A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines — Samuel Clarke

A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines · Samuel Clarke

The Life of Gustavus Ericson King of Sueden, who dyed Anno Christi 1562.

IN the dayes of Christian the Second,An Introduction. King of Denmark who also laid claim to the Crown of Sueden, after the decease of Swanto, the Lords of Sueden chose Steno Stur to be their Governor, against whom Gustavus, Archbishop of Upsal opposed himself, loving his place, more than his Country; and being crossed in his expectation, he promotes the interest of Christian of Denmark, who to set forward his claim to the Crown of Sueden, spent one year in the pursuit thereof by force of Arms, but effected little. Nor did the Archbishop of Upsal get ought in Denmark, who saw that he played his own game, nor could he escape the seisure of his Temporalities in Sueden for his treachery against his native Country; whereupon the year following he obtained the Popes sentence of Excommunication against the Governour of Sueden, and all his partakers, for invading the rights of his Church and Bishoprick; and hereupon the King of Denmark takes courage to invade Sweden once more with an Army under his General, who in a Battel overthrew the Suedes, and wounded Steno their Governour, who thereupon retired to Stockholm (the Regal City) and unto him repaired all such as intended to adventure their all in the defence of their Country. The rest of the Suedes submitted to the Danish General, who encouraged thereby, marched to Stockholm; but meeting with many difficulties in his march, and when he came to the City, finding no hope to draw them to a Treaty, and his Army being now much wasted, he sent to Denmark for Recruit; and after a while the King in person comes to him, and so Stockholme is beleagured, which yet held out bravely, so that the Danish Army being wasted, and the remainder being wind-bound, and almost famished, a Treaty of peace is set on foot, and at last agreed unto by both parties. But the King intending nothing less than to stand to it, pretends that he could not come into Stockholme to finish the Treaty till pledges were first given for the safety of his person. This the Suedes assent to, and send him pledges of the Sons of the Nobles, who were sent aboard his Ship, and the Kings minde, changing with the wind, away he sails with them into Denmark, and there committed them to safe custody: And after four years returns into Sueden with a great Army, and gives a second overthrow to the Suedes in the Field, wherein the Governour Steno was slain: then the King marching to Stockholme, findes the City standing upon its Guard under the Government of Christina, the Wife of Steno; where for a while we shall leave him in a long, and tedious siege, whilst we give you some account of our Gustavus.

Amongst the pledges carried away,His parentage and imprisoned as aforesaid, by the King of Denmark was this Gustavus, the Son of Ericus, a Noble Suedish Lord now in Stockholme beleagured by the King. This Gustavus was of a Noble Familiy, whose Grandfather having married the sister of Steno Stur, the Governour, thereby he became incorporate into the antient Stem of the Kings of Sueden; and in his younger years he was trained up in the Court,His Educatio… under his Uncle Steno, who was no less valiant in the Field, than wise for Government in peace. Under him did our Gustavus learn the principles of War, which afterwards he began to practice under Suanto, the next Governour. For after the death of Steno the first, the difference between the Danes and Suedes about the Government grew so high, that they fought two Battels, in both which the Suedes were the Victors, Gustavus carrying the Royal Standard of Sueden, though at that time he was but eighteen years old; and being now about the age of twenty six, he was (as was said before) committed prisoner to the Castle of Callo in Jutland, His imprisonment.under the custody of Sir Ericus Banner, a Knight of Denmark, who kept him warily that he might suffer no wrong, except from the King himself. This imprisonment he had now endured for the space of four years with patience: But having daily intelligence brought him of the Danes cruelty to the Suedes his Countrymen, he concluded that his own condition was like to Ulysses in Polyphemus his Den, being reserved but as a chief dish for the Tyrants pallate, when all the rest were devoured.

Having therefore upon a day obtained liberty to ride on hunting,His escape. being eager in the chase (though he minded another game) he rode away, and having changed his apparel as well as his course, passing through many unknown wayes and dangers, after a chase of three hundred miles, he arrived at last at Lubeck, He comes to Lubeck.one of the Hanse Towns, and that held correspondence with Sueden against the Dane upon the same quarrel of being oppressed by them.

No sooner was Gustavus arrived at Lubeck, He is remanded by h…s Keeper.but that his Keeper, Sir Ericus Banner, was come thither also in pursuit of him, who demanded of the Magistrates the delivery of his Prisoner.Pleads for himself. Gustavus pleaded for himself that he was no lawful Prisoner to the King of Denmark, but amongst others, was delivered by his Country as a pledge for the safety of the Kings person during the Treaty between the King, and his Countrymen, and that the King contrary to all right and faith, detaining him, and the other pledges, had carried them captive into Denmark; that now he was under the Publick Faith of the State of Lubeck, to whom he was fled for refuge against oppression, desiring to have the benefit of Law, and to have the matter tried; divers of the Senate of Lubeck were of opinion that Gustavus ought to be returned to the Dane as his prisoner, and that it concerned not them to be Judges of the lawfulness, or unlawfulness of his imprisonment: But the Consul overruled the matter, who affirmed, that though originally they had not power to determine the point,Defended by the Consul. yet Gustavus being before them de facto a Freeman, and as such, had put himself into the protection of the City of Lubeck, and had appealed to them for Justice, it becomes them therefore to do herein according to Law; and that by the Law of God, the Law Civil, and the Law of Nations, they ought to enquire into the true state of Gustavus his Captivity, and to determine the same upon grounds of Justice; otherwise they might make themselves parties to the King of Denmarks oppressions (if the case prove so) before they understand what they do. The Authority of the Consul, and the strength of his reasons prevailed so far with the rest of the Senate, that they passed this definitive sentence,Protected b… Lubeck. That Gustavus shall be protected by the State of Lubeck, till the cause be tried.

This served Gustavus his turn for the present, but he knew not how short a time it would continue: He knew that interests of Nations are soon changed, especially of such petty States as Lubeck was: Besides, he had too much other work to do, to continue long in one place, and thereupon secretly, without giving notice to any, save to his good Friend the Consul, whose counsel he took along with him, he gat aboard a Merchants ship, and sailed into the Bay of Calmar, His escape Calmar.into which he entred secretly, and finding that they stood upon their Guard against the Danes, he discovered himself to the Lady Magnus, that held the Castle, acquainting her with the manner both of his Captivity and escape; and taking advantage of the reports which then came of the sad examples of the Danish cruelty, and oppessions, he endeavoured to perswade, and encourage the Citizens to stand out in defence of the Liberties of themselves, their wives, and children, and not to trust to the fair words, and glozing promises of the Danes; but rather to endure a little hardship for a time, assuring them that the face of affairs would be shortly changed. The Citizens willingly hearkned to him, but some mercenary Souldiers, raising a muteny, had thought to have slain him: But the plot being discovered, the muteny was suppressed, and Gustavus advised for his safety to withdraw himself into his own Country, and there to obscure himself, till a more convenient time should enable him to carry on his design.

He knew this journey would be full of difficulty and danger;His Danger. For his Way lay through Smalland, where the Danish Emissaries were very active to draw the Suedes to moderation, and to submit to the Danish yoke: yet through it he adventures, but with much grief of heart to see the Country people so miserably deluded; insomuch that he could not forbear, but told them, That they should consider the cases of many of their Country-men, who had as fair promises from the Danes, yet met with nothing but miserable bondage. Adding that there was much less danger in standing the push of the Danish Pike, than in committing themselves, and all that was dear unto them to so broken a Reed as their fair words, which had not only failed, but mortally wounded the Liberties of their Country-men, who had given credit to them.

Say what he could, divers Suedes of the better rank in those parts, being pre-ingaged to the Danes, perswaded the people otherwise, saying, That the Danes aimed onelyonly at the suppressing of such of the Suedish Nobility, as combined themselves against the Kings Government: But as for the people, the King was resolved to win them, and that they should never need to fear want so long as Salt and Herrings lasted: But if they would not be prevailed with, they were all but dead men, except speedily they forsook their Country, and fled.

Gustavus finding the people hereby so affrighted, that they had rather be slaves with quiet,His remove… to his own Country. than hazard themselves in War, he found it not convenient for him to stay any longer there, whereupon he secretly departed to Terno, amongst his own Tenants; and having there provided himself of necessaries he went thence to Refsnass, his Fathers house, where he concealed himself for the most part of that Summer, yet at length he adventured to discover himself to one that had been a faithful Friend to him, and once was Archbishop of Upsal; but in those troublesome times had been laid aside, and now was retired to a Monastery at Gripsh…lm. This man being now grown old, was fearful, and willing to be quiet, though upon hard conditions, wherefore he disswaded Gustavus from stirring, alleadging the great advantage that the King had, having an Army in the Field, and the Towns generally under his command, affirming that the King desired nothing more than to ingratiate himself with the people, for whose assurance he had granted Letters of Grace, and a general pardon, and therein particularly mentioning Gustavus himself; wherefore he advised him to give credit to the King, and to submit to his Government. And for my part (said the old man) I dare engage to procure from the King a special, full, and free pardon for you if you shall desire it. Gustavus heard him with silence, but liked not his undertaking; For (thought he) this old man may hope hereby to screw himself into the Kings favour: Neither indeed did he like to adventure himself upon the Kings promises, wherefore he resolved to wave this old mans counsel, and to retire himself back to Rafsnass

All this while the King continued in the siege of Stockholme, where we formerly left him, endeavouring, partly by force, partly by messages of Grace to get possession of that City: For which end he first confirmed the agreement which his General had made with the Lords in the Field, and then granted a General pardon, and Act of Oblivion for whatsoever former faults. Then sent his hearty commendations, and fair promises to the people in the Country by the Suedish Lords that were of his party, yet in many places it met with little or no respect at all. Nevertheless in continuance of time, by the often droppings of his good words, serious Pro…ses, Protestations, Execrations, Letters Patents, and Declarations under the Kings hand and seal, an entrance is made into the hearts of the men at Stockholm, The King admitted into Sockholme.the Gates at length are opened, and the King admitted entrance, and acknowledged by all to be their lawful King, and then was Crowned, and solemn Feasts were held for all sorts of people, both Suedes, Danes and Germans.

This was a fair morning, but who knows what a great-bellied day may bring forth?Plots to destroy the Suedish Lords. The King all this while was contriving the ruine of the Suedish Nobility, and now he hath them in one place within walls, and a sufficient guard upon them: But it must be done under the fairest pretence that may be, for the thing it self, was ugly and ill-favoured. Hence it was first resolved, that a Treason should be supposed to be plotted by the Suedes to massacre the Danes, and therefore the Danes, as in their own defence, should assassinate the Suedes; but this was thought dangerous, and might in the event turn to the destruction of the Danes in so populous a City, and who knows what men in despair may do?

Then another way was propounded, viz. That the King must look upon the Suedish Lords as under the Popes curse, and sentence of Excommunication, and to draw forth the Kings justice with more colourable zeal, the Archbishop of Upsal, who had procured that sentence, must openly accuse the Suedish Lords as excommunicated persons, for Treason against the King, robbery of the Church, and as spoylers of the dignity and estate of the Archbishop, and therefore he must demand Judgement against them? And this was approved of.

And the better to draw these Suedish Lords together, a Feast is appointed the third day after the Coronation, at which also the Germans and Danes were present, and then before them all, the Arcbishop of Upsal (though unwillingly when he saw what would be the event) steps forth before the King, and accuses the Suedish Lords of injury done by them to himself both in person and estate, and demanded …atisfaction for his damages. The King liked not this charge as not being home enough, and therefore told him, that he forgat the Popes sentence, the crime of Treason, and his own place, who ought in zeal to the Church to have demanded punishment upon the persons offending. After which he commanded the Guards to seize upon the Suedish Lords,The Suedish Lords surpr… sed, and (as some Writers say) shewed them so much mercy as to let them live till the next day; and in the interim he set Guards upon all the avenues to the City that none might be suffered to depart out of it. And the next day being November 8. Anno Christi 1520,and murdered not by legal trial; but in a way of Butchery,and murdered he murthered near a hundred of the Nobles, and chief men of Sueden, and Citizens of Stockholm, and then letting loose the Souldiers upon the City and Country, all sorts of persons, Ecclesiastical, Civil, Great, Mean, Men, and Women, and Children suffered all manner of violences and deaths that Cruelty could devise;Danish Cruelty. their rage extending, not onelyonly to the living, but to the dead, towards whom they used all the opprobrious indignities that could be, the lively Character whereof may be described better by some Dane that saw it, or some that were interessed in the Scicilian Vespers, or the Parisian Nuptials, or Irish Massacre than by my pen.

After these horrid Murders,Covetousness. and outrages, Covetousness began to ascend the Stage, the King seizing upon all the estates, both of the dead and living, and to make all sure, the Liberties of Sueden being thus brought into the state of a dead man, they thought to buy them also so as they might never rise again: To which end, they set Guards in all places, published Edicts, and did not onelyonly deprive the Suedes of their Armour, but of their Arms and Legs also, saying in scorn, That a Swede could plow his ground well enough with one arm, and a wodden leg.

But the last,Hypocrisie. and worst of evils was abominable Hypocrisie. For this Christian Kings conscience (forsooth) is pretended for what he did: He was touched with much compassion, and would not have done it, but that his conscience tyed him thereto in zeal to the Church, and obedience to the Popes sentence of Excommunication; and thus Religion is made the Patron of all these Villanies. Yet all this quieted not the Kings conscience, but he hastes out of uecden, possibly fearing lest the ground should open her mouth, and swallow him up, or lest the fame of his cruelty should arrive before him in Denmark, and make that Nation abhor, and vomit him out.

