ItwasthegeneralbeliefoftheEmpire，thattheyowedthelongenjoymentofthereligiouspeacemerelytothedifficultiesinwhichtheEmperorwasplacedbytheinternaltroublesinhisdominions，andconsequentlytheywereinnohastetorelievehimfromthem。
AlmostalltheaffairsoftheDietwereneglected，eitherthroughtheprocrastinationoftheEmperor，orthroughthefaultoftheProtestantEstates，whohaddeterminedtomakenoprovisionforthecommonwantsoftheEmpiretilltheirowngrievanceswereremoved。
ThesegrievancesrelatedprincipallytothemisgovernmentoftheEmperor；
theviolationofthereligioustreaty，andthepresumptuoususurpationsoftheAulicCouncil，whichinthepresentreignhadbeguntoextenditsjurisdictionattheexpenseoftheImperialChamber。Formerly，inalldisputesbetweentheEstates，whichcouldnotbesettledbyclublaw，theEmperorshadinthelastresortdecidedofthemselves，ifthecaseweretrifling，andinconjunctionwiththeprinces，ifitwereimportant；ortheydeterminedthembytheadviceofimperialjudgeswhofollowedthecourt。Thissuperiorjurisdictiontheyhad，intheendofthefifteenthcentury，assignedtoaregularandpermanenttribunal，theImperialChamberofSpires，inwhichtheEstatesoftheEmpire，thattheymightnotbeoppressedbythearbitraryappointmentoftheEmperor，hadreservedtothemselvestherightofelectingtheassessors，andofperiodicallyreviewingitsdecrees。Bythereligiouspeace，theserightsoftheEstates，calledtherightsofpresentationandvisitation，wereextendedalsototheLutherans，sothatProtestantjudgeshadavoiceinProtestantcauses，andaseemingequalityobtainedforbothreligionsinthissupremetribunal。
ButtheenemiesoftheReformationandofthefreedomoftheEstates，vigilanttotakeadvantageofeveryincidentthatfavouredtheirviews，soonfoundmeanstoneutralizethebeneficialeffectsofthisinstitution。
AsupremejurisdictionovertheImperialStateswasgraduallyandskilfullyusurpedbyaprivateimperialtribunal，theAulicCouncilinVienna，acourtatfirstintendedmerelytoadvisetheEmperorintheexerciseofhisundoubted，imperial，andpersonalprerogatives；acourt，whosemembersbeingappointedandpaidbyhim，hadnolawbuttheinterestoftheirmaster，andnostandardofequitybuttheadvancementoftheunreformedreligionofwhichtheywerepartisans。
BeforetheAulicCouncilwerenowbroughtseveralsuitsoriginatingbetweenEstatesdifferinginreligion，andwhich，therefore，properlybelongedtotheImperialChamber。Itwasnotsurprisingifthedecreesofthistribunalboretracesoftheirorigin；iftheinterestsoftheRomanChurchandoftheEmperorwerepreferredtojusticebyRomanCatholicjudges，andthecreaturesoftheEmperor。AlthoughalltheEstatesofGermanyseemedtohaveequalcauseforresistingsoperilousanabuse，theProtestantsalone，whomostsensiblyfeltit，andeventhesenotallatonceandinabody，cameforwardasthedefendersofGermanliberty，whichtheestablishmentofsoarbitraryatribunalhadoutragedinitsmostsacredpoint，theadministrationofjustice。Infact，Germanywouldhavehadlittlecausetocongratulateitselfupontheabolitionofclub-law，andintheinstitutionoftheImperialChamber，ifanarbitrarytribunaloftheEmperorwasallowedtointerferewiththelatter。TheEstatesoftheGermanEmpirewouldindeedhaveimprovedlittleuponthedaysofbarbarism，iftheChamberofJusticeinwhichtheysatalongwiththeEmperorasjudges，andforwhichtheyhadabandonedtheiroriginalprincelyprerogative，shouldceasetobeacourtofthelastresort。Butthestrangestcontradictionswereatthisdatetobefoundinthemindsofmen。ThenameofEmperor，aremnantofRomandespotism，wasstillassociatedwithanideaofautocracy，which，thoughitformedaridiculousinconsistencywiththeprivilegesoftheEstates，wasneverthelessarguedforbyjurists，diffusedbythepartisansofdespotism，andbelievedbytheignorant。
Tothesegeneralgrievanceswasgraduallyaddedachainofsingularincidents，whichatlengthconvertedtheanxietyoftheProtestantsintoutterdistrust。
DuringtheSpanishpersecutionsintheNetherlands，severalProtestantfamilieshadtakenrefugeinAix-la-Chapelle，animperialcity，andattachedtotheRomanCatholicfaith，wheretheysettledandinsensiblyextendedtheiradherents。
Havingsucceededbystratageminintroducingsomeoftheirmembersintothemunicipalcouncil，theydemandedachurchandthepublicexerciseoftheirworship，andthedemandbeingunfavourablyreceived，theysucceededbyviolenceinenforcingit，andalsoinusurpingtheentiregovernmentofthecity。ToseesoimportantacityinProtestanthandswastooheavyablowfortheEmperorandtheRomanCatholics。
AfteralltheEmperor’srequestsandcommandsfortherestorationoftheoldengovernmenthadprovedineffectual，theAulicCouncilproclaimedthecityunderthebanoftheEmpire，which，however，wasnotputinforcetillthefollowingreign。
OfyetgreaterimportanceweretwootherattemptsoftheProtestantstoextendtheirinfluenceandtheirpower。TheElectorGebhard，ofCologne，bornTruchsess*ofWaldburg，conceivedfortheyoungCountessAgnes，ofMansfield，CanonessofGerresheim，apassionwhichwasnotunreturned。
AstheeyesofallGermanyweredirectedtothisintercourse，thebrothersoftheCountess，twozealousCalvinists，demandedsatisfactionfortheinjuredhonouroftheirhouse，which，aslongastheelectorremainedaRomanCatholicprelate，couldnotberepairedbymarriage。Theythreatenedtheelectortheywouldwashoutthisstaininhisbloodandtheirsister’s，unlessheeitherabandonedallfurtherconnexionwiththecountess，orconsentedtore-establishherreputationatthealtar。
Theelector，indifferenttoalltheconsequencesofthisstep，listenedtonothingbutthevoiceoflove。Whetheritwasinconsequenceofhispreviousinclinationtothereformeddoctrines，orthatthecharmsofhismistressaloneeffectedthiswonder，herenouncedtheRomanCatholicfaith，andledthebeautifulAgnestothealtar。
*Grand-masterofthekitchen。
Thiseventwasofthegreatestimportance。Bytheletteroftheclausereservingtheecclesiasticalstatesfromthegeneraloperationofthereligiouspeace，theelectorhad，byhisapostacy，forfeitedallrighttothetemporalitiesofhisbishopric；
andif，inanycase，itwasimportantfortheCatholicstoenforcetheclause，itwassoespeciallyinthecaseofelectorates。Ontheotherhand，therelinquishmentofsohighadignitywasaseveresacrifice，andpeculiarlysointhecaseofatenderhusband，whohadwishedtoenhancethevalueofhisheartandhandbythegiftofaprincipality。
Moreover，theReservatumEcclesiasticumwasadisputedarticleofthetreatyofAugsburg；andalltheGermanProtestantswereawareoftheextremeimportanceofwrestingthisfourth*electoratefromtheopponentsoftheirfaith。TheexamplehadalreadybeensetinseveraloftheecclesiasticalbeneficesofLowerGermany，andattendedwithsuccess。SeveralcanonsofColognehadalsoalreadyembracedtheProtestantconfession，andwereontheelector’sside，while，inthecityitself，hecoulddependuponthesupportofanumerousProtestantparty。Alltheseconsiderations，greatlystrengthenedbythepersuasionsofhisfriendsandrelations，andthepromisesofseveralGermancourts，determinedtheelectortoretainhisdominions，whilehechangedhisreligion。
*Saxony，Brandenburg，andthePalatinatewerealreadyProtestant。
Butitwassoonapparentthathehadentereduponacontestwhichhecouldnotcarrythrough。EventhefreetolerationoftheProtestantservicewithintheterritoriesofCologne，hadalreadyoccasionedaviolentoppositiononthepartofthecanonsandRomanCatholic`Estates’ofthatprovince。
TheinterventionoftheEmperor，andapapalbanfromRome，whichanathematizedtheelectorasanapostate，anddeprivedhimofallhisdignities，temporalandspiritual，armedhisownsubjectsandchapteragainsthim。TheElectorassembledamilitaryforce；
thechapterdidthesame。Toensurealsotheaidofastrongarm，theyproceededforthwithtoanewelection，andchosetheBishopofLiege，aprinceofBavaria。
Acivilwarnowcommenced，which，fromthestronginterestwhichbothreligiouspartiesinGermanynecessarilyfeltintheconjuncture，waslikelytoterminateinageneralbreakingupofthereligiouspeace。
