the people. And as the Viper is not borne, but by eating out a way to life: so neither is this new profession, but by the destruction of the Commonwealth, our mother. For, as Macrobius says of the Epicures sect, this whole faction, carried away from the truth with a full swinge, cannot by any means subsist, but by the corruption of manners and Laws, and the utter ruin of States. For where good Laws are in force, how possibly can any scoundrel fellow 
q Abjectissimus quisque de faece vulgi ce●do, impudentissimus quisque sycophanta, perditiss. apostata, etc. , any dunghill cobbler, any talkative, ignorant, impudent coxcomb aspire, and aim at Principality, and a Kingdom, and Tyranny itself? They, that were first indeed misled by this way, might be somewhat excused, as being, through their folly and simplicity, enveagled under a fair pretence, and show of Evangelicall truth. But now, if any one at this day, and in so great a light of the Gospel, suffer himself at noon-tide to be blinded, and seduced; he shall not be conceived to offend out of folly, and simplicity; but out of stubbornness, and incurable madness; and therefore must by no means think to deprecate that judgement, which he hath voluntarily, and with his own hands plucked upon his own head. Thus far out of that learned man, the contrary minded Mr. Blackwood, if I may borrow the expression, in his book dedicated to the Excellent Prince HENRY, and inscribed, 
* Of the bond of Religion, and government.  De Vinculo Religionis & Imperii. A writer, to say no more, (for it is testimony sufficient) very highly esteemed of, for his 
r In his Speech of the Postnati.  singular learning, by that great and eminent Lawyer, Chancellor Egerton L. Ellesmere.  
Farewell.   
JUDG. 9.15. And the bramble said unto the Trees, If in truth ye anoint me King over you, then come, and put your trust in my shadow; and if not, let fire come out of the Bramble, and devour the Cedars of Lebanon.  

Mock-Majestie: OR, The Siege of MUNSTER. Anno M. D.XXX.III.  
NOT fare from Munster, one of the chief Cities of Westphaly, is a Church dedicated to Saint Maurice, wherein one Bernard Rotman in the year M.D.XXXII. Preached the Gospel to a very numerous auditory. And when as the Citizens thought of some course to bring him in among them, they were hindered by the Papists, who gave him some small piece of money, to go some where else, and exercise his Talon. He hereupon goes his ways▪ and having touched at several places, casting about for his best profit and advantage, after some month's absence, returns back to Munster. They that were not well pleased there with, did what they could to keep him out of the Pulpit: but to no purpose, the people were already so much taken with him. Therefore presenly some of the abler and wealthier sort got him in among them into the City: and finding the Church doors shut up against him, they set him up a Pulpit without doors in the porch. And being now become confident of their strength, and presuming on their numbers, they make bold to demannd the keys of the Church from the Priests, threatening otherwise themselves to break open the doors. Not long after, Rotman, by the counsel and consent of some, who were chief of his party, sends setters into the Land-grave of Hessens Country, being not far distant thence, requesting that some able, and learned men might be sent to assist him in the plantation of the Gospel. They of Marpurg sent him two; who with himself and three others, straightway enter into consultation, how with best speed they might rid all the Papists out of the City, that by this means the Gospel might be preached with more freedom and liberty. The best way they could think upon was to sum up all the Popish errors: and so digesting them into thirty heads, they delivered them to the Magistrates, assuring them all to be repugnant to the Word of God, offering to make it good out of holy Scriptures, even with the hazard of their own lives. Hereupon the Magistrates cite the Friars, and Priests to appear before them in public, exhibiting the same Articles of their errors alleged against them. Now whereas they had ever borne the people in hand, that their Doctrine was according to purity, and grounded on the Word of God, which notwithstanding those Preachers denied, undertaking to maintain it with their utmost peril; the Magistrates demanded of them, whether they could confute by Scripture what was objected against them. This being in such manner proposed unto them, as that they might well perceive thereby how the Magistrates stood affected, they answered in brief, that they had nothing to urge for their own defence; but that whereas hitherto they had made the people believe their Doctrine to be sound and warrantable, all proceeded either from opinion or ignorance. Wherefore the Magistrates, upon conviction of their falsehood, and errors in Doctrine, having nothing to answer for themselves, but the bare confession of their own lewdness, commanded that for the time to come, they should cease preaching to the people, and yield up their rooms every where to these new Teachers, who had detected and laid open their ignorance and impostures. Afterward, by a joint agreement of the Magistrates and people, they had each of them particular Churches appointed to teach in, which the Friars in general took very scurvily, but they especially of the Cathedral, being most of them descended of good Families. They, when they saw no other remedy, departed in an anger, making their address to the Bishop; the result of their consultations with whom was, to beset all the ways and passages, whereby provision might be brought into the City. Which being done, the Bishop with the rest, went to Telget, a small town some three miles distant from the City, to take further Counsel there. At length they dispatched a Messenger with letters to the Magistrates, warning them to cease from their intended courses, and to restore all things to their former state and condition; otherwise, that they should be declared as enemies. The Bishop then was Count Francis Waldecke, and before him Frederick, brother to the Archbishop of Collen: But he, either for his health's sake, or foreseeing the storm that was like to fall, had not long before voluntarily quitted both office and place; contented to lead a private life rather in his own Country, then to hazard his quietness among a factious and seditious people.  
They of Munster, upon deliberation, detained the messenger, and issuing out upon Christmas Eve, some nine hundred of them came unexpectedly upon the Town, which instantly they took, besetting every way, that none might make escape: but the Bishop had departed thence the day before. Thus they brought the prisoners into the City, among whom were the chief of the Clergy, and others of very noble descent. The Magistrates demanded of them, what they intended to do, and whether they purposed any more to hinder the preaching of the Gospel for the time to come? They freely answered, they would do what in them lay to further it. By this means they fell to an agreement, a Copy whereof the Magistrates sent to the Landgrave of Hessen, withal entreating him, that for the Gospels & Commonwealth's sake, he would not be wanting to help on a business of so great moment.  
Here upon he disparcheth some to them, by whose intercession a reconcilement was made; But all wrongs and injuries being forgotten, a firm peace was concluded of; that in six Churches the Gospel should be taught; that whatsoever was unbeseming or superstitious in matters of Religion, should be abolished; that in the Cathedral nothing should be altered, that the Citizens should not think that it any way belonged to them. These Articles of agreement were subscribed and signed with the seals of the Landgrave, the Bishop and his Officers, the Nobility, Gentry, and people in general, February the XIV. M.D.XXXIII.  
