The Swedish Cloak of Religion: A POLITIC DISCOURSE Between two Citizens of ELBING, Occasioned by the publishing of a Proclamation, by the Swedish Governor of that City.  
Wherein is laid open to the view of the World, How the whole Palatinate of Marienburgh in Prussia is made desolate, and brought into Slavery, by the Swedish Religious Pretexts, and Introduction of a New Church-Government.  
And consequently, The grand mistake of all such as have conceived an Impression that the present King of sweden Martial Undertake were really intended for or towards the Propagation and Defence of the Protestant Cause.  
— Saepius olim  
Religio peperit scelerosa atque impia facta.  
Time's bypast have produced in many Acts and Places  
Most impious Designs under Religious Faces.  
First printed in the Germane Language, and now faithfully Englished.  
London, Printed for Isaac Pridmore and Henry Marsh, at the Golden Falcon near the New Exchange; and at the Prince's Arms in Chancery Lane, near Fleetstreet, MDCLIX.   

The Swedish Cloak of Religion: OR, A Politic DISCOURSE Beeween two Citizens of ELBING.  Simplicius. 
Good-morrow Sir, how are you in your health why look you so melancholy?  Constantinus. 
I thank you good Neighbour, all's not well; and truly, in this Juncture of Affairs, Mirth is become a stranger to me.  Simplicius. 
What's the matter? will you alone be sad, while we have so great occasion of rejoicing? Hath not Almighty God mercifully visited us, by bringing us under the Government of a Prince sincerely devoted to the unaltered Confession of Augsburgh, who hath not only discharged the singing of the Psalms of David translated by L●bwasser (which hath been for a long time the Apple of strife in this City) but also ejected the Roman Catholics out of the Cathedral Church, set up an high Consistory, and thereby made the Lutheran Doctrine in great purity to shine again both here and in the Country, to the grief and astonishment of Papists, Calvinists, and all such Sectaries as grudge and repine at the Lutheran prosperity? Hence we may see the truth of that Inscription written by a zealous Lutheran upon the Frontispiece of his house in the Suburbs of this City [God's Word and the Lutheran Doctorine never perish can.] Likewise the Proclamation of our favourable Lord Governor demonstrates the great affection our present King and Sovereign beareth to us, with how much diligence and serious care he minds the advancement of the honour of GOD, and the welfare of the Churches; and how on the contrary, he endeavoureth the extirpation of all impious abuses. There's a Remedy for a dejected countenance; wherefore cheer up yourself.  Constantinus. 
Shall I confess ingenuously? The Remedy you have prescribed for my Ease, hath renewed my Grief. It's this glorious Reformation is the chief cause of my sorrow.  Simplicius. 
I am very much mistaken, but you are of those who pretend to be Lutherans, yet are really Calvinists; hence 'tis you cannot relish and comply with this Reformation.  Constantinus. 
You will not (I hope) misconstrue my freedom, when I tell you that you are of that batch who aim to render all such men odious, under the names of Calvinists, Papists & Libertines, as do not sympathise with, and yield their concurrence to the promoving of these subdolous and prejudicial Designs, masked with a show of Reformation; this (believe me honest Neighbour) is a Machiavilian Trap, wherein the rude Multitude hath not been catched and cheated once.  Simplicius. 
You speak like a discontented person; what's the business? It it our new Ecclesiastical Government wherewith you are displeased? pray you impart it to your friend; I am desirous to know it.  Constantinus. 
I will not conceal it from you; It is indeed this innovation (term it as you please) which renders itself justly suspected to all prudent men, since (according to the common Proverb) it is always dangerous. But passing that, there are many other things couched under it, which are not discovered by many good people, the event whereof (I wish I be mistaken) will prove very hurtful and noxious to us.  Simplicius. 
Good Sir, let me entreat you to communicate that to me; for I confess, I can perceive no evil at all therein.  Constantinus. 
The easier I believe you, neither do I think it strange to find you of that stamp, since you lodge this persuasion in your breast, That Almighty God hath mercifully visited this Province and City, by bringing the Inhabitants thereof under the government of the present Swedish King.  Simplicius. 