WhatmostmadetheProtestantsindignant，wasthatthePopeshouldhavepresumed，byapretendedapostolicpower，todepriveaprinceoftheempireofhisimperialdignities。Eveninthegoldendaysoftheirspiritualdomination，thisprerogativeofthePopehadbeendisputed；
howmuchmorelikelywasittobequestionedataperiodwhenhisauthoritywasentirelydisownedbyoneparty，whileevenwiththeotheritrestedonatotteringfoundation。AlltheProtestantprincestookuptheaffairwarmlyagainsttheEmperor；andHenryIV。ofFrance，thenKingofNavarre，leftnomeansofnegotiationuntriedtourgetheGermanprincestothevigorousassertionoftheirrights。TheissuewoulddecideforeverthelibertiesofGermany。FourProtestantagainstthreeRomanCatholicvoicesintheElectoralCollegemustatoncehavegiventhepreponderancetotheformer，andforeverexcludedtheHouseofAustriafromtheimperialthrone。
ButtheElectorGebhardhadembracedtheCalvinist，nottheLutheranreligion；
andthiscircumstancealonewashisruin。ThemutualrancourofthesetwochurcheswouldnotpermittheLutheranEstatestoregardtheElectorasoneoftheirparty，andassuchtolendhimtheireffectualsupport。Allindeedhadencouraged，andpromisedhimassistance；
butonlyoneappanagedprinceofthePalatineHouse，thePalsgraveJohnCasimir，azealousCalvinist，kepthisword。
Despiteoftheimperialprohibition，hehastenedwithhislittlearmyintotheterritoriesofCologne；butwithoutbeingabletoeffectanything，becausetheElector，whowasdestituteevenofthefirstnecessaries，lefthimtotallywithouthelp。Somuchthemorerapidwastheprogressofthenewly-chosenelector，whomhisBavarianrelationsandtheSpaniardsfromtheNetherlandssupportedwiththeutmostvigour。ThetroopsofGebhard，leftbytheirmasterwithoutpay，abandonedoneplaceafteranothertotheenemy；bywhomotherswerecompelledtosurrender。
InhisWestphalianterritories，Gebhardheldoutforsometimelonger，tillhere，too，hewasatlastobligedtoyieldtosuperiorforce。
AfterseveralvainattemptsinHollandandEnglandtoobtainmeansforhisrestoration，heretiredintotheChapterofStrasburg，anddieddeanofthatcathedral；thefirstsacrificetotheEcclesiasticalReservation，orrathertothewantofharmonyamongtheGermanProtestants。
TothisdisputeinColognewassoonaddedanotherinStrasburg。
SeveralProtestantcanonsofCologne，whohadbeenincludedinthesamepapalbanwiththeelector，hadtakenrefugewithinthisbishopric，wheretheylikewiseheldprebends。AstheRomanCatholiccanonsofStrasburghesitatedtoallowthem，asbeingundertheban，theenjoymentoftheirprebends，theytookviolentpossessionoftheirbenefices，andthesupportofapowerfulProtestantpartyamongthecitizenssoongavethemthepreponderanceinthechapter。TheothercanonsthereuponretiredtoAlsace-Saverne，where，undertheprotectionofthebishop，theyestablishedthemselvesastheonlylawfulchapter，anddenouncedthatwhichremainedinStrasburgasillegal。Thelatter，inthemeantime，hadsostrengthenedthemselvesbythereceptionofseveralProtestantcolleaguesofhighrank，thattheycouldventure，uponthedeathofthebishop，tonominateanewProtestantbishopinthepersonofJohnGeorgeofBrandenburg。TheRomanCatholiccanons，farfromallowingthiselection，nominatedtheBishopofMetz，aprinceofLorraine，tothatdignity，whoannouncedhispromotionbyimmediatelycommencinghostilitiesagainsttheterritoriesofStrasburg。
ThatcitynowtookuparmsindefenceofitsProtestantchapterandthePrinceofBrandenburg，whiletheotherparty，withtheassistanceofthetroopsofLorraine，endeavouredtopossessthemselvesofthetemporalitiesofthechapter。Atediouswarwastheconsequence，which，accordingtothespiritofthetimes，wasattendedwithbarbarousdevastations。InvaindidtheEmperorinterposewithhissupremeauthoritytoterminatethedispute；theecclesiasticalpropertyremainedforalongtimedividedbetweenthetwoparties，tillatlasttheProtestantprince，foramoderatepecuniaryequivalent，renouncedhisclaims；andthus，inthisdisputealso，theRomanChurchcameoffvictorious。
Anoccurrencewhich，soonaftertheadjustmentofthisdispute，tookplaceinDonauwerth，afreecityofSuabia，wasstillmorecriticalforthewholeofProtestantGermany。InthisonceRomanCatholiccity，theProtestants，duringthereignsofFerdinandandhisson，had，intheusualway，becomesocompletelypredominant，thattheRomanCatholicswereobligedtocontentthemselveswithachurchintheMonasteryoftheHolyCross，andforfearofoffendingtheProtestants，wereevenforcedtosuppressthegreaterpartoftheirreligiousrites。
Atlengthafanaticalabbotofthismonasteryventuredtodefythepopularprejudices，andtoarrangeapublicprocession，precededbythecrossandbannersflying；buthewassooncompelledtodesistfromtheattempt。When，ayearafterwards，encouragedbyafavourableimperialproclamation，thesameabbotattemptedtorenewthisprocession，thecitizensproceededtoopenviolence。
Theinhabitantsshutthegatesagainstthemonksontheirreturn，trampledtheircoloursunderfoot，andfollowedthemhomewithclamourandabuse。Animperialcitationwastheconsequenceofthisactofviolence；andastheexasperatedpopulaceeventhreatenedtoassaulttheimperialcommissaries，andallattemptsatanamicableadjustmentwerefrustratedbythefanaticismofthemultitude，thecitywasatlastformallyplacedunderthebanoftheEmpire，theexecutionofwhichwasintrustedtoMaximilian，DukeofBavaria。Thecitizens，formerlysoinsolent，wereseizedwithterrorattheapproachoftheBavarianarmy；
pusillanimitynowpossessedthem，thoughoncesofullofdefiance，andtheylaiddowntheirarmswithoutstrikingablow。
ThetotalabolitionoftheProtestantreligionwithinthewallsofthecitywasthepunishmentoftheirrebellion；itwasdeprivedofitsprivileges，and，fromafreecityofSuabia，convertedintoamunicipaltownofBavaria。
TwocircumstancesconnectedwiththisproceedingmusthavestronglyexcitedtheattentionoftheProtestants，eveniftheinterestsofreligionhadbeenlesspowerfulontheirminds。Firstofall，thesentencehadbeenpronouncedbytheAulicCouncil，anarbitraryandexclusivelyRomanCatholictribunal，whosejurisdictionbesideshadbeensowarmlydisputedbythem；
andsecondly，itsexecutionhadbeenintrustedtotheDukeofBavaria，theheadofanothercircle。TheseunconstitutionalstepsseemedtobetheharbingersoffurtherviolentmeasuresontheRomanCatholicside，theresult，probably，ofsecretconferencesanddangerousdesigns，whichmightperhapsendintheentiresubversionoftheirreligiousliberty。
Incircumstanceswherethelawofforceprevails，andsecuritydependsuponpoweralone，theweakestpartyisnaturallythemostbusytoplaceitselfinapostureofdefence。ThiswasnowthecaseinGermany。
IftheRomanCatholicsreallymeditatedanyevilagainsttheProtestantsinGermany，theprobabilitywasthattheblowwouldfallonthesouthratherthanthenorth，because，inLowerGermany，theProtestantswereconnectedtogetherthroughalongunbrokentractofcountry，andcouldthereforeeasilycombinefortheirmutualsupport；
whilethoseinthesouth，detachedfromeachother，andsurroundedonallsidesbyRomanCatholicstates，wereexposedtoeveryinroad。If，moreover，aswastobeexpected，theCatholicsavailedthemselvesofthedivisionsamongsttheProtestants，andlevelledtheirattackagainstoneofthereligiousparties，itwastheCalvinistswho，astheweaker，andasbeingbesidesexcludedfromthereligioustreaty，wereapparentlyinthegreatestdanger，anduponthemwouldprobablyfallthefirstattack。
BoththesecircumstancestookplaceinthedominionsoftheElectorPalatine，whichpossessed，intheDukeofBavaria，aformidableneighbour，andwhich，byreasonoftheirdefectiontoCalvinism，receivednoprotectionfromtheReligiousPeace，andhadlittlehopeofsuccourfromtheLutheranstates。
NocountryinGermanyhadexperiencedsomanyrevolutionsinreligioninsoshortatimeasthePalatinate。Inthespaceofsixtyyearsthiscountry，anunfortunatetoyinthehandsofitsrulers，hadtwiceadoptedthedoctrinesofLuther，andtwicerelinquishedthemforCalvinism。