But behold how vengeance follows him! Now is he gone home, King of the three Kingdomes of the Baltick Sea, and to secure Sueden, he had left Guards in every place: But cruelty never conquered mens spirits; A Tyrant may be feared of all, but is hated of all, and his own conscience so pursues him, that he can be quiet no where. And so it fell out with this King; for within three years he lost all his three Kingdomes without adventuring one drop of blood, or striking one blow for them. The manner shall be after glanced upon; but my present work is to shew how Sueden, now under water, comes to lift up its head again.

This sad news at Stockholme coming to the ears of Gustavus now at Rafsness, What Gustav…s then did.and in particular the murther of his own Father Ericas amongst the rest of the Nobles, he was not at all discouraged, but rather provoked with a desire of revenge, and to rescue his Country from such barbarous Tyranny; yet what with grief and detestation of such execrable cruelty, and doubt that many would be affrighted thereby from appearing in their Countries cause, his spirit was much troubled, and rendred less able at the present to determine upon the manner of his proceeding; and therefore in all haste away he goes to the Mountain-people with this news; but they, scarce civillized, are little sensible of their Countries cause Gustavus therefore makes no stay there, but away he goes to a Castle in those parts commanded by one Aaron Peter, a Noble man, whom once he knew to be well affected to the Liberties of his Country, and to him he discovered himself what he was, and what were his intentions, desiring his counsel; but he found the man, and others in those parts so amazed at the news of Stockholme, as that they forgat both themselves and the publick, and were rather willing to couch under any burden, than to make opposition against it; yea so fearful they were of being suspected by the Danes, that they rather desired to be esteemed wholly at their service, and especially Aaron Peter, who (though he pretended pity and compassion to Gustavus in this condition) and promised not onelyonly security to his person if he would abide with him, but his best assistance in compassing the ends propounded by him; yet having drawn from him the utmost of his resolutions, after a few dayes, wherein he had carryed himself fairly to avoid suspicion,Treachery. he gets himself abroad, and away he went to the Danish Lieutenant Bruno, and discovers to him the whole matter, as well concerning Gustavus his intentions, as what counsel himself had given him. But Aaron forgat one point of policy, which was, to let none know his intentions but his own heart; for he told his wife, whither, and what he went about; who being more true to her Country, and regardful of the Laws of common honesty and hospitality, than her Lord was, when he was gone, told Gustavus, whither her Lord was gone, and to what purpose, and therefore advised him forthwith to shift for himself, furnishing him with her own horse to go to Suertso, A special providence.to one that had been Gustavus his Colleague in the University. The day following came Bruno the Dan…, with twenty Souldiers to apprehend Gustavus at Aaron Peters house; but his Lady told him that Gustavus was secretly departed the day before; and so the prey being lost, Bruno returns without sport. Thus God made a woman a great instrument in saving Sueden from miserable ruine.

Gustavus being come to Suertso found kinde entertainment; but consideration being had to the restless … pursuit of the Danes, it was thought convenient that he should not stay long there (for now the enemy hunted upon hot sent) and therefore he departed privately beyond the Dallcarls unto Retwick. These Dallcarls are a people of Sueden strong and hardy,He goes to the Dallca…es, men of resolution, and being inured to work hard in the Mines, were fit for action, whence (as some Writers note) they have their name of Dallcarls or Carles, or robustious men of the Dales, having by reason of their priviledges this advantage, that they are numerous and rich. To these Gustavus applies himself, and relates to them the particulars of the Massacre at Stockholme, whereby the Suedes had lost much of their best blood; he told them also what further danger the Nation was in, which he in good language set forth to the life (for he could no less skifully manage his tongue than his arms.) The Dallcarls pitying the state of their Country, and having respect to themselves, and their friends, they told Gustavus, that they would adventure all that was dear to them to be revenged on the Danes, and to vindicate their Nation from bondage; onelyonly they desired him that he would engage their Brethren of the Eastern Dales with them. This Gustavus willingly undertook, and forthwith departed to Mora, the chief City of those Dales, whither coming about the latter end of December, the next day he obtained audience of them, and told them,

That he should not need to make any preface to gain their attention,His speech to them. being perswaded that the matter of his discourse would ease him of that trouble; He therefore prayed them to take into consideration the perplexed condition of the Suedish Nation in those later years, that through their own distractions, and civil, or rather uncivil discontents they had betrayed the Liberties of Sueden into the hands of strangers, who instead of seeking the publick weal, had wrought altogether for the advancement of their own interest, the people of Sueden being in the mean time glutted with misery, and drunk with tears, having themselves, their wives, children, and estates, prostituted to Murthers, Torments, Rapine, and all manner of contempt. I appeal (saith he) to the old men, they know it, they cannot forget it, and the young men may know it, if they will ask their Elders. And shall there never be an end of these miseries? Are the Suedes become a people alwayes to be trampled upon, devoured, and made food for forreigners? Call (I pray you) to minde the Government of that Tyrant, Ericus of Pomerland, his Cruelties, Oppressions, and Extortions; and remember that you, that you I say of the Dales, rose unanimously in defence of your Country against him, and therein hazarded all that was dear to you, even to your lives, and thereby compelled him with shame to return to his own Country. And now look about you and consider, Are you in any better condition under the enraged Danes? a people that bear an immortal hatred to our Nation, and are themselves hateful to all Nations but themselves: Can you expect better dealing now from them, than you have found hitherto after an hundred years experience? Hear the cryes of the Survivers at Stockholm, the fatherless and widows, the dying groans of so many brave men of this Nation, under the cruel torments, and unsatiable butcheries; the abhorred Massacre of all sorts, degrees, and sexes, and ages, contrary to all Faith, Promises, Oaths, Execrations and Engagements under hand and seal. It may be they will now promise you Peace, Justice, and what not? Did they not give all these assurances to our dead Friends at Stockholme? and yet they brake all bonds and engagements, and will you believe their words? No, no; the Danes are still the same men, or rather inhumane Monsters that ever they were; their hatred is now broken forth into a flame, which will never be quenched, so long as the riches, or any blood of the Suedish Nobility lasteth, nor will ever cease till it hath run over all the Country. Do you not every day hear the sad news of this approaching evil? Is it not almost come to your own doors? and will you sit still till it hath seized on your neck? Is it not much better (if we must dye) to dye like Souldiers, than like slaves? Are the Danes more than men, and we less than women? I am here present this day: Command my estate, person, and life, and I will adventure all in this service, if you will joyn with me in any way, though I should serve but as a private Souldier. For I had rather dye a free Nobleman of Sueden, in the defence of my Country, than live to see it underperpetual vassallage.

The Moreans being much affected with this speech,Their answer. professed their readiness to appear in the defence of their dear Friends and Country-men, in whose liberties and lives their own were wrapped up. Yet they prayed him, for the present, to retire himself to some place of privacy for his own safety, till their neighbours of the Western Dales might be in a sit posture to joyn with them, assuring him that in the interim they would not slack their preparations.

Gustavus took this answer courteously, and away he flyes to the Western Dallcarles bordering upon the Mountains, to gain them into a posture; and there also meeting with fresh news of the bloody cruelty of the Danes, he goes once more amongst the Mountains, where having to deal with sharp weather, rough and unknown wayes, more trodden by wilde beasts than men; yet indignation against the enemies, and zeal for his Country, adde new courage, and resolution against all difficulties, and dangers, and at last he makes trial of the peoples minde again:He meets with new difficulties. But they, scarcely sensible of any thing but what was under ground, and knowing no happiness above mining, nor any misery worse than it, turned a deaf ear to all that he spake, till at length Gustavus came to the house of Laurence Olai, Sir Laurence Olai assists him.an active, and brave Knight in those parts, who had sometime served Steno Stur, the Governour, with much valour and faithfulness. He, joyning with Gustavus, told the Mountainers that Gustavus had given them true intelligence concerning the Suedish miseries under the Danish cruelties at Stockholme, and other places: Further adding, that he had received late information, that the Danish King intended a Royal progress through all Sueden, to receive homage of the people, and had by Proclamation enjoyned Gibbets to be erected in all places, and that Letters were coming down into the Country to provide quarter for the Danish Souldiers that were to be as a guard to the King in his Progress.

This news wrought effectually upon them, and as they were considering what to do, messengers came from the Country of the Dallcarles round about to seek after Gustavus; but he was gone further out of reach, to Lima. Hereupon the Mountainers resolve to joyn with those of the Dales to request Gustavus his speedy return, whom they would make their Captain; and accordingly he came back with the messengers, where he found the people assembled, who received him with loud acclamations of joy,He Arms. and made him Governour and Captain of the Dallcarles, swearing Fealty, and obedience to him, assigning him a Lifeguard of choice young men for his honour and safety.

Thus one great work is over. Gustavus had all this while to do with a people whose principles were fixed in their manufactures; and though they had many eyes, and could discern things nigh at hand well enough, yet could they not discern the times, nor from thence make conclusions what they ought to do. For God never made all men for all things. Miners are no good States-men, nor States-men good Miners; and therefore its the less marvel that Gustavus spent an whole year in this painful Pilgrimage, with continual labour and danger, and all to make this people sensible of their condition, and willing to defend their Liberties before it was too late; and yet could he prevail nothing, till the Danish Feast at Stockholme (not above two moneths past) roused them out of their security. But now Gustavus was in a posture for the Field, as a Captain for the Liberties of Sueden, against a known enemy, or Tyrant rather, who thought that he had setled his Government in Sueden, both by Law and Arms.

Nor indeed can this work be looked upon but as a special work of Divine Omnipotency,Gods providence to the Suedes. in compassion to an oppressed, and undone people, that so strong a principle of Magnanimity, Zeal, and Constancy, should lead one man thus in this service through all opposition and danger; but these are but small things in comparison of what remained, and was further done by him.

Gustavus being thus engaged, proceeds to gather his Army,He raiseth an Army. and to him Laurentius Olai joyns, together with the friends and servants of those Noble men who were murthered at Stockholme, and others disinterested who were in danger of the Danish interdict, and with these he begins first to march on Candlewas day, Anno Christi 1520, leading his men to the Copper mountains, where he surprised the Governour and other Officers belonging to the Mines, seizing upon all the Danish goods,Seizeth on the Kings Treasure. the Kings Revenue, and the Tenths, and so returned into the Valley.

By this means he gained in some measure a stock for the encouragement of his Souldiers, whereby his Army encreased daily, and he facing about, went to the other Mountains, where, by general consent, he was made their Lord and Governour: After which he divided his Army into two parts, leaving one in the Mountains under the command of Peter Sueno, He divides his Army.a famous Captain, to whom many of the Inhabitants joyned themselves, and these he kept as a reserve, to assist him as occasion required.

With the other part of his Army he marched into the Country of Helsing, which on one side bordered upon the Sea, having the valley of the Dallca…les on the other; and this he did, as well to gain a passage by Sea, if occasion should require, as to secure his Army the more by such good neighbourhood: But whilst he thus advanced into Helsing, Letters were sent unto the Mountainers from the Archbishop of Upsal, the old enemy of the Suedish Liberties, signed by himself, his Father Ericus Trolli, and Bennet Canutus, who stiled themselves the Council of the Kingdome of Sueden; the purport whereof was, to beseech them to be mindful of their duty to their Sovereign the King, and of the peace of the Kingdome of Sueden, with large promises of the Kings grace and favour to them, and of a safe conduct to Gustavus, if he would lay down Arms; adding that by so doing, differences might be composed for their great advantage: But all the entertainment these Letters met with was, Indignation, and Scorn.

The Helsingers gave Gustavus no harsh entertainment,He advanceth into Helsi…g yet was his presence not very acceptable, they besought him that they might be spared from present engagement in Arms, their Country being exhausted and much impoverished by the late troubles: Gustavus hereby found that their temper was not for his turne; he must have men of resolution, and therefore he accepted of their submissive answer, and leaving them to second thoughts, he marched thence into Gestrict, From thence into Gestrict.where the people readily submitted to him, and so he returned to the Dales again, having by this march encreased his Army to the number of five thousand good old Souldiers, who having formerly hidden themselves in several places, now repaired to him.

The Archbishop of Upsal finding what little respect his Letters had with the Mountainers, he resolved to do that by force, which his fair language could not effect; and therefore he sent Henry de Milen, with a commanded party of Souldiers into the Dales, to reduce them betimes, and to crush the Bird in the Egge.

Gustavus being informed of his coming, advanceth to meet him, de Milen hearing this, retires from him, professing to the Archbishop, that Gustavus was not to be dealt with by parties: But the truth is, a spirit of trepidation had possessed the Danes, The Danes are infatuated.or else being in the Field, as they were, they would never have suffered an enemy thus to gather under their noses, nor have dallied thus with Gustavus by parties, when they had a just Army in readiness.

Gustavus was otherwise minded, he had begun, and now there was no retreating; He will now let all men know that he was so far from fearing the Danes, that he undertakes a long march to finde them out, and fight them within their own walls, and accordingly he advanceth to Westerass, He marches to Westerass.a City having a Castle, and being rich by a continual Market of Copper and Iron brought daily from the Mountains thither, and therefore there the Danes had placed a Garrison.

Gustavus by this march also had much encreased his Army by the confluence of the Country to him, whereupon he divided his Army into three Battels, the Van was commanded by Laurentius Olai, the middle by Laurentius Ericus, whom he commanded to march through the valley of Balingsass, and to encamp near to St. Olais Chappel, but not to attempt any thing without further order.