I never called that in question; and so much the rather, because the same is verbally expressed in the Preamble of the Ordinance published by our Lord Governor: Is there any ground of doubt left then?  Constantinus. 
The Truth of that, the deplorable condition of this Country and City under these new Governors, doth sufficiently declare. Under our lawful King, we enjoyed Peace and Quietness, we lived amicably amongst ourselves; no Contributions, Excises & intolerable burdens were exacted, except those which for our safety, and better accommodation, we voluntarily advanced: the Right of Patronage was in our disposing; we ordered our Garrisons without the imperious commands of Foreigners and Starosts; Trade and Commerce was free; we kept good correspondency, and were always in much estimation with our Neighbours, and many others abroad: this condition deserved indeed the name of a merciful visitation from above. But now instead of Peace, behold a bloody and unnatural War, a pleasant and fertile Country laid waste and desolate, free Trade interrupted and at a stand, Liberty is exchanged with Slavery; for mutual amity, we have intestine Discord and Hostilities: Contribution and new Exactions (that know no end) are daily extorted from us; the right of Patronage of Churches and Schools is usurped by strangers, who now Garrison our City; uncouth Starosts and Commanders rule over us at their pleasure; finally, we are become a reproach and hissing to our Neighbours, & that not unjustly, seeing we have so vainly and inconsiderately violated our solemn Oath of allegiance to our lawful King, and subjected ourselves to a Foreigner: Yet this, forsooth, must be interpreted Mercy, when (if we will allow it a name suitable to its nature) it is nothing else but God's displeasure, written in capital Letters, and a visible judgement broken forth out of the North upon on all the Inhabitants of the Land (according to that of Jeremiah, chap. 1.14. & 6.1.) from whence I pray God no greater evil may befall us.  Simplicius. 
What Sir, is not this a special mercy of God, that we are come under the government of a Prince who stands constant to the unaltered Confession of Augsburgh?  Constantinus. 
Simply considered in itself, it might justly be acknowledged a singular mercy from God; but that we have so slightly set by honour, loyalty, and the Oath of Allegiance, renouncing our lawful Superior for Religion sake, cannot (as I conceive) be defended by the word of God, nor yet doth it consist with the Augsburghs Confession; especially since the free exercise of our Religion was never hindered by our lawful Lord and King; yea, on the contrary, he granted and graciously confirmed our Privileges for the same, conformable tot he Confession of Augsburgh, and at all times did protect us therein. Our Neighbours do no less adhere to the Ausburghs Confession than we, yet they, to their perpetual praise, remain loyal to their King; whilst we, on the other hand, by revolting from him, have contracted a more heinous blot of Infamy than can be washed off or obliterated by the whole Baltic Sea.  Simplicius. 
What we have done was out of necessity, because our King was fled the Country, and the Enemy standing upon our neck.  Constantinus. 
There was no such necessity; our Fortifications were good and strong, we had of levied men and Train Bands sufficient; the Elector of Brandenburg offered to protect and assist us; Marienburgh did the same really, but all in vain. Our walls are defended, Arms and Soldiers ordered not as against an Enemy, but as to the reception of a Friend; our Reliefs were rejected, partly betrayed; and when we should have proved most faithful to our King, in defending his and our own Rights, we basely revolted from him, and engaged ourselves in slavery; and for this (amongst other motives) because the Enemy was Lutheran, which I can neither justify nor defend: but you may, if you please, for your further satisfaction, read the printed Copy of an Epistle lately published, wherein this Question is resolved, [whether the Evangelical States which adhere to the Augsburghs Confession, may fall off from their Liege Lord, in hopes to advance Religion?] where expressly you will find that to do so, is neither Just, Christian nor Lutherish.  Simplicius. 
I will, upon your recommendation, take occasion to read that Epistle, and then answer to this point. But in the interim, I hope you are not displeased with the discharging the singing of the Psalms of David, translated by Lobwasser.  Constantinus. 
I mind not to question Lobwassers integrity, nor am I anxious whether his translation of the Psalms be sung amongst us, or not; yet could I never relish these great contests and debates upon this subject, from whence so many inconveniencies did arise, fearing and foreseeing the bad consequences that have come to pass.  