TheElectorFrederickIII。firstabandonedtheconfessionofAugsburg，whichhiseldestsonandsuccessor，Lewis，immediatelyre-established。
TheCalviniststhroughoutthewholecountryweredeprivedoftheirchurches，theirpreachersandeventheirteachersbanishedbeyondthefrontiers；
whiletheprince，inhisLutheranzeal，persecutedthemeveninhiswill，byappointingnonebutstrictandorthodoxLutheransastheguardiansofhisson，aminor。ButthisillegaltestamentwasdisregardedbyhisbrothertheCountPalatine，JohnCasimir，who，bytheregulationsoftheGoldenBull，assumedtheguardianshipandadministrationofthestate。
CalvinisticteachersweregiventotheElectorFrederickIV。，thenonlynineyearsofage，whowereordered，ifnecessary，todrivetheLutheranheresyoutofthesouloftheirpupilwithblows。
Ifsuchwasthetreatmentofthesovereign，thatofthesubjectsmaybeeasilyconceived。
ItwasunderthisFrederickthatthePalatineCourtexerteditselfsovigorouslytounitetheProtestantstatesofGermanyinjointmeasuresagainsttheHouseofAustria，and，ifpossible，bringabouttheformationofageneralconfederacy。BesidesthatthiscourthadalwaysbeenguidedbythecounselsofFrance，withwhomhatredoftheHouseofAustriawastherulingprinciple，aregardforhisownsafetyurgedhimtosecureintimethedoubtfulassistanceoftheLutheransagainstanearandoverwhelmingenemy。Greatdifficulties，however，opposedthisunion，becausetheLutherans’dislikeoftheReformedwasscarcelylessthanthecommonaversionofbothtotheRomanists。
Anattemptwasfirstmadetoreconcilethetwoprofessions，inordertofacilitateapoliticalunion；butalltheseattemptsfailed，andgenerallyendedinbothpartiesadheringthemorestronglytotheirrespectiveopinions。NothingthenremainedbuttoincreasethefearandthedistrustoftheEvangelicals，andinthiswaytoimpressuponthemthenecessityofthisalliance。
ThepoweroftheRomanCatholicsandthemagnitudeofthedangerwereexaggerated，accidentalincidentswereascribedtodeliberateplans，innocentactionsmisrepresentedbyinvidiousconstructions，andthewholeconductoftheprofessorsoftheoldenreligionwasinterpretedastheresultofawell-weighedandsystematicplan，which，inallprobability，theywereveryfarfromhavingconcerted。
TheDietofRatisbon，towhichtheProtestantshadlookedforwardwiththehopeofobtainingarenewaloftheReligiousPeace，hadbrokenupwithoutcomingtoadecision，andtotheformergrievancesoftheProtestantpartywasnowaddedthelateoppressionofDonauwerth。
Withincrediblespeed，theunion，solongattempted，wasnowbroughttobear。
AconferencetookplaceatAnhausen，inFranconia，atwhichwerepresenttheElectorFrederickIV。，fromthePalatinate，thePalsgraveofNeuburg，twoMargravesofBrandenburg，theMargraveofBaden，andtheDukeJohnFrederickofWirtemburg，——
LutheransaswellasCalvinists，——whoforthemselvesandtheirheirsenteredintoacloseconfederacyunderthetitleoftheEvangelicalUnion。
Thepurportofthisunionwas，thatthealliedprincesshould，inallmattersrelatingtoreligionandtheircivilrights，supporteachotherwitharmsandcounselagainsteveryaggressor，andshouldallstandasoneman；thatincaseanymemberoftheallianceshouldbeattacked，heshouldbeassistedbytherestwithanarmedforce；
that，ifnecessary，theterritories，towns，andcastlesofthealliedstatesshouldbeopentohistroops；andthat，whateverconquestsweremade，shouldbedividedamongalltheconfederates，inproportiontothecontingentfurnishedbyeach。
ThedirectionofthewholeconfederacyintimeofpeacewasconferredupontheElectorPalatine，butwithalimitedpower。
Tomeetthenecessaryexpenses，subsidiesweredemanded，andacommonfundestablished。DifferencesofreligionbetwixttheLutheransandtheCalvinistsweretohavenoeffectonthisalliance，whichwastosubsistfortenyears，everymemberoftheunionengagedatthesametimetoprocurenewmemberstoit。
TheElectorateofBrandenburgadoptedthealliance，thatofSaxonyrejectedit。Hesse-Cashelcouldnotbeprevailedupontodeclareitself，theDukesofBrunswickandLuneburgalsohesitated。
ButthethreecitiesoftheEmpire，Strasburg，Nuremburg，andUlm，werenounimportantacquisitionfortheleague，whichwasingreatwantoftheirmoney，whiletheirexample，besides，mightbefollowedbyotherimperialcities。
Aftertheformationofthisalliance，theconfederatestates，dispirited，andsingly，littlefeared，adoptedabolderlanguage。
ThroughPrinceChristianofAnhalt，theylaidtheircommongrievancesanddemandsbeforetheEmperor；amongwhichtheprincipalweretherestorationofDonauwerth，theabolitionoftheImperialCourt，thereformationoftheEmperor’sownadministrationandthatofhiscounsellors。Fortheseremonstrances，theychosethemomentwhentheEmperorhadscarcelyrecoveredbreathfromthetroublesinhishereditarydominions，——whenhehadlostHungaryandAustriatoMatthias，andhadbarelypreservedhisBohemianthronebytheconcessionoftheLetterofMajesty，andfinally，whenthroughthesuccessionofJuliershewasalreadythreatenedwiththedistantprospectofanewwar。Nowonder，then，thatthisdilatoryprincewasmoreirresolutethaneverinhisdecision，andthattheconfederatestookuparmsbeforehecouldbethinkhimself。
TheRomanCatholicsregardedthisconfederacywithajealouseye；
theUnionviewedthemandtheEmperorwiththelikedistrust；
theEmperorwasequallysuspiciousofboth；andthus，onallsides，alarmandanimosityhadreachedtheirclimax。And，asiftocrownthewhole，atthiscriticalconjuncturebythedeathoftheDukeJohnWilliamofJuliers，ahighlydisputablesuccessionbecamevacantintheterritoriesofJuliersandCleves。
Eightcompetitorslaidclaimtothisterritory，theindivisibilityofwhichhadbeenguaranteedbysolemntreaties；andtheEmperor，whoseemeddisposedtoenteruponitasavacantfief，mightbeconsideredastheninth。
Fourofthese，theElectorofBrandenburg，theCountPalatineofNeuburg，theCountPalatineofDeuxPonts，andtheMargraveofBurgau，anAustrianprince，claimeditasafemalefiefinnameoffourprincesses，sistersofthelateduke。Twoothers，theElectorofSaxony，ofthelineofAlbert，andtheDukeofSaxony，ofthelineofErnest，laidclaimtoitunderapriorrightofreversiongrantedtothembytheEmperorFrederickIII。，andconfirmedtobothSaxonhousesbyMaximilianI。Thepretensionsofsomeforeignprinceswerelittleregarded。
ThebestrightwasperhapsonthesideofBrandenburgandNeuburg，andbetweentheclaimsofthesetwoitwasnoteasytodecide。Bothcourts，assoonasthesuccessionwasvacant，proceededtotakepossession；
Brandenburgbeginning，andNeuburgfollowingtheexample。Bothcommencedtheirdisputewiththepen，andwouldprobablyhaveendeditwiththesword；
buttheinterferenceoftheEmperor，byproceedingtobringthecausebeforehisowncognizance，and，duringtheprogressofthesuit，sequestratingthedisputedcountries，soonbroughtthecontendingpartiestoanagreement，inordertoavertthecommondanger。
Theyagreedtogoverntheduchyconjointly。InvaindidtheEmperorprohibittheEstatesfromdoinghomagetotheirnewmasters；
invaindidhesendhisownrelation，theArchdukeLeopold，BishopofPassauandStrasburg，intotheterritoryofJuliers，inorder，byhispresence，tostrengthentheimperialparty。Thewholecountry，withtheexceptionofJuliersitself，hadsubmittedtotheProtestantprinces，andinthatcapitaltheimperialistswerebesieged。
ThedisputeaboutthesuccessionofJulierswasanimportantonetothewholeGermanempire，andalsoattractedtheattentionofseveralEuropeancourts。Itwasnotsomuchthequestion，whowasorwasnottopossesstheDuchyofJuliers；——therealquestionwas，whichofthetworeligiouspartiesinGermany，theRomanCatholicortheProtestant，wastobestrengthenedbysoimportantanaccession——
forwhichofthetwoRELIGIONSthisterritorywastobelostorwon。
Thequestioninshortwas，whetherAustriawastobeallowedtopersevereinherusurpations，andtogratifyherlustofdominionbyanotherrobbery；