The Enemy not minding to stay their leisure;The Danes are bea…en. and observing the manner of Laurentius his approach, gave h…m a full charge, especially with their Horse, which was so bravely entertained by Laurentius, that the Danes gave ground, and at last both Horse and Foot were driven to a disorderly retreat, whom Laurentius pursued. Gustavus hearing hereof, and fearing lest his mens forwardness might carry them beyond their Post, he hasted into the Van, though with some danger to his person, and with the loss of some that were nigh to him, and when he came, he found Laurentius engaged even unto the streets of the City in pursuit of the flying Enemy, so that it was dangerous to bring them to a stand, whereupon he gave them their liberty, and with them he follows the enemy through the streets. But the Danes, when they came into the Market place, ra…lied themselves, and made a stand behind their Ordinance, which were ready planted to give the Suedes a salutation upon their first approach: But Laurentius Fricus with the middle Battel, found out a nearer way, and was already gotten into the City,Westerass taken. and now charged the Danes in their Rear, making them quit their place, and their Ordnance, and thereby saved much blood which might have been shed of the Suedish side. The Souldiers in the Castle seeing their Friends thus beaten, shot fiery bullets, whereby the City was fired in sundry places; but the Suedish Souldiers quenched the fire, and saved the City. The Danes in the City being sled to their intrenchments, defended themselves till they had strengthened the Garrison in the Castle, and then by the help of their Boats, gat them to Stockholme.

This Victory, as it discouraged the Enemy, so it much encouraged many secret Friends to their Country to forsake the Danes, and to take part with Gustavus, amongst whom was Arvidus, a West Goth, whom Gustavus knew so well, that he presently sent him with part of the Army to besiege the Castle of Steckburrow, and to watch the motion of the people in those parts. Other Castles also were besieged; but Laurentius Ericus was sent with his Brigade to Upsal, and Laurentius Olai, with the Country people that now flocked to him from all parts, was appointed to second him. As they marched thitherward they intercepted the Scouts of the Governour of Upsal; and the next day Letters were sent from the Governour, and Magistrates of Upsal to the Suedish Commander in chief, to desire liberty according to their wonted manner every year upon St. Ericus day, to hold their Procession with the shrine of St. Ericus, to the Church of old Upsal, being half a mile without their City; to which, answer was returned, That it belonged to the Suedes, not to the Danes to hold that solemnity. The Governour though he missed the Procession, yet would not lose his Feast; he therefore would let the Suedes know, that he could keep his Feast though the Suedish Army waited upon his Trenches; and accordingly held his Feast in the Archbishops Garden. But the next morning before break of the day, the Suedish Army came to the walls, seized upon the Guards, and entred the City,Upsal taken. whilst the Danes half asleep, and as yet scarce sober, being surprized with a Pannick fear, fled out of the City, fiering of it as they went: But the Suedes appointing a party to quench the fire, pursued the Danes till they had passed the River, in which passage the Governour was shot with an arrow, whereof he died at Stockholm.

About eight dayes after comes Gustavus from Westerass to Upsal, a…d calling the Canons of the College together, he asked them whether they were Suedes or Danes, charges them with the blood, spoyl, and misery of Sueden, affirming that they, and their Archbishop had nourished all the Rebellions in Sueden against their lawful Governours, that they were betrayers of their Countries Liberties into the hands of Forreigners; that ere long they must be responsible for those actions, and in the mean time he required Fealty from them, and security that in their stations they would maintain the peace and liberty of the Country. They humbly answer by Petition, desiring that he would consider their engagement to their Archbishop, now at Stockholme, and that they might have leave to send to him to see if they could prevail to take him along with them in this engagement, promising to write to him to invite, and perswade him hereunto. This Gustavus was content to grant, and wrote himself by the same messenger: But what other message the Canons sent privately, the event renders somewhat doubtful. For the Letters were received with contempt, and the messenger detained, the Archbishop saying, that he would carry an answer in his own person; and accordingly he caused a Body of Horse and Foot immediately to be drawn forth, with which he marched with that speed and secresie, that they were within two miles of Upsal, before Gustavus heard any thing of their coming.

Gustavus now too late, began to consider his own weakness, his Army being divided in so many severall imployments, and the enemies (if he was not misinformed) exceeding him in strength: whereupon he debated with himself what were fittest for him to do: the City was unassured to him, if not assured against him: If he retreat, it would be construed for a flight: If he stay, he must put all to the hazard: He considered also that though he might suffer in his Honour by a Retreat, yet that might be repaired again, but if he lost his men, that loss would be irreparable both as to his own honour, the liberty of Sueden, and the safety of his Party.

Hereupon he speedily withdrew out of the City into a Wood not far off:Gustavus quits Vpsal. and the Archbishop without opposition entring the City, is soon informed thereof, and as eagerly pursues him to the Wood, where the Suedes had made a stand, and gave not ground for all that the Danes could do against them.

As Gustavus was bestirring himself from place to place,His danger and delivery. his Horse fell into a Quagmire, where, being espied by the Danes, he was knock't from his Horse, and had been at their mercy; but that a party of about twenty of the Suedish Horse came seasonably to his rescue, and horsed him again; after which, returning to charge the enemy afresh, they retired, but yet in good order, which Gustavus observing, he was willing to make a golden Bridge for a flying enemy, and so let them go quietly to Upsall.

Gustavus had now leisure to consider what to do: and found by experience a double error in his proceedings: First that he had divided his Army into so many parts, that none of them was of it self sufficient to oppose the enemy in case they should gather to an head: the other, that in his March (contrary to Caesars Rule) he had not reduced the enemies Castles; but le…t them, as Birds of prey, to fall upon any of his Parties, when they should be weak. He considered also, that if now he should leave the wood, he was environed with those Castles, and had the enemies Army entire, and near him. What shall he now do? Men bring themselves into straits,Gods providence. and plunges, but God brings them out. Gustavus had a party now besieging the Castle of Westerass, who hearing of the fight between the Archbishop, and Gustavus, rose, and hasted to him. Gustavus being thus recruited, turns to the left hand, leaving Upsal on the right, and so bended his march towards Stockholme, supposing that they might meet with the Archbishop, before he could recover Stockholme; and herein his expectation was not frustrated: For if Gustavus committed two errours, the Archbishop fell into one which was worse than both of them, and that was, that being returned to Upsal, he considered not that he had left Gustavus in a posture of defence, who also might possibly recruit his Army, and so meet with him in his return to Stockholme if he made not the better haste; and so indeed it fell out, Gustavus met him, fought him,The Danes again are beaten. and after an hours dispute, Gustavus his Arguments were of that force, that the Archbishop hardly escaped into Stockholme with tenth part of his Army.

Gustavus follows him, and entrenches his Army near to the City,His Army much encreased but considering that the City was full of Danes, and that most of the Suedes after the late Massacre had forsaken their houses, and that it was like to hold out long, he was casting with himself how to encrease his Army; but he was soon eased of that care: For the Helsingers, that hitherto had concealed themselves, now come unanimously, and offer their service to him, and the like did many old Souldiers of Germany, insomuch as he was less able to provide quarter for them than men.

But what doth the King of Denmark all this while? Is not he ready by this to march with a compleat Army to save a Kingdome that is ready to be lost? No doubt but he had a good minde to it;The King of Denmark hated at home. but his condition was such that he durst not stir from home. For as he went out of Sueden without one God-speed, so he came into Denmark without one Welcome-home. He was so dyed in blood that all were afraid of him: His Victory was abominated, his person odious, and his Government grown intolerable; wherefore finding that he could raise no Army at home, and that if he should go out of Denmark he might lose all there, and get nothing but blows abroad; he commands his Governour in the Isle of Gothland to relieve the Danes in Sueden as occasion should require; in pursuance whereof, he repairs thither, and after one repulse suffered, he relieved the Castle of Steckburg, besieged by Arvidus, and then changing the Garrison, he committed the keeping of it to one Bernard de Milen.

Gustavus considering that the siege of that place would prove dangerous to Arvidus, A Convention of the Estates in Sueden.if the Country, and neighbourhood were not assured to him; he sent to the Bishop of Hincopen, and having prevailed with him, by his advice, he summoned a meeting of all the States of East and West Gothland, Smalland, Vermeland, and of the Dales; and when they were assembled, he prayed them to take into consideration the condition of their Country: that the misery thereof was occasioned onelyonly through their divisions and variety of interests; and the Government having been of late in the hands of Forreigners, the Publick weal hath thereby been much endamaged. He said, he should not need to enlarge upon the particular burdens which they felt and groaned under. The great business which he desires them to take into consideration was, to advise, and conclude upon the means of redress: As for himself he would deliver his opinion freely and cleerly, viz. That no means on earth could cure these evils, but a speedy and effectual unanimity, and joynt endeavour to restore the old principles of Government, by one supreme Governour, and a free Parliament of the States, as formerly had been used: But if they had any further advice therein, he earnestly desired to be informed by them, assuring them that whatsoever they should judge meet to be done in order to a settlement, he would endeavour the accomplishment of the same, though to the sacrificing of his life, and all that was dear to him.

This Speech being ended, there was a joynt acclamation, and assurance given, that they all fully, and freely assented to his opinion, and were ready to assist him therein to the utmost, withall, giving him great thanks for his undertaking their rescue out of the Tyrants hands, earnestly requesting him to proceed till he had perfected the same, whereunto they would constantly contribute their prayers to God for his gracious assistance, and for the protection of his person; and for his further assurance, they do not only acknowledge,They proffer him the Kingdome. and promise submission to him as their lawful Governour; but they pray that it may not seem grievous to him to take upon him the place, and title of their lawful Lord and King.

To this Gustavus answered, That he took up Arms against the common enemy of his Country,Which he refuseth. not aiming at Rule, but at the peoples liberty from the iron yoke of the Danish Tyranny, under which themselves, their wives and children lay bound day, and night; That he called not himself to the work, but onelyonly offered his assistance therein; That he was invited to command by the Transilvanian Suedes of the Dales; That his detestation of that abhorred Butchery at Stockholme (wherein, not onelyonly many Personages fit to do their Country service, but many of his own blood lost their lives and estates) did enrage his spirit to it, so that he thought nothing dangerous for him to adventure, so that he might take vengeance for it, which made him yeeld to the invitation of the men of the Dales: and if you also (said he) will joyn your aid in this work, and can conside in my command, I will not refuse to be your Captain and Governour untill the enemy be fully vanquished, and our Country cleared from them. But as touching the making of a King, you may take that into consideration when the War shall be fully finished; For then whomsoever the States of Sueden shall elect to be King or Governour, his will I be to serve in any condition.

This Speech was received with joyful acclamations, and an unanimous vote that Gustavus should be accepted for their Lord and Governour; and accordingly all that were present sware Fealty to him, and faithful obedience next under God.

This was a little Parliament of part of the Nation, and chiefly intended to assure those places where the War was, and to unite them in a more vigorous prosecution thereof; and the success was answerable: For hereupon many Towns and Castles of West-Gothland, Many joyn with him.and Small and, readily surrendred, and submitted to Gustavus, whose Deputies being sent to the Council, and convinced in their judgements of the justness of the cause, the people had obliged themselves to stand to what their Deputies should conclude. Hereupon Gustavus finding less need of imploying so many Souldiers in these neighbouring parts, he sends a party into Finland, to which many of the people joyned: Amongst whom was one Grabb, a valiant man, and skilful Sea-Captain, who having armed a few ships, with them assaulted such places upon the Coast as held for the Dane, sometimes in one part, sometimes in another; surprising Towns, slaying many, doing all by night, and before the next morning he was gone, no body knew whither, nor which way. This caused the Enemies to divide their Forces, to guard so many places at once; and in the mean time the Suedes sat down before Abbo, Abbo besiegedthough they were there hard matched, and sometimes overmatched by the Danes; for as yet that part of the Country had not felt the Danish cruelty, though if they had prospered, they should not long have escaped the same.

The Castle of Steckburg, Steckburgh surrendred.after above half an years siege, was taken by Arvidus, the Governour whereof being committed to Prison, after he had lain there two moneths, he submitted to Gustavus, and sware Fealty to him. The Governour of the Isle of Gothland being ignorant of these passages, came with a Fleet, well provided to relieve the Castle; but when he came to the Promontory, he was suddenly assailed by the Suedish ships which lay behinde the same; and after the loss of six hundred of his men, he was glad to betake him to his wings. Shortly after, Arvidus was sent with part of his Army to block up Calmar, the rest being sent to the Camp before Stockholme; For the Danish Admiral,Stockholme relieved by the after the late defeat, having repaired his losses with a new supply of men and ships, came to the relief of them in Stockholme, and the Danes being strengthened by this recruit, sallied out of the City, and beat up one of the Suedish Quarters, so that for a moneths space, the City remained disingaged.

Gustavus now finding by experience that Stockholme was a morsel too big for him to swallow, without further strength, he bent his principal industry for the recovery of other places Garrisoned by the Danes, and amongst other places the City of Nicopen was at length yeelded up to him by the Governour,Nicopen yeelded to the Suedes. Henry Canzow, with whom Letters were found from the Danish Tyrant, which required him to put to death all the Suedes that came into his power, especially those of the Nobility: But as he had too much humanity in him to execute so bloody a Decree, so he liked it not in others, and therefore he told Gustavus, that Letters of the same purport were sent to other places, and he believed they would be put in execution, which fell out accordingly in Finland; for the Governour of Abbo, being blocked up (though not formally besieged) by the Suedes, caused divers of the chief men of Finland to be assassinated: But Ericus Flemming being forewarned of the danger, and now in the Governours hand, offered his service, with so many Suedes as adheared to the Danes, to adventure their lives the night following to beat the Suedes before the City out of their quarters, which being liked by the Governour, he asigned him such men as he desired, who accordingly entred the Suedish quarters, but liked their entertainment so well, that they returned no more into Abbo: and thus he escaped that danger which many others shortly after smarted under.