Things being settled in this manner, there came to Munster one john of Leyden, an Hollander, and a Butcher by profession, a stiff Anabaptist. He having cunningly insinuated himself into the acquaintance of the Preachers there, began at first, in private discourse, to ask them, whether they thought it fit to baptise Infants? which they affirming, he wholly carried with the contrary opinion, fell to scoffing and contemning of them. Whereupon Bernard Rotman, of whom there is former mention, in a public assembly of the people, exhorted them all to pray unto God, that they might enjoy the Doctrine of Christ in purity, not polluted with the corruptions of fanatical and hot-braind men, especially the Anabaptists, who secretly crept in among them, and frequented their Assemblies: whose opinion, if it should once but get the upper hand, was like to prove destructive both to Church & Common wealth. About the same time came thither also one Herman Stapreda, who being appointed colleague, or partner in the Ministry with Rotman, began publicly to inveigh against the Baptism of little ones.  
This fellow had been sometime a heater of one Henry Roll, whom they of Vtricht had not long before this, put to death for his preaching of Anabaptism. And this was another degree and step, whereby to advance this new doctrine; the matter being already brought to such a pass, that all the talk of the Town was now concerning the Anabaptists. Yet what they did was all in private; none being admitted into their assemblies, but such as were of their own Sect; their Teachers likewise forbearing to maintain any thing in public, venting their doctrines in the night time when others were asleep, then only performing their mysterious works of darkness. But matters could not be carried so close, but that the people must needs take notice thereof, who took great exceptions at it, and cried out shame that new doctrines should be sowed and scattered abroad by night, as if they feared the reproof and confutation of the day light. Hereupon the Magistrates made an Ordinance, that the chief authors thereof should quit the City: which indeed they did; but were no sooner gone forth, but they returned back by another way, being now so bold as to give it out, that God had commanded them to continue there still, and to play their parts with a deal of bravery and confidence. This somewhat moved the Magistrates, and indeed struck them with no small wonder: Therefore to avoid greater uproars and commotions in the City, as well the Ministers of the Anabaptists as of the Gospel, are cited to appear in their Town Hall, and a set number of learned men appointed besides. Here Rotman bewrais of what spirit & temper he was, & having for so long together kept himself close, he now in a general concourse publishes his opinion, and with a great deal of bitterness, he declares the baptism of Infants to be a thing both ungodly and execrable: but Herman Busch, a very learned man, so ably maintained the contrary in presence of the Magistrates, that they by a public decree were straight way commanded to forsake the City. They finding no remedy, pretended how unsafe it was for them to pass the Bishop's Country; whereupon the Magistrates gave them safe conduct and provision for their journey. But having formerly resolved never to change their abode for any other, but to nestle here still, after a while returned privately to their proselytes here, lurking closely in their houses for a time. The Magistrates in the mean while, before such time as they began to peep out of their holes, shut up the doors of all their Churches save one. For their fear was, lest the Anabaptists, whose numbers daily increased, having once more got the company of their Teachers there, might wholly shut out the Ministers of the Gospel.  
Upon this in November, the Landgrave at the request of the Magistrates, sent two Ministers more to preach among them, Theodoricke Fabricius and John Melsinger. But Melsinger, apprehending the commotions in the City, and the danger which might ensue thereon, returned home again presently. The other zealously exhorted the Citizens that they would heedfully beware of the doctrine of the Anabaptists; in which course like wise he held on courageously, and continued in it, till such time as the Anabaptists getting the upper hand, made all fly before them out of the City, as you shall hear anon. And to make all sure, as he thought, the Landgrave prescribed a set form of doctrine and administration of Discipline, & that by consent of the Magistrates and people: by whose permission also Peter Wirtem had leave to begin again to preach; but after a few Sermons, by Rotman's instigation, he was expelled by the Anabaptists; who being now become more insolent and daring, took upon them to challenge Fabricius and others to dispute with them. The Magistrates gave way hereunto, ordering withal that they should use no arguments or authority, but such as they brought out of Scripture, or the writings of Orthodox men; appointing some sufficient and learned men, who, as Judges, hearing and examining what could be alleged on both sides, should decide the controversy; and what they determined should stand ratified, and acknowledged by all, for the speedier abolishing of contentions and quarrels, and the restoring and establishing of peace in the Church: but Rotman and his fellows would not stand to these conditions. When as therefore they would not agree to this ordering and decision of the matter in hand, they came to be slighted generally, and scorned by the common sort of people. To wash away which shame and contempt, they devised a more effectual and compendious course, and it was thus. One who was sufficiently instructed to act his part, was suborned by the rest to counterfeit himself inspired on the sudden by the holy Ghost, and to run to and fro up and down the City, calling out upon the people, as he went along, to repent, and be baptised again; that otherwise, the heavy wrath of God would suddenly fall upon them all. What tumults happened among the people hereupon, is easy to imagine, every one that had been rebaptised crying up the same amain, and that too in the same manner. Many therefore fearing the fierce anger of God, so much threatened by them, were persuaded, being otherwise men of an honest meaning, but herein betrayed by their own simplicity and weakness. Others also yielded to them; but to no other end, but to save what they had: for the Anabaptists handled them that stood out in a very rough manner, turning them quite out of all. This happened about the end of December, whereupon their Teachers now began to look out again, having concealed themselves as I told you before, in their several lurking holes: and so gathering a great concourse of people in the Marketplace, they cried out amain to slay all such as had not been rebaptised, esteeming them in no better a condition than Pagans and Infidels. Next they seized upon the public magazine of Arms, and the Court Hall, besides the violence they offered to the houses of private men, and those of best quality. There were some, who to save themselves and theirs, had got them into a place of the City, which was naturally disposed for defence, and by this means they took many of them. This bickering with the Anabaptists, who had fortified themselves in the Market house, lasted so long, till at length, giving Hostages on both sides, they came to a composition; wherein it was agreed upon, that every one should enjoy their own Religion, depart to their own houses, and keep the peace for the time to come. Rotman in the mean while, and Bernard Knipperdoling, the ringleaders of the faction, although they seemed outwardly to advance the composition, yet under hand sending letters to the neighbouring Towns, they invited them of their own Sect, that leaving all they had, they should forthwith repair to Munster; telling them withal, that what they lost thereby, they should speedily regain again with tenfold usury. Moved by these large swelling promises, they came thither in great numbers, women aswel as men, every one devouring great matters in their hopes, especially they of meaner condition. The Citizens, especially they of the wealthier sort, perceiving the City to fill with strangers, withdrew themselves as conveniently as they could, leaving the Anabaptists and promiscuous multitude behind them. This was in February, a little before Shrovetide, in the year M. D. XXXIII.  