orwhetherthelibertiesofGermany，andthebalanceofpower，weretobemaintainedagainstherencroachments。ThedisputedsuccessionofJuliers，therefore，wasmatterwhichinterestedallwhowerefavourabletoliberty，andhostiletoAustria。TheEvangelicalUnion，Holland，England，andparticularlyHenryIV。ofFrance，weredrawnintothestrife。
Thismonarch，theflowerofwhoselifehadbeenspentinopposingtheHouseofAustriaandSpain，andbyperseveringheroismalonehadsurmountedtheobstacleswhichthishousehadthrownbetweenhimandtheFrenchthrone，hadbeennoidlespectatorofthetroublesinGermany。
ThiscontestoftheEstateswiththeEmperorwasthemeansofgivingandsecuringpeacetoFrance。TheProtestantsandtheTurkswerethetwosalutaryweightswhichkeptdowntheAustrianpowerintheEastandWest；butitwouldriseagaininallitsterrors，ifonceitwereallowedtoremovethispressure。HenrytheFourthhadbeforehiseyesforhalfalifetime，theuninterruptedspectacleofAustrianambitionandAustrianlustofdominion，whichneitheradversitynorpovertyoftalents，thoughgenerallytheycheckallhumanpassions，couldextinguishinabosomwhereinflowedonedropofthebloodofFerdinandofArragon。AustrianambitionhaddestroyedforacenturythepeaceofEurope，andeffectedthemostviolentchangesintheheartofitsmostconsiderablestates。Ithaddeprivedthefieldsofhusbandmen，theworkshopsofartisans，tofillthelandwithenormousarmies，andtocoverthecommercialseawithhostilefleets。
IthadimposedupontheprincesofEuropethenecessityoffetteringtheindustryoftheirsubjectsbyunheard-ofimposts；
andofwastinginself-defencethebeststrengthoftheirstates，whichwasthuslosttotheprosperityoftheirinhabitants。
ForEuropetherewasnopeace，foritsstatesnowelfare，forthepeople’shappinessnosecurityorpermanence，solongasthisdangeroushousewaspermittedtodisturbatpleasurethereposeoftheworld。
SuchconsiderationscloudedthemindofHenryatthecloseofhisgloriouscareer。WhathaditnotcosthimtoreducetoorderthetroubledchaosintowhichFrancehadbeenplungedbythetumultofcivilwar，fomentedandsupportedbythisveryAustria！
Everygreatmindlaboursforeternity；andwhatsecurityhadHenryfortheenduranceofthatprosperitywhichhehadgainedforFrance，solongasAustriaandSpainformedasinglepower，whichdidindeedlieexhaustedforthepresent，butwhichrequiredonlyoneluckychancetobespeedilyre-united，andtospringupagainasformidableasever。
Ifhewouldbequeathtohissuccessorsafirmlyestablishedthrone，andadurableprosperitytohissubjects，thisdangerouspowermustbeforeverdisarmed。ThiswasthesourceofthatirreconcileableenmitywhichHenryhadsworntotheHouseofAustria，ahatredunextinguishable，ardent，andwell-foundedasthatofHannibalagainstthepeopleofRomulus，butennobledbyapurerorigin。
TheotherEuropeanpowershadthesameinducementstoactionasHenry，butallofthemhadnotthatenlightenedpolicy，northatdisinterestedcouragetoactupontheimpulse。Allmen，withoutdistinction，arealluredbyimmediateadvantages；greatmindsaloneareexcitedbydistantgood。Solongaswisdominitsprojectscalculatesuponwisdom，orreliesuponitsownstrength，itformsnonebutchimericalschemes，andrunsariskofmakingitselfthelaughteroftheworld；
butitiscertainofsuccess，andmayreckonuponaidandadmirationwhenitfindsaplaceinitsintellectualplansforbarbarism，rapacity，andsuperstition，andcanrendertheselfishpassionsofmankindtheexecutorsofitspurposes。
Inthefirstpointofview，Henry’swell-knownprojectofexpellingtheHouseofAustriafromallitspossessions，anddividingthespoilamongtheEuropeanpowers，deservesthetitleofachimera，whichmenhavesoliberallybestoweduponit；butdiditmeritthatappellationinthesecond？Ithadneverenteredintotheheadofthatexcellentmonarch，inthechoiceofthosewhomustbetheinstrumentsofhisdesigns，toreckononthesufficiencyofsuchmotivesasanimatedhimselfandSullytotheenterprise。Allthestateswhoseco-operationwasnecessary，weretobepersuadedtotheworkbythestrongestmotivesthatcansetapoliticalpowerinaction。
FromtheProtestantsinGermanynothingmorewasrequiredthanthatwhich，onothergrounds，hadbeenlongtheirobject，——theirthrowingofftheAustrianyoke；fromtheFlemings，asimilarrevoltfromtheSpaniards。
TothePopeandalltheItalianrepublicsnoinducementcouldbemorepowerfulthanthehopeofdrivingtheSpaniardsforeverfromtheirpeninsula；
forEngland，nothingmoredesirablethanarevolutionwhichshouldfreeitfromitsbitterestenemy。BythisdivisionoftheAustrianconquests，everypowergainedeitherlandorfreedom，newpossessionsorsecurityfortheold；andasallgained，thebalanceofpowerremainedundisturbed。
Francemightmagnanimouslydeclineashareinthespoil，becausebytheruinofAustriaitdoublyprofited，andwasmostpowerfulifitdidnotbecomemorepowerful。Finally，uponconditionofriddingEuropeoftheirpresence，theposterityofHapsburgweretobeallowedthelibertyofaugmentingherterritoriesinalltheotherknownoryetundiscoveredportionsoftheglobe。ButthedaggerofRavaillacdeliveredAustriafromherdanger，topostponeforsomecenturieslongerthetranquillityofEurope。
Withhisviewdirectedtothisproject，HenryfeltthenecessityoftakingapromptandactivepartintheimportanteventsoftheEvangelicalUnion，andthedisputedsuccessionofJuliers。HisemissarieswerebusyinallthecourtsofGermany，andthelittlewhichtheypublishedorallowedtoescapeofthegreatpoliticalsecretsoftheirmaster，wassufficienttowinovermindsinflamedbysoardentahatredtoAustria，andbysostrongadesireofaggrandizement。TheprudentpolicyofHenrycementedtheUnionstillmoreclosely，andthepowerfulaidwhichheboundhimselftofurnish，raisedthecourageoftheconfederatesintothefirmestconfidence。AnumerousFrencharmy，ledbythekinginperson，wastomeetthetroopsoftheUniononthebanksoftheRhine，andtoassistineffectingtheconquestofJuliersandCleves；then，inconjunctionwiththeGermans，itwastomarchintoItaly，whereSavoy，Venice，andthePopewereevennowreadywithapowerfulreinforcement，andtooverthrowtheSpanishdominioninthatquarter。ThisvictoriousarmywasthentopenetratebyLombardyintothehereditarydominionsofHapsburg；andthere，favouredbyageneralinsurrectionoftheProtestants，destroythepowerofAustriainallitsGermanterritories，inBohemia，Hungary，andTransylvania。
TheBrabantersandHollanders，supportedbyFrenchauxiliaries，wouldinthemeantimeshakeofftheSpanishtyrannyintheNetherlands；
andthusthemightystreamwhich，onlyashorttimebefore，hadsofearfullyoverfloweditsbanks，threateningtooverwhelminitstroubledwatersthelibertiesofEurope，wouldthenrollsilentandforgottenbehindthePyreneanmountains。
Atothertimes，theFrenchhadboastedoftheirrapidityofaction，butuponthisoccasiontheywereoutstrippedbytheGermans。
AnarmyoftheconfederatesenteredAlsacebeforeHenrymadehisappearancethere，andanAustrianarmy，whichtheBishopofStrasburgandPassauhadassembledinthatquarterforanexpeditionagainstJuliers，wasdispersed。HenryIV。hadformedhisplanasastatesmanandaking，buthehadintrusteditsexecutiontoplunderers。
Accordingtohisdesign，noRomanCatholicstatewastohavecausetothinkthispreparationaimedagainstitself，ortomakethequarrelofAustriaitsown。Religionwasinnowisetobemixedupwiththematter。
ButhowcouldtheGermanprincesforgettheirownpurposesinfurtheringtheplansofHenry？Actuatedastheywerebythedesireofaggrandizementandbyreligioushatred，wasittobesupposedthattheywouldnotgratify，ineverypassingopportunity，theirrulingpassionstotheutmost？Likevultures，theystoopedupontheterritoriesoftheecclesiasticalprinces，andalwayschosethoserichcountriesfortheirquarters，thoughtoreachthemtheymustmakeeversowideadetourfromtheirdirectroute。
Theyleviedcontributionsasinanenemy’scountry，seizedupontherevenues，andexacted，byviolence，whattheycouldnotobtainoffree-will。
NottoleavetheRomanCatholicsindoubtastothetrueobjectsoftheirexpedition，theyannounced，openlyandintelligiblyenough，thefatethatawaitedthepropertyofthechurch。SolittlehadHenryIV。
