POpe Sixtus the 4^th who before his Election to the Papacy, was of the Order of St. Francis, having in favour of that Order confirmed the Opinion of their famous Scotus, That the Virgin Mary was conceived without Original Sin, and published great Pardons and Indulgences to all that should devoutly observe the Feast of the Immaculate Con­ception, Decemb. 8th. had so raised the Courage, and pufft up the pride of these Monks, that they let fly at the Dominican Fryers in their Writings and Preachings, and in their common Discourses trampled them in the Mire, upbraiding them, that though they boasted themselves to be the Senior Fraternity of the Holy Rosary, yet they ware in their Garland a stinking weed, meaning, their avowed Doctrine, That the Virgin was conceived in Original Sin; and so im­periously did they behave themselves, that the poor despised Dominicans, were forced to call and hold many Assemblies to consult how they might best obviate their encroachments, shelter themselves from the affronts offered to them, and wipe off those Aspersions which had been thrown upon them, and their Doctrine; And the rather, because some of their Order had been accused for poysoning the Emperour Henry the 7th at Pisa.

He that was most netled amongst the Dominicans, and therefore thought himself more espe­cially concerned to Apologize on their behalf, was Dr. Wigandus, Divinity Reader of their Order at Frankfort; A Person very learned (as learning went in those dayes) but withall of a haughty spirit, and insupportably proud; this Doctor therefore writes a Treatise, wherein he Attacks the Franciscan Principles, and dips his Pen so deep in Gall and Vinegar, that he for­bare not any that came in his way, but lets fly against them with biting invectives: He was forthwith cited to Rome, to answer his rude treating of an Order so Sacred in its self, and so dear to his Holiness. The Doctor, that he might extricate himself with Honour from that Laby­rinth, into which his precipitancy had brought him, and for the more plausible justification of what he had written, prevails with Dr. Peter Siber, Provincial of their Order at Ʋlm, to call a Chapter at Wimpten, which in the year 1506. was there held, where appeared a considerable number of those fathers, who agreed unanimously, to take Wigandus into their protection, and in pursuance of their Agreement, printed an Apology in favour of his Treatise; a Copy of which, each of the Fathers at his return took along with him to gratifie and satisfie their pri­vate friends; the rest of the Impression being sold up and down Germany, and past amongst them for a precious piece, being the Result of the Wit and Learning of that Assembly.

During this Chapter, one Dr. Warner, Prior of Basil, invited to a Collation in his Chamber the most eminent Fathers of their Order, in that Assembly: There was Peter Palmer Prior of Wimpten; Ʋlrich Koli Prior of Ʋlm; Wigandus Wert Prior of Stutgard; with the Prior and Divinity Reader of Berne, with many others; to whom he sadly complained, how by the Po­licies and Artifices of the Cordeliers, their Order was declined in its Reputation, their Doctrine scandalized, to the apparent prejudice of their Honour, and that therefore it was incumbent upon them to repair their own Credits, and give some check to the proceedings of their Adversaries.

In the Issue of this debate, they could find no better expedient to answer these ends, than a neat Contrivance of some Apparitions, and thereupon some Revelations, which being well se­conded by specious Miracles, might advance their Doctrine all over Christendome, and there­by abate the imperiousness of the Franciscans, which without such timely Rebuke would grow intolerable: This Proposal was well relisht by all the grave Fathers; but when they came to Advise upon a convenient place where they might put the Project in execution, with Secresie and Security, it was Resolved upon, that the City of Berne was the most Agreeable, because the People were very simple, and so more capable to receive those Impressions, and besides [Page 2]great Bigotts, and would therefore, if occasion served, maintain and justifie them with their Swords in their hands, being no less stout and valiant, than superstitious. And a while after the Rising of this Chapter, these Fathers now in Cabal, for the more effectual execution of the said Resolution, privately met together at Basil, where they rigg'd out the Vessel in which they embarqued and ventured, and afterwards wreckt their Honours and Lives.

This very year there offer'd it self to these Confederate Fathers, a smiling opportunity for the accomplishing their design, by the Arrival of one John Jetzer at Berne: A poor young man he was, the Son of a mean Peasant of the same Name, born at Zurzach, who having served a year with Mr. Erhard, a Tailour of Lucerne, and returning to his native Town, in order to his travelling to Constance; one of his Kinsmen there press'd him hard to go to Berne, wherein he was seconded by Mr. Nicholas Herte [...]stein, a Taylor of the same City, who invited him to come and work with him, upon his Trade, which without much diffi­culty he was perswaded to doe: But having had from his youth a violent (though groundless) inclination to Admit himself in some Religious House, he entreated the Fathers of the Domi­nican Order at Berne to Receive him into their Covent. At his first Instance he was Rejected, but when he gave them privately to understand that he intended not to come empty handed, the Prior sent to him one John a Novice in that Priory, and easily admitted him; where at his first Reception, he wrought upon his Trade, sawed and cleft out Wood, carryed Stones, and did other odd Chairs, from the Feast of St. Bartholomew, to the Festival of the Three Kings, which makes up about twenty weeks: And then at the earnest sult of this Jetzer he was honour'd with the Habit of the Order, having first made his way by presenting the Prior with fifty Florens of Gold, nine Ells of Damask, a Sword richly hatch'd with Silver, a piece of Crimson Velvet, and an embroydered Surplice; which things he pickt up (honestly or otherwise I know not) by working upon his Trade, whence he might have learnt, that the Silver Key will open the strongest Gates of the strictest Monastery.

Jetzer is now become a Religious person, and at his first entrance is lodged in the Strangers Chamber, where both before and after his Reception into the Order, he was strangely terrified with hideous noyses, and sometimes with dreadfull Apparitions of Ghosts and Hobgoblins, so that once he was drawn out of, and thrust under his bed.

But his greatest vexation was from the Appearance of a Spirit in the shape of a Prior, who was unmercifully persecuted by other Spirits in the shape of Monks; His face was as black as Soot, his hands of the same Complexion, his voice hoarse and broken, and complain'd most miserably of the torture which for his Sins he was forced to endure. He drove before him two or three black Dogs, which as he said were Devils, but that he did not much regard their furious barking, because he had fortified himself against them with the omnipotent Sign of the Cross: This persecution meeting with a fresh-water Souldier, had so harrass'd him, that he had soon quitted both the Cloyster and the Order, if he had not been over-perswaded by the Reasonings of the afore-mention'd John, who was both his Name-sake, and fellow-crafts­man, and a Novice, though a crafty Knave in the same Covent.

Not long after he was seized with a Pestilential Feaver, and after his Recovery, would gladly have admitted himself amongst the Carthusian Monks of Thorberg, but that was not al­lowed, because he had already profest himself of the Order of St. Dominick: And the holy Fathers by this time had cut out other work for our poor Taylor, who must go through-stitch with it e're he departed.

One thing is observable, that all the time he lodg'd in the Infirmary he had a perfect Truce from all these Persecutions; whether it were, that these Spirits do not love to come within the sound of the dismal groans of the Sick, or dying, or that it was not judg'd Adviseable by the chief Engineers, to venture these young and raw Apparitions, amongst the many prying eyes that might there have looked a little more narrowly into the matter, whereas they might pre­sume more confidently upon Jetzer, a fellow of an huge thick skull, I shall leave it to the De­termination of the Reader; but so it was, All the time of his Sickness he was as fully at rest, as if he had sued out his Quietus est, or a Supersedeas de non molestando: but no sooner had he reassum'd his former Lodging, but he was tormented more frequently, and more cruelly than before.

This evil Treatment compell'd him to sue hard for a change of his Appartment, fancying that by the shifting of his quarters, he should shake off these importunate and unwelcome Vi­sitants: And his request was as easily granted, not so much because more safe for him, but as more commodious for the managing their projects. A new Cell thefore is assign'd him in the great Cross Walk of the Cloyster, between that of the House-keeper, and that of Frier Os­wald the Cook.

He had no sooner taken possession of his new Lodging, but his old Tormenters gave him new Trouble: and therefore he renews his Complaints to the holy Fathers with bitter tears, that they would take him into their special Care, and holy Protection.

Towards the end of February, the Fathers had a meeting one night after Supper, in their common Chamber, where were present Hantz-watter of Marpach, the Prior; Dr. Stephen Boltzhorst of Oftenbourg, Lecturer, (or you may call him for the greater grace, the Divinity-Reader) Francis Vetschi of Berne, Sub-prior; Henry Steincker, called the Receiver, the Autho­rizer of Doctor Wigands Treatise, and was also Secretary to this grand enter-prize so hap­pily concluded at Basil.

The Lecturer first began: That it was an astonishing thing, that the generality of the world should more attend lying Fables and Impostures, than the Holy Scriptures, and the Doctrine of the purer Primitive Church; That their Adversaries had no stronger foundation for their Opinion about the Immaculate Conception of the B. Virgin, than some ridiculous Revelations spread abroad upon the bare credit and authority of a few simple old doting women, or such as were drawn from the mouths of pretended Daemoniacks, which was evident from the sorry Pamphlet of Bernardin de Bustis, and that therefore of necessity they must use a wedge of the same wood, to cleave that knotty piece; that it was more warrantable for them to forge a Lie for God, than for the Franciscans to forge so many for the Devil: And if there seem'd any thing besides the Rule, the Directing their Intentions to a pious end, for the service of Holy Church, would salve all.

This Overture of the Lecturer was grateful to the Sub-Prior, who being an approved Ne­cromancer, offered his utmost skill to serve their Order, and promised to spare no pains for the advancement of so pious a work: but the Prior being a wary person, and one of great Precaution, could not apprehend how an affair of that nature could be so cleaverly managed, but that it would take wind, being difficult to perswade the world upon the single report of a young Fryer to give Credit to such strange Revelations; and that however the Vulgar might be impos'd upon, yet the more inquisitive and curious part of Mankind would not suffer themselves to be so easily cajoled, unless some disinteressed persons had the hearing and seeing their Apparitions, Revelations and Miracles as well as themselves. Hereupon Steincker the Receiver replyed; That Jetzer had already discover'd some of his Apparitions to Mr. James Muller, and others, upon which stock they might engraffe what further Revelations they might have occasion to serve themselves of; and that there was laid a foundation strong enough to build the utmost of their Project, if it were orderly and wisely managed under the Con­duct of the Fathers.

The Sub-Prior Rejoyn'd to the whole discourse that with their leave he would give them an Essay of his skill, which if it succeeded according to expectation, they might then further Advise about the carrying it on to perfection: This Confidence of his was well accepted and approved by his other three Accomplices, who encourag'd him to proceed, and give them some real and essential proofs of his boasted skill, and daring promise.