Gustavus having gained Nicopen, the Castles of Tineslor, Tineslor and Westerass surrendred.and Westerass, presently after were delivered up to him, the latter having endured a siege of nine moneths: But finding all his labour before Stockholme lost, unless he could encrease his strength at Sea, he sent to Lubeck for men of War, and Ammunition, who readily assented being oppressed by the Danes in their Trade. Nine ships were sent to Gustavus within a few moneths with Ammunition, and Souldiers, who had a great minde to see Gustavus before they would engage;The Lubeckers assist him. but being satisfied when they had seen him, they all swear to be faithful to him; part of these Gustavus sent to the siege of Calmar, the other part he carried along with him to the siege of Stockholme (as it was the policy of War amongst the Romans to divide their Auxiliaries) and then he sent the Countrymen to their several habitations. Within a few weeks after, eight more ships of War arrived from Lubeck at Stockholme, and being thus more secured at Sea, Gustavus re-inforced the siege in a more regular way than formerly.

The Suedes before Abbo finding the work too hard for them, withdrew their Forces, and the Governour being now at liberty, by order from the Danish Admiral, prepared a ship of War, with Ammunition, and Souldiers, for the relief of Stockholme, which early in a morning coming to the Fore-land, sent out a Skiffe for discovery, which was intercepted by Ericus Flemming, now Admiral of the Suedes, who clearing the men out of the Skiffe, and manning it with Suedes in the same fashion, he sent it back, into which, when the Governour of Abbo was entred to enquire after news, they presently apprehended him, and carried him away, and being hardly chased by the Danish ships,The Danes beaten at Sea. they suddenly fell amongst the Suedes, and being charged by them, some were taken, and others escaped. But the Governour of Abbo being brought to Gustavus, he presently hanged him on a Tree, for his cruel assasinating the Nobility of Finland.

Within a few weeks after the Danish Admiral came with five Ships for the relief of Stockholme, but being within view, and not liking the Coast, he returned without doing any thing, and Gustavus now finding the Sea safely guarded,Stockholme straitly besieged. he prosecuted his siege more vigoriously, making his approaches to the very Suburbs, and by Bridges closing his Quarters. Hereupon the City began to be in distress, and many escaping out, submitted to Gustavus: Amongst these, a Spy is sent out, who under colour of submission, was to make discovery, and as occasion served, either to return into the City, or to haste into Denmark to acquaint the King with the state of their affairs. This Spy was discovered, and being searched, Letters were found sown up in his cloaths, whereupon he was convicted, and executed: And this being known in the City, and judged to be by intelligence from some within, all the Suedes were ordered to depart, but such as would take up Arms for the Danes. On the other side, Gustavus having intelligence of preparations, intended for the relief of the Danes in Sueden, he sent a party into Norway to begin a War there, who meeting with little opposition,He begins a War in Norway. soon made themselves Masters of the Province of Wicken, the Castle of Carlsburg, the Danes being in no posture to oppose them, as the case stood.

For Christian the second,The King of Denmark flyes into Germany. then King of Denmark, by reason of his injustice and oppressions of his own people, whilst he invaded the lives, liberties, and estates of all sorts, and for his execrable murders, and perfidiousness in Sueden; his contumelious outrages towards strangers, and his uncivil behaviour towards his own Queen, who was sister to the Emperour, Charles the fifth, having hereby provoked all men against him, but more especially the Duke of Holst, he proclaimed War against the King; and the Nobility of Denmark, perceiving that they were distrusted by their King, who relying upon strangers, intended to bring them into Government in Denmark, and so to rule his Kingdome by force and rigour, they joyned with the Duke, and invited him into Jutland, where all joyned with him. And Christian now too late, though too soon to him, concluding that the Duke would be made King, leaves his Throne and Country, providing for his safety elsewhere; and shipping himself, his Queen, Children, and all the Treasure he could scrape together, he sailed into Germany; first going to the Duke of Brandenburgh, and then to the Elector of Saxony: and after some time he found means to raise an Army for the recovery of his Kingdome, but not keeping touch with his Souldiers, he lost his Army and Kingdome a second time; whereupon despairing of good success,Then into Flanders. he fled into Flanders, where he lost his Queen, the greatest comfort he had left him in the world; not onelyonly in regard of her relation to the Emperour, but in regard of her excellent vertues, whereby she was so much beloved of the Danes, that they offered to submit to her as to their lawful Queen if she would stay in Denmark; but she, like her self, chose to live in exile with her Husband,A good Wife. rather than to reign without him.

The Danes in Sueden understood these things, and those of them that were besieged in the Castle of Calmar were ordered to hold out as long as they could, and then to fire the City,Calmar surrendred. & ship themselves for the Isle of Gothland; but the Citizens being informed hereof, in the night time opened their gates, and let in the Suedes, who soon made themselves Masters of the Castle, and after that, of the Isle of Oland, whereof when tidings came to Stockholme, they proffered to surrender, but upon such conditions as Gustavus would not accept of.

Now did the Suedish affairs seem to promise a calm nigh at hand;A Parliament called. whereupon Gustavus thought it convenient to endeavour a settled form of Government, for which end he summoned a general meeting of all the States at Stregness, who being assembled, he told them, that now things were in a hopeful way of peace; that it was necessary for the publick peace, and justice of the Nation, that the antient form of Government should be revived: That for the present they see the Nation without a supream Magistrate, and without a Senate: That the former hath murthered the later, and the people ejected the former: That he hoped in a short time to render an account of the Nation reunited, and in a peaceable condition, which is the end of War; but some person must be elected to govern them when in a peaceable condition, and a Senate must be constituted according to the antient custome of Sueden, who may elect the supreme Governour: That they, the States of Sueden, are the only first movers in this work, and have power to constitute this Senate anew, and therefore he prayes them to proceed according to their discretions for the settlement of the Government, and such instruments as are necessary, and conducing thereto.

The States seeing their way clear before them,A Senate established. without further demur proceed to the election of a Senate, consisting of some of those of the former Senate who had escaped the enemies fury, and continued faithfull: to whom they added others of the great men: and having constituted them, they granted to them the same power, and priviledges which the ancient Senate had, and in particular, to elect one such person as they should think meet to be their lawfull King or Governour.

The Senate being thus chosen,They choose Gustavus King and impowred, they unanimously elect Gustavus for their King, and send a Message thereof to him, humbly requesting that he will not refuse to take the Kingdome upon him, and to perfect the work of restoring liberty to the Nation, and vindicating the same from all Tyranny.

Gustavus having heard this Message, answered, That the burthen of governing a Kingdome was too heavy for his shoulders.which he refuses. That it was one thing to govern in Warre, wherein he was trained, and another thing to be a King, wherein he was not skilled. That he was well wearied already with the dangers, cares, and labours of the Warre, and now having brought the Nation into a posture of subsistence in peace, he hath his ends, and therefore desires them to rest contented therewith, and that they would make choice of some other person of the Nobility of Sueden to be their King, assuring them that himself would gladly serve under him whom they should choose, and so thanking them for their good opinion of him, he dismissed the Messengers.

The States,They press him again. and Senate having heard this answer, were no wise satisfied with it, and therefore renew their requests (the Popes Legate also joyning with them) and tell Gustavus plainly that they will not receive any negative, nor can he evade the election if he regard the Senate, or convention of States, or the peoples good.

Gustavus hereupon is at length overswayed, and yet abhorring all unworthy self-ends,He submits. he professed his acceptance only upon the same grounds which moved them to elect him: and that withall he was convinced that the work was of that nature that he was unable to go through with it,His Piety. & therefore he would rest upon the Lord of Sabbath for his assistance, and protection, and next under him, upon the Lords of Sueden, whose wisdome, care, and industry he much prized; especially desiring the earnest, and daily prayers of all the people, upon which account only he would submit to their desires. And so, according to the ancient custome, by mutuall obligations of Oaths, Gustavus is solemnly declared, and proclaimed King of Sueden: yet refused he to be crowned till five years after.

The first thing that was done after this election was the requitall of the Lubeckers, The Lubeckers required.for adventuring their men, Ships, and estates, with the Suedes, against the Danes; in recompence whereof the Suedes granted, that they would never make peace with the Danes without the consent of the Lubeckers. That upon the surrender of Stockholme, such wares, goods, and debts therein,The Articles of agreement. as the Lubeckers, and Dantzickers should own upon Oath, should be secured, and returned to them. That the Lubeckers shall be paid for their service. That the Sea should be free for them, and that they shall have a free trade in Sueden. That they only of all forreign Nations shall have a free Trade in the Ports of Stockholme, Calmar, Sarcopen, and Abbo. That the King shall do them right. That he shall never set prizes upon any of their Merchandise, nor compell them to sell, or leave their goods against their wills. That their goods and estates wracked, shall be restored to the owners, without loss. That their goods sold in Sueden by their Mariners, or servants without order, shall be restored to their owners, and the offenders punished. That the King of Sueden shall not harbour any of the enemies of Lubeck. That if any difference shall arise between the Suedes, and Lubeckers, the same shall be ordered by four Lords of Sueden sent to Lubeck, and so many Citizens of Lubeck joyning with them. These were confirmed under the hands, and Seals of the King, and Lords of Sueden, and Commissioners of Lubeck. This was more than a recompence to the City of Lubeck, had they been as careful to keep touch with the Suedes as the Suedes were with them.

Shortly after Stockholme was surrendred to the King,Stockholme surrendred. who entred the same in the month of June, after welnigh three years siege, wherein the Danes had time enough to have relieved it, if they had been convinced of any right that they had to the Kingdome of Sueden. Upon his entry he was proclaimed King of Sueden and Gothland, with great applause and joy of all sorts. Hereupon divers Towns and Castles were surrendred to him; and in the reare, the Dukedome of Bleking, and the Town and Castle of Elsburgh, the onelyonly commodious Port that the Suedes have into the Western Sea. But still the Dukedome of Finland, and the adjacent Countries were out of the Kings possession; and therefore beginning now to study good Husbandry for those people whom he must own, he dismissed his Forreign forces, and the residue of his Army he sent into Finland under the command of Ivar, and Ericus Fleming, who within the space of one year reduced all that Country into obedience,Finland reduced. and the Northern people submitted upon the credit of their Neighbours, so that the whole Kingdome was now united under the Kings command, and he had nothing to do but to study peace and justice.Peace settled. And accordingly he first made peace with the Muscovite, Peace with the Muscovite.having none other enemy whom he need to fear, nor indeed any that bordered upon him, but the Muscovite on the East, and the Dane on the West; and as for the Danes, their condition was this:

King Christian being fled,The Duke of Holst chosen King of Denmark. Frederick, Duke of Holst, being sent for, came into Denmark, and by the Nobility was elected and crowned King some years before Gustavus was crowned in Sueden, though Gustavus was in Arms divers years before him. …oth these coming to the Throne upon the same title of the peoples liberty; and knowing how necessary peace with one another would be, a mutual Treaty is propounded by the King of Denmark, and in order thereto, the King of Sueden propounded an interview, wherein he stood not upon punctilio's, but proffered to come to the King of Denmark in some convenient place upon security of a safe conduct,The two new Kings meet. which the King of Denmark granted as soon as it was demanded. The place of meeting was Ancona, in the confines of Scania, where, in the presence of the Lords of both Nations, an interview is had; and after mutual salutations and complements, the King of Denmark spake of the miseries, and calamities that had befaln both the Nations for divers years last past, declaring their present dangers also by reason of the continual contrivances of Christian their late King, which (saith he) will be much heightned if our discords should continue: For my own part therefore I am for peace with Sueden upon just and honourable tearms. Gustavus answered, that he held peace between the Nations convenient and commendable, and was willing to hearken thereto upon equal conditions.

The King of Denmark began with proposing the continuance of the union of the three Northern Kingdomes according to the Articles of Calmar; The King of Denmarks speech.which (said he) were confirmed by the Oaths of the Deputies of all the three Nations; yet he desired not the change of the present Government of Sueden, but onelyonly that Gustavus should acknowledge him Superiour. Gustavus secretly disliking this proposal, answered modestly, that for his part he was unwillingly drawn to accept of the Suedish Crown.The King of Suedens answer That he could wish that both Nations could flourish under one head. But (said he) the agreement of Calmar is dissolved by the misgovernment of the late King; and if the Danes could not all this while gain their expectations by force of Arms, much less can they think it rational for the Suedes to yeeld up by Treaty the Liberties of their Country, which are dearer to them than their lives, as the late Wars have demonstrated. Neither can himself, who is sworn to maintain the Liberties of his Country, allow of such tearms, much less advise his people to consent thereto. Yet for my own part, though I will not be a subject, yet I desire to be a friend, true, and faithful to the King of Denmark, and am ready to gratifie him in all things agreeable to equity.

The King of Denmark perceiving hereby the unreasonableness of his former demands, tells the King of Sueden in plain terms, that himself was desirous of a firm peace, and league with him, if Sueden would be content with its antient limits, and would yeeld up what in these late Wars they had gained from Denmark, especially the Dukedome of Bleking.

The King of Sueden answered, that himself valued the peace of both Nations beyond that petty Dutchy, and therefore he would consult with his Lords about it, and accordingly it was assented to.

But the proposal about the Isle of Gothland, Peace concluded.proved more difficult: It was in the possession of the Danes, but claimed as belonging to the Crown of Sueden, yet at last they agreed to lay that debate aside till a more convenient time: and thus peace was concluded between these two Kings, as well for the Hans-Towns, as for themselves, against Christian the deposed King; and all the Suedish Captives in Denmark were set at liberty, and such of the Suedes as formerly had any particular interest in Denmark, were restored to their right.