andtheGermanprincesunderstoodeachotherintheirplanofoperations，somuchhadtheexcellentkingbeenmistakeninhisinstruments。
Itisanunfailingmaxim，that，ifpolicyenjoinsanactofviolence，itsexecutionoughtnevertobeentrustedtotheviolent；
andthatheonlyoughttobetrustedwiththeviolationoforderbywhomorderisheldsacred。
BoththepastconductoftheUnion，whichwascondemnedevenbyseveraloftheevangelicalstates，andtheapprehensionofevenworsetreatment，arousedtheRomanCatholicstosomethingbeyondmereinactiveindignation。
AstotheEmperor，hisauthorityhadsunktoolowtoaffordthemanysecurityagainstsuchanenemy。ItwastheirUnionthatrenderedtheconfederatessoformidableandsoinsolent；andanotherunionmustnowbeopposedtothem。
TheBishopofWurtzburgformedtheplanoftheCatholicunion，whichwasdistinguishedfromtheevangelicalbythetitleoftheLeague。
TheobjectsagreeduponwerenearlythesameasthosewhichconstitutedthegroundworkoftheUnion。Bishopsformeditsprincipalmembers，andatitsheadwasplacedMaximilian，DukeofBavaria。
Astheonlyinfluentialsecularmemberoftheconfederacy，hewasentrustedwithfarmoreextensivepowersthantheProtestantshadcommittedtotheirchief。Inadditiontotheduke’sbeingthesoleheadoftheLeague’smilitarypower，wherebytheiroperationsacquiredaspeedandweightunattainablebytheUnion，theyhadalsotheadvantagethatsuppliesflowedinmuchmoreregularlyfromtherichprelates，thanthelattercouldobtainthemfromthepoorevangelicalstates。WithoutofferingtotheEmperor，asthesovereignofaRomanCatholicstate，anyshareintheirconfederacy，withoutevencommunicatingitsexistencetohimasemperor，theLeaguearoseatonceformidableandthreatening；withstrengthsufficienttocrushtheProtestantUnionandtomaintainitselfunderthreeemperors。
Itcontended，indeed，forAustria，insofarasitfoughtagainsttheProtestantprinces；butAustriaherselfhadsooncausetotremblebeforeit。
ThearmsoftheUnionhad，inthemeantime，beentolerablysuccessfulinJuliersandinAlsace；Julierswascloselyblockaded，andthewholebishopricofStrasburgwasintheirpower。
Butheretheirsplendidachievementscametoanend。NoFrencharmyappearedupontheRhine；forhewhowastobeitsleader，hewhowastheanimatingsoulofthewholeenterprize，HenryIV。，wasnomore！
Theirsupplieswereonthewane；theEstatesrefusedtograntnewsubsidies；
andtheconfederatefreecitieswereoffendedthattheirmoneyshouldbeliberally，buttheiradvicesosparinglycalledfor。
EspeciallyweretheydispleasedatbeingputtoexpensefortheexpeditionagainstJuliers，whichhadbeenexpresslyexcludedfromtheaffairsoftheUnion——attheunitedprincesappropriatingtothemselveslargepensionsoutofthecommontreasure——and，aboveall，attheirrefusingtogiveanyaccountofitsexpenditure。
TheUnionwasthusvergingtoitsfall，atthemomentwhentheLeaguestartedtoopposeitinthevigourofitsstrength。Wantofsuppliesdisabledtheconfederatesfromanylongerkeepingthefield。
Andyetitwasdangeroustolaydowntheirweaponsinthesightofanarmedenemy。Tosecurethemselvesatleastononeside，theyhastenedtoconcludeapeacewiththeiroldenemy，theArchdukeLeopold；
andbothpartiesagreedtowithdrawtheirtroopsfromAlsace，toexchangeprisoners，andtoburyallthathadbeendoneinoblivion。
Thusendedinnothingallthesepromisingpreparations。
ThesameimperioustonewithwhichtheUnion，intheconfidenceofitsstrength，hadmenacedtheRomanCatholicsofGermany，wasnowretortedbytheLeagueuponthemselvesandtheirtroops。
Thetracesoftheirmarchwerepointedouttothem，andplainlybrandedwiththehardepithetstheyhaddeserved。ThechaptersofWurtzburg，Bamberg，Strasburg，Mentz，Treves，Cologne，andseveralothers，hadexperiencedtheirdestructivepresence；toallthesethedamagedonewastobemadegood，thefreepassagebylandandbywaterrestored，fortheProtestantshadevenseizedonthenavigationoftheRhine，
andeverythingreplacedonitsformerfooting。Aboveall，thepartiestotheUnionwerecalledontodeclareexpresslyandunequivocallyitsintentions。Itwasnowtheirturntoyieldtosuperiorstrength。
Theyhadnotcalculatedonsoformidableanopponent；buttheythemselveshadtaughttheRomanCatholicsthesecretoftheirstrength。
Itwashumiliatingtotheirpridetosueforpeace，buttheymightthinkthemselvesfortunateinobtainingit。
Theonepartypromisedrestitution，theotherforgiveness。
Alllaiddowntheirarms。Thestormofwaroncemorerolledby，andatemporarycalmsucceeded。TheinsurrectioninBohemiathenbrokeout，whichdeprivedtheEmperorofthelastofhishereditarydominions，butinthisdisputeneithertheUnionnortheLeaguetookanyshare。
AtlengththeEmperordiedin1612，aslittleregrettedinhiscoffinasnoticedonthethrone。Longafterwards，whenthemiseriesofsucceedingreignshadmadethemisfortunesofhisreignforgotten，ahalospreadabouthismemory，andsofearfulanightsetinuponGermany，that，withtearsofblood，peopleprayedforthereturnofsuchanemperor。
Rodolphnevercouldbeprevailedupontochooseasuccessorintheempire，andallawaitedwithanxietytheapproachingvacancyofthethrone；
but，beyondallhope，Matthiasatonceascendedit，andwithoutopposition。
TheRomanCatholicsgavehimtheirvoices，becausetheyhopedthebestfromhisvigourandactivity；theProtestantsgavehimtheirs，becausetheyhopedeverythingfromhisweakness。Itisnotdifficulttoreconcilethiscontradiction。Theonereliedonwhathehadonceappeared；
theotherjudgedhimbywhatheseemedatpresent。
Themomentofanewaccessionisalwaysadayofhope；andthefirstDietofakinginelectivemonarchiesisusuallyhisseveresttrial。
Everyoldgrievanceisbroughtforward，andnewonesaresoughtout，thattheymaybeincludedintheexpectedreform；quiteanewworldisexpectedtocommencewiththenewreign。Theimportantserviceswhich，inhisinsurrection，theirreligiousconfederatesinAustriahadrenderedtoMatthias，werestillfreshinthemindsoftheProtestantfreecities，and，aboveall，thepricewhichtheyhadexactedfortheirservicesseemednowtoservethemalsoasamodel。
ItwasbythefavouroftheProtestantEstatesinAustriaandMoraviathatMatthiashadsoughtandreallyfoundthewaytohisbrother’sthrone；
but，hurriedonbyhisambitiousviews，heneverreflectedthatawaywasthusopenedfortheStatestogivelawstotheirsovereign。
Thisdiscoverysoonawokehimfromtheintoxicationofsuccess。
ScarcelyhadheshownhimselfintriumphtohisAustriansubjects，afterhisvictoriousexpeditiontoBohemia，whenahumblepetitionawaitedhimwhichwasquitesufficienttopoisonhiswholetriumph。
Theyrequired，beforedoinghomage，unlimitedreligioustolerationinthecitiesandmarkettowns，perfectequalityofrightsbetweenRomanCatholicsandProtestants，andafullandequaladmissibilityofthelattertoallofficesofstate。Inseveralplaces，theyofthemselvesassumedtheseprivileges，and，reckoningonachangeofadministration，restoredtheProtestantreligionwherethelateEmperorhadsuppressedit。Matthias，itistrue，hadnotscrupledtomakeuseofthegrievancesoftheProtestantsforhisownendsagainsttheEmperor；
butitwasfarfrombeinghisintentiontorelievethem。
Byafirmandresolutetonehehopedtocheck，atonce，thesepresumptuousdemands。Hespokeofhishereditarytitletotheseterritories，andwouldhearofnostipulationsbeforetheactofhomage。Alikeunconditionalsubmissionhadbeenrenderedbytheirneighbours，theinhabitantsofStyria，totheArchdukeFerdinand，who，however，hadsoonreasontorepentofit。
Warnedbythisexample，theAustrianStatespersistedintheirrefusal；
and，toavoidbeingcompelledbyforcetodohomage，theirdeputiesafterurgingtheirRomanCatholiccolleaguestoasimilarresistance
immediatelyleftthecapital，andbegantolevytroops。
TheytookstepstorenewtheiroldalliancewithHungary，drewtheProtestantprincesintotheirinterests，andsetthemselvesseriouslytoworktoaccomplishtheirobjectbyforceofarms。