Not long after this resolution taken, the Sub-Prior appeared in a most terrible shape, at­tended with a number of Mad-dogs, with which Retinue he travers'd the Cloysters with a dreadful noyse directing his March to Jetzers Cell, whom he there assaulted with incredible fury, so that he cryed out to his next neighbours the Receiver and the Cook, who being privy to the Design, ran in all haste with consecrated Candles taken out of the Quire, and there they staid with him, till the noyse ceased, and the Spirit disappeared.

Poor Jetzer finding himself thus uncessantly haunted, desir'd he might have thenceforward, a Holy Lamp near him, whereupon they readily brought him one, with consecrated Candles, Holy Water, (Armour of proof one would think against the most outragious Devil of them all:) But the Receiver had another Device. He hangs a Bell close by the wall over his bed, to which he fastned a pack-thred, reaching to another Bell in the Receivers Chamber, so that when one of the Bells were rung, the other would ring also, charging him that if any thing more than ordinary befell him, he should ring his Bell to give the Alarm to them who would stand Cen­tinels in the next room, and be sure to come in to his Rescue: Now in this Cell of the Re­ceiver there was commonly one of the four Fathers, the grand Engineers in this project, as in that of the Cook, always one of the Friers, who were their Confidents, and Privadoes in the Plott, the chief whereof were, Joseph Hack of Fribourg, Priest; Paul of Frankfort, Sacristane; Benedict Karrer; and Master Novice. The Cook (amongst others) advised Jetzer that in case the Spirit should appear again, he should say to it, God and the Virgin Mary be thy Helpers, for God knows, poor I, cannot help thee.

Matters being thus prudently laid, and the first Specimen of the Sub-Priors Art passing among them for a Luckie Hitt; in March, about the Festival of St. Tho. of Aquine, comes me this terrible Ghost again, with a terrible clatter, throwing Stones up and down the Walk, to keep the Monks in their Cells, (for not one durst budge,) and at last enters poor Jetzer's Chamber, with all his Hell-hounds, passing through the dore, and out at the window again with incredible speed and nimbleness, the eyes of these Dogs as Jetzer thought, and said, were bigger than Saucers, at which they flasht fire, and flame, threw out Smoak at their mouths, [Page 4]grinned and hissed with Tongue and Teeth, and omitted nothing that might strike terrour in­to the heart of this poor Novice; At last the Spirit overthrows his Lamp, puts out his con­secrated Candles, overturns and spills his Vessel of Holy-water, and drags the wretch half dead under the Bed; He had only so much soul left, as trembling and quaking to say, as he had been instructed, God and the Virgin Mary be thy Helpers, for God knows poor I cannot help thee.

The Ghost who had his Lesson taught him as well as Jetzer, replies, If thou and thy holy Brethren can relieve me, I will come again within eight dayes, and tell thee; and at that word retires with a thundering and ratling noyse. Jetzer, 'tis true, had during this Rencounter given notice of his danger by Ringing the Bell, but they who knew their Cue of entrance well enough, durst not appear for fear of spoyling the Play; but as soon as the Spirit had with­drawn, the Receiver, Cook, and Mr. Novice, came bouncing in, and find him still in the Pa­roxism of Fear, every Joynt trembling, his Teeth chattering in's head, and his Coutenance witnessing huge dismay: they comfort him the best they can, and tarry with him till ter­rour of the night was over, and then the three Fathers made him a friendly Visit: Their Design was to sift and pump him, whether the dull Block-head had any suspicion of the Kna­very; They ask him with seeming wonderment, What Noyse that was which in the night was heard in the Cloyster? whether he had observ'd any in his Cell? He gives them a parti­cular account, as his fear had suffer'd him to make observation; They revive his drooping Spi­rits with good words, and counsel him to pray devoutly to God, and the V. Mary, and doe assure him that they for their parts would not be wanting to pray for him, as if the case had been their own; Telling him, that they knew not but God might make use of him, to disco­ver to the world, matters of great Importance; and if God should own him to be the Instru­ment, to bless the Age with some remarkable Revelations, it was nothing but what his for­mer Methods did render usual, to reveal that to Babes, which he concealed from the wise and prudent; promising him moreover that they would have a special eye upon, and care over him, and did expressely recommend the care of his person to the Cook; They reinforced his overthrown Lamp, recruited his Holy-water, gave him new Candles, and the better to strengthen his weak faith, they placed some Reliques of incredible virtue, and infinite value, upon a little Table or Altar which he had in his Cell, and in short, shewed themselves very officious and serviceable in his behalf.

During those eight dayes, wherein the Spirit promised to return, the Sub-prior taught Jetzer the best way of Conjuring him; on purpose that if he returned (as if he had leave no doubt he would) he might strictly Catechize him, What he was? Whence he came? What was his business? In what state he was? In order to which they severely charged him to Discipline himself, to Confess, to Pray, and Fast, that he might be able to deal with a Spirit so unruly, and procure the desired ease and rest for him: Nay the whole Covent was solemnly exhort­ed to put up their Prayers for a poor Soul grievously tormented in Purgatory (as was con­ceived,) that it might please him to deliver the Soul from its pains, and their Covent from the present trouble and inquietude.

Upon the Eve of the Eighth day, the Fathers and Friers Confessed themselves, and having put on their Holy Garments, every man fortified himself as well as he could in his Cell, with consecrated Candles, Holy-water, and some precious Reliques, that they might stand their ground against the assaults of this furious Spirit. Only the Cook being nearest to danger, by the special advice of the Fathers, provided himself of the Holy Sacrament, to keep the Spirit at Arms-end, (for he doubted much whether he should be able to close with him, and come to handy-gripes.) The Sub-prior, for the same Reason, hung about Jetzer's neck, a little Purse, wherein was a small Cross made of the true Cross upon which Christ suffered, and taught him how to exorcise the Spirit so as to make him fly with a vengeance, and thred the Doors double.

Things being in this posture, presently after Midnight the Spirit returns, with a pack of infernal Beagles, and breaking into Jetzer's Cell, were so hardy as to fall upon his Person, notwithstanding all his fortifications of Holy-Water, Holy Candles, and holy Reliques. Jetzer raising up himself in his Bed falls a Conjuring the Spirit as he had been taught: I con­jure thee, thou outragious Spirit, in the Name of the blessed Trinity; that is, by the Father, by the Son, and by the Holy Ghost, by the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the Blessed Virgin, and all the Saints, that thou tell me, Whether thou art a good Spirit or no? Who thou art? and whether thou mayst be relieved or no? These terrible words did so amate the Spirit, that he recoyl'd to the other side of the Room; four times he attempted to assayl Jetzer, and as often was repuls'd; but the Charm abating in its vigour, upon the fifth Attack he came close up to his Bed, and with a menacing voice thus accosted him; Rascal! If thou hast no need of me, I have no need of thee! and immediately down he kicks his Cruet of Holy-Water, adding, That he valued not these Baubles, for they had none sincere and pure these eleven [Page 5]years, the Church-warden always dashing it with common water; and following on his discourse, Conjure me these Dogs (says he) that haunt and torment me night and day, without pity, without ease or intermission, though I am at Present out of Purgatory. Jetzer presently falls to work with these Hell-hounds, and belabour'd them so effectually, that the whole pack of them quitted the tormented Soul, giving thereby leave to him to open his wofull case in these words: Frier John, I am now by thy Intercession, and that of thy holy Fathers, permitted to speak: Know therefore, that I am a good Spirit; I was formerly Prior of this Covent; my Name was Henry Halbourg of Soleure, Priest, and Doctor of the Order, but having unfaithfully managed my trust, I was forced to fly to Paris, after I had obtained my Absolution. There I followed my Studies, till one night going out with a Companion of mine, we both met with a mischance that cost us our lives: He, because he had purloyned some Books out of the Library, was doom'd to Hell; and wretched I, because I had quitted the Habit of my Order, was sentenc'd to Purgatory, where for this hundred and sixty years (consult the Register, and you'l find it so long since to a Year) I have endured a Martyrdome nothing short of Hell, save the Eternity. And now by the per­mission of God have got this liberty to seek some Relief in this Covent, though still I am in unconceiva­ble anguish and inexpressible Torments: Hereupon the Spirit discovered its face, all sliced and slasht, the flesh and skin hung down in long Collops and Labels, his Nose slit, his Ears shred, and the colour of his face was as if it had been newly Carbanadoed, and laid upon a Grid­iron; Jetzer demands of him (in virtue of his former Charm) by what means he might be releas'd from this miserable condition? The Spirit replyed, That if every Priest in the Co­vent would sing three Masses for his Soul; and if they would all in generall Discipline themselves every day of that ensuing week; and if he in particular would receive the Discipline thrice, till the blood ran down; And if every Lay-Frier would say one Psalm, five hundred Pater-nosters, and as many Ave Maria's with seven Credo's; And if he whilest the Priest was singing Mass, would lye flat on the ground, stretching his Arms in the form of the Cross, and at every Pa­ter-noster would kiss the ground, in remembrance of the treacherous Kisses of Judas; and lastly, if the Fathers should precisely record all these passages in their Registers, that he hoped he might obtain the Pardon of his sins, and especially his grand neglect to Conform himself to the Rules of that holy Order; And therefore would return after the Octaves, to see what effect his miserable Case had had amongst them: He added, that the Friers had done very wisely, to furnish themselves with the holy Sacrament; and particularly, that it was advisedly done of him to hang about his neck the Cross made of the wood of Christs Cross, without which there's not a man of them had escaped some dreadful mischief, nor had he been able to have open'd his Case, being under the custody of those evil Spirits, had it not been for the power of those sacred Reliques, the virtue whereof drove away the Fiends. And now that he might civilly take his leave, he desired Jetzer to shake him by the hand, that he might by that Essay feel how scorching the Fire of Purgatory was: Jetzer unadvisedly gave him his hand, and at the first touch received such a scalding Impression of fire, that the nail of his middle finger was parcht up, and he felt an inexpressible pain in his whole hand: This done, the Spirit withdrew, but not without such formidable noyse, as awakened all Jetzers former apprehensions, and left him a fit Object for the Consolatory Addresses of the Neighbouring Friers, who immediately came in unto him. Early in the morning came the Fathers, and were very inquisitive to know the particulars of the last nights proceedings: Jetzer did not fail to give them a punctual account of all that pass'd, which they entertain'd with great amazement, shaking their heads, beating their breasts, and lifting up their eyes and hands to heaven, and throughout the Narrative demean'd themselves with Countenances which testified great asto­nishment, mixed with some hope and comfort. They then gravely ask him, whether he would submit to the Discipline which was enjoyned them in order to the release of this di­stressed Soul out of Purgatory? He answered, he would chearfully undergo it, provided al­ways that the rest of the Covent would bear their parts: This Answer was right pleasing to the Fathers, who concluded Jetzer to be fully satisfied in the Apparition, and Revelation, in that he so chearfully submitted to the imposed Satisfaction, since the burden was sure to fall the heaviest on his shoulders.