Plato and other Philosophers have taught and observed, that the very changing of Music hath commonly produced the change of Government; which holds true amongst us: for those itchers after change and novelty, did first begin at Lobwassers Psalms; but finding the Magistrates unwilling to countenance their factious inclination, they endeavoured to make a party among the people: in the mean time, the Swede coming before the City, they and their new-fangled complices ventilated their debate with greater animosity than before, and so prepared the way (in a tumultuous manner) to such an easy surrender of this strong City to the King of Sweden.  Simplicius. 
By your expressions, I perceive you differ from the judgement of the most part of the people in this City; and I confess, I know not how to defend all these passages handsomely: However, I doubt not but you approve of this, That we are put in possession of the Cathedral Church, and that the Roman Catholics are expelled.  Constantinus. 
Had we attained this possession by lawful means, should relish it very well; but believe me, it had been more commendable and advantageous for us, to have followed the footsteps of our neighbours of Thoren, and (as they did) suffered the Catholics to enjoy their Privileges with ourselves. Moreover, in our own Church we had more room than we could take up; so when we go to the great Church, the other is empty: whereby we make our Cause worse, and render ourselves hateful to others. For whereas heretofore those our Catholic Neighbours did modestly exercise their Devotions in that Church, they now, since they were expelled, have no public meeting, nor Divine Worship at all, but go up and down at random. And let me tell you, When we deal so ungratefully with the Roman Catholics, contrary to the true intent of our Privileges, which we had from them, we lead them by the hand, teaching them how they shall deal with us, in places under their power, as in due time we may expect they will do.  Simplicius. 
Yet for all that, we are now by Authority made Uniform in Religion, which many other Cities have earnestly wished, but never could obtain. We have one Consistory, one Superintendent: could better means be found out for ordering all aright, settling Peace and Uniformity amongst our Preachers and People, and for supplying of every vacant Charge with Men fearing God and hating Covetousness?  Constantinus. 
To be Uniform in Religion, to have one Consistory, one Superintendent in the City, all these in themselves considered, are not to be rejected: But whether it be intended for our good, and will prove so as is pretended, there is great cause of doubting; and believe me good Neighbour, here lurks the Serpent in the grass.  Simplicius. 
In the entry of our discourse, you could not conceal your suspicion; wherefore I entreat you Sir show me where the Serpent lurks.  Constantinus. 
It was my meaning to discover this to you before, had I not been interrupted by your digressive Questions: It is likewise not without hazard for any to speak their mind freely upon this subject; since every one that do not conform themselves exactly to this New Ordinance, may expect no less than a Citation by the Fiscal-Royal, before the Lord Generalissimus at Marienburgh, and there to be severely punished according to their demerits.  Simplicius. 
To act and do contrary are forbidden indeed, but not to speak against it.  Constantinus. 
I will then adventure to proceed, and tell you in confidence, to what end this present Reformation (you so highly extol) is undertaken by the Swede. Not (truly) for the advancement of the glory of God, not for the maintenance & prosperity of the Church, not for establishing of good order, not for settling peace and unity amongst Preachers and people, as they pretend: but for their own safety, that thereby in this conjuncture of time, when the whole burden of War is drawing hither, they may render themselves more secure.  Simplicius. 
How can that be? I pray you make me understand it.  Constantinus. 