WiththemoreexorbitantdemandsoftheHungariansMatthiashadnothesitatedtocomply。ForHungarywasanelectivemonarchy，andtherepublicanconstitutionofthecountryjustifiedtohimselftheirdemands，andtotheRomanCatholicworldhisconcessions。InAustria，onthecontrary，hispredecessorshadexercisedfarhigherprerogatives，whichhecouldnotrelinquishatthedemandoftheEstateswithoutincurringthescornofRomanCatholicEurope，theenmityofSpainandRome，andthecontemptofhisownRomanCatholicsubjects。HisexclusivelyRomishcouncil，amongwhichtheBishopofVienna，MelchioKiesel，hadthechiefinfluence，exhortedhimtoseeallthechurchesextortedfromhimbytheProtestants，ratherthantoconcedeonetothemasamatterofright。
ButbyillluckthisdifficultyoccurredatatimewhentheEmperorRodolphwasyetalive，andaspectatorofthisscene，andwhomighteasilyhavebeentemptedtoemployagainsthisbrotherthesameweaponswhichthelatterhadsuccessfullydirectedagainsthim——namely，anunderstandingwithhisrebellioussubjects。Toavoidthisblow，MatthiaswillinglyavailedhimselfoftheoffermadebyMoravia，toactasmediatorbetweenhimandtheEstatesofAustria。
RepresentativesofbothpartiesmetinVienna，whentheAustriandeputiesheldlanguagewhichwouldhaveexcitedsurpriseevenintheEnglishParliament。
\"TheProtestants，\"theysaid，\"aredeterminedtobenotworsetreatedintheirnativecountrythanthehandfulofRomanists。BythehelpofhisProtestantnobleshadMatthiasreducedtheEmperortosubmission；
where80Papistsweretobefound，300Protestantbaronsmightbecounted。
TheexampleofRodolphshouldbeawarningtoMatthias。Heshouldtakecarethathedidnotlosetheterrestrial，inattemptingtomakeconquestsforthecelestial。\"AstheMoravianStates，insteadofusingtheirpowersasmediatorsfortheEmperor’sadvantage，finallyadoptedthecauseoftheirco-religionistsofAustria；astheUnioninGermanycameforwardtoaffordthemitsmostactivesupport，andasMatthiasdreadedreprisalsonthepartoftheEmperor，hewasatlengthcompelledtomakethedesireddeclarationinfavouroftheEvangelicalChurch。
ThisbehaviouroftheAustrianEstatestowardstheirArchdukewasnowimitatedbytheProtestantEstatesoftheEmpiretowardstheirEmperor，andtheypromisedthemselvesthesamefavourableresults。AthisfirstDietatRatisbonin1613，whenthemostpressingaffairswerewaitingfordecision——whenageneralcontributionwasindispensableforawaragainstTurkey，andagainstBethlemGaborinTransylvania，whobyTurkishaidhadforciblyusurpedthesovereigntyofthatland，andeventhreatenedHungary——
theysurprisedhimwithanentirelynewdemand。TheRomanCatholicvoteswerestillthemostnumerousintheDiet；andaseverythingwasdecidedbyapluralityofvoices，theProtestantparty，howevercloselyunited，wereentirelywithoutconsideration。TheadvantageofthismajoritytheRomanCatholicswerenowcalledontorelinquish；
henceforwardnoonereligiouspartywastobepermittedtodictatetotheotherbymeansofitsinvariablesuperiority。Andintruth，iftheevangelicalreligionwasreallytoberepresentedintheDiet，itwasself-evidentthatitmustnotbeshutoutfromthepossibilityofmakinguseofthatprivilege，merelyfromtheconstitutionoftheDietitself。
ComplaintsofthejudicialusurpationsoftheAulicCouncil，andoftheoppressionoftheProtestants，accompaniedthisdemand，andthedeputiesoftheEstateswereinstructedtotakenopartinanygeneraldeliberationstillafavourableanswershouldbegivenonthispreliminarypoint。
TheDietwastornasunderbythisdangerousdivision，whichthreatenedtodestroyforevertheunityofitsdeliberations。
SincerelyastheEmperormighthavewished，aftertheexampleofhisfatherMaximilian，topreserveaprudentbalancebetweenthetworeligions，thepresentconductoftheProtestantsseemedtoleavehimnothingbutacriticalchoicebetweenthetwo。
InhispresentnecessitiesageneralcontributionfromtheEstateswasindispensabletohim；andyethecouldnotconciliatetheonepartywithoutsacrificingthesupportoftheother。Insecureashefelthissituationtobeinhisownhereditarydominions，hecouldnotbuttrembleattheidea，howeverremote，ofanopenwarwiththeProtestants。
ButtheeyesofthewholeRomanCatholicworld，whichwereattentivelyregardinghisconduct，theremonstrancesoftheRomanCatholicEstates，andoftheCourtsofRomeandSpain，aslittlepermittedhimtofavourtheProtestantattheexpenseoftheRomishreligion。
SocriticalasituationwouldhaveparalysedagreatermindthanMatthias；
andhisownprudencewouldscarcelyhaveextricatedhimfromhisdilemma。
ButtheinterestsoftheRomanCatholicswerecloselyinterwovenwiththeimperialauthority；iftheysufferedthistofall，theecclesiasticalprincesinparticularwouldbewithoutabulwarkagainsttheattacksoftheProtestants。Now，then，thattheysawtheEmperorwavering，theythoughtithightimetoreassurehissinkingcourage。TheyimpartedtohimthesecretoftheirLeague，andacquaintedhimwithitswholeconstitution，resourcesandpower。
LittlecomfortingassucharevelationmusthavebeentotheEmperor，theprospectofsopowerfulasupportgavehimgreaterboldnesstoopposetheProtestants。Theirdemandswererejected，andtheDietbrokeupwithoutcomingtoadecision。ButMatthiaswasthevictimofthisdispute。
TheProtestantsrefusedhimtheirsupplies，andmadehimalonesufferfortheinflexibilityoftheRomanCatholics。
TheTurks，however，appearedwillingtoprolongthecessationofhostilities，andBethlemGaborwasleftinpeaceablepossessionofTransylvania。
Theempirewasnowfreefromforeignenemies；andevenathome，inthemidstofallthesefearfuldisputes，peacestillreigned。
AnunexpectedaccidenthadgivenasingularturntothedisputeastothesuccessionofJuliers。ThisduchywasstillruledconjointlybytheElectoralHouseofBrandenburgandthePalatineofNeuburg；
andamarriagebetweenthePrinceofNeuburgandaPrincessofBrandenburgwastohaveinseparablyunitedtheinterestsofthetwohouses。
Butthewholeschemewasupsetbyaboxontheear，which，inadrunkenbrawl，theElectorofBrandenburgunfortunatelyinflicteduponhisintendedson-in-law。Fromthismomentthegoodunderstandingbetweenthetwohouseswasatanend。ThePrinceofNeuburgembracedpopery。
ThehandofaprincessofBavariarewardedhisapostacy，andthestrongsupportofBavariaandSpainwasthenaturalresultofboth。
TosecuretothePalatinetheexclusivepossessionofJuliers，theSpanishtroopsfromtheNetherlandsweremarchedintothePalatinate。
Toridhimselfoftheseguests，theElectorofBrandenburgcalledtheFlemingstohisassistance，whomhesoughttopropitiatebyembracingtheCalvinistreligion。BothSpanishandDutcharmiesappeared，but，asitseemed，onlytomakeconquestsforthemselves。
TheneighbouringwaroftheNetherlandsseemednowabouttobedecidedonGermanground；andwhataninexhaustiblemineofcombustibleslayherereadyforit！TheProtestantssawwithconsternationtheSpaniardsestablishingthemselvesupontheLowerRhine；
withstillgreateranxietydidtheRomanCatholicsseetheHollandersburstingthroughthefrontiersoftheempire。ItwasinthewestthattheminewasexpectedtoexplodewhichhadlongbeendugunderthewholeofGermany。Tothewest，apprehensionandanxietyturned；
butthesparkwhichkindledtheflamecameunexpectedlyfromtheeast。
ThetranquillitywhichRodolphII。’s`LetterofMajesty’hadestablishedinBohemialastedforsometime，undertheadministrationofMatthias，tillthenominationofanewheirtothiskingdominthepersonofFerdinandofGratz。
Thisprince，whomweshallafterwardsbecomebetteracquaintedwithunderthetitleofFerdinandII。，EmperorofGermany，had，bytheviolentextirpationoftheProtestantreligionwithinhishereditarydominions，announcedhimselfasaninexorablezealotforpopery，andwasconsequentlylookeduponbytheRomanCatholicpartofBohemiaasthefuturepillaroftheirchurch。ThedeclininghealthoftheEmperorbroughtonthishourrapidly；and，relyingonsopowerfulasupporter，theBohemianPapistsbegantotreattheProtestantswithlittlemoderation。
TheProtestantvassalsofRomanCatholicnobles，inparticular，experiencedtheharshesttreatment。Atlengthseveraloftheformerwereincautiousenoughtospeaksomewhatloudlyoftheirhopes，andbythreateninghintstoawakenamongtheProtestantsasuspicionoftheirfuturesovereign。Butthismistrustwouldneverhavebrokenoutintoactualviolence，hadtheRomanCatholicsconfinedthemselvestogeneralexpressions，andnotbyattacksonindividualsfurnishedthediscontentofthepeoplewithenterprisingleaders。