All the Religious of the Covent are forthwith summon'd, the Case open'd, and the Que­stion propounded, whether they would contribute to the Release of the Soul of a venerable Prior (sometimes of that Covent) which at present was fearfully tormented in Purgatory: The matter was well received, the Service performed, and the Soul in due order released. For upon the expiration of the eight dayes, the Prior returns, in a more calm, and temperate hu­mour, and tells Jetzer, that if they would yet further sing four Vigils for his Soul, that then he should be compleatly deliver'd and translated into Paradise, and that after other eight dayes he would return to pay his acknowledgments to the holy Fathers, and give those testimonies of his gratitude which were due in particular to himself.

This affair hitherto being blessed with wonderful success, the prudent Fathers met in close [Page 6]counsel to advise how to manage and improve it for their main end: for indeed the greatest thing they had done, was the least part of what they intended: All hitherto was but a pro­lusion, in order to some Nobler Acquist; They had well heated Jetzers brain, raised his Imagination, prepared his expectation, but the point they were to make was to overthrow the Franciscan Tenet of the Immaculate Conception. To make way for which, they appoint in the first place the Lecturer to be Jetzer's Father Confessor; That he, being a subtle insi­nuating Knave, might let in some light to Jetzer's ignorant Noddle, about that Controversie: His Confessor then instructs him how he might Catechise the Spirit when he should next ap­pear, about some momentous points of Divinity; and (as if he only stumbled on't by acci­dent) he read him a learned Lecture upon this doubty controversie.

The eighth night after the Prior himself appears to Jetzer representing the Soul delivered from the pains of Purgatory: His Countenance was young and beautifull, his Complexion fresh, clear and ruddy, he was accoutred in Sacerdotal Vestments, and stood as mild and meek as a Lamb before Jetzers bed, whom he accosted to this effect: My dearly beloved bro­ther John, Observe my words. Thou and thy brethren had no sooner undergone the enjoyned Pe­nance in my Name, and on my behalf, but I was admitted to sing Masse in the Quire of the blessed Angels, who attended on me; but being desirous to Consecrate Mass as well as Sing it (this being not the Priviledge of seperate Spirits) I was carried by them up to the seventh Quire of Hea­ven, with such a transport of joy, with such ravishing surprisings of Soul, as was infinitely above my desires, and is now beyond my expressions; for being translated from incredible torments, to a satisfaction, as incredible, so that I dare not wish that my former pains had been one moment shorter, or one grain lighter. Exhort thy holy Fathers to continue stedfast in their holy Order; let them not decline a hairs breadth to the right hand, or to the left, as that which is best pleasing to God and the blessed Virgin: Let them not regard the slanders that are cast upon them, the Persecutions raised against them, for their vindicating the Doctrine of the Conception of the blessed Virgin, by the Artifices and subtle practises of the Cordeliers, for their Errors wherein some of them are now eternally damn'd in Hell, and others are tormented in Purgatory.

Jetzer being a little illuminated in this point by his Confessor, and having such a happy opportunity which he might never recover, should he let it slip, made bold to Ask this glo­rified Spirit a humble Question, Who they were that had incurred eternal damnation for their Erroneous opinion about the Conception of the V. Mary? And how and by what means the true Doctrine might be manifested, and spread over all the World? The Spirit to this tender point made a ready Answer. [...] dear Brother John, There is a great number of all sorts of Orders, who for transgressing the [...] prescribed them by their Founders, are now under un­speakable Torments: And amongst others, divers of the two Orders of St. Dominick, and St. Fran­cis are some in Hell, some in Purgatory, for their unchristian quarrels touching the Conception of the blessed Virgin Mary. As for Scotus, he is eternally damned, who so sliffly maintained, that she was born without Original Sin; There are others too, who though they were Orthodox and sound in that point, yet are in Purgatory, nay some few of ours are in Hell for their bitter malice, envy, and insupportable pride: But that the Truth of the Conception of our Lady, may be manifested beyond all exception, and cleared up against all contradiction, prepare thy self, Dear Brother, by sincere Confession and fervent Prayer to entertain St. Barbe, and in due time the blessed Vir­gin her self, who will appear to thee upon the Eve of the Annunciation; to instruct thee in many points of grand importance, and to enlighten thy mind in those coelestial mysteries wherein thou de­sirest satisfaction. As for me, I had only a bare permission to leave the glory of Heaven for a sea­son, to return thee those thanks which I owe for so great Merits; I am now going to St. John's Chappel, to sing Mass for thee and thy holy Brethren; whether the Angels will descend to serve me, that in their Company I may return to the Heavens: Give my thanks to all the Religious in this Covent, for what they have contributed to my Deliverance, assuring thy self and them, that I shall be always ready prest to do them any service at the Throne of Divine grace.

Thus far matters succeeded well, to, and beyond expectation, but Success is a great flat­terer, and teaches men to transgress all bounds of Modesty. For the Fathers not content either with what they had atchieved, or this poor wretch endured, were resolv'd to push hard for a more Authentick proof of their Opinion, and to make Jetzer a second St. Fran­cis, which they hoped to accomplish by the Appearances of St. Barbe, and the V. Mary, for which they had sufficiently prepared him by the former Revelation. Having therefore taken a particular account from his own Mouth, of what passed between him and the former Ghost, they gave him ample Instructions how he should demean himself in the following Visions. They enjoyned him to be Earnest in humble Prayer and all acts of Piety; they exhort him to be of a good Courage; and told him withall, that for their better inspection over him, and whatever accident might happen to him, they had made a Hole in the Wall that divided his Chamber from the Receiver's; which was very true, but upon another design, namely that the Novices in the Neighbouring Cells, who understood not the Intrigue, might not chance to smell some knavery, nor discover this mystery of Iniquity.

That very evening before this designed apparition, his Father Confessor brought to his dear Son Jetzer a Ticket, which he laid upon his Table with this Instruction, that when the Virgin should appear, he should humbly tender it to her hands, saying: ‘If thou beest really and indeed the Virgin Mary, take this Ticket, and carry it before the Hoste, which is upon the great Altar of the Church.’ Now this Ticket you must know contained divers sophistical Questions; as whether St. Bernard, Anselme, Alexander of Hales, Bonaventure, and St. Tho­mas, had taught the truth in this point, or no? Whether St. Katherine of Sienne, St. Lucie of Ferrara (both of the Order of the Dominicans) had really and indeed received the Five wounds of our Lord? and whether they had publisht the true Doctrine of her Conception? And lastly, what we ought to judge concerning the Council of Basil?

All things being now ready, between Ten and Eleven at Night, enters the Lecturer, in the shape of a very fair young Lady, cloathed as white as Innocence it self, her flaxen hair dishevel­led and playing upon her shoulders, in this Equipage she finds Jetzer, and thus with courte­ous words salutes him: ‘Frier John, the Friend of God! I am St. Barbe, for whom thou hast always had a singular Devotion, since the day I drew thee out of the Rhine, when thou thoughtest thou shouldest have been drowned. I am a Martyr of Jesus Christ, and servant of the V. Mary, who will condescend to visit thee, to illuminate thee in many secrets, where­of that blessed Spirit which late appeared to thee, and who now enjoys eternal happiness, gave thee some hints. See, here is a Ticket; I know well what thou art enjoyn'd to do with it! I will goe and carry it to the blessed Virgin, and they shall find it in that very place which thy Father Confessor desir'd:’ And with that word she withdrew, and entring the Quire of the Church, laid it before the Hoste upon the great Altar, having first put to it a Seal of five drops of Blood, (which was his own, and the Sub-prior's contrivance.) Hereupon the Candles and Lamps in the Walk of the Covent, and those in the Church, were all lighted, and the Bells in Jetzers and the Receivers Cell rung in a miraculous manner, of their own accord, which was the common trick in all the former Apparitions, since the deliverance of the poor Prior's Soul out of Purgatory.

This feat being so neatly carried, the Lecturer retreats to his Cell, where he strips himself of his borrowed properties. The Sub-prior runs in all haste to Jetzer, whom he found wholly transported between fear, and joy, and Asks him what discourse he had with St. Barbe? who gave him no other Answere, but desir'd him he might speak with his Father Confessor; To whom he rehearsed all the particular occurrences of their enterview, (A needless labour to acquaint him with what he knew as well as himself.) His Confessor gave him no other Re­turn, but some serious exhortations; but presently he taking the Sub-prior, Frier Osweld the Cook, and Jetzer along with him, went into the Church, to find out the foremention'd Ticket, which they found in the assigned place, with the precious Seal of five drops upon it, where­upon they return, magnifying and exalting all that had happen'd to Jetzer, as a thing wholly miraculous, charging him at their departure to wait for the Apparition of the blessed Virgin with Devotion.

About one a Clock at night, the Lecturer personating the Virgin Mary, with one St. Barbe to wait on her, made another Visit to Jetzer: and for the greater credit of the Cause, she was introduced by two Angels, who supported her by both her feet aloft in the Aire, all in Mourning habit as to the form, but yet pure white, to keep Decorum (for so we must suppose the Saints above do mourn) Her Vail trail'd decently on the ground, and the upper part did so Muffle the best part of her face, and half her Arms, that they hoped the whole of the Knavery would be hidden also: And thus accoutred, she addresses her self to poor Jet­zer.