The one side being by this means weakened, the Anabaptists fell to choosing a new Magistracy, all of their own faction. They made likewise two new Burgomasters, Knipperdoling being one of them. And not long after, they set upon St. Maurices' Church, firing it, with all the houses near it. Then they fell to robbing and spoiling all the other Churches, especially the Cathedral. And after all this mischief, in the last place, running through every street of the City, they called out upon the people to repent. Then changing their note, they warned all the wicked, (as they termed them) straightway to quit the place, except they had a mind to run the hazard of their lives. Then taking arms, they presently forced all such as were not of their own Sect, out of the City, making no reckoning of either age or sex; insomuch, as many women great with child, miscarried in this heady & tumultuary flight. Next they seize upon the goods of them they had driven out. And although this happened, but the day before the Bishop besieged the City; yet some in their flight thence, falling into the Bishop's hands, were entreated no better than enemies; and it cost some of them their lives, and among them one or two were Ministers of the Gospel. Peter Wirtem, of whom I spoke before, being in some danger, was delivered by intercession of the Landgrave. The other Townsmen warned with the fear hereof, seeing what danger they that had left the City had run themselves into, being well meaning men, were forced in a manner against their wills to stay there still. About this time John Matthews a Prophet, for that term they use, of high esteem among them, commanded that every one should bring into the public what gold, silver, or other movables whatsoever they were possessed of, threatening death to such as should fail hereof. And a house was publicly appointed for the same purpose. The people being terrified with the severity of this Ordinance, were fain to obey. And to avoid all deceit herein, by keeping back any part of what they had, two maids forsooth, and they Prophetesses, were suborned, pretending to reveal whatsoever cozenage any one should commit therein. Neither brought they together only what was their own, but their goods also were brought in common, whom they had turned out of the City. In the next place the same Prophet commanded, that no body should have, or keep by him, any other book, save the Bible: that all other books should be brought and burnt in public. This commandment he said he had received from God. Books therefore were brought together in great number, and consumed in the flames. A certain Smith by chance at the same time, called Hubert Truteling, had cast forth some jesting speeches against them they called their Prophets. This coming to be known, they called together the multitude, and appoint others to be ready in arms; here they accuse and condemn the fellow: this moved the people exceedingly. The first that laid hands on him was the Prophet I told you of, throwing him down, and then running a pike into him, yet the wound proved not mortal, although he ran at him with his full strength. Then he commanded him to be removed to another place, where he shot him with a musket which he snatched out of a young man's hand that stood by. But when as this neither could speed him, he said God had revealed it to him, that the time was not yet come that he must die; and that moreover God had revealed his grace unto him. However he died within a few days after. Hereupon the Prophet taking a long spear, and running violently through the City, cried out, that God the Father had commanded him to beat the enemy off from the City; but coming necre the enem es quarters, he was met by a common soldier, who presently ran him through. And although his predictions fell short, and failed him now in a second business; yet his fellow Prophets had so infatuated and be witched the people, and set out the matter in such a dress, that they much lamented the loss of him; fearing withal, that some heavy judgement hung over their heads, having so worthy and eminent a man taken from among them. But john of Leyden being also a Prophet, and of next esteem to him, bids them all be of good cheer; for that it had been long before revealed to him, that he should come to such an end; that he would take his Widow home to himself, and make her his wife.  
Two days before Easter they ran into the Churches, and there fell a ringing all the bells at once. Not long after Knipperdoling prophecies that they who were now in high place and dignity should be brought low enough; and that others again should be preferred and raised from an humble and mean condition: and that he commands all the Churches should be destroyed, maintaining with a great deal of gravity, that this Commandment proceeded from God himself. Wherefore upon this asseveration, he was obeyed with a great deal the more cheerfulness and diligence. About the same time john of Leyden delivers a sword to Knipperdoling, & order him to be the common Headsman: for that it pleased God to have it so, that he who had lately borne the highest office, having been Burgomaster, should bear now the meanest, and be no better than a hangman, he being so far from refusing it, that he seemed to entertain his new place with a great deal of joy and thankfulness.  
The Bishop of Munster had for some Months maintained the war alone, upon his own charges: but now Herman, the Archbishop of Collen, and John, Duke of Cleus. sent him Money, Ammunition, some Troops of Horse, and Companies of Foot. The Archbishop also came to the siege, to sit in council with them; and not long after they made some assaults upon the City in several places; but seeing no hopes of storming it, they raised seven Forts about it, thereby to keep all manner of provision from coming to them; intendng that some Companies of Horse and Foot should lie there all the winter. The Bishop of Munster in the mean time demanding aids for the contimance of the siege, of all the Princes and Cities lying upon or near the Rhine, as being his neighbours, and whom the hazard and danger might in some sort concern, as well as himself. Hereupon a meeting was appointed at Coblentz, Decemb. XIII. M. D. XXXIV.  
After an assault made upon the City to no putpose, John of Leyden composes himself to a sound sleep, and there for soothe he dreams for three days: being wakened, he vouchsafes no man a word, but makes signs for paper, and therein he writes down the names of twelve men, and among them some of the best Gentry that were left; these were now to govern the Commorwealth in chief, and to have the ruling of all in his Israel. Now when as by means of this reverend Jury, he had made way to become King himself, he proposes to the Teachers some certain tenants of his own devising, which he requires to have confuted by them by testimonies out of Scripture, which if they could not do, he would then commend them to the multitude to be approved of and established; the chief of them was this: That a man is not hound to one wife, and, that a man may have in marriage as many wives as he pleased. But when as the Teachers seemed to impugn this his opinion, he calls them all into the Court, and that in presence of his 12. men; here in a general Assembly he plucks off his cloak, and flinging it upon the ground, together with his New Testament, he swears, and bears witness by these tokens, that this Doctrine that he had caused to be published, was revealed unto him from Heaven, and in terrible words threatens them with the heavy displeasure of God, in case they consented not. At length they agreed, and the worthy Teachers, for three days together, preached of nothing but Matrimony. So he on the sudden got him him three wives, whereof one was the great Prophets john Matthews, whom we spoke of before. There were others likewise that followed his example, so that at length it came to be a matter of the greatest credit, to have many wives: but some of the Citizens were mightily displeased hereat, and giving notice one to another through the City, they called together all such as loved the Gospel, into the Marketplace, where they apprehended the Prophet and Knipperdoling, and all the rest of the Teachers. Which was no sooner known, but the common people broke in straight with Arms to their rescue, killing out of hand some fifty of the Citizens, with several torments: some they bond to trees, and others to stakes, and so shot them, whilst the chief Prophet cried aloud, that they that made the first shot at them, did God very pleasing service: the rest they put to other manner of deaths, but all savouring of exact cruelty.  