HenryMatthias，CountThurn，notanativeofBohemia，butproprietorofsomeestatesinthatkingdom，had，byhiszealfortheProtestantcause，andanenthusiasticattachmenttohisnewlyadoptedcountry，gainedtheentireconfidenceoftheUtraquists，whichopenedhimthewaytothemostimportantposts。HehadfoughtwithgreatgloryagainsttheTurks，andwonbyaflatteringaddresstheheartsofthemultitude。
Ofahotandimpetuousdisposition，whichlovedtumultbecausehistalentsshoneinit——rashandthoughtlessenoughtoundertakethingswhichcoldprudenceandacalmertemperwouldnothaveventuredupon——
unscrupulousenough，wherethegratificationofhispassionswasconcerned，tosportwiththefateofthousands，andatthesametimepoliticenoughtoholdinleading-stringssuchapeopleastheBohemiansthenwere。
HehadalreadytakenanactivepartinthetroublesunderRodolph’sadministration；andtheLetterofMajestywhichtheStateshadextortedfromthatEmperor，waschieflytobelaidtohismerit。
Thecourthadintrustedtohim，asburgraveorcastellanofCalstein，thecustodyoftheBohemiancrown，andofthenationalcharter。
Butthenationhadplacedinhishandssomethingfarmoreimportant——
ITSELF——withtheofficeofdefenderorprotectorofthefaith。
ThearistocracybywhichtheEmperorwasruled，imprudentlydeprivedhimofthisharmlessguardianshipofthedead，toleavehimhisfullinfluenceovertheliving。Theytookfromhimhisofficeofburgrave，orconstableofthecastle，whichhadrenderedhimdependentonthecourt，therebyopeninghiseyestotheimportanceoftheotherwhichremained，andwoundedhisvanity，whichyetwasthethingthatmadehisambitionharmless。Fromthismomenthewasactuatedsolelybyadesireofrevenge；andtheopportunityofgratifyingitwasnotlongwanting。
IntheRoyalLetterwhichtheBohemianshadextortedfromRodolphII。，aswellasintheGermanreligioustreaty，onematerialarticleremainedundetermined。AlltheprivilegesgrantedbythelattertotheProtestants，wereconceivedinfavouroftheEstatesorgoverningbodies，notofthesubjects；foronlytothoseoftheecclesiasticalstateshadatoleration，andthatprecarious，beenconceded。
TheBohemianLetterofMajesty，inthesamemanner，spokeonlyoftheEstatesandimperialtowns，themagistratesofwhichhadcontrivedtoobtainequalprivilegeswiththeformer。Thesealonewerefreetoerectchurchesandschools，andopenlytocelebratetheirProtestantworship；
inallothertowns，itwasleftentirelytothegovernmenttowhichtheybelonged，todeterminethereligionoftheinhabitants。
TheEstatesoftheEmpirehadavailedthemselvesofthisprivilegeinitsfullestextent；thesecularindeedwithoutopposition；
whiletheecclesiastical，inwhosecasethedeclarationofFerdinandhadlimitedthisprivilege，disputed，notwithoutreason，thevalidityofthatlimitation。Whatwasadisputedpointinthereligioustreaty，wasleftstillmoredoubtfulintheLetterofMajesty；
intheformer，theconstructionwasnotdoubtful，butitwasaquestionhowfarobediencemightbecompulsory；inthelatter，theinterpretationwaslefttothestates。ThesubjectsoftheecclesiasticalEstatesinBohemiathoughtthemselvesentitledtothesamerightswhichthedeclarationofFerdinandsecuredtothesubjectsofGermanbishops，theyconsideredthemselvesonanequalitywiththesubjectsofimperialtowns，becausetheylookedupontheecclesiasticalpropertyaspartoftheroyaldemesnes。InthelittletownofKlostergrab，subjecttotheArchbishopofPrague；andinBraunau，whichbelongedtotheabbotofthatmonastery，churcheswerefoundedbytheProtestants，andcompletednotwithstandingtheoppositionoftheirsuperiors，andthedisapprobationoftheEmperor。
Inthemeantime，thevigilanceofthedefendershadsomewhatrelaxed，andthecourtthoughtitmightventureonadecisivestep。
BytheEmperor’sorders，thechurchatKlostergrabwaspulleddown；
thatatBraunauforciblyshutup，andthemostturbulentofthecitizensthrownintoprison。AgeneralcommotionamongtheProtestantswastheconsequenceofthismeasure；aloudoutcrywaseverywhereraisedatthisviolationoftheLetterofMajesty；andCountThurn，animatedbyrevenge，andparticularlycalleduponbyhisofficeofdefender，showedhimselfnotalittlebusyininflamingthemindsofthepeople。
AthisinstigationdeputiesweresummonedtoPraguefromeverycircleintheempire，toconcertthenecessarymeasuresagainstthecommondanger。
ItwasresolvedtopetitiontheEmperortopressfortheliberationoftheprisoners。TheansweroftheEmperor，alreadyoffensivetothestates，fromitsbeingaddressed，nottothem，buttohisviceroy，denouncedtheirconductasillegalandrebellious，justifiedwhathadbeendoneatKlostergrabandBraunauastheresultofanimperialmandate，andcontainedsomepassagesthatmightbeconstruedintothreats。
CountThurndidnotfailtoaugmenttheunfavourableimpressionwhichthisimperialedictmadeupontheassembledEstates。
Hepointedouttothemthedangerinwhichallwhohadsignedthepetitionwereinvolved，andsoughtbyworkingontheirresentmentandfearstohurrythemintoviolentresolutions。TohavecausedtheirimmediaterevoltagainsttheEmperor，wouldhavebeen，asyet，tooboldameasure。Itwasonlystepbystepthathewouldleadthemontothisunavoidableresult。Heheldit，therefore，advisablefirsttodirecttheirindignationagainsttheEmperor’scounsellors；andforthatpurposecirculatedareport，thattheimperialproclamationhadbeendrawnupbythegovernmentatPrague，andonlysignedinVienna。
Amongtheimperialdelegates，thechiefobjectsofthepopularhatred，werethePresidentoftheChamber，Slawata，andBaronMartinitz，whohadbeenelectedinplaceofCountThurn，BurgraveofCalstein。
BothhadlongbeforeevincedprettyopenlytheirhostilefeelingstowardstheProtestants，byalonerefusingtobepresentatthesittingatwhichtheLetterofMajestyhadbeeninsertedintheBohemianconstitution。
AthreatwasmadeatthetimetomakethemresponsibleforeveryviolationoftheLetterofMajesty；andfromthismoment，whateverevilbefelltheProtestantswassetdown，andnotwithoutreason，totheiraccount。OfalltheRomanCatholicnobles，thesetwohadtreatedtheirProtestantvassalswiththegreatestharshness。
Theywereaccusedofhuntingthemwithdogstothemass，andofendeavouringtodrivethemtopoperybyadenialoftheritesofbaptism，marriage，andburial。Againsttwocharacterssounpopularthepublicindignationwaseasilyexcited，andtheyweremarkedoutforasacrificetothegeneralindignation。
Onthe23rdofMay，1618，thedeputiesappearedarmed，andingreatnumbers，attheroyalpalace，andforcedtheirwayintothehallwheretheCommissionersSternberg，Martinitz，Lobkowitz，andSlawatawereassembled。
Inathreateningtonetheydemandedtoknowfromeachofthem，whetherhehadtakenanypart，orhadconsentedto，theimperialproclamation。
Sternbergreceivedthemwithcomposure，MartinitzandSlawatawithdefiance。
Thisdecidedtheirfate；SternbergandLobkowitz，lesshated，andmorefeared，wereledbythearmoutoftheroom；MartinitzandSlawatawereseized，draggedtoawindow，andprecipitatedfromaheightofeightyfeet，intothecastletrench。Theircreature，thesecretaryFabricius，wasthrownafterthem。Thissingularmodeofexecutionnaturallyexcitedthesurpriseofcivilizednations。TheBohemiansjustifieditasanationalcustom，andsawnothingremarkableinthewholeaffair，exceptingthatanyoneshouldhavegotupagainsafeandsoundaftersuchafall。Adunghill，onwhichtheimperialcommissionerschancedtobedeposited，hadsavedthemfrominjury。
ItwasnottobeexpectedthatthissummarymodeofproceedingwouldmuchincreasethefavourofthepartieswiththeEmperor，butthiswastheverypositiontowhichCountThurnwishedtobringthem。
If，fromthefearofuncertaindanger，theyhadpermittedthemselvessuchanactofviolence，thecertainexpectationofpunishment，andthenowurgentnecessityofmakingthemselvessecure，wouldplungethemstilldeeperintoguilt。Bythisbrutalactofself-redress，noroomwasleftforirresolutionorrepentance，anditseemedasifasinglecrimecouldbeabsolvedonlybyaseriesofviolences。