‘Frier John, be not afraid! I am Mary, sent to thee by my Son Jesus, to assure thee of the Truth of whatsoever that good Spirit told thee concerning this my Appearance:’ Know there­fore, that my Son can no longer endure that the Honour to be Conceived without Original Sin, (which is his sole Prerogative) should upon my account be sacrilegiously ravisht from him: Nor can I own this gross error of the Cordeliers as an honour to my self, which tends so visibly to the reproach of my Son; Nay, I am thereby highly provoked; and that thy holy Fathers may be assu­red that they are in the right in this weighty point, and that they may have undoubted proofs that I was conceived in Original Sin, by my Mother St. Ann, in common with the rest of Mankind, Behold, here I have placed with the Ticket which St. Barbe delivered lately to me, two Seals made of the shreds of Cotton, which I scrap'd from that pure fine linnen with which my Son was wrapt when he lay in the Manger, upon each of which is form'd a little Cross of that very blood which he shed when he hung upon the Tree, which Blood I gather'd up my self, and have carefully kept it to this hour, in memory of his Passion; Ʋpon the greater of these two Seals, thou seest here are three drops of this precious blood; upon the lesser, there are five drops of the same blood, although mingled (as thou wilt easily believe,) with my own tears, which I shed when I received my dear Son from the Cross: The little Crosses denote the Certainty of what I now reveal to thee; The [Page 8]three drops of blood denote those three hours during which I continued under Original Sin; after my Conception; the other five signifie those five sorrows wherewith my very Soul was then pierced, and are the infallible marks of my special good will: These things are not shewed thee for thy own merits sake, but for the merits of those thy Holy Fathers in the Covent, which are partakers of eternal blessedness: And for this unspeakable favour which is vouchsaf'd thee, let it be thy Care to fear God, and own his signal Condescensions: Keep this Revelation secret, and lay it up in thy heart, declare it to none besides thy Father Confessor, and the three Fathers his Associates; that they may take Order that the greater of the two Crosses, with the five drops thereto annexed, may be honourably set in a Locket, and with Letters testimonial from this Covent, and that of No­remberg, and also the attestation of this City of Berne, may be transmitted to Rome, and pre­sented to the hands of Pope Julius, by the Provincial of your Order in his proper person, attended by one of your Fathers, and all this precisely upon Good-Friday: And charge his Holiness, pri­vately with himself to consider of this grand affair, in these words: Our blessed Lady who ap­peared unto Jetzer, hath sent this inestimable present to Pope Julius, the Lieutenant generall of her Son all over the World. That his Holiness was called of God to the Soveraign Chaire for this special reason, that he might determine definitively, concerning the Conception of the B. Virgin in Original sin. And that therefore he ought to confirm and establish this point of Faith by Feasts, Indulgences, and Processions, and thereby render it famous; That he ought to condemn the Adver­saries of this Doctrine, to disannull their Festivals, and all Pardons annexed to them; to expunge their infamous Scotus out of the Calender of Saints, as a person eternally damned; And that he should not listen to the suggestions, nor be seduced by the Artifices of their Enemies. Which things if he the said Julius should exactly perform, he should then merit a more glorious Crown of Immor­tality and Blessedness; otherwise he should with accursed Scotus, unavoidably incur the vengeance of God: As for the other Seal with the five drops of Blood on it, let be laid up as an inesti­mable Relique in this Covent; There being upon the face of the earth no more of the true blood of Jesus Christ, save what is in the New Cloyster at Cologne, and that at Marseilles, which last in­deed Mary Magdalene gather'd devoutly with the earth and all on which it dropt from the Cross. But assure thy Father Confessor, that in all this there's not a word contrary to his Ticket, and by the whole procedure of the affair he may perceive, and shall be more fully & clearly inform'd by thy self.

She began at last to discourse with him of many other trivial matters, as that the Robe which she now wore, was the same wherein Christ appear'd to her after his Resurrection. That St. John, was locally in Heaven, and not in any earthly Paradise, as some fancied, and that she her self was there too, both in Body and Soul.

Jetzer having with amazement hearkned to this Oration, replyed as he was instructed: O blessed Virgin, There's not one in a thousand will believe a word of all this to be true; Hereupon she commands him to stretch out his right hand: ‘And now (says she) in pursuance of the Command of my Son, thou shalt receive a Seal so Authentique and unquestionable, that never a Saint before thee received the like:’ Hereupon she gripes his hand, and clapping it suddenly to the Bed-post, thrust it quite through with a three-edged Dagger, adding imme­diately: ‘Behold the most dreadful of my Sons sufferings! which thou oughtest to take pa­tiently in testimony of the truth of those things which by thee shall be accomplisht; spend thy time well; speak little, be humble, and obedient to thy Superiours; Confess thy self, and Receive the Sacrament every Sunday; fast every Friday following for six weeks, with Bread and Water, and if I find that thou art affectionately devoted to my Service, I will honour thee with the four other wounds which are yet behind, as soon as I have miraculously healed that which I have already given thee. Only what has already passed between us, let it be de­clar'd this day in open and full Council.’

The young Martyr who never expected such treatment, cryed out most horribly upon the wound given, O blessed Mary, you hurt me grievously; she mildly return'd: Rejoyce and be exceeding glad, that my Son hath accounted thee worthy to be conformed to his suffer­ings; yet a little while, and I will come again to instruct thee more at large in this matter, Peace be with thee: Hereupon she sprinkled him with Holy water; and immediately with­drew, with her waiting Gentlewoman St. Barbe, (personated by the Sub-prior) and her two wooden Angels.

This Scene of Roguery so happily acted: The Sup-prior, runs to Jetzer's Cell, which was now as dark as pitch, (our Lady having for the convenience of retirement put out the Candles) and akt him very soberly, what ail'd him to cry out so hideously? He answer'd, he was very well, and ailed nothing: The Sub-prior presently lights a Candle, and spying some blood upon the ground, starts back astonisht, and asks him what was the matter; Jetzer ha­ving told him the Naked truth, (which he knew without his telling) he presently falls down upon his knees, and catching his wounded hand, with a seeming transport of zeal cryes out, O blessed hand, that has been honour'd with a Mark so precious by our blessed Lady! And at [Page 9]once anoints the wound with a proper unguent, to prevent the inflamation, and to heal the wound: he dresses and binds it up with the Cotton Lint (which our Lady had brought with her on purpose, telling him, that there would come one of the Fathers to bind up his wound) and whilst he was thus officiously doing his Devoyre to this young Saint and Martyr, in came the other Fathers, and courteously saluted Jetzer.

The Sub-prior whilest he was playing the Chirurgeon, casts his eye as at unawares upon the Table, or little Altar before mentioned; and there he spies the shreds of Cloath with the Seals, Crosses, and drops of Blood: He asks Jetzer; In the Name of God what are these? Hereupon Jetzer begs their patient attendance, and directing his Speech to his Confessor, opens to them the whole Mystery: They all express an extraordinary Ravishment of Soul, and that they might the more extoll these Divine Miracles, they called in some other of the Friers: forthwith every one retires and arrays himself in his Sacerdotal habiliments; (the Sub-prior with a Consecrated Lamp in his hand) and in this Equipage they come from the Vestry, and fall down before Jetzer's Table, and Adore the precious Blood of Christ, upon the afore-men­tioned Seals. Then they take it up with marvellous Reverence, and carry it from Jetzer's Cell into the Vestry, and place it in a Box, richly adorned with Gold and Silver.

They could not conceal these Miracles, you may be sure, but present this new Saint to the admiration of all their friends; and blaze abroad the story of these Mysteries, sending, for rare Presents to their choicest friends, some Shreds of that fine Linnen colour'd with the blood of Jetzer's wound, as a thing extraordinarily Sacred.

The Fathers out of respect to this eminent Saint, provide him a close Couch, where he might repose him in the day-time, that he might not be molested by importunate Visitants, without special permission of the Grandees; charging Frier Oswald to take particular charge of his Cell, and Bed; and his Father Confessor constantly to lead him to his Bed, to see him well and warmly covered; but the Prior exceeded all in respect to him, which he testified by building a Chamber without the Cloyster, from whence he might have an eye upon him; but indeed that he might thence observe who came in, and went out; and was most exact to register the whole proceeding of this affair, that he might notifie it to those of his own Order, and in due time to his Holiness himself.

Upon the Feast of the Annunciation, the Lecturer gave them a Sermon in the Chappel upon this Subject. He told his Auditors that God had wrought such extraordinary Miracles amongst them, that perhaps few Ages could parallel, that they had great reason to beg of God a Blessing upon them, that they might tend to his glory, to the Benefit not only of the City of Berne, but all Switzerland in general.

The Fathers all this while were baiting at him, and furnishing him with new Instructions, how to behave himself, in case the Virgin Mary should again appear to him; and expressely charged him, that he should sift her more narrowly about the point of her Conception, and this Blood upon the Linnen: And that the rather (said they) because Thomas of Aquine had written, That our Saviour, at his Ascension, had carried with him to Heaven all the Blood that ever he shed upon Earth; which if it were true, 'twas impossible there should be any, either at Berne, Cologne, or Marseilles.

Upon Palm-Sunday following, the Lecturer appear'd again to Jetzer in the shape of our Lady; she comforts him, and exhorts him to continue firm in her Service, she anoints his wounded hand, blesses it, and binds it up with rags of Linnen, which were sent up and down City and Countrey as great Presents, and precious Reliques, and then spoke after this man­ner:

Frier John, my dear Friend; I know very well what thou worldest ask of me; Doubt not, scruple not in the least, the Revelations that I have made to thee, what I have commanded in my Sons Name, see that it be duely and exactly executed; but know nevertheless, that the Ancient Doctors of the Church, St. Austin, Anselm, Bonaventure, Bernard, and Thomas, have taught orthodoxly about my Conception; though it be true, that some of their Commentators have wrested their words, perverted their meaning, and thereby abused the World. Some men are guilty of mortal sin, in not believing St. Catherine of Sienne, and St. Lucie of Ferrara, to be in the Num­ber of the Saints. As for Scotus, he was corporally carried away by the Devil into a far Coun­trey, where being condemn'd of Heresie he was buried alive. The Council of Basil which silenced the Truth, is void to all intents and purposes; was the Cause of a horrible Schism, and therefore justly condemned by Pope Eugenius: As for the Blood of Christ which is now to be seen in the three foremention'd Covents, none ought to wonder at the matter; for what grace or favour is there too great which my Son at my Petition, or rather Command, would not grant? If I should now ask him to open his side, and give me more of his Blood, dost thou question but that he would rea­dily doe it? Let none therefore be so bold as to doubt, that he left me his Blood at his departure; and in the second place to Mary Magdalene his dear Friend; which we indeed for the perpetual memory of the thing have preserved, and presented out of particular respect to Cologne, and now [Page 10]lately by thee to this our beloved Covent at Berne, having ever since my Ascension kept it by me as a rich treasure to be dispensed, and disposed of, as I should see occasion, to quench the sparks of kindling Heresies, which I foresaw would arise in these latter dayes about my Conception: As for Mary Magdalene, she parted with hers at her death.