To tell you briefly, these practices which you dignify with the name of a glorious Reformation, are only Machiavilian, Campanellian and Achitophel's contrivances, which are not discovered in their birth, by the Multitude: and do you doubt but the Swedes know very well, that Religion (be it true of false) is most powerful and prevalent upon the minds and consciences of men, to cause them actively concur to the promoting of any Design that is presented with a religious Livery? hence amongst other Arguments brought in to justify this Invasion and breach of Truce, they would have us and the world believe that their Zeal to Religion, the propagation of the Evangelical Doctrine, and extirpation of Papacy, caused them chief to take up Arms. These plausible Pretexts have not only illaqueate the rude Multitude, but also begotten an impression upon many great ones (as if God had raised up another Gideon, to deliver his people, and vindicate the oppressed Evangelical Doctrine) yea, they extend themselves to the persecution of all men without exception, (albeit Lutherans) who do not willingly submit to the Swedish Government, and applaud their Hostile Invasion. So you may see how from the beginning we have been abused, in suffering ourselves by these Religious persuasions, to be seduced to this rebellious accommodation. And for our just reward, we have gotten Soldiers to be our Lords and Masters, who cunningly improving our perfidious diligence, and perceiving divisions amongst us, concerning Matters of Religion, do not only secretly foment and heighten these debates (that so they may divide and overcome) but decide all controversies in favour of the Multitude, as most numerous and useful for their designs: It was upon this account the Roman Catholics were expelled the great Church, and the Lutherans possessed of it, that by this gracious Testimony of the Swedes, the common people might upon all emergencies, be so much the more engaged to them.  Simplicius. 
Since the Swede hath settled the affairs of our Church, I think it our duty to give him a requital; one good turn deserves another: for my part, I confess I now favour him more than I did at first; and only for his religious Zeal, whereby we are put in this happy condition, which I and many others have hearty wished for long ago. But go on in your Discourse, and excuse me for this interruption.  Constantinus. 
The Swedes perceiving that (according to your own confession) they had by Religion gained the hearts of the subjects of this City, have bended their thoughts how to keep this good impression of their zealous inclination, upon our affections, and how their respect might thereby be increased amongst us.  
Therefore they judged it expedient to endear themselves with the Preachers, and especially such as the common people most applauded; well knowing, that so long as these did stick close to their party, the multitude would never forsake them. To this purpose, and that they might more surely compass their Design, by preventing the admission of any to the Ministerial function, which were of a contrary stamp, they have invented this new Consistory, and chosen an Arch-Prelate (wholly devoted to them, Soul and Body) to be Superintendent, and have strictly, under the highest pains, discharged the accustomed choosing and calling of Preachers by the Suffrage of the People, who on the contrary, are commanded to make their applications, and give due reverence unto the Superintendent and Consistory; and in case of vacancy, an address must be made to them for an Upright and Godly man (doubtless also a good Swede) and upon their Approbation, (which is to be observed) to accept of him. Hence the Swedes expect a twofold advantage; First, a full assurance of our love, fidelity and constancy, especially when the exhortations of our Pastors have a joint tendency that way, so that a few of their own Forces, with those inhabitants of the City and Country, shall be sufficient to stave off any danger that comes from without. In the next place, they (having this assurance) need not be much afraid of those to whom this Reformation is not acceptable, as Papists, Calvinists, a part of the Council, and some of the Commons, which cannot digest the taking away their Privilege of calling their own Preachers, or the Jus Patronatus, because the Multitude will easily balance them, unless they resolve to expose themselves to the greatest hazard of life and limb.  Simplicius 
Hold good Sir, you tell me of such strange passages as are an astonishment to me.  Constantinus. 
Suffer me yet to add one word, wherewith I will conclude at this time. You know the Swedes have us now in their power, and probably foreseeing, whilst they and their adherents are necessitated to make a shameful retreat out of Poland and Lithuania, that the Polonian King doth intent with all his force to overrun us here in Prussia; therefore they have betaken themselves to Achitophel's counsel; and as he advised Absalon to lie with his father's concubines, whereby all Israel might know he was abhorred of his father, and so the hands of those that were with him, would be more strong, 2 Sam. 16.21. even so this unseasonable Reformation cannot but highly displease the King & States of Poland, it being intended for no other purpose, but to make us stink before them, to deprave us of all hope of reconciliation with our lawful King, and consequently, drive us into despair; for the wider we make our breach, so much the closer we must stand by the Swedes; and the more desperately we hold their party, so much the better and longer will they be able to keep their station. If this Parallel hold not, let impartial men judge. But what will be the event, time will show. I pray the Lord preserve us, that this tend not to our total subversion.  Simplicius. 
God in mercy pity us, make all of us sensible of our dangerous backslidings and re-establish us in tranquillity.  Constantinus. 
I join with you in the same wish, leaving these matters to your further meditation, reserving the rest till next meeting.  