About this time a spiritual disease was newly breeding in Germany, Gospel light in Germany.which soon grew to be almost Epidemical in those Eastern parts. Gospel-light was newly sprung out of Popish darkness, discovering the very bowels of the Romish Religion, to be a meer garbage of pride and covetousness: To prevent which, the Devil raiseth up another light,Envied by the Devil. or a thing as like to light as himself is, when he is transformed into an Angel of light. He found the people as desirous to gain their Civil as their Religious Liberties. This he colourably helps on by a company of Professors,Anabaptists trouble all. pretending to a more pure light, and perfect way of holiness by a second Baptism, suggesting that men of light must walk according to their light, and that they were bound by no other Law, and so needed, neither Magistracy, nor Ministry: Nay, those Ordinances savour of Antichristian Tyranny. Hereupon they rose, and ran up and down Germany, and like the waves of the Sea, swallow up, and bear down all before them, till dashing on a Rock, they break themselves in pieces.

But before this storm,Two of them come into Sueden, and cause much trouble. two drops fall upon Sueden by the coming over of two men with the Holland Merchants, during the interview of these two Kings. These were Melchior Rincus, and Knipper Dolling, who arriving at Stockholme, instill new principles into the people, whence followed, that entring the Churches, down go Images, and Organs, and all such things as they will call monuments of Idolatry. They made also publick invectives against publick Worship, and the Clergy, as Antichristian, suggesting that it were better to have none at all.

Gustavus the King returning to Stockholme finds much need of his presence,Gustavus banisheth them. and understanding of the tumultuous Reformation, and the sad principles taken up, he commits the two Evangelists to prison, and afterwards banished them; but their poison was not so easily cured.

The news of this Reformation at Stockholme, Their infection spreadeth.spreads far, and wide over the Kingdome, and liberty was so welcome to all, being newly crept from under a Tyranny, that even good Government is brought into question, and the King saw no way to pacifie the storm, but by casting overboard to the people somewhat to keep the Whale from overturning the Ship: and finding that he must adventure a breach with the Pope,The Pope justifies the massacre at Stockholme. who had lately sent a special Legate, the Cardinal de Potentia, with Authority to enquire of the bloody Massacre made by Christian at Stockholme, thereby to vindicate himself of so horrible a crime, and that the Legate upon examination had judicially pronounced sentence, that nothing was done therein by Christian but what was just and right;The King visits the Kingdome. he therefore told the people that he would visite all the Churches in his own person, and make a reformation by the advice of learned men; and accordingly the King in person visited all the Churches throughout the Nation, and informed himself of the state of them; but coming to Upsal, he was opposed by the Archbishop, and Canons; whereupon a Disputation was appointed, wherein the King himself would be President: After which he summoned all the States of Sueden to meet, to whom he related what he found in his Visitation, requesting their help in directing some moderation in the work of Reformation,A Convention of the Estates. in Doctrine, and the worship of God, and in calming the violence of the Catholick Clergy, which were such desperate enemies to it; as also in regulating their abuse of the Church-maintenance, which they spent in pride and luxury, which ought to be imployed for the saving of peoples souls.

Their answer was, that if the matter be made to appear upon enquiry, they were of opinon that the Temporalties belonging to the Clergy, may, and ought to be seized, and the Church-maintenance also secured, for the right ends and uses to which they were appointed.

The Ecclesiasticks declaim against this, affirming, that the Churches priviledges and revenues were granted and confirmed to the Church by Kings and Emperours; and therefore ought not to be invaded under pain of damnation. To this it was replied, that the true Elders were worthy of double honour, both of reverence and maintenance; but such as are slow bellies, neither serving God nor man, ought not to have the Churches maintenance; and that if some Kings, against all equity, permitted the same, other succeeding Kings may, and ought to reform it; that there is not one sentence in all the Scriptures that warranteth such power in Church-men, or that countenanceth such manner of living, especially in an unlawful way of opposing the Civil Magstrate,They leave the Church-revenues to the disposall of the King. as hath been used in Sueden for these last two hundred years. In conclusion, the States determined, that the Churches Revenues are in the power of the King, according to the condition of times, to encrease, maintain, or to diminish, as may best conduce to the safety of true Religion in Doctrine, and to the establishment of the pure worship of God, and holiness of life.

Hence followed a storm of Imputations, and Execrations,Popish lies, and slanders. Forreign Nations are made to believe that the King is an Atheist, and that the common people in Sueden obey a Devil in the shape of a man; but the King sleighted these Scar-crows, as all Princes that fixe their counsels upon good foundations, ought to do; yet the common people in Sueden were enraged hereby, and amongst these the Dallcarles, who were the first in vindicating the peoples liberties,The Dallcarles rebell. are now the first that appear to keep themselves and the people in bondage; but they knew not who to pitch upon for their leader; yet at length one was discovered called Nicholas Stur, reputed the son of Steno Stur late Governour of Sueden, and he ascends the Stage in West Gothland to act for the old Church Government; the people also allured by his great name, joyned with him, and so the War is now become Bellum Episcopale, the Bishops War.

The King hears,Religion reformed. and sees all, yet the hatred and practices of these men move him not: He shewed magnanimity in the Field, but never more than in this case. He is but newly a King, and contrary to all principles of policy, he is presently put upon an hard task, even to change Ecclesiastical Government, and their formerly received Religion, wherein he was to sail against wind and tyde, and therfore though he was very couragious; yet this daring adventure must rather be attributed to his Faith, than to his Valour; and he met with success accordingly, for the Dallcarles not finding that bravery of spirit in their new Captain,And are quieted. as might become a son of that famous Steno, began to suspect that they might be in danger of a cheat, and therefore they secretly sent to the Widow of Steno Stur to enquire the truth: She tells the Messengers plainly, that they were deceived, for that her son Nicholas was long since dead. This message caused the Dallcarles presently to withdraw their assistance, fearing that the cause of Religion will not bear them out, unless patronized by one of the Royal blood of Sueden. The Dallcarles now gone, the spirit presently disappears, and is no where to be found, till he makes another apparition at Rostock, where at the request of the King of Sueden, he was put to death; as also some others of his party in Sueden were served in the like manner,Traytors executed. and so the storm blew away.

Yet the common people are still like a Sea;A Famine causeth new stirs. a Famine comes upon the Land, and the Church-men tell the people, that this is the fruit of their Innovations in matters of Religion, whereupon they are again angry, and refuse to pay the Kings Tribute; the King tells them that few of them understood Gods words, and that fewer of them could make a right judgement of his Works; that their stop of his Tributes should not stop his course: He soon gathers an Army, and marches to Westerass, and from thence gives notice of his coming to them of the Dales, requring them to meet him at Terna, ready either to fight for their cause, or to beg pardon for their enterprise.

The Dalcarles like neither if they could help it; Feign they would hold their old way of Religion,Which are soon quieted. yet choose rather to submit, and to hazard their opinions rather than their lives, and the issue was, some of them were corporally punished, others reproved, and sent home, giving security for their good behaviour; and in the like manner, others in other places were so served; onelyonly the Archbishop of Upsal, being one of the Popes sons, was admitted as a male-content to banish himself from his native Country.

The King being returned to Westerass, considered with himself the danger of the Kingdome by reason of the bad lives of the Clergy, and their neglect of the peoples souls, and their restless endeavour to bring his Government into dislike with the people, and his person into contempt by imputations of Heresie and Blasphemy, to which some stop must be put speedily,Convention of Estates caled. or all would come to confusion: Hereupon he called a Convention of all the States of Sueden, to whom he propounded to take into consideration the State of the Nation,The Kings Speech to them. saying, that they all knew that he neither sought, nor willingly undertook the Government of the same; that they all promised to assist him therein, without whose help it was impossible for him to Govern; that he now, contrary to his expectation, found the people much dissatisfied through the instigation of the Clergy, whose Lordship, and power amongst them, you all (said he) know to be such, as that now it is put into the ballance with the Kings; and their luxury, pride, and idleness all the world knows to be such, as is inconsistent with the duty of their places, the good of the people, and righteous Government; that their Castles and temporal Revenues are exempted from the service and safeguard of the Kingdome, to maintain Dissentions, Mutenies, and Rebellions; that for his part he must rather cease to be a King, than to see all things in confusion under his Government: and therefore I require (saith he) some order to be taken by the Convention of the States for regulating hereof, or else I am resolved to lay down my Government, and leave it to them that can manage it to better purpose; and hereof I desire a speedy and positive answer from you the Bishops, and other States of this Kingdome.

But the Bishops ears were deaf to these things:The Bishops refuse to submit. their Authority, and Revenues were dearer to them, than to part with them for words. They thought they had the King at an advantage, which they purposed to make use of: and the major part of the other States, overswayed by the Bishops, did not so readily, and resolutely appear for the King, as they ought to have done, fearing the Popes Thunderbolt more than the Kings displeasure.

The King being offended hereat, said, He would never adventure one drop of Suedish bloud more, to maintain his Government by a Civil Warre, wherein the conquered must be miserable, and the Conqueror unjust, and wherein friends must destroy one another: and forthwith coming into the Convention of States, He resigns his Kingdome to the States.he resigned up his Kingdome, and Government, asking nothing but a recompence for his service, and that they would take his Inheritance at a moderate valew, and so he departed into the Castle. This may seem a strange example. Octavius only debated with the Senate about laying down his Government,Note. but did it not: Gustavus did it, and debated it not. They that make Government their work, will be glad of rest: but they that make it their sport, the people will sooner be weary of them, than they of it. It seems Gustavus missed of those encouragements which were promised from the Convention of States when he undertook the Government; and for him to continue therein without them in order to maintain the peoples liberty was vain: and therefore if he herein followed the examples of some of his Ancestors, he may the rather be excused, though hereby the Kingdome was left in a confused condition.

The next day the States met again,The Nobles oppose the Bishops. and in cold blood, and upon second thoughts told the Bishops, that the Kingdome must not be ruined to satisfie their lusts, and that if they would not be equal judges between themselves, and the people, others must: yet (said they) you shall be once more heard what you can say for your selves: And hereupon a Conference was appointed, wherein Dr. Olaus appeared for the King, and Dr. Gallen for the Bishops; and the point about Ecclesiastical power was largely debated, which Conference the longer it lasted, the more it touched the quick, so that many of the hearers saw cause to alter their opinions about Prelacy, insomuch as upon the third day the Voters for the people urged the Bishops positively to submit to the King: But if they meant otherwise to expose the Nation to extremity, and mischief should come thereby, they vowed to be revenged upon the Authours thereof; and to this, the greater part of the Nobles agreed. At length the plurality of Votes prevailed,They request him to reassume the Government. and a message was sent into the Castle to Gustavus by a person of quality, to beseech him to return into the Convention of States, but prevailed not, and a second message prevailed as little, till a third message presented by persons of near Relation to him prevailed to bring him to the Convention, where he was received by all the States with the greatest observancy that could be, all making it their humble request, that he would not reject the Government in such a juncture of affairs, withall, promising their utmost, and faithful assistance. The King considering with himself, that though it was an ill condition with him to be alwayes labouring, and yet never to do the work; yet it was much worse to grow weary before he had attained to the shore, for that was the next door to drowning; whereupon he took up a resolution to neglect mens opinions and censures, and to see to what issue he could bring the Counsels of the Conventions of Estates.

At last it was concluded that the Bishops should render up their Castles and Temporalties to the Kings disposal,The Temporalties of the Bishops given to the King. and submit to live upon such Pensions as should be allowed them by the States, saving evermore the titles, interests and right of the Nobility, and others, to any part of the said Temporalities, which by the distemper of the times, had been encroached upon: But the execution hereof proved more difficult; many being unwilling to disrobe themselves before they went to bed.

Such as were worst affected were soonest at the issue, as desperate persons, through conscience of their guilt, conclude that no mercy is to be had, and therefore they had as good pass the Pikes at first as at last. Only the Bishop of Hincopen was loth to part with his Castle of Monkbed, about which he held some debate, but in conclusion was ordered to deliver possession at a day prefixed, and in the mean time to put in security for the performance thereof, and not to disturb the publick peace. The King would not discharge his Army till all was done, and at the time appointed he marched with it to the Castle of Monkbed, where he was sumptuously feasted by the Bishop, who gave so great content to the King, that he discharged the Bishops Sureties, and at his request, allowed him to visit the Churches of Gothland, where, having gotten much Treasure, without taking leave of the King, he took shipping, and sailed to Dantzick, where, after some years,The Bishop of Hincope… flies. he dyed. And thus Sueden gave a leading example to the Eastern Nations of regulating, and restoring the Church-revenues to the right ends for which they were intended.

Gustavus having now reigned five years since his first election,The Clergies pride abated. and having thus far prevailed to pare the nails, and clip the wings of the Lordly Clergy, he thought that now he might hearken to the advice of his States, and give them satisfaction by being Crowned, and thereupon he appointed a day to solemnize his Coronation at Upsal, Gustavus is crowned.which accordingly was performed, after he had served at the helm of Government seven years.