When our Lady had thus plaid her part, she gave him the Benediction, and recommend­ed her self to the good Fathers through the hole in the wall, and civilly withdrew, only say­ing; That seeing she had much more of that nature to Reveal to him, she would not fail ere long to revisit him; that in the mean time he should make an exact Relation of what had passed to his Confessor, and to the Prior, as the most knowing and intelligent persons (except himself) in the whole Covent.

The Sub-prior, had during the progress of this affair drawn up in writing what had hither­to passed, and made a Journey to Ʋlm, to advise with the Prior there upon the management of the business. The Prior being a man of great Caution, advised him either to stop and make a full-point where they were, and tempt their good fortune no further, or to proceed with extraordinary Circumspection; but seeing there would shortly be a Convocation of the most eminent Fathers of their Order at Pforcheim, by Reason of a Chapter generall there to be held, the Prior and the Lecturer should there meet, to take their future measures in pro­ceeding from the advice of those sage and Reverend Fathers.

Not long after the Steward of the Covent, and Lecturer, in pursuance of this design, made a step, the one to Vienne, the other to Lutzelflue, and up and down those parts in Oberland, to preach the Passion, where they acquitted themselves to the astonishment of the world with their Fooleries.

The Prior in the mean time would needs act the part of our Lady, and dress Jetzer's wounds, and told him some idle Stories about Jesus Christ, which a silly Preaching Frier, whose crackt Brain could hold nothing but Whimseys, had broacht up and down those quar­ters: As that Christ was crucified wholly Naked: That his right side was pierced with the Spear: That he died just at Eleven a Clock: That the V. Mary was not all the while un­der the Cross, but M. Magdalene, who devoutly gather'd the Blood that dropt from his wounds as he hung there, and for sureness took up the Earth with it. That Christ appeared upon Easter-day first to his Mother, who saw him both Body and Soul, but that the Apostles only saw him in a Vision: That when M. Magdalene toucht Christ, the marks of it appear'd in his forehead ever after; with abundance of such impertinent stuffe, wherewith the doating Friers used to fill up their Sermons.

Upon Easter-Eve, the Lecturer being returned from his Journey, two of their Friends amongst the Burgesses of the City, namely, Mr. Martyn a Goldsmith, and Mr. Luke a Gla­sier, had a strange itching humour to see and hear the V. Mary; which communicating to the Fathers, and they ashamed to deny, and yet afraid to grant, yet importunity at last pre­vail'd, and they were desir'd to wait the Virgins leisure. At last when they had almost quite worn out their patience to the stumps, as they sate with two of the Fathers big, or rather bursting with expectation, out comes the Novice Megerlin, who for that time acted the Vir­gin, in all his Accoutrements: his first feat of activity was to put out the Lamps, and then applying himself to Jetzer; Commanded that the Fathers should drive on the point of the Conception, with more vigour and zeal; and when he (or she) had besprinkled them with Holy Water, and after a strange fashion lighted the Lamps again that were in the cross walk of the Covent, using the benefit of their surprize, disappear'd without the least suspicion given to their superstitious noddles.

Now these credulous fools were fob'd off with a very short interlude, lest too long a Vision might have produced some accident that might possibly have rub'd up some jealousie in their dull brains, of Imposture and Forgery.

Eight dayes after Easter the four Fathers which were the main Wheels in the Engine, being in close Consult, the Prior of Basil made them a Visit to see the sport, and that he might con­tribute his Mite to this blessed design, he brought with him not only a fine robe of a whitish grey for a property, but curious Vizards, and Masks, and some cunningly contrived Engines to accommodate the Puppet-play, and some small Wafers, which the Sub-prior could varnish and paint over with admirable artifice. They waited for an opportunity wherein they might give the Spectators a trial of their skill, during the time that the Prior of Basil sojourn'd with them.

Now for a preparation to their designed Comedy, they brought the Sacrament in its Pixe, and placed it on the Table, together with a Treatise made by Bernardin de Bustis the Cor­delier; as also another Tract written by the said Prior of Basil, in confutation of the said Treatise of Bernardin, and advised Jetzer if ever the V. Mary should appear again, he should speak thus to her: If thou beest verily the mother of Jesus Christ, worship thy Son here before thee, carry him unto his place; and tear in pieces that Treatise which is erroneous about thy Con­ception: [Page 11]That night the Lecturer appeared in the shape of the Virgin, and kneeling devoutly before the Sacrament, worshipt it, saying withall, Yes,! yes! this is my Son! and then takes the Treatise of Bernardin de Bustis, tears it all in pieces with indignation, and then turning to Jetzer; Doubt not of the Truth of my Revelations, which I have now so Authentically sealed and attested. And presently she carries the Sacrament away with her, and conveighs it to its own place in the Chappel.

In the Morning the Fathers gave him a Visit, to whom he gave a particular account what had passed, seeming to question the truth of these apparitions; for his Confessor had put this Crotchet in his head, that from thence he might take an occasion to set on foot a new game: To whom the Prior of Basil answer'd; Brother John, An evil Spirit could never worship and carry away the holy Sacrament: Why (replyed the Lecturer cunningly,) did not the Devil carry our Saviour to the top of an high Mountain? The issue of this dispute was, they all agreed, that Jetzer should conjure the Spirit upon its next appearance, by the Power of God the Fa­ther, God the Son, and God the H. Ghost, to tell him directly, whether it were a Good or an Evil Spirit? And if it should answer, that it was a Good Spirit; that then he should com­mand it by virtue of the aforesaid Charm to say One Pater Noster; one Ave Mary; and the Creed, which without question would be impossible for any evil Spirit to doe.

Matters being thus laid, the next night comes the V. Mary, with great state and pomp, usher'd in with Wax-candles, which she brought lighted with her from Heaven, and placed them very devoutly upon his Table; then drawing near to Jetzer, he began to Conjure her in the manner and form aforesaid. To this she readily Answers: Yes, yes, I am a good Spirit, I am Mary, and Jesus is my Son, whom I worshipt visibly before thee the last night, and then carried him away to the Altar. ‘If thou beest a good Spirit, (replyed Jetzer) let me hear thee say distinctly thy Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and the Creed!’ Hereupon she falls down de­voutly upon her knees, and repeats the Lords Prayers, till she came to those words, And for­give us our trespasses, then turning to Jetzer: Mark brother John (says she) had I not been con­ceived in Original Sin, I had small cause to say, forgive us our Trespasses, but rather, forgive them their trespasses: This said, she went on with the rest. Then she begins her Ave, but after an odd fashion; Hail Mary! I am full of Grace; and Jesus Christ my own Son is with me; Blessed am I amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of my Womb! Then she falls to her Creed: And when she had repeated those words, The third day be rose again from the dead, she added, And appeared unto me first, and not to Luke and Cleophas; and so finisht the re­mainder: And when she had in short said, Dear brother John, do not fancy that any evil spirit thus durst appear to thee, 'tis I the Blessed Virgin: she comforted him with Holy-Water, and taking up her Candles, she went and placed them before the Image of our Lady, which stood in the Walk of the Cloyster.

The Fathers presently found them, and told the Friers, that the Virgin Mary had brought those Wax-candles with her from Heaven, which were of such a strange nature, that no pow­er on earth could light them, the Virgin her self must come down from Heaven to do it, or it must never be done! Several of the Burgesses of the Town were show'd these holy Re­liques, and their celebrated Properties, and when one or two had made a trial in vain, the third man it seems unhappily lighted them, which put the Prior into a great chafe, yet he had an Excuse ready: saying, That when we begin to undervalue the great favours of God, it's just with him to take away their virtue; and so seem'd to come off pretty handsomly.

But Jetzer (at the instruction of his Confessor, who to make him more settled in his Faith, taught him how to raise scruples) not being fully satisfied in the point, was resolved upon an Experiment to try the Virgins Patience, and thereby to gain, if possible, and unquestionable demonstration of the reality of her appearance: The next time therefore she appeared, He very confidently spits three times in her face, and that it might be more effectual, he added: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Thinking wisely, that the Devil being a passionate Spirit, he would never endure such a high affront; But the Virgin answer'd him with singular mildness:Dear brother, It becomes us to try the Spirits whether they be of God, and therefore thou hast not sinned by this thy act.

Now though Jetzer was abundantly satisfied in this matter, fully believing that this was indeed the V. Mary; yet they had cunningly put it into his head, to know the true difference between good and evil Spirits:

The four Engineers therefore, with the Prior of Basil, to put all things for ever out of question; and that Jetzer might arrive at a plerophory in the case, had provided them of a Wafer, so artificially died of a flesh colour, by one Lazarus Dandalus, a crafty young knave of their own Order, that might have imposed upon a more discerning person than such a Blockhead as Jetzer.

This Dandalus, you must understand, was originally a Jew, but at last was baptized, and enter'd into the Order of the Dominicans, under which Mask he practised his Villanies more [Page 12]securely, till the Civil Magistrate in the end at Lipsick burnt him for his Rogueries: At pre­sent he was a proper tool for these holy Fathers.

The Prior of Basil, for his share in the Plott had sent to his Covent for some Wafers made twice as thick as the ordinary ones, which this Dandalus coloured so artificially, that the Fathers promised themselves rare success in their designed enterprize.

And now they address themselves once again to Jetzer, telling him, that for a final deter­mination of the reality of these matters, they would bring the holy Sacrament and place it in his Cell, upon the Table; counselling him that if ever the Blessed Virgin should appear again (which they resolved she should) he should more effectually conjure her, by the power of the blessed Trinity, by the Passion, by the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, to tell him in plain terms, whether she were really the very Mother of God? whether her Revelations were of indubitable Truth? And if she answered affirmatively; that then he should reply, ‘If thou art the Mother of God, shew me which is thy Son, and carry him hence to his place:’

The project thus contrived, upon Wednesday the 14 of April, they brought the Sacrament into his Cell, and placed it decently and reverently upon the Table; and on each side thereof placed a Wax-candle in the very Candlesticks which were consecrated for, and used at the Mass; but that night all was quiet, no Mary appear'd.

But the night after being the 15 of April, the Prior, and the Father Confessor entertain'd Jetzer with many flattering discourses, mixing Instructions and Directions for his Behaviour in all future occurrences, whilest the Sub-prior and the Receiver were fitting their Tools, Pro­perties, and Engines for the Show: All things being ready, their Pulleys, Wheels, Screws, Wires, and Devices for the management of their Puppets orderly placed in the Receiver's Chamber, to give life and motion to the Opera, that was to be acted in Jetzers; these Fa­thers conduct Jetzer to his Chamber, and having worshipt the Hoste, sprinkled him with Ho­ly-Water, drawn his Curtains close about him, they civilly bad him Good Night, and de­parted.