Asthedeeditselfcouldnotbeundone，nothingwasleftbuttodisarmthehandofpunishment。Thirtydirectorswereappointedtoorganisearegularinsurrection。Theyseizeduponalltheofficesofstate，andalltheimperialrevenues，tookintotheirownservicetheroyalfunctionariesandthesoldiers，andsummonedthewholeBohemiannationtoavengethecommoncause。
TheJesuits，whomthecommonhatredaccusedastheinstigatorsofeverypreviousoppression，werebanishedthekingdom，andthisharshmeasuretheEstatesfounditnecessarytojustifyinaformalmanifesto。Thesevariousstepsweretakenforthepreservationoftheroyalauthorityandthelaws——thelanguageofallrebelstillfortunehasdecidedintheirfavour。
TheemotionwhichthenewsoftheBohemianinsurrectionexcitedattheimperialcourt，wasmuchlesslivelythansuchintelligencedeserved。
TheEmperorMatthiaswasnolongertheresolutespiritthatformerlysoughtouthiskingandmasterintheverybosomofhispeople，andhurledhimfromthreethrones。Theconfidenceandcouragewhichhadanimatedhiminanusurpation，desertedhiminalegitimateself-defence。
TheBohemianrebelshadfirsttakenuparms，andthenatureofcircumstancesdrovehimtojointhem。ButhecouldnothopetoconfinesuchawartoBohemia。Inalltheterritoriesunderhisdominion，theProtestantswereunitedbyadangeroussympathy——
thecommondangeroftheirreligionmightsuddenlycombinethemallintoaformidablerepublic。Whatcouldheopposetosuchanenemy，iftheProtestantportionofhissubjectsdesertedhim？
Andwouldnotbothpartiesexhaustthemselvesinsoruinousacivilwar？
Howmuchwasatstakeifhelost；andifhewon，whomelsewouldhedestroybuthisownsubjects？
ConsiderationssuchastheseinclinedtheEmperorandhiscounciltoconcessionsandpacificmeasures，butitwasinthisveryspiritofconcessionthat，asotherswouldhaveit，laytheoriginoftheevil。
TheArchdukeFerdinandofGratzcongratulatedtheEmperoruponanevent，whichwouldjustifyintheeyesofallEuropetheseverestmeasuresagainsttheBohemianProtestants。\"Disobedience，lawlessness，andinsurrection，\"hesaid，\"wentalwayshand-in-handwithProtestantism。
EveryprivilegewhichhadbeenconcededtotheEstatesbyhimselfandhispredecessor，hadhadnoothereffectthantoraisetheirdemands。
Allthemeasuresofthehereticswereaimedagainsttheimperialauthority。
Stepbystephadtheyadvancedfromdefiancetodefianceuptothislastaggression；inashorttimetheywouldassailallthatremainedtobeassailed，inthepersonoftheEmperor。Inarmsalonewasthereanysafetyagainstsuchanenemy——peaceandsubordinationcouldbeonlyestablishedupontheruinsoftheirdangerousprivileges；
securityfortheCatholicbeliefwastobefoundonlyinthetotaldestructionofthissect。Uncertain，itwastrue，mightbetheeventofthewar，butinevitablewastheruinifitwerepretermitted。
Theconfiscationofthelandsoftherebelswouldrichlyindemnifythemforitsexpenses，whiletheterrorofpunishmentwouldteachtheotherstatesthewisdomofapromptobedienceinfuture。\"WeretheBohemianProtestantstoblame，iftheyarmedthemselvesintimeagainsttheenforcementofsuchmaxims？TheinsurrectioninBohemia，besides，wasdirectedonlyagainstthesuccessoroftheEmperor，notagainsthimself，whohaddonenothingtojustifythealarmoftheProtestants。
ToexcludethisprincefromtheBohemianthrone，armshadbeforebeentakenupunderMatthias，thoughaslongasthisEmperorlived，hissubjectshadkeptwithintheboundsofanapparentsubmission。
ButBohemiawasinarms，andunarmed，theEmperordarednotevenofferthempeace。Forthispurpose，Spainsuppliedgold，andpromisedtosendtroopsfromItalyandtheNetherlands。
CountBucquoi，anativeoftheNetherlands，wasnamedgeneralissimo，becausenonativecouldbetrusted，andCountDampierre，anotherforeigner，commandedunderhim。Beforethearmytookthefield，theEmperorendeavouredtobringaboutanamicablearrangement，bythepublicationofamanifesto。InthisheassuredtheBohemians，\"thatheheldsacredtheLetterofMajesty——thathehadnotformedanyresolutionsinimicaltotheirreligionortheirprivileges，andthathispresentpreparationswereforceduponhimbytheirown。
Assoonasthenationlaiddowntheirarms，healsowoulddisbandhisarmy。\"
Butthisgraciousletterfailedofitseffect，becausetheleadersoftheinsurrectioncontrivedtohidefromthepeopletheEmperor’sgoodintentions。Insteadofthis，theycirculatedthemostalarmingreportsfromthepulpit，andbypamphlets，andterrifiedthedeludedpopulacewiththreatenedhorrorsofanotherSaintBartholomew’sthatexistedonlyintheirownimagination。
AllBohemia，withtheexceptionofthreetowns，Budweiss，Krummau，andPilsen，tookpartinthisinsurrection。Thesethreetowns，inhabitedprincipallybyRomanCatholics，alonehadthecourage，inthisgeneralrevolt，toholdoutfortheEmperor，whopromisedthemassistance。
ButitcouldnotescapeCountThurn，howdangerousitwastoleaveinhostilehandsthreeplacesofsuchimportance，whichwouldatalltimeskeepopenfortheimperialtroopsanentranceintothekingdom。WithpromptdeterminationheappearedbeforeBudweissandKrummau，inthehopeofterrifyingthemintoasurrender。Krummausurrendered，butallhisattacksweresteadfastlyrepulsedbyBudweiss。
Andnow，too，theEmperorbegantoshowmoreearnestnessandenergy。
BucquoiandDampierre，withtwoarmies，fellupontheBohemianterritories，whichtheytreatedasahostilecountry。ButtheimperialgeneralsfoundthemarchtoPraguemoredifficultthantheyhadexpected。Everypass，everypositionthatwastheleasttenable，mustbeopenedbythesword，andresistanceincreasedateachfreshsteptheytook，fortheoutragesoftheirtroops，chieflyconsistingofHungariansandWalloons，drovetheirfriendstorevoltandtheirenemiestodespair。
ButevennowthathistroopshadpenetratedintoBohemia，theEmperorcontinuedtooffertheEstatespeace，andtoshowhimselfreadyforanamicableadjustment。Butthenewprospectswhichopeneduponthem，raisedthecourageoftherevolters。Moraviaespousedtheirparty；
andfromGermanyappearedtothemadefenderequallyintrepidandunexpected，inthepersonofCountMansfeld。
TheheadsoftheEvangelicUnionhadbeensilentbutnotinactivespectatorsofthemovementsinBohemia。Bothwerecontendingforthesamecause，andagainstthesameenemy。InthefateoftheBohemians，theirconfederatesinthefaithmightreadtheirown；
andthecauseofthispeoplewasrepresentedasofsolemnconcerntothewholeGermanunion。Truetotheseprinciples，theUnionistssupportedthecourageoftheinsurgentsbypromisesofassistance；
andafortunateaccidentnowenabledthem，beyondtheirhopes，tofulfilthem。
TheinstrumentbywhichtheHouseofAustriawashumbledinGermany，wasPeterErnest，CountMansfeld，thesonofadistinguishedAustrianofficer，ErnestvonMansfeld，whoforsometimehadcommandedwithreputetheSpanisharmyintheNetherlands。HisfirstcampaignsinJuliersandAlsacehadbeenmadeintheserviceofthishouse，andunderthebanneroftheArchdukeLeopold，againsttheProtestantreligionandthelibertiesofGermany。Butinsensiblywonbytheprinciplesofthisreligion，heabandonedaleaderwhoseselfishnessdeniedhimthereimbursementofthemoniesexpendedinhiscause，andhetransferredhiszealandavictoriousswordtotheEvangelicUnion。
IthappenedjustthenthattheDukeofSavoy，anallyoftheUnion，demandedassistanceinawaragainstSpain。Theyassignedtohimtheirnewlyacquiredservant，andMansfeldreceivedinstructionstoraiseanarmyof4000meninGermany，inthecauseandinthepayoftheduke。
ThearmywasreadytomarchattheverymomentwhentheflamesofwarburstoutinBohemia，andtheduke，whoatthetimedidnotstandinneedofitsservices，placeditatthedisposaloftheUnion。
NothingcouldbemorewelcometothesetroopsthantheprospectofaidingtheirconfederatesinBohemia，atthecostofathirdparty。
Mansfeldreceivedordersforthwithtomarchwiththese4000menintothatkingdom；andapretendedBohemiancommissionwasgiventoblindthepublicastothetrueauthorofthislevy。