Gustavus his spirit,Reformatiou carried on. which was alwayes daring, grew yet more brave: His aims are yet higher, viz. at a reformation in Doctrine, Worship, and holiness of life; for which end he first placed in all the Cathedrals, men eminent for learning, holiness, and eloquence, to preach the word of God, enjoyning the Bishops out of the Church-revenues, to provide them such Pensions as might encourage them in the work. The King also kept set times every week to hear them in his own person before he sent them forth,The Kings piety. & this he did, as well to satisfie his own conscience, as to encourage others to attend upon publick Ordinances. But now comes the trial, the States had agreed, and the Prelates had in shew submitted as to their Temporalties; but when the Reformation in Doctrine, Worship, and conversation was promoted,Satan rages. the Devil roars, and will not so easily be cast out of the whole Nation of Suedon. So do the Bishops.The Minister that was sent to preach at Scaren, was so entertained by the Bishop, and his party, that he was forced to flye to Upland to save his life; and the Rector of the College undertaking to expound St. Matthews Gospel, was in danger of being stoned by the Schollars, who were encouraged thereto by the Lords, and great men that joyned with the Bishop, in this undertaking. Some also both of the great men, and Commons of West-Gothland hearing hereof, bestirred themselves,And others that affected Popery. not for the Bishops sake (say they) but because our Religion is invaded by this new Germaine Doctrine of Luther; and upon this account they sent Letters to Small and to stir them up to take Arms, who were easily perswaded thereto, and seized upon such as would not joyn with them, and amongst others, upon the Countess of Hoy, the Kings own sister. They wrote also to those in the Dales, and other neighbouring Provinces to send their Deputies to a meeting appointed by them at Larva, so uncertain is the love of the people. Thus the Scene of War is changed, and though Tyranny was in the Van, and Prelacy in the main Battel, yet Popery brought up the Rear; and all tended to bring the Nation into its old condition, rather than to suffer such a change. So unsensible are men of their present happiness.

This storm the King might rationally foresee, by what he found in the case of Prelacy; The Kings courage.yet his courage leads him on even to astonishment, having nothing to back him but a good cause and a good conscience; and truly, though Polititians might condemn him, yet the issue justified him. For the Inhabitants of West-Gothland considering that the generality of the people,The Mutineers disagree. had sworn Allegiance to the King, thereupon demurred upon the business; as also the Kings merits, their enjoyment of their Laws and Liberties, and that, as to the point of Heresie objected against the King, they were no competent Judges; and that, considering the Kings piety, they had no cause to beleeve it, but rather to judge it a scandal raised by his enemies. Hereupon the confederate Lords grew into differences amongst themselves,Some flye. and the Bishop, and one other of them fled into Denmark, whither the Kings Letter pursued them, alleging that it was contrary to their agreement, that either King should harbour the others enemies, so that they were feign to flye from thence into Mecklemburgh; and the other Lords (forgetting what they had done) stood upon their justification, alledging that they were forced to it by the heads that were absent in Forrein parts;Others put themselves upon triall. and that they never promoted, or encouraged the Rebellion either by advice, letters, or instructions, and therefore would stand to their trial at Law.

The King and his Council wondered at their confidence, advising them rather to stand to the Kings mercy, and to crave his pardon: but they refused any mercy but what the Law would allow. At last the King produced their own Letters wherein they had written to the Provinces to take Arms, and so being self-condemned,Are cast, and condemned. two of them suffered death, one was ransomed, and the rest begging pardon, were received to mercy: which excellent temperature in the execution of Justice commended, and confirmed the King in his new-begun Kingdome,The Kings prudence. making the people both to fear, and love him. And thus was this stir (for Warre I cannot call it) about Popish Religion quieted, not with the Kings sweat, and labour, but by God alone, whose cause it was.

The King taking into his consideration that the King of Denmarks carriage in this matter,Another interview of the two Kings. suited not with the former agreement made betwixt them, and being unwilling that the same should be invalidated in the least point (wise men who will preserve friendship, must stop the breach whilst it is small) he prevailed for an other interview, that they might understand each others minde more fully, and hereby the former agreement was explained, enlarged, and confirmed, and so parting in love, they returned with joy.

The King of Sueden after so many storms;The Kings marriage. now hoped for peace, and a settled Government, and having been three years a Crowned King, he purposed to build up his Family by Marriage, which he solemnized with the Lady Katherine, Daughter to the Duke of Saxony, at Stockholme, and now he must abide the issues, and events of the affairs of the Kingdome, to be theirs for better, and worse, and what he was formerly bound to do, meerly for the Nations-sake, he must now do for the sake of his own Family and Relations. And thus having laid the foundation of his own house,His Piety. he proceeds to the further building up of the house of God; for though he had before seized upon the Temporalties of the Prelates, yet their places, so far as they concerned Church Government, he took not away, nor that maintenance which was appointed for the Ministry: The States also settled Pensions upon such as should be Overseers, or Bishops, to have care of the Churches, and to these places (as was said before) the King had sent choise men for gravity, learning, and holiness of life, and now he advanced two brethren,He preferrs godly Bishops. Dr. Laurentius and Dr. Olaus, the one to be Archbishop of Upsal, the other to be Bishop of Stockholme, through whose care and industry, together with other reformed Bishops, the Reformation of Religion much prospered in the Kingdome during their lives,Reformation carried on. which was for the space of about thirty years;The Bible translated. and through their study and diligence it was principally that the Bible was translated into the Suedish Language; and being printed, was dispersed into every Town through the Nation.

But the time of the Kings rest was not yet come: A strange apparition proceeds from the Belgick shore unto the Coast of Norway, Christian the deposed King of Denmark, now long since reputed, as buried in Brabant, had at last by the help of the Empeperour, and some adventurers in Holland, and the adjacent Countries,King Christian invades Norwey. who hoped for large priviledges in Denmark or Norwey (if they could be regained to the King) gathered Souldiers and Ammunition, and duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page with twenty five Ships sailed from Enchusen to the Coast of Norwey; but by the way having lost ten of them, they arrived only with the rest, and before they were aware they were imprisoned by the Ice, all that Winter. Yet was Christian at liberty all that while to work his designs upon that Country of Norwey, the Danes being at that season wholly disinabled to oppose him. As many therefore of the great men of Norwey as pleased,policy. had free correspondence with Christian: Only the Governour of Agger-house Castle dealt subtilly with him, refusing to surrender it to Christian, but upon such terms as might stand with his honour. For (said he) though I acknowledge Christian to be King of these three Northern Kingdomes; yet for the honour of my Family, I desire leave to write to Frederick the now King of Denmark, for present relief (which in common reason he cannot send during Winter) otherwise I will tell him that I must surrender the Castle to King Christian; and by this means your Majesty will be no loser, and my honour shall be saved. Christian was contented herewith, and the Governour dispatched his messenger into Denmark, and notwithstanding the Frost, he had such supply sent him as enabled him to stand upon his own defence. Upon this Christian prepared for a siege, during the continuance whereof, as the besieged were relieved by the Danes, Some Suedes revolt to him.so were the besiegers not onelyonly by the Normans, but by many Runegadoes out of Sueden: such was their old love to Christian, and their hatred to Gustavus; and these flocking to Christian from all parts, soliciting the Dallcarles (who were now disobliged from their King) to revolt with them to their former King, who (as they said) was through afflictions become quite another man, changed into a meek and compassionate nature, and a gracious deportment, and would doubtless imbrace them readily, and give them all the assurance they could desire; they told them also that Forregn Princes would assist him, for that they liked not such presidents of Subjects deposing their King. And above all, they might hereby assure themselves that they should be received into the bosome of the Church, and into the favour of the Pope. These, and such like motives were suggested to the Dallcarles: Others were more wise.But old Birds would not be catched with chaffe; few of them gave any credit to these things, and many derided them, knowing that nature is no changeling, except it be overpowred by supernatural principles: that the manner of Christians coming, shewed little signs of repentance for any other thing, than for that he had parted with the Crown upon such easie tearms: that the differences between Gustavus their King, and them, were but lately begun, and might easily be composed; but those between Christian and them, were beyond a cure. The revolted Suedes seeing this, soon disappear, and the Winter being now almost ended, and Christian finding his party discouraged, and the stream still after six years so strong against him, and being grown weary of living upon the Germain courtesie, he chose rather to cast himself upon a Treaty with his Uncle the King of Denmark, King Christians foolish credulity.than to return into Brabant, and having conditions proffered him by the Danish Admiral of safe conduct whilst he treated with his Uncle, and in case of non-agreement, that he should have liberty to go whither he would, he sails with the Admira into Denmark, never so much as enquiring whether the Admiral had power to grant such conditions or not.

Coming into Denmark, He is made a prisoner.before he was aware, he was made a Prisoner, gaining onelyonly this advantage, that now he was maintained honourably upon the publick charge of the Kingdome, as one that formerly had been their King, whereas if he had been elsewhere, he must have lived upon the curtesie of such as would have pitied him; and yet this is observable, that the Danish Admiral had no thanks for this service, and many thought that it would have been better for Denmark, if the Prisoner had been in a Forreign Country: For though it be true, that deposing of Kings by their subjects is sadly resented by other Princes; yet it is only whilst the sore is green, and the flesh tender, which may occasion some anger from abroad for the present;Note. but if upon some trial, they get nothing, Forreign Princes so love their own interest, and peaceable Government, that by continuance, the wound breeds stupefaction, and they will engage no more.

Now as touching Sueden, who was not a little concerned in this business of Norwey, its worthy our observation, how the breach between the King and the Dallcarles was first made; for though the occasion was small, yet the mischief might have been exceeding great. The matter was briefly thus:

The Kings debts to the Lubeckers for their service in the time of his Was,The King of Sueden meets with new troubles. were not yet fully satisfied, and now payment was required with some eagerness, but how they should be paid, and how the money levied, admitted great matter of debate; some were for a Tax, but that was thought would go hardly down with the people, who were so exhausted by ten years Wars. Others were of opinion that the profit of the Mines might be assigned to the Lubeckers for certain years, but then they knew not how the Government should be maintained without them? At last a project was propounded to give the King the biggest Bell save one out of every steeple within his Dominions, which (as was alledged) would do the work, and no particular man should have any loss,… nor the publick be prejudiced. But this was a great mistake as things then stood: for the Merchants had engrossed much Copper, and if this proceeded, they were undone, they could get no Market. It was said, this was no good reason, being of too private a nature, to be ballanced with the publick good. Then the quarrel was about the condition of these Bells: It was said, they were anointed, and consecrated to an holy use, and ought not to be imployed for prophane uses; but this also was judged invalid, the opinion being grounded upon superstitious principles: But be it granted that the anointing, and consecrating them was superstitious, yet if any property be at all in such devoted things, that property remaineth till it be legally destroyed, and until then, the seizing of such things, and converting them to other uses, will in the vulgar opinion fall under the notion of Sacriledge, which hath been alwayes abominable even amongst the Heathen, though …t were done in the wilde Wars: Or if it comes not under that notion, then it must be in the nature of a gift to the people of the Parish, either for their pleasure, or for the more convenient assembling them to publick duties; in both which cases the unlawful seizing upon them is looked upon as a common plunder, and invasion of the goods of the whole body of the people at once, which is a sad presage that no mans particular estate is his own any longer under such a Government. And it seems the people of Sueden had such an apprehension of this president; for after it was resolved upon, and began to be put in execution, an insurrection was made, and the people stood up in defence of their Bells,Tumults about Bells. so that some could not be removed, others that were taken down, and carrying away, were pursued and rescued, and the officers that were imployed, were well beaten for their pains.

This being reported to the King, he called a Convention of the States, which would have been more seasonable before the business of the Bells had made such a jangling. This Convention of States met at Upsall: But the Dallcarles, who were most eager for their Bells, summon another Convention of the people at Arbogg, so that here was one Parliament against another. The people (saith the Historian) are commonly of that temper, that they will either serve humbly, or govern proudly. True liberty (which is the golden mean) they neither know how to want, nor how to use, especially such as the Suedes now were, trained up in Warre; who therefore chose rather to lose their peace than their Bells.

But the Parliament at Arbogg thrives not: few hearkened to their summons: yet did they set a good face upon the matter, and sending Messengers to the King,Subjects treat with their King. they protest their fidelity, yet desired his answer to two requests: One, that the King would not send more forces into the Country of the Dallcarles than they should deem convenient for them to quarter: The other, not to set any Governour over them, but such an one as was of their own Country, and neighbourhood. The Kings spirit was too great to like of conditions from his Subjects, yet his wisdome prevailed to take into consideration the condition of his affairs. He considered that Christian was now in Norwey: The Kings policy.That Winter was newly begun: That the Norwegians were inclined to assist Christian: And that if the Dallcarles should be further provoked, the issue, might be doubtfull. He therefore dissembled his displeasure, and sent them a Governour according to their desire: But at the end of three years, he raised an Army,He punishes the Rebels. and seized upon the chief Authors of this rebellion, and put them to death: and further, to bring down the pride of the Dallcarles, he seized upon their liberties, and so levelled them with the rest of the people.

This was the first malignant design against the Government of Gustavus, in favour of the cause of the deposed King, which, like a Granado firing in the air, spent it self before it fell: but it proved not the last. For soon after the King of Denmark died, leaving Christian a prisoner to the Lords of Denmark, who differing in their opinions as to the election of a King,The King of Denmark dies. spent two years in an Interregnum: during which time, some sought to promote the Son of the deceased King, which was but a child, and therefore more capable of counsell, and herein the Bishops joyned. Others acted for the Duke of Holst: An Interregnum there.and some were for restoring Christian, then a prisoner, to the Crown again. This was one summons to the King of Sueden to look about him, and kept him off from punishing the Dallcarles for the matter about the Bells. But there was another thing that was no less dangerous, though the effect was not like to be so sudden, and that was this

About this time there was a change of Government in Lubeck from the Popish to the Lutheran way,Reformation of Religion in Lubeck. which although in it self it suited well enough with the King of Suedens mind, yet in such alterations there is commonly one man more active than the rest, who in such alterations of Religion becomes an instrument of altering the Government. And such an one the Lubeckers had fitted for the purpose: His name was Woolweaver, Woolweaver, a turbulent person.a man whose education was answerable to his name: Him they made Consul of the City, and he being gotten up, was blown higher by affecting popularity, and undertaking to be a Protector to the poor, who were now much encreased in the City, the principal cause whereof, he alledged to be the King of Suedens abridging them in their priviledges, contrary to his agreement made with them, when they assisted him in his Wars; as also that he had countenanced trade from, and with the Hollanders, and other Nations; for a remedy, whereof Woolweaver counselled them to endeavour to draw the Danes to joyn with the Lubeckers against all trading with Sueden from without the Baltick Sea.