Not much after Ten a Clock, the Lecturer in the Habit of the Virgin comes in, and having put out the Candles on each side of the Sacrament, and the Lamp which stood in a cor­ner of the Chamber (which was usually the Prologue to the Play, and the first feat of activity shew'd by the Virgin) she marches up and down the room with great state and majesty, and without speaking one word good or bad, she draws the Curtains, and giving him a dash or two of her Holy-water, she withdraws; but not long after returns, with a little bag in her hand, and putting out a Candle which remain'd yet lighted in the room, there appeared in the place five other Candles miraculously lighted at a clap; that is, one on each side the Sa­crament, the Lamp, and two others in the hands of two Angels, (which under the Rose were the Prior and Sub-prior,) Jetzer now lying with his eyes wide open, to make observations, saw to his astonishment the Virgin hanging in the Aire, between the two Angels directly over the Hoste; and presently he falls a conjuring her as he had been instructed; Art thou the Vir­gin Mary? then let me see thy Son; and carry him hence, and set him in his proper place: Hereupon she with much Devotion kisses the Hoste, and opening the Pixe, takes out the two consecrated Wafers, the one white, and the other red. (Jetzer knew nothing all this while of the red Wafer:) The red one she kept secretly in her hand; and holding up the white one, Behold (said she) brother John, my dear Son, my own flesh and blood, born of my body; and that thou mayst now be assured, that both I, and all men descended from Adam by ordinary generation, are born in Original Sin, (excepting only my beloved Son, whose sole Priviledge it is) and that thou mayst know that thy holy Fathers ought to preach, and maintain this grand Article, yea and advertise the Pope himself of it; Behold, I say, this Hoste, yea this my Son, shall in the twinkling of an eye be transubstanstiated into the reall and true-body of Christ, and become visible Flesh: And with that she dropt the red Hoste, which she had kept close in her hand, upon the Table.

Jetzer, at this was so surprized, that forgetting the Commands of the Fathers, not to stir out of his place, whatever he saw or heard; by a strange Providence, hastily puts on his Morning-gown, and starting out of his Bed, runs directly to our Lady: They that managed the Engines standing in the Receivers Chamber, that is, Megerlin and the Cook, seeing this action through the hole in the wall, whisper'd one to the other, See! see! by the blood of God, this young Rascal is got out of bed! The Angels in the mean time aware of the danger, had put out their Candles, and Mary endeavouring to do as much by those two that stood upon the Table, Jetzer being very nimble, seized one of them, and with his other hand at the same time laid fast hold upon her hand, so that she was forced to drop the other white Host, upon the Pixe.

Jetzer at this having discovered something of the knavery, fell a weeping, storming and raging most furiously, crying out; O ye Rogues, and panderly Rascals (and all the ugly Names [Page 13]he could think on,) are ye not ashamed thus to prophane the holy Sacrament and blaspheme the Name of God! to Abuse our Lady, only to gull a sorry wretched young man? And immediately opening the door, he there finds the Prior of Basil; he desires him to come in, and see the Knavery, and devilish Subtilty of these Villains; but the Prior between fear and shame, de­sir'd to be excused, and so retired; Jetzer comes back, and there he saw the disguised Fathers coming down from their Engines, plainly now perceiving how the roguery had been carried on: But the Fathers who were never wanting to themselves, and knew how to make Impu­dence supply the place of policy, addrest themselves to him thus. Come, come! dear brother John, be not so transported with passion; what has been done, was out of an honest and pious design, as you shall see evidently in a moment; compose your self a little, that you fall not into mortal sin, by sinister interpretations of the fact of your most innocent Fathers: This said, they withdrew themselves into the Receivers Cell, there they quitted their Properties, their Masks, Visors, and all their Accoutrements, and so went to a Midnight Mass, leaving poor Jetzer, tossed with the storms and tempests of his own breast.

After Mass the Actors, in their Religious Habits came to seek for the two Wafers, which in the scuffle dropt down; these they placed on the Altar, magnifying amongst their friends in the Neighbourhood, these great Miracles, and by this means made a shift to pick the Pockets of these superstitious Bigotts, of no inconsiderable summes.

Nevertheless the Fathers being thus surprized, and taken in the very Manner, though they set a good face on't, yet thought it adviseable to use more precaution for the future; and af­ter mature deliberation in a full Consult, the management of the design if possibly it might be retrieved was committed to the Confessor, who early next morning stealing into Jetzer's Cell found him fast asleep, tyred out with the turmoils of the former night: He ask'd him very kindly how it was with him, hoping to sweeten and gain him over to them with good words; But Jetzer's Choler awakening with him, flatly told the Confessor, that he was now abundantly satisfied, that this whole business was nothing but pure Legerdemain and Knavery; that he knew very well who the Rascals were that had abused him, and that though he had no friend to right him, he believed there was a God, who would vindicate his Cause, and take signal vengeance upon them: The Father Confessor saw himself in a wrong box, and had no defence but to protest, and swear by whatever was sacred, that they were perfectly inno­cent, and that he ought not once to entertain a thought so scandalous, that persons of their Character were capable of such gross impiety, which would infallibly draw upon their heads the wrath of a just God. And that indeed whatever they had done in this last Scene, was for no other end but to prove whether he could distinguish between counterfeit Apparitions and true: And seeing he had entertain'd some unwarrantable suspicions about the truth of the for­mer Miracles, it was a righteous thing with God to try him with this one fallacy, which yet was in mercy to him, and to them all, seeing at the same time he had got a sight of the Sa­crament so wonderfully transubstantiated, which the very night before, our Lady had placed upon the great Altar of the Church.

During these discourses, came in the other Fathers, who found him in Passion, yet be­ginning a little to come to himself: which they perceiving, and that his main pike bore di­rectly against the Lecturer, they began to mollifie him with the most sugred words imagi­nable, protesting and assuring him that whatever they had herein done, was meerly upon this account to try his Discerning skill, their whole discourse aiming at the same mark with that of his Confessor. Amongst others, the Prior of Basil with vehemence asserted, That he now evidently saw that our Blessed Lady would not suffer a person of his sincerity ever to be imposed upon in a matter of that weight and concernment, which plainly demonstrated to him, that all the former Apparitions were of unquestionable reality, seeing this one pretend­ed Vision was by divine power discovered: And that from this time forward the Fathers might confide in his honesty and integrity, who was so highly favour'd from Heaven: But still Jet­zer stuck at it, and could not so easily be beaten out of it, but that all was a Juggle, and particularly that the red Wafer, which they so much magnified, was no better than a piece of forgery.

At these words the Fathers were in a peck of troubles, they saw themselves in a snare, which they could neither break nor loosen, at last one of the Company, since they fared no better by Argument, went to down-right humiliation; For Gods sake Dear brother John (said he) speak not such a word, if you love us, you will utterly ruine us all, if you persist in your obsti­nate incredulity; you are bound to believe upon the Credit of your Superiours that the thing is reall; otherwise we assure you we shall not give you the Sacrament, and then wo be to you, you are lost for ever! you ought rather to return most humble and hearty thanks to God for his special Grace and Favour towards you; to Abide firm, and sixt in your obedience both towards God, and your Fa­thers, who are not a little pleased (I can tell you) to see the faithfulness of the Blessed Virgin to you, in not permitting her dear servant to be cheated. Therefore be wise (Dear Brother!) [Page 14] repent seriously of your rash Censures, and beg of God pardon for your unseemly behaviour: And without more adoe they rose up, and lest the poor wretch to his Meditations.

The Saturday following these loving Fathers invited Jetzer to Dinner at one of their Cham­bers, but he was still sick of the sullens, and saying, if they gave him Roast-meat, they would beat him with the Spit, he flatly refused to accept their Invitation: Well (if Jetzer would not come to them out of Pride, they out of Humility would wait upon him: (though some may suspect that other motives were at the bottom) The Prior therefore carries with him a good Number of Wafers; the Sub-prior takes with him a Bason, the Blood of a Pullet newly killed, (which yet for more sureness they had mingled with a little water) now the design was to assure Jetzer, that the red Wafer, about which such a stir had been made, was really tran­substantiated, and no Art of man could imitate it: They therefore pretending that they que­stion'd the truth of the thing as well as he, and that there might possibly lye hid some Im­posture in it, which they could not discover, told him they were come to make such an ex­periment before his eyes as should one way or other put him and them out of all further doubt: Then every man takes a plain Wafer, and with a Feather applies the Chickens blood to it, but it would fix no colour; then they desir'd Jetzer with his own hands to try the same ex­periment with the other remaining Wafers; and when he had done his best, it would rise no higher than a pallid whitterish colour; whereupon they all avow with most dreadfull Oaths and Curses, that the aforesaid Hoste could be no other than the very Body and Blood of our Lord, which the B. Virgin had brought with her from Heaven; and that he was now bound in Conscience to believe it, and to hold for reall all the aforesaid Apparitions, and to own the Fathers for persons of honour and integrity.

Whilest this pleasant Comoedy (through the ill management of some of the chief Actors) had like to have had a tragical end, the wicked Varlet Dandalus show'd 'em a fair pair of heels, and honestly ran away; The Prior of Basil, with one of his Friers Bernard Sangar, prudently retired to their own Covent, under pretence of fitting themselves for their Jour­ney to Pforcheim, waiting till the Fathers of Berne should call on them, that so in one Com­pany they might meet at the Chapter.

The Prior, and the Lecturer being just upon their departure, they committed the grand affair in hand during their absence, to the Sub-prior, and the Receiver, and April the 20th set for­wards.

The Sub-prior, for a Specimen of his Art, after his Midnight Mass, came in the shape of the V. Mary, to give Jetzer a short Visit; and a short one it was, for when she had saluted him, and through the hole in the wall, wisht a good journey to the good Fathers that were now upon the road, she disappeared, rejoycing that she had come off so handsomly.

The Fathers being now arrived at Pforcheim with the Prior of Basil, related to their most intimate Confidents, namely to their Provincial, to the Prior of Cologne, and Dr. Servatius Frankel, the Priors of Heidelberg, Stutgard, and Pforcheim, what progress they had made in the Design, with their good and evil success therein, craving their advice, and what was to be done further.