Towards the end of june there arose another new Prophet, a Goldsmith, he calling the whole multitude into the Market place, acquaints them all, that it was the will and command of their heavenly father, that john of Leyden should be made King of the whole world: and that setting forth with mighty forces, he should promiscuously slay all the Kings and Princes of the earth, only he should spare the common people; that is, such as had loved justice and truth, and should at length sit on the throne of his father David, till such time as the father should again require the Kingdom at his hands: that in the mean while the ungodly being every where suppressed and utterly destroyed, the righteous generation only should reign in this life. This was no sooner proclaimed in public, but john of Leyden straight way fell down upon his knees, and lifting up his hands to heaven; men and brethren, quoth he, I have had, these many days since, all this revealed unto me; and was myself very unwilling to have it made known, but now to confirm it, the heavenly Father hath made use of another Minister. Thus he became King: the first thing he did was to abrogate the authority of his twelve men he had chosen: and as the fashion of Kings is, he makes choice of his Peerage and Nobility to attend him: he commands likewise two Crowns to be made him, besides a Scabbard, Chain, and Sceptre, and and other ornaments of Royal Majesty, and all of the purest and choicest Gold. Then he appoints set days, on which he would hear all kind of suits and complaints that should be brought before him. As often as he came abroad, he was attended by his Officers and chosen Nobility: next unto him followed a couple of youths, both on horseback; he on the right hand carried the Crown and Bible, the other bore a naked Sword: his chief wife went in the same pomp and state: For I told you he had many at the same time. In the Market place he had a throne raised for him, all covered with cloth of Gold. All actions and complaints which were brought before him, were for the most part concerning wives and divorces, and these were wondrous often, in so much as many that had lived to a good age, one with another, came now to be parted for being man and wife. It happened as the people stood in the marketplace, thick and close together in the crowd to hear, that Knipperdoling getting up upon their backs and heads, and creeping along on his hands & knees among them, and breathing in their faces, would say to every one as he passed, The Father hath sanctified thee; Receive the Holy Ghost. On another day dancing in the King's presence, (for so we must now call john of Leyden,) Thus was I wont, says he, in former time to dance with my whore; but now the Father hath commanded me to perform the same in sight of the King. Being troublesome, not knowing when to make an end, the King went his ways displeased. Then gets he into the Chair of State, and plays the King too, till the other returning in the interim, quite turned him out of his seat, and so into prison for three days.  
During the Siege they wrote a book and published it, calling it the RESTITUTION. Among other matters in this book they maintain, That the Kingdom of Christ shall be such here on earth before the final day of judgement, that the godly and elect shall reign, the wicked every where being quite destroyed and consumed. They say also that it is lawful sore the people to depose their Magistrates. Also, although they had no express command from the Apostles, for the usurping of such jurisdiction, yet they who were now Ministers of the Church, aught to assume to themselves the power of the sword, and by force to constitute a new form of a Commonwealth. Moreover that none excapt he be a true Christian indeed, aught to be endured in the Church. And more yet, that none can possibly be saved, that brings not in all he hath into the public, reserving nothing for his private possession. Luther and the Pope of Rome they term to be false Prophets, but Luther to be far worse than the other. Marriage also they esteemed to be polluted and impure, where the parties were not enlightened with true faith; accounting it no better than fornication or flat adultery. These fond opinions of theirs have specially been confuted by Melancthon, Justus, Menius, Vrban King, and that learnedly and at large, in their several writings of this subject.  
After some weeks, the new Prophet as I told you of, blows a Trumpet through every street of the City, and commands all the people to appear armed before the Cathedral Church doors; for that they intended now to drive away the enemy from before the City; and being come thither, they found good cheer ready prepared and dressed. Whereupon they sat down, as they were bid, some four thousand of them; and after them some thousand more feasted, who had been in the mean while upon the watch. The King and Queen with their followers were the chief waiters at this feast. Having eaten their meat, and almost made an end of their good cheer, the King comes and gives every one of them bread, with these words. Take ye, ●at● ye, decl●●● ye the death of the Lord. Then the Queen taking the cup, gave it about saying: Drink ye and declare ye the death of the Lord. After this, the Prophet before mentioned gets up into a pulpit, and thence he asks the people whether they would obey the Word of God or not, than they all affirmed they would. It is the command said he then, of our Father, that some Teachers of the Word, some 28. should be sent abroad, who going forth to the four corners of the world, should preach the same doctrine which is taught in this City. Upon this, he names such as should go, and appoints them which way they should steer their course. To Osenburg were sent VI as many to Warendorf. To Lusat JIX. and so many more to Cosfield. After this the King and Queen supped with the rest of their Officers, and them that were designed to be sent abroad. In the midst of supper the King rises, pretending he had forgotten some weighty business given him in charge by the Father. By chance they had a soldier in their hands lately taken; to him the King goes and accuses him of Treason, as it were another judas, and himself cuts off his head: Then he comes again to supper, and here he relates his bloody deed, passing it over with a jest. After supper they that were appointed were sent away about shutting in of night; besides provision for their journeys, every one had a piece of gold given him, which they were commanded to leave in those places, that would not admit of their doctrine, as a testimony of their ensuing destruction, and everlasting perdition for their refusal of peace and so wholesome doctrine.  