But the Danes told them that they thought it not meet to conclude in things of that nature till they were better settled in their Government,The Danes refuse to joyn with Woolweaver. and were ageeed about the party that should be their King: And finding it more necessary to keep good correspondence with Sueden (because of the endeavours of a party amongst themselves to advance Christian to the Throne again) they acquainted the King of Sueden with the designs of the Lubeckers. Woolweaver stormed at this, and without blushing, faces about, and propounds to the King of Sueden to joyn with him against the Hollanders: But Gustavus his counsel was rather to manage well the matter concerning Denmark, So doth Gustavus.than to enter into new engagements. For (saith he) the Danish affairs are as a Sea of many currents, wherein if you steer not an even course, and keep not constant watch, you may be in danger of Shipwrack; and therefore as imbarked in one, and the same Ship with Denmark, let us bend our whole counsel in the speedy settlement of the Government thereof, so as may best conduce to the concurrent interest of both Nations.

Woolweaver finding himself thus disappointed in both these places,Woolweavers pride. grew angry, and like one lifted up from below, lifted up his thoughts higher than his wits served him, and in his carere vaunteth, that as he had advanced Gustavus to the Throne, so he would pull him down again, and thereupon entertained correspondency with the Runnegadoes of Sueden: The King and Woolweaver fall out.which Gustavus being quickly sensible of, he seized upon the persons, goods, and priviledges of the Lubeckers in Sweden. The Lubeckers also dealt in the like manner with the Suedes in Lubeck.

Wool-weaver in the mean time aiming at no less than the Crown of Sueden, held private intelligence in Sueden, The Earl of Hoyes treachery.and stirred them up to civil broils that might busie the King at home, and first he prevailed with the Earle of Hoy, who had married the Kings sister, and being a person of great interest, he prevailed with the people, especially with those of Smalland, to disaffect them towards the King; which done, the Earl withdraws himself, his wife, and children to Lubeck, under pret…nce for his health sake: but being there arrived he was made Commander in chief of all the disaffected Suedes who repaired unto him.Pride goes before a fall. Its the usual fate of great men seldome to be contented with their present state; they think that either their own merits are not rewarded enough, or their inferiours too much, and so through discontent, striving to be higher, they fall lower.

The Earle of Hoy thought it not enough to be the Kings brother by marriage, and Lord Lieutenant under Gustavus in Sueden, but he must become General of a party of discontents under Woolweaver against his King, his brother, his kindred, and Country; and what he gained thereby, will afterwards appear.

In the mean time many retire to him out of Sueden, principally by reason of the disturbances in Smalland, which himself had kindled before his departure thence, and which afterwards were fomented by a company of lawless persons who had combined themselves against the Kings Justices there, and carried themselves with so high an hand, that it came to blood, even to the slaughter of the Kings Lieutenant in that Country; and when the King had suppressed them by force of Arms, yet they maintained a kinde of theevish War till they could retire themselves to the Earle of Hoy, whose party being thus increased, waited all advantages, which occasioned the King of Sueden to stand rather upon his watch, than upon his defence; for they did him no harm, God having provided other means to clip their wings without the labour of the King of Sueden.Divisions in Denmark.

For Woolweaver according to his design, being strengthened by these aides, soon imployed it about his principal work, which was to settle his Neighbours, the Danes, in a fitting posture for his purpose. For the present condition of Denmark was this: The Nobles were divided (as was said before) about the election of a King, divers were for John, the son of the former King, though a childe, and that principally upon the account of Religion, which his Father had changed into the Lutheran way, and they hoped the sonne would the rather uphold it. This the Bishops smelt out, and sought the advancement of the Popish Religion, and therefore would have the Government managed by Administratorship; and in their own names they published Injunctions, wherein they required all the Lutheran Preachers to depart out of the Country by a day prefixed. This being like to fall heavy upon the Cities of Hafnia, and Malmogia, who yet were loath to make a breach, they prevailed to have the Government by Administratorship advanced, and withall invited Christian Duke of Holst to be Administrator for John, the former Kings son, but he disclaimed it. Then they had recourse to, and prevailed with the Duke of Aldenburgh (who professed the Doctrine of Luther) to accept thereof, who thereupon came to Hafnia with a party; and when he was there, perceiving many whisperings about the restoring of their deposed King, the Duke to gain the greater party, declared his willingness for the resettlement of him, whereby he won much upon the common people. For Christian drove on the same trade in Denmark as he had formerly done in Sueden, flattering the people into a party against the Lords, which (as an Historian saith) is the ready way to Tyranny. Woolweaver, though he was more passionate, than wise, takes this opportunity, and sides with the Duke of Aldenburgh, and prevails with him to engage against the Duke of Holst, who had divers of the Lords of Denmark that joyned with him to make him King; but in this the Duke of Aldenburghs expectation was frustrated; for he lost the day, and was beaten out of the Field by the Duke of Holst.

And now was the Duke of Holst brought upon the stage to act his part for the Crown of Denmark, thereby to procure his own rest and safety; and observing that the King of Sueden was left out of the play, he invites him to bear a part in the Game for Woolweavers sake. The King of Sueden well knowing his own interest, made little difficulty of the matter; and though Woolweaver endeavoured to stop that muse by a fair message, yet the King would not so be perswaded, but told the messengers of their Masters entertainment of the Suedish Runnegadoes, and so dismissed them; and being informed that the people in Denmark sided with the Duke of Aldenburgh, for their deposed King,Gustavus joyns with the Lords of Denmark. he thought it not fit to dally any longer, but forthwith falls with an Army into the Danish Territories, and possessed himselves of divers places for the use of the Duke of Holst. The Danish Lords also seeing which way the current ran, and themselves deserted by the people, joyned with the Duke of Holst, and engaged him for the Crown in good earnest.

In the mean time the Duke of Aldenburgh, The Duke of Aldenburgh beaten.seeing what interest he had with the common people, thought all safe, and therefore took his ease, and enjoyed his pleasure. But the Duke of Holst did not so; he sent the Danish Lords into Jutland with an Army, who soon settled that Country, and from thence marched into Fionia, where in one Battel all the Duke of Aldenburghs hopes were dashed, and the Earle of Hoy was sacrificed to the King of Suedens pleasure; the Archbishop of Upsal also, and divers other disaffected Suedes were slain in the Battel.

The news hereof coming to Lubeck, Woolweavers treachery against Gustavus.made Woolweaver once more tack about, and hearing that Suanto, the son of Steno Stur, sometimes Governour of Sueden, was in the Duke of Saxonies Court, he suborned a messenger to him as from his Mother, to meet her at Malla, where (it was said) she waited with convenience for him: Hereupon he repaired to Malla, where instead of meeting with his Mother, he was met with by a Troop of Horse from Lubeck, who offered him in the name of the City, great honours if he will be advised by them, and so by surprisal, they conveyed him to Lubeck, where he was saluted by Woolweaver the Consul, with great expressions of joy, who minded him of the unsetled state of the Northern Kingdomes, and of the private disaffection of the Suedes to their King. Adding that now there was a fair opportunity offered to him to recover the Government of Sueden, which place was so famously managed by his Ancestors. That Lubeck had an Army in readiness,Suanto's fidelity. wanting onelyonly his consent to be their Leader. That it was expected that he should now shew himself worthy of such Progenitors: But Suanto had sworn Allegiance to Gustavus, and meant to observe it, and therefore refused the proffers, and demanded liberty to depart, or else that Woolweaver would shew cause why he was detained Prisoner. Woolweaver seeing no good was to be done, told him that he was no prisoner, and that it was free for him to go when, and whither he pleased, only earnestly desiring that where ever he went, he would retain a favourable opinion of the City.

The King of Sueden being informed of these passages, was thereby sharpened in the pursuit of the Duke of Holsts interest upon the main land of Schonen, and in a short time brought all the Country to submit to him, onelyonly the City of Malmogia, and some other neighbouring Castles held out for the Duke of Aldenburgh, from whom they expected relief; and accordingly the Duke, with the Duke of Oldenburgh, and the Duke of Mecklenburgh, joyning all their strength together, resolve to adventure all upon the issue of one Battel with the King of Sueden, Aldenburgh beaten.wherein their Army was utterly and irrecoverably overthrown; so that within a few dayes all the Country was wholly for the Duke of Holst, which but a week before was quite of another temper.

Haffnia had now been besieged above half a year by the Duke of Holst, which City was only left as the gleaning of the War, and wherein the last strength of the Dukes of Aldenburgh, Oldenburgh, Mecklenburgh, and of the City of Lub…ck was now contracted. All this while Christian the deposed King had time enough to try the curtesie of the house of Burgundy; but none of that house would stir in his behalf, and which was more unhappy for the besieged, the affairs of Lubeck were faced about to the Reer. For the Hans-Towns in their general meeting, perceiving that the affairs of Lubeck had for these five years last past been wholly swayed by Woolweaver, under a pretence of Religion, and that the City by that means was brought into such difficulties that they knew not how to come off, either with credit or safety; they therupon concluded (according to the counsel sent by the Emperor to the City) that the former Government should be restored at Lubeck, not at all medling with the matter of Religion; and because they would salve the credit of Woolweaver, they commended him to the Government of Bergeridoffe. Woolweaver was not therewith contented, and therefore at his departure out of the City, vowed revenge; and the Senate at Lubeck, being now changed, considering the restless spirit of Woolweaver, were as little satisfied as he, and therefore sent messengers after him,Woolweaver is hanged and quartered. who finding him upon his journey, in the Territories of a Prince, who owed him no good will, they procured him to be imprisoned, and afterwards charging him with Treason against the State of Lubeck, he was put to death, and quartered. And now Lubeck was setled upon its old basis, and flourished again, leaving this lesson to such as would be States-men, That miscarriages in Government, are not reformed by altering, but by establishing the Government.

Haffnia now after a years siege, being tired out with the miseries of War,Haffnia surrendred. was surrendred upon tearms, not altogether so honourable for the Duke of Holst, as might have been expected: whereupon the King of Sueden told the Duke, that being privy to his own engagements in the Dukes behalf, he little expected that such an agreement should ever have been made by the Duke without his knowledge, and in one thing, not without his consent. For (said he) why should I be excluded out of this agreement, and you thereby to engage your self not to aid me in case I should not agree with the Lubeckers upon just tearms. The Duke pleaded that he was necessitated to it to gain the present surrender of the City; as also that the importunity of the Lords, and his neighbour Princes drew him thereto: nevetheless he assured the King, that if he would send Ambassadours, he should finde that he should not receive any damage thereby. And accordingly the King did send Ambassadours; but the Lubeckers could never prevail to have a resettlement of their priviledges in Sueden as they desired:The King makes a truce with Lubeck. so that in conclusion, there was onelyonly a bare truce concluded betwixt them, and the King of Sueden for five years.

Thus are the three Northern Kingdomes brought once more into a settlement, and turbulent Lubeck was calmed, and the Captive King in a manner twice captivated, and now if not quite hopeless, yet less hopeful than ever formerly. England indeed was allied, and had done what it thought meet, and possibly more than was meet. For Ambassadours were sent from hence to draw the Lords to a Treaty; but they liked not to adventure their necks upon purposes and promises. The Emperour did less, either judging Christians person despicable by reason of his unworthy carriage to his Queen, and Lords; or the Lords were more wise and wary than to adventure upon a second trial of their late Kings curtesie, unless they were compelled thereto by force: To do which, the Emperour had neither time, nor money to spare, though the opportunity lay as fair to do his brother a good turn as he could desire, if he had intended it. And lastly, though the common people did what they could, yet they effected nothing.Note. Its many times seen, that Providence doth advance some particular persons of the meanest rank to be instrumental in the publick Government, but never puts the Government into the power of such, which would be the speedy way to confusion, as appeared in those very times by the Earthquakes in Government, raised by the Anabaptists in Germany, wherein though the issue was abortive, yet it came to that growth as made the greater Powers to tremble.

And now the time of Suedens rest was come,The King of Suedens Prudence. where both King and people might have leisure to injoy their several lots. The King had hitherto acted the Souldiers part very well, and now he must try his skill in a peaceable Government, wherein I shall onelyonly set down the brief Contents of many Laws, and Acts of State, which shew rather the disposition of the Government, than the several actions thereof. The King now at leisure, taking into consideration that the fewel which maintained the Civil War was now spent, and that the people who had been trained up to the toyl of War, were fitter for labour than leisure; and considering also that a time must come when a Commonwealth, reduced by War, must be governed and maintained by peace; he now applied himself to acquaint his people with matters of profit, drawing them to Mining, Husbandry, Fishing, and Merchandize, all which were much advanced by the Kings own ingenuous contrivances; and by encouraging the laborious, banishing idleness, punishing vagabonds, and wanderers, he found a way to make the Sea to serve the Land, the Land to serve Men, Men to serve their Nation, the Nation to observe their King, and both Nation and King to serve God; and thereby he laid a far better building of Sueden than Augustus did of Rome, of whom it was said, That he found it of earth, and left it of stone.