And in full Chapter, the matter was reported to those Venerable Fathers, as a most holy and miraculous Providence of God; yet could they not so colour the business, but that the greater part of that Assembly perceiv'd there was some sleight of hand in the thing. Much de­bate there was about it; some advised, that the whole of it should be supprest, and never brought to light, least coming to be scanned by curious eyes and prying heads, the forgery should appear to the world: others on the contrary advised only to let it rest for the present, and wait what might further fall out, and that from the issue of things they might proceed as they found occasion: In fine it was agreed that the affair should be committed to those Fathers who should have suffrage in the Chapter generall, not long after to be held at Lyons, to enquire more amply into the Intrigue as they pass'd by Berne, and from the circumstances which they should find, to make a full report to the General Consult, and from thence to take due measures in their proceedings.

But the Sub-prior all this while, at Berne, stoutly pursued the project, according to the In­structions left him by the Prior at his Departure: And on the sixth of May, reminded Jetzer of that Promise the Virgin had made him, of honouring him with the other four wounds which he yet wanted to accomplish his happiness, though the poor fellow thought he had ene enough and too much of the former: The Sub-prior in order to this, with much address and devo­tion washed his feet, that they might be clean, and so meet for so great a favour; received his Confession, gave him punctual Instructions how to behave himself in the sequel, and for his Supper gave him a Mess of broth which composed him to a sweet sleep, and when he was well in bed bestow'd on him good store of Holy-water, and for the present bad him good night.

Not much after Midnight he returned disguised like the Virgin, and thus salutes him: Be­hold! [Page 15]I am the V. Mary, thy Protector, who have hitherto preserved thee from all cheats and frauds: Thy holy Fathers are perfectly innocent, whose only design was to prove thee, that hereby my real Apparitions and Revelations might be rendred more conspicuous, and glorious; and so they shall in the issue appear, if thou behavest thy self tractable to my good pleasure. I am now sent to thee by my dear Son, who prizes thee as a special friend of God, to honour thee with the four re­maining wounds of his Passion, to convince this Incredulous Age that he is really in Heaven, and to give Faith and Credit to those wonderful Signs and Miracles which in thy sight have already been performed. Receive therefore with an obedient and zealous heart these wounds in honour of my Son, and for the confirmation of the Truth. Jetzer was loath to undergoe any further pe­nance of this nature, had no great Ambition to be a Martyr, and therefore answer'd. Alas! sweet, and dear Virgin, why dost thou thus trouble thy self with me? She replyed, Come, come, no more of this reluctancy against the Divine pleasure! Well (says Jetzer) seeing it must be so, Thy will be done! The Virgin with great expedition and dexterity, pierces his other hand, both his feet, and his side, with the aforementioned Dagger, which so conquer'd his Resolution and Devotion, that he could not contain himself at every wound from crying out bitterly, Alas! alas! pretious Mary the Mother of God, why dost thou thus torment thy poor servant? Jetzer in the midst of his Dolours observed, that the Virgin did not pierce his feet quite through as she had done his hands, and being desirous to know the Reason, she answer'd, O dear brother, 'tis because thou mightest not tread upon such tremendous and sacred marks: In conclusion, she exhorted him to all due obedience to God and her self, who had accounted him worthy to partake of the sufferings of the Son of God; she charged him moreover to exercise patience, to be much in the acts of piety, to be conscientious in obeying his Superiours, and to be fruit­full in good works, to fast, pray, and receive the Sacrament often: And when she had blessed him with holy Water, she departed, leaving him this sweet consolation, that she would revisit him in a few dayes; And presently all the Candles were miraculously lighted, and the Bells rung of their own accord, to the great astonishment of all the other Friers.

This was a happy advance towards the retrieving of the Design which was almost grown desperate, and now flusht with hope, the Sub-prior, the Receiver, and Master-Cook, came in and askt him what ayled him to cry out so grievously, and so often, upon Mary? He an­swer'd, Be content at present, and perhaps to morrow you may know more. But the Cooke who had the charge and care of his Bed, making as if he had accidentally taken up the Rug, suddenly espying his wound, told the rest of his companions, who after their first amazement cast them­selves down upon their knees, and with profound groans and sighs kissed his pierced hand; but the Sub-prior, whose Devotion had not quencht his Charity, runs with all speed to seek some linnen rags to bind up his wound (which yet they had ready prepared;) and brings with him those shreds left by our Lady on purpose for this Service: He used also an excellent Salve which he had of Mr. Henry Haller, which was proper to prevent the swelling and inflam­mation of those wounds, and thus having skilfully dressed them, they left him to his re­pose.

This miserable Jetzer being now made a second St. Francis, and a Martyr of Christ, that he might the better act the Enterlude of the Passion, which they design'd him for, the Sub-Prior consulted his Books. Amongst others there was one, which he had from one Martyn an Organist of Botzen, a famous Conjurer: by the help of this Book, he raised a Devil in Humane shape, but of a swarthy colour and complexion, who ask'd our Father what he wanted? The Sub-prior answer'd; It was to be instructed, how he might make a Potion for Jetzer, the receipt whereof might dispose him to act the Passion of Christ: The Devil told him, he would willingly reveal to him the grand secret, provided always, he would solemnly renounce God, and ever after to consecrate Mass, and give up himself Body and Soul entirely to his disposal, and all this to be by a Deed written, and signed with his own blood: This Miscreant accepted the Conditions, and was thereupon thus Instructed: That he should take so much Chrisine, Holy-water, Palmes, Wax from the Candles consecrated at Easter, of consecrated Salt, of the Hair and Blood of an unbaptized Child, of Quick-silver and such other Ingredients, which being mixed according to Art, and blessed upon Candlemas-day, and per­fumed with Incense of Myrrhe, he should make a Potion in the Name, and under the Auspi­ces of the Devil; which Liquor should be impregnated with the energy of as many Devils as there were of the Infants hairs put into it, which should perform whatsoever he should en­joyn them: This Prescription the Sub-prior faithfully made up, and put it into Phials for use.

The Friday after his Instructions he resolv'd to make an Essay of this potion upon Jetzer, and for the dose he gave him only a Spoonfull in a glass of red Wine; which immediately discovered its operation in cold sweats, heaving and swelling of his Breast, itchings all over his Body; as if he had had a Pismires nest in him; attended with terrible cracking of his bones, and so exceeding sick he was at heart, that for an hour he could neither speak not hear: whilest [Page 16]this wretched Patients Physick was thus working, the Sub-Prior tyes his Head hard with a Scarf, draws his Cowle over his Head and Face, opens all his Wounds and Dresses them, which with­out seeming sense he endures; and when he had privately conveyed him into their Chappel, calls in Spectators to Entertain themselves with this Tragedy.

And first, he casts him down on his knees on a low Stool, which stood before a little Altar, whereon the Images of St. Dominick and St. Francis stood, where was also a table representing the Passion of Christ: there he Prayed silently, tossing his Arms about, and at times stretching out his Hands, smiting his Heart and Breast; and this Act of the Tragedy these Impostors call'd, the Mount of Olives: By and by he rises up, tottering and trembling all over his Body, and this (forsooth) they call'd, his Seizure and Imprisonment. Then he falls down, as if he had been in an Epilepsie, and knockt his Head against the stool, for pain and madness, and this must be the third Act, and called, His crowning with thorns. Then he began to stretch out one of his Arms, and then the other, his Hands and Feet being strangely distorted and twisted, as if he had been in a Convulsion fit, which were so fixed in that posture, as if they had been tyed with strong cords; the strongest Persons in the company attempting it, could not in the least move them out of that posture: then did he seem to be just a dying, his body quaking, his teeth grating, and this you must call the Passion of the cross. A sight it was so horrible, and not to be exprest by words, that a certain Canon, whom curiosity drew thither to behold the Play, fell down in a swoon, and was carried out of the Chappel. In a while he drew in his Arms to himself, placing them in the figure of a Cross upon his Belly, his Feet he stretch'd out at length, where they lay in their Natural scite, and thus he continued without any perceptible motion, and this they cal­led, His death and burial. At last he came to himself, began to stir, and got upon his Feet, and this was the last Act, and called the Resurrection: And when he had gone through this Purgatory, the charitable Fathers gave him a Cordial to revive his Spirits, and so conducted their silly Mar­tyr to his Cell.

But believe it, the poor Patient had enough of their Prescriptions, and the effects of it stuck to him so troublesomely, that he was hardly brought to run another course: these Fathers there­fore address'd him with subtle insinuations, that he should not rob himself of the Honour of be­ing a fellow-sufferer with Christ; and that the Potion given him was the most Innocent thing in Nature, being nothing but Holy-water, Chrism, and a little Consecrated Wine to give it a fla­vour, which of themselves could not produce such Symptoms, but his Passion was to be ascri­bed to a Supernatural cause; that he had great Reason to praise the Grace of Christ, which had Dignified him in a way almost Peculiar, and whereof very few of the Blessed Saints were ever partakers: With these words they so wheadled the simple Sot, that for several days together he was drawn in to make them the same Pastime, with his own inexpressible torments.

About this time the two Fathers sent to Pforcheim, return'd, and with them, or soon after there Arrived at Berne the Deputies of that National chapter, in Order to their Attendance at the General chapter at Lyons, namely, the Provincial himself, with Lawrence Obkick (to whom this Comedy was not at all agreeable;) the Priors also of Cologne and Basil, Doctor Mangwitter, Paul Hug of Ʋlme, with some others, who having taken particular cognizance of the whole progress of this Affair, pleased themselves mightily with the conceit what an huge Advantage their Order should get by it over their Enemies; one thing onely disturb'd their satisfaction, that Jetzer had so unhappily discover'd the Roguery, which though they had pretty will healed by their second Artifices, yet it was judg'd convenient by the most wary of these Fathers, to desire the Provincial to give Jetzer a Visit, to sift him throughly whether he had any fixt apprehension that upon the whole matter he had been abused: And indeed by his looks and answers he disco­vered evidently that there were some remaining flaws of unhealed suspicions in his Breast, which he could not clearly remove, though with all imaginable Industry he applyed himself to it.

Hereupon he calls all the Fathers before him, gravely reproves them for entring into these dangerous Intrigues, for though he could have applauded successful Knavery, yet was he unwil­ling to bear the shame or punishment of what would more than probably in time come to light: the Fathers had one Excuse, but it was an approved one, that they had a Pious and Holy inten­tion in all they did, and hoped that their zeals to the Truth, and the credit of their Order, would Atone as great a failing as that came to. The Provincial smiled, and not willing to dis­courage a Pious Design whilst there was any hopes of a fair Issue, he went again to Jetzer, and gravely exhorted him to continue constant in his Obedience to his Superiours, to believe that they were Persons of severe Integrity; and having, as he thought, somewhat sweetned his surly Hu­mour, left him to himself.