When they were come to the several places whither they were directed, they first raised a great cry every where about the Town, warning all men in general to repent, threatening destruction to them otherwise in a short time. This plain trick effecting nothing, they took their cloaks and spread on the ground before the Magistrates, casting thereon the money which had been delivered to them: then assuring them that they were sent by God the Father, they freely offered them peace, which if they would entertain, they must bring together & communicate all their possessions: if they refused this proffer of theirs, then that the piece of money should remain as a token to witness against their heinous unthankfulness and unbelief. For that now the time was come, foretold by all the Prophets, wherein God would have justice to be observed over the whole face of the earth. And when as their King should by the diligent execution of his office, have brought matters to that pass that justice might reign every where, that then Christ would again deliver up the Kingdom to his father. Upon this their wild preaching, they were apprehended, and at first dealt with in a friendly manner; but this doing no good upon them, they were afterward questioned upon the rack concerning their faith and course of life, as also concerning the strength of the City. But their ansers were, that they only were the men, whose doctrine was true; which likewise they would make good with the very hazard of their lives. For that since the Apostles age hitherto, the word of God was never taught aright, nor any justice to be found among men. That there had been but four Prophets at all since Christ; whereof two were just ones, David and john of Leyden; the other two unjust ones, the Pope & Luther; but of the two, Luther the worst. Being questioned why they forced innocent men out of the City, and from their estates, contrary to their agreement, & promise passed unto them, taking into their possession their wives, children, and all they had; and by what places of Scripture they could defend this justice forsooth of theirs? To this they replied, that the time was now come, wherein Christ had promised, that the mock should possess the earth. That so of old God gave to the Israelites all the goods of the Egyptians. After being examined concerning the forces & store of come they had in the City, and withal about their wives they made several answers; but to the last that most of them had above 5. Moreover that they daily expected fresh forces from Frizland & Holland; that as soon as they came, their King would issue forth with all his army to conquer the whole world, & stay those Kings who had not administered judgement & justice. After their trial, when as yet they would not acknow ledg any other Magistrate, saving their own King, but persisted stubborn in their own, wilful humour, they were all of them beheaded but one, who by chance made an escape.  
But now the City was so straightly besieged, that there was no passage out left any where. Therefore the Citizens fearing a famine and apprehending the danger they were in, entered into a consultation of laying hands upon the King, and delivering him up bound to the Bishop. But the King having notice given him thereof, chose out twelve from among all the multitude, whom he imagined would prove most faithful to him to these he committed the chief care & charge of the City, assigning them every one their particular place to defend, besides these he appointed himself a guard to suppress all kind of commotions and seditions that might arise among them. Having done this, calling the whole multitude before him, he promises them, they should be freed from the siege, and all kind of want which might ensue thereupon, before Easter next. But for his twelve chief Commanders. to them he promises far greater matters, they forsooth should be Marquesses, and Dukes, and Princes, and I know not what, assigning them every one their Provinces by name, what Signiories and Castles they should be made Lords of; resolving only to spare the Landgrave, for that he hoped, as he told them, that he in time should come to be one of themselves.  
We told you before, that there was a meeting ordered of the Princes and Cities of the Rhenish Provinces at Coblentz in Decemb. John Frederick the Prince Elector of Saxony came of his own accord to this Assembly. After deliberation, speedy aids were assigned to the Bishop: 300. horse, & 3000. Foot for three months. These forces, and the managing of the whole War was committed to Wirich Count Oberstein as General. Here also they agreed, that other States of the Empire should likewise be solicited for aides; And, because the Emperor was himself in Spain, that Ferdinand therefore the King of the Romans should be requested, that a public Diet, upon this occasion might be appointed against April following. Then they sent Letters, earnestly advising the besieged to yield themselves up, and to desist from an enterprise, than which the Sun itself never beheld any more detestable, and to be abhorred: withal threatening them unless they did obey, and submit themselves to their lawful Magistrate, that the Bishop who how besieged them, and whose rights they detained, should not want the assistance of the whole Empire for his just relief, and redress of his losses. This was about the end of December.  
They returned an answer towards the middle of jan. CO. IO. XXXV. and that in many words, but nothing to the purpose: yet so, that they still justified & maintained what they did. As for what they were charged withal, about setting up a King, they made no answer at all to that. But in their private letters to the Landgrave, they endeavour to excuse it, adding moreover many things else concerning the utter destruction of all the ungodly; and of the deliverance and Kingdom of the godly in this life. Withal they sent to him the book I told you before they published, entitled the Restitution, counselling him to repent, and not as the other ungodly Princes, to make war against them who were innocent men, and the very people of God. The Landgrave having perused, as well their book as their letters, and himself noting down with his own hand, what he conceived amiss therein, he order his own Divines to make answer thereunto. And because themselves had signified unto him in their letters, although but in few words and that too somewhat obscurely, that their King was not so much set up by themselves, as appointed and placed over by God himself, he demands of them why they urged not those places of Scripture, upon the authority of which they imagined it lawful for them so to do; withal what forerunning signs and prodigies they had to approve and make it good by? For that God by all his Prophets, long before hand foretold of the coming of Christ; & that with that evidence and plainness, that not only the Tribe or stock of which he should be descended, was manifestly expressed, but also the very time and place where he should be borne. They had desired likewise in the same letters that their Cause might have a fair hearing: whereunto the Landgrave answered, that there was now no place left for that; seeing that they had assumed to themselves the power of the sword, and had been the authors of so much mischief and calamity; that every body began now plainly to perceive what was their main drift and aim, the suppressing of all Laws, the overthrow and utter ruin of Commonweals. And that as their attempt for the main of it, was altogether ungodly and execrable; so this their request, to have a hearing of their Cause, was wholly feigned and counterfeit. That for his part, he had formerly sent unto them faithful Ministers of the Gospel, by whom without all question, they had been rightly instructed. But whereas they now rejecting the wholesome doctrine of such Teachers, had fallen from their obedience to the Magistrate; had with violent hands seized upon the goods and possessions of their neighbours; had taken to themselves variety and choice of wives; had elected and set up a new King among them; had denied that Christ had taken on him humane nature from the Virgin Mary: had maintained and asserted the freedom of man's will; had forcibly constrained the people to a communication of their goods in public; had denied pardon and absolution to lapsed sinners; that in all these they had foully violated the Laws, as well humane as divine.  
They having received this Answer from the Landgrave; made their reply, and withal set him a book, composed and written in the high Dutch, concerning the Mysteries of Scripture. And in their Letter they set a fair and specious gloss upon their own cause, together with a defence and justification of their opinions. But in their book we spoke of, they made a division of the course and succession of all times, of the whole world, into three parts or ages: That the first world, from Adam to Noah, perished indeed by the deluge of waters: That the second, which is that wherein we now live, shall be destroyed by fire: But their third and new world, which they maintain shall be hereafter, is that, wherein righteousness and justice shall bear the sway; but before this last shall begin to dawn and shed its light in the eyes of men, it must necessarily be, that this old one that now is, be first purged by fire; which shall not be neither, before Antichrist is revealed, and his power utterly suppressed and trodden down under foot. That then it shall come to pass, that the throne of David which was cast down, shall be reared up again and established; and Christ shall again receive his kingdom here upon earth, and so shall all the say of the Prophets be accomplished. That this present world is like the age wherein Esau had the power and sway in his hands; for that now righteousness and equity are put to silence, and the godly ones only afflicted: But as from the Babylonish captivity, so from the great miseries and calamities of this present age, there shall at length appear a day of ransom and restitution, a day of freedom and liberty for the righteous; wherein the wicked shall abundantly receive the reward of all they have done maliciously against the Saints of God, as is foretold and threatened in the Revelation. Now this Restitution is to happen immediately before this blessed age of the world, which is yet to come; so that all the ungodly and wicked ones being suppressed all the world over, the seat and dwelling place of justice shall be adorned and beautified. The Landgrave having perused this book of thei●s, employs some of his own Ministers to write and publish an Answer against it.  