The people likewise soon found the sweetness of this Government, and were not far behinde in requital of the Kings favour to them. They had now lived twenty years under his Government, and in a good measure found the benefit of peace, though bought with their sweat and blood in a long War; but how sad would it be, if the last breath of the King should put an end to their happiness?The Crown of Sueden is made successive, and why. The Council therefore at their meeting, taking this into consideration that the Government of Sueden by Election was alwayes uncertain, and seldome effected without deceit, and discord, and oft-times at the price of the peoples blood; that it is of short continuance, depending upon the life of one man, and prejudicial to the publick good. For that in such cases, Kings will deplume their subjects to feather their own nests, to keep their young ones warm, when themselves are gone; and that it were far better for the people to be sucked by one Leech, which in time might be satisfied, than by the change of many, who will but increase the pain, and suck without satiety. That the advancement of one Family to the Throne would be a cure to all this, and a preparative to a wining aspect from it upon the people, and of a due respect from them to it, and so of a kind of conjugal affection between both against the Marriage day. That it is a means to suppress the turbulent aimes of ambitious men, who croud into the Throne, though of all others they be most unworthy. Besides, that it secureth the present Government in the peaceable possession of him that enjoyes it. And that upon these, and such like grounds, Augustus, and other Roman Emperours, who wanting issue, used in their life times to adopt, and declare their successours in the Government, and trained them up for that service; nor did they finde it dangerous either for themselves, or their successours so to do. That the people at the siege of Stockholme offered to settle the Government upon the King, and his children, when at that time he neither had any, nor was married: But now that he is married, and hath children, and hath given such large experience of his love, industry, and faithfulness in adventuring all that he had, even to his own life to vindicate the honour of his Country: What acknowledgement can be sufficient for so great a merit, less than the settlement of the Crown of Sueden upon him, and his posterity for ever?

This was the result of their debates, and thus it was resolved unanimously at the Council held at Orebrogia, that it should be propounded by them to the Convention of States that it might be confirmed for future ages. All which by an Instrument under their hands they professed to be done by them freely, and of their own accord without any constraint. Indeed the Kings Enemies scoffed hereat, as if he had suffered a Crown to be forced upon his Family against his will. Others pretended Religion against it, as if God liked not that men should contrive perpetuities; which is true, yet doth he like that men should be provident in establishing Justice, Truth, and Peace in a Nation; for which end himself did settle the Crown upon the Family of David, and hath blessed the same Rule in the Government of most Kingdomes with prosperous success, though not alwayes precisely fixing upon the same person that men design thereto. But whatsoever was said, its clear that the Kings desire was not very eager upon it, for that he summoned not a Convention of States of four years after; and then at Westerass the point was debated anew, the result whereof was this Act; That after the death of Gustavus Ericson, The Crown is entailed upon Gustavus his Family.his Son shall succeed in the Government, and his eldest Son, and the Heirs male of his body; and for want of such, his second Brother, and his Heirs male of his body; and for want of such, John, the second Son of Gustavus, and his Heirs male of his body shall succeed, and so the rest of the Sons of Gustavus, and their Heirs male of their bodies: and in case of want of Heirs males of the Sons of Gustavus, the eldest of the blood, and Family of Gustavus shall succeed, and his issue male; and for want of such, then shall such person succeed as the Council of the Kingdome of Sueden shall elect, provided he be no Forreigner, and that he shall provide Portions for the issue female of Gustavus. The Council of States did herein as wise men, that steer their course by Rule, and yet still leave to God his supream controle, who also in this case overruled their rule as to the succession of the posterity in Ericus his line, which was afterwards laid aside by the people (Ericus being found false to the Principles of Governme…t established by his Father, and the Convention of States) and yet God owned Gustavus his Family so far as to build him a sure house (who had built Gods house) by raising from thence many brave men both for War and Peace, and made it the brightest Constellation of all the Northern Hemisphere, Gods blessing upon his Family.to have an influence, not onelyonly within the Kingdome of Sueden, but into the general affairs of Europe.

But as Gustavus his House grows in their hopes, so Christian, the deposed King loseth in his. The Emperour being intent upon his Wars with France, found it necessary to quiet his affairs in Germany, and therefore amongst other things at the Convention at Spires, the difference between him, and Christian the third, King of Denmark came under debate, and was settled; and Christian the second, the Emperours brother in law, was after fourteen years of imprisonment, left still to be a Prisoner, who seeing himself now quite neglected by his chief friends, bethought himself how he might make his Captivity (seeing it must be his condition) as easie as he could;Christian resigns his Crown. and for that end he actually surrendred all his right, and the right of all his posterity in the Crown of Denmark, and the Dukedomes of Holst, and Sleswick, in as ample manner as could be devised, and thereby indeed he obtained, though not a release from, yet more liberty in his prison.

The Title of Sueden was not at all mentioned, neither did the Suedes require any resignation, nor would acknowledge any Title. Yet the Emperour was willing enough to countenance any quarrel that was picked against the King of Sueden, as appeared in the business of the Elector Palatine, and the Duke of Lorain touching their Nieces Dowry (which, as they pretended, the Kingdome of Sueden ought to take care of) but the matter went no further than words. The claim was published in Print, and so was the King of Suedens answer also, who denied the matter of fact, and alledged that if any thing had been formerly due, it was made null by that inhumane Tyranny, whereby Christian forfeited all his rights in Sueden, for himself and posterity: declaring also that now the publick Revenues of the Crown of Sueden, were otherwise setled, and could not be altered.

A while after,Gustavus his Poste…ity. the King of Suedens second wife dyed, leaving three sons, and four daughters. Her eldest son [John] was afterwards King of Sueden, when his eldest brother Ericus was deposed by the people for his misgovernment. Her second son [Magnus] was Duke of East-Gothland. Her third son [Charles] was Duke of Sudermania, who afterwards was King upon the deposing of his Nephew Sigismund, first King of Poland, and after Crowned also King of Sueden, but after a while was ejected by the people, because he would not maintan the Liberties of Sueden, but sought to advance the Polish interest. After the death of this Charles, his son Gustavus Adolphus succeeded in the Kingdome (whose Life I have also written) and after him, his Daughter Christina, who resigning the Government, Charles Gustavus, son of Katherine, daughter to Charles, and half sister to Gustavus Adolphus, married to one of the house of Casimire, succeeded, who lately dying, left an Infant in the Throne, since when, Christina would willingly have reassumed the Government, but was rejected by the States, the rather because she was turned Papist, who reserve the Kingdome for the son of Charles. A brave posterity doubtless; yet the King, though now stricken in years, could not live unmarried, but took a third wife, Katherine, daughter to Gustavus, Governour of West-Gothland.

The Wisdome,Gustavus grows famous. Courage, and prosperous success of Gustavus, being now famous amongst other Nations, occasioned sundry applications to be made to him for assistance; but he was ever wary of moving out of his own sphere.

Its an excellent point of skill in a Commander to know when his strength hath attained its just bounds of Conquest, Note.and there, stopping his desires of gaining more, to fix upon the good Government of what he hath already gotten. It was one of the last counsels given by Augustus to Tyberius, that he should not endeavour to enlarge the bounds of the Empire, lest he should meet with more difficulty in keeping, and less in losing what was gained. For the larger the borders are, the more opportunity is given for invasion from abroad, and for rebellion at home. The wisdome, and moderation therefore of Gustavus is to be commended; for though he wanted not men of War, nor hope of success in further undertakings, yet having adventured for the delivery of his Country from Tyranny, and accomplished it, he desired no further happiness upon earth, than to maintain what he had gotten, yet was he once over-reached by the Livonians, who proffered to commit themselves to his protection, which he refused; yet when they were much endangered by the Muscovites, he sent aid unto them, who engaging too far, and the Livonians hanging behinde, the whole burden was left upon the Suedes, who finding the Muscovite too heavy for them, and the Livonians heartless, or faithless, withdrew their assistance betimes, and made their own peace.

Its a usual policy amongst Princes to be slow in advancing their eldest Sons (who are to succeed them) into places of Government,Policy of Princes. and not without cause; for in such cases, especially in times, and places of darkness, their designed successours, if well gifted by nature, or education, may prove heads of parties, and factions, and thereby put the present Governours to much trouble; the one being looked upon as the rising, the other but as the setting Sun. Yet it seems more prejudicial to the people to have a raw, and unexperienced Governour set over them, who knows not how to govern himself. And therefore if Ericus had been more experienced in Government, he might have proved, either more advised by the overruling direction of his Father, or else he would have discovered himself so far, as that he would never have been trusted, and so many troubles might have been prevented, which ensued afterwards.

But it is vain to call back things which are already past,The King of Denmark dies. the time draws on a pace which must determine the work of this great King: He had now governed the Kingdome of Sueden long, and had seen many changes in other Nations as well as his own, and yet must outlive one more in Denmark before he leaves the world. For about this time died Christian the third, King of Denmark, by whose decease the Kingdome was put to the hazard of an other Election, which concerned Sueden not a little; for Christian, the captive King was yet alive, and had another fair opportunity to try the curtesie of the Lords of Denmark: But they being unanimous for the choice of Frederick, Another chosen.the Son of the Duke of Holst, him they Crowned, and Christian was still set aside. Unhappy man, that having lived a prisoner seven and twenty years in his own Nation, could not in all that time, by his carriage gain a better opinion amongst the Nobility of Denmark, but that still he remained under the note of an impenitent, and obstinate Tyrant.

It is the opinion of wise men that the breach between a King, and his people, is like the Divorce between a man, and his wife, never to be made up again; and yet the difficulty lyes not in any determinate judgement, or rule upon the Case, as that of Divorce doth (and therefore comes not within the compass of impossibility) but in the distemper of the parties, by ambition on the one side, and jealousie on the other, both hard to be cured: yet the first leading the way to the second, if that be first allayed, the second may be cured. And this Christian might have observed in the example of Carolus Canutus, his corival in the Suedish Throne, who having been Crowned King, and fought successfully against the Danes and Norwegians, ruled somewhat too imperiously, for which he was ejected out of his Throne; and yet afterwards, being re-admitted, he ruled in that manner, that he dyed satisfied with honour, and the love of his people. But Christian was of another temper, he would fain come again into the Government, but not under restraint, nor with submission, nor by leave, nor with the love of his Nation; but still depending upon a forreign interest, and the power of the Emperour, he was looked upon as an enemy, and his return, as that of the unclean spirit, that would render the latter condition of the Nation sevenfold worse than the former. For he that is a King indeed, though wrongfully rejected, will still bear the minde of a King to desire the peoples good, and will endeavour to deserve their love: But he that depends upon the forreign interest of such as are professed enemies to a peoples Religion and Liberties, disowneth interest in his people, and therefore cannot rationally expect any re-acceptance (if that Nations Religion be right) either by the leave of God, or liking of the people.

Now whether Christian took conceit at this Election,Christian the Tyrant dies. seeing no hope of ever gaining a better condition than for the present he was in, Writers mention not, but he dyed presently after, even within one monethmonth of the death of Christian the third, and in the Seventy eight year of his age. And Gustavus outlived him, and all these changes well-nigh two years, seeing his people in a settled condition for Justice, Religion and Peace amongst themselves, and with all their Neighbours, thriving in Trade, industrious in Husbandry: Skilfull in improving the benefit of their Mines: Potent both at Sea, and Land: and himself blessed with repute, and honour, both from his own people, and strangers: Successfull in all his affairs; and leaving a numerous posterity behind him. And having lived seventy years, and thereof raigned thirty eight years, he gave in charge to his children to endeavour the peace, and to maintain the liberties of their Country: but especially to preserve the purity of Religion without the mixture of humane inventions; and to live as brethren in unity among themselves.Gustavus dieth All which also he left as a memorial, …ealed up in his last Will, and so he resigned up his spirit to God, Anno Christi 1562.

So lived Gustavus, His Characteror Augustus, for the name is the same, which perhaps, minding him of imitation, made him exceed his patern. His aims out reached the Roman Empire, and were higher than the world: His difficulties, and dangers greater: His enemies more desperate by conjuncture of the Devils: His labour and industry not unlike: His success beyond all, even to wonderment. If he came short of Austustus in his time of Government (wherein the difference was not much) yet he exceeded him in the manner: It being with such an excellent temper of Monarchy with popularity: He preserved the peoples liberty, with the honour of a King, and common security, without pride of Tyranny. The people living as well under the King without servitude, as in a popular estate without sedition, and yet he attempered all, with just liberty of conscience, and the true worship and service of God, which he owned as the chief Diamond in his Crown, and conveyed all to his successours by a better, and more enduring settlement than Augustus did, or could attain unto: His worst enemies never publickly taxed him with any crime but covetousness: And Thuanus (a Writer of credit in those times) gives no countenance thereto: Nor did the Patrimony left by him to his children, hold forth any such thing; and therefore if any such thing were, it was for the service of the state of Sueden, wherein, if he spared not others, its confessed by all, that he spared not his own estate. His infirmities were common to other men, and must be acknowledged vitia naturae, non animi, as infirmities of nature, not of purpose of minde. If his fame rather mounted upwards, than spread abroad, we may thank the subtilty of those times, who liked not that the splendor of his Religion should dazel their own, and we may pity the distempers of those dawnings that knew not how to value that Morning Star till it was set. It was Augustus his lot, after a long and honourable Reign, to dye, and yet Tum quidem pauci luxerant, postea temporis omnes: Few mourned at his death, but a while after, all. For Tyberius succeeded him, who was as wicked, as Augustus was good: And whatever the people thought of Gustavus whilst he lived, a while after when Ericus came to Reign, they knew what it was to want their Gustavus: Of whom it may truly be said, that he dyed a King, a a Patriot, a Knight, a Christian, true, and unconquered, and yet lives a monument of the truth of that Golden Sentence, uttered by the God of Truth, Him that honours me, will I honour.

Deo Tri-uni Gloria.

A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines, Biography 11

p. 333The Life of Gustavus Ericson King of Sueden, who dyed Anno Christi 1562.

The Life of Gustavus Ericson King of Sueden, who dyed Anno Christi 1562.