Farewell.  

The Swedish Proclamation, Published at Elbing: faithfully translated.  
By the Counsellor of His Royal Majesty, and of the Realm of Sweden, General of the Infantry, and Governor of the Palatinate of Marienburgh.  
IT is hereby declared and make known, to all and every the Subjects of the Marienburgish Palatinate, That since Almighty God hath mercifully visited this Province and Country, and brought the inhabitants thereof under the most Illustrious and Magnipotent Prince and Lord, Lord CAROLUS GUSTAVUS, of the Swedes, Goths and Vandals King, great Duke in Finland, Duke in Ekstland, Carelen, Bremen, Veurden, Stettin, Pomeren, of the Cassubes and Wensden, Duke at Rugen, Lord over Ingermanland and Wismar, as also Count Palatine on the Rhyne, in Bavaria, at Gulick, Cleve and Berg, Duke, etc. His Highly Renowned Royal Majesty, as a Prince affecting the unaltered Confession of Augsburgh, hath spared no industry to try how the Doctrine of God's holy Word (heretofore suppressed) might again be preached in public, without any hindrance, how in the Churches there might be established a decent Order; true Peace and Unity erected amongst Preachers and Congregations, Profaneness and Impiety discovered, so as hereafter in all things, the glory of God, the safety and happiness of the Church might be endeavoured and maintained. Yet could not His most Renowned Royal Majesty find out any better means whereby to settle the spiritual Government of the Church, (which hitherto hath been defective,) then by constituting a Superintendent and Consistory. To this end, His Royal Majesty hath chosen, deputed and confirmed the Right Reverend Lord and Magister, David Klugh, sometime Arch-Prelate of the Marquisate of Prussia, and District of Lu●emuk, etc. to be Superintendent over the whole Marienburgish Palatinate, as well Elbing, and other Cities, as over all the Country. And it is His Royal Majesties most gracious pleasure, that the said Lord Magister Klugh shall every way behave himself conformable to the Instructions received from His Royal Majesty. But above all things, to endeavour the maintenance of Peace and Unity, Uprightness and Honesty, and other suchlike Christian Virtues, as he shall be answerable before God and the King's Majesty. And it being necessary that the premises be known unto all the Subjects of this Palatinate; Therefore in the name of His Royal Majesty, and with the approbation of His Illustrious Princely Highness, the Lord Generalissimus, I do hereby declare and publish the same, exhorting them, that according to His Royal Majesty's earnest and most gracious pleasure, they acknowledge the aforesaid Lord Magister Klugh, for their Superintendent, duly to reverence him and the said Consistory, by rendering unto them submissive obedience, diligently to take notice of all exorbitancies in every Parish, and in case of any scandal, undecency, or injustice appearing in the same, to bring in their immediate complaint thereof before him. These are likewise to advertise the Laic people in particular, henceforth to abstain from their usual custom of choosing and calling their own Preachers: but when any place is vacant, they are to apply themselves to the Superintendent, inquire for an upright godly man, and upon his approbation, too accept of him. Also when they find any thing worthy of reproach in their Preachers, they shall be obliged duly to complain of the same, and not, without having first given in their grievances, obstinately (as heretofore they did) put them, out of their Ministerial Charge. And forasmuch as in pursuance of His Royal Majesties most gracious Command, the Lord Superintendent shall be presented on Aug. 22. in order to the then opening of the Consistory: These are therefore earnestly to admonish all and every the Preachers within the Palatinate of Marienburgh, whether in great Cities or small Towns, and Country Villages, as also the Professors, Rectors, and Office bearers of Colleges and Schools, that they be personally present, the day aforesaid, within the Church of Elbing, there to assist and countenance the said presentation of the Lord Superintendent, and opening the Consistory. And if any shall in the least do contrary to what is above expressed, let him expect no other but to be cited by the Fiscal-Royal to Marienburgh, before His Illustrious Princely Highness, the Lord Generalissimus, there to answer for his Transgression, and to be severely punished, according to his demerits. Whereunto every one is to regulate himself, and avoid his own hurt.   
Signatum Elbing. Lorents Ʋander Lind.  
FINIS.