There was a meeting of some Cities of the Empire at Esling, who among themselves made a Decree and agreement, that those who formerly met at Coblentz, had no power or right to impose any burdens upon them, for that the consent and authority of the Emperor, and all the States of the Empire were to be required therein. Whereupon they wholly reject that Order, promising mutual aid and assistance among themselves, in case my one of them should be called in question, or endangered hereby. Withal they make Remonstrance, that whatsoever should be ordered and decreed by the public convention of the Princes and States of the Empire, in a lawful manner, in behalf of the Commonwealth, that therein they would most readily express their duty.  
Now in February, there happening a great penury and scarcity of Come, insomuch as many perished by reason of h●nger and want; one of the Queens pitying the sad condition of t●e pe●p●e in her discourse to her companions, expressed her mind so far, that she could not once think it, that it was the good will and pleasure of God, that poor people should daily be destroyed in this manner for lack of food. The King, who had his Storehouses sufficiently replenished, not only for necessity and use, but even for Riot, having notice given him hereof, brings her forth into the Market place, together with his other Queens, and commanding her to kneel down, straight way he strikes off her head, disgracing her dead body, as if she had been some common strumpet. The rest of them applaud the action, giving thanks to their heavenly Father, upon which the King fell a dancing, encouraging the people also, who had nothing left them but bread and salt, to dance likewise, and to be merry.  
Easter being now come, and no sign of deliverance yet appearing, the King, who had made them many glorious promises, to devise some thing; whereby to excuse himself to the people, for six days together counterfeits himself sick: After this he comes abroad into the Market place, and there he tells them how he had been riding upon a blind Ass, and that the Father had laid upon him the heavy burden of all their sins; that now therefore they were become clean, washed and purified from all their offences. And that this was that deliverance, which he had promised them, and that here with they ought all to remain contented.  
Among other things, which about this time Luther published in the High Dutch, Alas, saith he, what, or how shall I complain, and bewail the sad condition of these wretched and forlorn men? Most certain it is, that evil spirits in abundance have taken up here their habitation and refidence. Howsoever, we ought deservedly to praise the infinite Mercy, and goodness of God herein. For although by reason of the contempt of the Gospel, and the reproach of God's Name, and the effusion of godly men's blood, Germany hath deserved to suffer the fierce wrath and displeasure of God; yet for all that, he did restrain the rage and furious attempts of Satan; and suffered him not to go on with full swing, and career; but in mercy gave us gentle warning, and admonition; And especially by this Tragedy, or play, of Munster, which had but little skill, or cunning in it, he fairly invited, and called us to the amendment of our lives. For without all doubt, except God had held him in with a strong bridle, he being so subtle a spirit, and so much his crafts-master, had certainly acted his part in a fare more dangerous manner. But now, seeing the goodness of God had kerbed him in, and abated his power, he rages not, and plays his pranks, according to his own will and desire; but only so fare, as the Divine permission had given him leave. For this evil Spirit, all whose endeavour is to subvert the Christian Faith, would not likely make use of such means, as to persuade the marriage of many wives at once, thereby to effect, and bring about what he aimed at: because the heinousness, and foulness of the thing itself, being confessed of all hands, he knew full well how all men, not yet bereft of their right reason, would abominate it, and cry it down with shame. The Civil polity indeed, and government, may in some sort be troubled and shaken hereby; but Christ's Kingdom must be assaulted by other kind of battery than this. He that will undertake to inveigle, and draw men into snares, must by no means affect Empire and command, much less act the Tyrant. This being detested alike by all men, and all eyes being broad open to observe and interpret whereto such counsels tend; they must go to work by more hidden means, as is were by-way paths, if they intent their designs shall obtain wished for issue, and take effect. A sordid and uncouth attire, a behaviour of the countenance to composedness, and austerity; a hanging of the head, with dejected looks; frequent fastings, and an utter refusal of the very touch of money; abstinence from flesh-meats, and marriage; a denial of obedience to Magistrates, and a general disrespect to all kind of temporal, or civil dominion, with an outward profession however of extraordinary humility in themselves. By these means indeed, and by such close policy as this, even wise men have been overreached; and by such dark, and mysterious courses, some have made a way and entrance to great sway and Power. But, as here, by extreme impudence, to arrogate and usurp the power of a King, and according to the unruliness of unbounded lust, to take away wives; that this was the trick of some shallow and untaught Devil; or else, if he had all his cunning, and slights about him, that he was so fettered, and chained by an overmastering Power, that he c●uld not make use of his tricks at his own pleasure. Which no doubt God does to no other end, then that we should entertain a more reverential respect of the Divine Providence, and be the sooner excited to Repentance, and amendment of our ways, before God give him liberty for the full ex rcise of his practices; who certainly then will set upon ut wi●h redoubled forces. For if this same poor, and contemptible Scribe-Devill, can of himself raise such Tumults and Uproars; what shall we do, when the great Devil himself, with all his knowledge and Arts about him, sh●ll come with full sail against us, and give us a broadside; being both a cunning Lawyer, and a crafty Divine? Wherefore no such great fear, or thought, aught to be entertained concerning this so untrim, and untutored a Devil. Besides I am fully persuaded, that this Paegeant, and meck-show is not so well approved of by all in the City; but th●t it occasions great grief, and sad thoughts of heart, to most there; who no doubt with tears, and sighs, daily Petition for, and expect a deliverance from God's hands; as formerly happened in that tumultuary insurrection of the Rustics, and ill advised people, lately among us. And I could wish from my heart, that there were no spirit in the whole world, more cunning, and crafty then is this Munster-Devill: For so long as God doth not quite take away his Word and Gospel from among us, there can certainly be but few, and those not very wise, who will suffer themselves to be drawn away by so sottish and unsober a master. Notwithstanding I must confess, that when the wrath and anger of God is kindled against any people, there is no error so unreasonable or absurd, which the Devil cannot easily persuade them unto; as we plainly see it happened in the Doctrine of Mahomet. For though the whole composition, and frame thereof, be but a continued piece of extreme folly, and sensuality, yet upon the removal, or rather putting out of the divine light of God's Word among them, it assumed to itself that strength and vigour, and spread itself to that large extent and power, which at this day Christendom beholds, and witnesses, with no less wonderment them ●ha●●. And indeed, except God had by his Goodness and Providence, repressed the attempts and insolences of Muncer, 
Thomas M●●cer. Sleida●● l. 5.  Germany had now been in no better a condition. For although the Devil, by God's permission, can sometimes blow a small spark into a general flame, and scath-fire; however there is no more compendious way of extinguishing it, then by the Word of God. For seeing all the Armour of our enemy is uncorporeall, and spiritual, it is not Troops of Horses, or other warlike preparations, that can quell and overcome him. Now as for those Books written, and published by them of Munster, wherein in lively colours they paint, and set forth to view their own folly and madness; In the first place, their Doctrines contain in them extreme forpperies, and absurdities; and that in matters of faith. For speaking of Christ, they say he is not sprung of the seed of the Virgin Mary, to use their own words; although they confess him to come of the seed of David. Here they unfold not the matter sufficiently, as it requires. And certainly the Devil herein conceals some monstrous mystery for his own ends, intimating unto us, and that too not obscurely, that the seed or fl●sh of Mary, can not deliver and save u●. But he loses his labour: For the Scripture tells us, that Christ was borne of the Virgin Mary, which word in all Languages, 
Isai. 11.1. Gal. 4.4.  is understood of the Child, which being conceived and fashioned of the flesh of the Mother, is brought forth into the World. Again, whereas they condemn former Baptism, as profane and unholy; therein also they show their little skill. For they conceive, and think of it, not as a thing of God's appointment, but only as the work of man. Wherefore if whatsoever the wicked confer or receive, ought thus to be slighted and rejected; I wonder indeed why they also refute not, and fling away, gold, and silver, and other treasures, plundered from the ungodly; and devise not, and coin for themselves some new invented materialle. For Baptism is the work and creature of God, as well as all these. When an ungodly man swears, he does wrong to the Name of God: but if the Name of God be not a true Name to him, he offends not. He that robs or steals, or commits rapine, breaks the Law of God: But if the Law be not a true Law to him, he trespasses not. So also, if the former Baptism be nothing, neither do they sinne any thing that are baptised therewith. Why therefore do they detest this Baptism, as an ungodly thing, when as according to their own confession, it is nothing? If the Marriages of former times are, as they say, to be accounted for fornication, and adultery, seeing they were contracted, as they will have it, by those that wanted faith; do not they, I pray you, confess themselves to be the children of Harlots? Now if they be illegitimate, and bastards, I would feign know, by what right they come to inherit, and enjoy the privilege of those places they live in? Truly it would be but reason, seeing they are such, that they should be made uncapable of inheriting; and that in this their new way of marriage, they should find themselves also some new means and possessions, which as least may have a fairer and honester title. For it is not seemly methinks, that such good and godly men forsooth, should maintain themselves upon such whorish and unlawfully gotten goods; or else be forced, poor souls! by plain violence, and robbery, to pillage and plunder from other●. As for that ridiculous Kingdom of theirs, which they cream of, there are so many, and so manifest impieties in this one business alone, that I need not make any more words of it: and indeed perhaps, what I have already said concerning it, may be thought unnecessary, and too much; especially seeing the whole subject thereof hath abundantly enough been discussed, and laid open, by the labours of other men.  
At the Diet, which at the request of the Princes of the Empire, Ferdinand King of the Romans held by his Deputies at Worms in April, the Cities which hitherto had contributed no moneys to the War, in the first place made their Protestation, that they appeared not here, out of any consideration of the Decree passed at Coblentz; but out of obedience to the Emperor and King Ferdinand. Whereupon there happened a great debate between them, and the Princes about the contribution. At length supplies were appointed for five months; and twenty thousand Crowns ordered to be paid in monthly. Likewise it was decreed, that upon storming or taking in of the City, the innocent people should be spared; and that honest men, who were either kept in by the Siege, or had formerly quitted the place, should have their goods restored them. Upon the publishing of this Decree, the Bishop of Munster delivers over his Army to the command of Oberstein. But these public sums being negligently collected, and indeed not before it was too late, the General was not able to perform any extraordinary service. Besides, the Commanders, in a general mutiny of the Soldiers for want of pay, were many times brought in hazard of their lives.  
But when as things were brought to that wretched and lamentable pass within the City, that very many died daily of the famine; and many also stole away, and scaped from thence, but so starved and spent with hunger, that they were pitied by their very enemies, into whose hands they sell; The Commanders persuaded, and promised the Townsmen, that if they would deliver up their King, and some few more besides, they should be excused from all particular, as well damage and danger. The Citizens, although they were wondrous willing so to do, yet deterred by the cruelty, and watchfulness of their King, they durst not attempt any thing. For he for his part, was so resolute and obstinate, that so long as any thing was left, whereupon himself, and some few others might be kept alive, he never intended to yield up the Town. The Commanders therefore in the Army send to them the second time, and forewarn them, that they send out no more, no not so much as women, or children. This was the first of june.  
Next day, they of the Town return an Answer; complaining, that they could not be admitted to a lawful hearing; adding withal, how hardly, and grievously they were dealt with, and that without any deserving on their parts at all; That if any body would take upon him to demonstrate their error, they would be ready in all dutiful manner to acknowledge it. Then they expound a place in Daniel, concerning the fourth Beast, which was far the fiercest of all the rest. 
Dan. 7.7.  But their Letters ended with this close, that by the help and assistance of God, they would continue in the confession of that Truth, which hitherto they had maintained. Now all this was penned according as the King had appointed, and directed it.  
Things in the City being brought to this extremity, and as it were to the last cast, there were two men, who had made an escape thence, who falling into the Soldier's hands, one of them passing his own word for his faithfulness, was suffered to go to the Bishop; and both of them set down a way how to gain the City. Oberstein, and the Bishop having heard what these fugitives could say, entered into Counsel thereupon, and june the 22, demanding a Treaty with the Townsmen, they exhort and persuade them to yield themselves, and save alive the multitude, which by this time was ready to perish with famine. They, their King being present, made answer by Rotman; but so, as that they meant not to forgo their former resolution.  
Two days after, about eleven of the clock at night, Oberstein, without any noise, draws up some of his forces close to the City, and by means of one of the fugitives, some Soldiers chosen of purpose, creeping along the Trench, at length got into their worked, killing the Corp du Garde. Others followed close at their heels, and finding a small gate open, some five hundred of them, with some Officers and Colours, got into the City. But the Townsmen gathering into a body, stopped the passage, that the rest could not break in; and yet with much ado it was that they kept them out. So making good the gate again, they straightway affaulted them that first made the breach and entry, and slew many of them. Thus for an hour or two, there continued an eager skirmish on both sides. But they that were shut in, finding by chance another gate, with no strong guard at is, forced it open, and so made an entrance for their fellows, who presently broke in like a sea. Howsoever at first the Townsmen made head against them, fortifying themselves in the Marketplace. But at length despairing, having lost many of their men at the first encounter, they all cried out for Quarter, which was readily granted them. At this very 'bout the King, and Knipper doling were taken. Rotman forsaking all hopes of life, and running desperately into the thickest of the enemies, was slain; utterly refusing to 〈◊〉 himself alive into their hands.  
The City thus taken, the Bishop seized upon half the booty, and the Ammunition belonging to it: and so dismissing the Army, he only reserved two companies as a guard for his own person.  
There was this year in july, another diet also of the Empire held at Worms, wherein K. Ferdinand, by his Deputies, made a motion, that now the City was taken, the Anabaptists through the whole Empire, should every where be destroyed and made away. Also that the Princes would move the Pope of Rome for a General Council. They made reply, that order had been taken by former Edicts, what was thought fit to be done with the Anabaptists: And as for a General Council, that the Emperor himself had divers times solliciced the Pope therein; and that therefore, for their pares, they could say no more to it. At the same meeting, the Bishop of Munster demanded reparation of damages, and the costs he had been at during the war; complaining withal, that the moneys agreed upon, had not as yet been paid in to him.  
When as nothing could certainly be determined of, there being but few of the Princes and States there present, another Diet was appointed there, to begin the next November following, where then should be a full hearing, both concerning the Account and expenses of the War; and also it should be determined, what form of Government should be established In the City for the time to come. When the appointed day was come, King Ferdinand's Ambassador first relates, and makes known the causes of thi● present Assembly, and moves among other things, that they would conclude upon an agreement, that the City now lately regained, might con●i●ns, and enjoy its former Religion. The Bishop's Agent lays open and decla es, how great charges & expenses he had been at for the whole time of the War; h●w great a debt he had contracted thereby; how having regained the C●●y, to prevent more stir and danger, he was constrained to raise two fortresses within it, and to put Garrisons in them; of all which he desired that a speedy consideration might be had. Hereto answer was made; That the Bishop had taken into his hands, as well the greater part of the booty, and all the Ammunition, as the Citizen's goods; all which belonged to the common right of the Empire; that it was fitting an even estimate being made, that all this should be considered in the bill and account of his expenses: and what else was desired, should have a reasonable and fair consideration had of it. Next it was determined, that the Bishopric of Munster should be at the disposing of the Empire, according to the ancient custom, That all the Nobility, Gentry, and Citizens, except such as were Anabaptists, should be suffered to return, and freely to enjoy their own; That the Bishop should order matters of Religion, according to the Decrees of the Empire: That at the Spring next ensuing, the Agents of the several States, and Princes, should meet at Munster, and there taking-examination of the Citizen's behaviour, should acquit the innocent; and level all such Forts and Works, as the Anabaptists had raised: That the Bishop likewise should raze those Fortresses he had built, and should with all convenient speed deliver out of Custody, and punish according to their demerits, the King, Knipperdoling, and Crechting, who were his Prisoners.  
As for the Decree about the exercise of Religion, the Elector of Saxeny, the Landgrave, the Princes of Wittenberg, and Anhalt, openly declared, and protested, against any assent thereto: Some Cities likewise did the same; Neither would they agree to the laying level of the old Works about the City; as for demolishing those lately raised, they made no great matter of that. The King, and his two fellow Prisoners were led up and down the Town in sight of the Princes; and that more for sport, and pastime, then for any thing else. Upon this occasion, and opportunity, the Ministers that came along with the Landgrave entered into discourse with the King, and disputed with him concerning some of his opinions; as about the Kingdom of Christ, and the Civil Magistrate, concerning justification, and Baptism; of the Supper of the Lord, the Incarnation of Christ, and of Marriage; And by the Testimonies of holy Scriptures, they did so much good upon him, that though they could not wholly allter him, he with some reluctancy still defending his own; yet they so weakened him, and turned him, that at length he in a manner generally yielded unto them; which some thoughts, he did more out of a hope to save his life, then that he was throughly convicted by their Arguments. For the second time they came to visit him, he made them promise, that so he might receive his pardon, he would bring the business so about, that all the Anabaptists who were in Holland, Brahant, ENGLAND, & Friesland, in great numbers, should be hush'c and silenced, and in all respects yield obedience to the Magistrate. Then they disputed with his Companions, both face to face, and by writing, concerning Mortification, the Baptism of Infants, the Communion of goods, and of the Kingdom of Christ.  
When they were brought to Telget, the King being demanded by the Bishop, by what authority he had arrogated, and assumed to himself such Power and Licence over his City and people? The King demanded likewise of him again, How he came by any such command, or right of possession? The Bishop replying, That he had it conferred upon him by the consent of the Princes, and People; Why and I, answered the King, was called thereto by God himself. The 18. of january they were brought back again to Munster, and every one committed apart to several custody. The same day also came the Bishop thither, together with the Archbishop of Colen, and the Ambassadors of the Duke of Cleve. The two days following were wholly spent in wholesome and godly admonitions used unto them, to reduce them from their idle conceits. And the King indeed acknowledged his offences, and sought to Christ, by Prayers, for the forgiveness of his sins. But the other two would by no means confess any fault; but continued with a great deal of obstinacy maintaining their errors. The next day the King was brought forth unto an high place, raised from the ground, and there tied to a stake. Here two Executioners tore his flesh with red hot Pincers. For the three first plucks, he was silent, and made no great expression of what torment he felt: but afterwards incessantly, with a great deal of vehemincy, he besought God for mercy, and pardon. Having been tortured and torn in this manner, for a whole hour and more, he was at length run through the breast with a sword, and so died.  
His two Companions were put to the same torment, and execution. Their dead bodies were trust up in Iron hoops, and hung out for the public view, from the highest Tower in all the City; the King indeed in the middle; but so, as that he hung the full height of a man above the other two.  
And thus Knipperdoling found his own Prophecy made good agains, 
Vide pag. 8.  and that too in regard of the second part of it.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
FINIS.