The next day the Prior of Basil resolv'd to have a bout with him, and when he had made his Approaches with all the Art and Subtilty imaginable, he found Jetzer as cross-grain'd, and awk­ward in his Faith of the Apparitions as ever, especially in the matter of the coloured Hoste, so that in conclusion, some of the Fathers best Friends, and such as were of the most discerning Heads, advised them to make sure work, to dispatch this peevish Fellow with a Dose of Poy­son, [Page 17]presuming he would tell no tales in the other World: And that they might the more secure­ly do it, they agreed to give him the afore-mentioned Potion, mixed with something that would do the feat, that so when he came to Act the Passion again, the simple Spectators might believe that in his Extasie his Soul Departed, and was transported to Heaven by the Angels.

As soon as the Fathers Strangers were gone, the Sub-Prior, who was hardned in his Ro­guery, to his own Ruine, fell to work again, and cook'd him a Mess of Broath well seasoned with Spiders and other Poysons, telling Jetzer, that the Fathers would come and Dine with him, and had sent him a Mess of wholsom Broth to stay his Stomack, because it might perhaps be somewhat late ere Dinner was ready: he falls to crumb his Pottage, and as dull a Block­head as he was, yet observed, that so far as the Bread was wet with the Broth it turned of a greenish colour, and that there were some yellow Seeds mingled with it, a confused suspicion began to dawn in his Brain, that there might be mischief intended; so that for all that the Sub-Prior, and he that waited on him could do for their Lives, he would not be perswaded to taste a spoonful. This vext them, and saying little, went out to give their confederates an Account how ill-favouredly the Project had succeeded.

Jetzer, as soon as they were gone, throws his Broth out of a side-window, which lookt into a little Yard, where the Fathers for their Pleasure kept young Wolves: these greedy creatures made no scruple of the Mess, but hastily lapt it up, who in a while turn'd up their Heels, and gave Jetzer an ocular demonstration what kindness the Sub-Prior had for him. At their return he gave them a round rattle, and spared none of his course Eloquence to tell them their own; all which the Sub-Prior would have evaded, by telling him, that he was an ungrateful Rascal, a wicked Varlet, to Reproach them with what they abhorred from their Souls; and that it was no wonder if it killed the Wolves, seeing some things were rank Poyson to Beasts, which were wholsom Food to Man, as he endeavoured to prove by some Instances, and he being no great Philosopher, had his Mouth stopped, but his Mind not at all satisfied.

Towards the end of June, the Provincial with his Colleagues return'd from Lyons, having dispatcht no business, because the Italians of their Order durst not hazard themselves in France, for fear of the Wars, which then were hot in that Countrey, and therefore their General Chap­ter was Adjourn'd to Padua, whither the Germans Delegated Dr. Munken, and Dr. Paul, in the Name of the rest. As soon as these Fathers came to Berne, Jetzer made a heavy complaint to them, how his Life had been attempted; whereupon the Provincial promis'd to Examine the matter, and to do him Justice in it: Upon the Meeting of all the Fathers, they all pleaded for themselves what they had before done to Jetzer, so that the business fell, and came to nothing, and Jetzer must go seek his Amends where he could get them: But to give him some Satisfaction, Dr. Amman of Strasburgh, gave him a Gold Ring to wear on his Finger, which he protested, was out of meer Honour and Reverence to that Holiness which he saw so eminently appear in him: But at his Departure the crafty Doctor told Jetzer, that that Ring was a Relique so Sacred and Precious, that it ought not to be exposed to the danger of being lost, and therefore with Jetzer's good leave, he would keep the Ring for him, as safe if he had it in's own possession, bidding him not doubt, but that the Virtue of this Consecrated Ring would reach him at a far greater distance than that was.

Whilst these Strangers Sojourn'd at Berne, the four desperate Accomplices in the Design, re­solving to push forward the Project to the utmost, agreed to give them another proof of their Art, and accordingly after Midnight Mass, The Sub-Prior, in the shape of the Virgin Mary, and the Lecturer Personating St. Cicily, entred his Cell. The V. Mary first began. O blessed Bro­ther John! my Son Jesus has sent me once again unto thee, charging thee to press thy Holy Fathers to pursue his Command and mine. St. Cicily took her turn, and said, I am Saint Cicily, the Hand­maid of the ever blessed Virgin, in whose train I have oftentimes appeared to St. Dominick, the Pa­triarch of your Holy Order; be Faithful and Obedient. — And as she proceeded in her Orati­on, Mary very Officiously address'd her self to examine Jetzer's Wounds, whether they were perfectly cured, and (as ill-luck would have it) he knew the Officious hand; so that not able to sup­press his resentments, he stamps and rages, frets and fumes unmeasurably, crying out, What, ye Rogues and Rascals, will ye never leave Persecuting a miserable wretch? The Sub-Prior was sur­prized, but had an Answer ready, Dear brother, this was onely to prove thy sagacity in these mat­ters! compose thy Passions, and do not disturb the Covent with these out-crys! and so saying, they disappeared.

The Provincial, before his Departure suspecting the Issue, Advised these daring undertakers to proceed no further therein, but to let it die of it self; and upon his Report thereof to the Ge­neral of their Order, and four other of their most Eminent Divines, they gave their Judgment, That this Affair could not be of God, but was undertaken and managed by the Inspiration of the Devil; however they were over the Shooes, and would be over the Boots too, and there­fore without any regard to the Displeasure and Just Indignation of God, resolv'd to make a shaft or a bolt of it: And knowing that if they should let the matter die, it would come out at last, [Page 18]to their shame before the World, they resolv'd, either to gain their design'd point, in confirm­ing their Doctrine by the credit of these Apparitions and feigned Miracles; or if Jetzer were unmanageable, they would rid their Hands and the World of him by Poyson.

In the City of Berne there was one Mr. William Diesbach, an Ancient Advocate of that Town, a Person of Judgment and Prudence, and one that had a particular Respect to these Fathers, be­ing Honorary Patron to their Sodality; his Advice they craved, how they should behave them­selves in this Important Affair? Alleadging that our Blessed Lady complained of their remissness as often almost as she appear'd (which was very frequently) that they did not divulge her Commands to the Higher Powers: they pray his Advice therefore whether it were not expedi­ent to satisfie her, by offering to the Council an Authentick Narrative of what has passed? He being a discerning Person, Counselled them not to precipitate matters, but leave them to be ripened by time, which would sufficiently divulge them to the World, if at least Providence judg'd it expedient. They Answer: That the Virgin was very urgent and importunate with them, and declared, she would expect their demurres no longer, so that they began to fear she should break out upon them with some marks of her Displeasure for their Negligence. Dies­bach rejoyns with a countenance between jest and earnest, That if the Virgin was in such Post­haste, she must take her own course; which Repartee, had they not been blinded, might have as­sured them that he was no such credulous Fool as they might imagine.

An unbyassed Judgment might easily conclude, that nothing but Judicial blindness and hard­ness of Heart could have been enough to strengthen the zeal of these Fathers to pursue their Project after such disappointments, discouragements, and disasters as they had met withall: But on they went whither their own Folly led them.

One Night, after a plentiful Collation, which they had given the Friers to make them sleep more soundly, the Lecturer, Sub-Prior, and the Receiver secretly conveyed themselves into our Ladies Chappel, (the Prior himself stood Sentinel for fear of surprize) where with rare Arti­fice they taught the Image of our Lady to weep tears of Blood, for which purpose they had reserv­ed a Liquor tinctured by the afore-said Lazarus Dandalus, and that so Naturally, that one Mr. John Pries, a Famous Painter of Fribourg, could not discern the Imposture, though it was put to him; and by this means it became a common Fame that our Lady had shed these Bloody tears.

The Sub-Prior, to avoid all suspicion, Artificially Poyson'd one of those red-coloured Hostes (whereof the Reader has sometimes before been told) and the Plot was thus laid, that when Jetzer could be next perswaded to Act the Passion, they would immediately before give him the Sacrament, which would do his Work for him effectually; and then the Sub-Prior engaged by an Act of his own to convey his Body into the Quire of the Church before the great Altar, where they would Worship him, to cover and colour their Murder; and give it out, that he was an eminent Saint, who dyed in the very Act of the Passion, and that his Holy Soul was transpor­ted from his Body into Heaven by the Angels. And then they would Bury him with all the So­lemnity imaginable due to so great Merits: They had provided also a Young, but a crafty Novice, whom they placed behind the Curtains drawn before the Image of our Lady, which stood behind the Altar; and this Young Knave was to Act two Parts, one while to plead on the behalf of the Virgin, and then to Answer in the Person of Christ her Son.

The Reverend Fathers having thus prepared their Matters, upon Fryday, being the Feast of St. Eloy, Patron of the Black-smiths, about three a clock in the Morning the Prior came all in haste to Jetzer's Chamber, and awakening him, tells him with seeming transport, that he should come and see an astonishing Miracle, for they could not judge other than that the Image of our Blessed Lady did plentifully weep tears of Blood. Jetzer gets him out of his Bed, and was glad to see Miracles wrought any where rather than upon himself, and with others of the Fathers whom they met running to the Chappel to see this Miracle, Jetzer made one, and entring the Chappel, they fall down before this wonder-working Image: Look! Look! (says one that had his Eyes a little more open than the rest) here's real drops of blood upon our Lady's cheeks, and others that stand ready to fall, in the corners of her eyes! The Reader must have a good Imagination, to give himself the contentment to see the postures of these Hypocrites at that word. One beats his Breast! Another stands in an amazed posture, as if he had less Life in him than the Image, and intended to petrifie: A third lifts up Eyes, Hands, Voice to Heaven, but all lay with infinite Devotion at her Feet, Humbly recommending themselves to her Gracious Protection, depreca­ting her displeasure, begging the Pardon of their sins, and beseeching her to let her poor Suppliants know what secret guilt there might be upon them, which might cause such grief in her that was the Author of all their comfort.

Upon this, the Novice that lay incognito behind the Curtain, began to sob, sigh, and groan most piteously; so that her Son which she held in her Arms (for so must you conceive) could not but condole with her, and ask her, My most dearly beloved Mother, whence come these sad complaints? My dear Son (replyed she with a voice interrupted with frequent sobbings) have I not cause to weep, when this deluded World will needs Honour me, to your apparent prejudice, and against all [Page 19]Reason make it an Article of their Faith, That I was born without sin, which is your sole Pre­rogative, being both their Saviour and mine? ‘Satisfie your self Mother (replyed her Son!) and dry up those tears, I will now take this cause into my own hands, and determine the point so as to put it for ever out of dispute.’ Then turning his speech to Jetzer, he conti­nued his discourse: Brother John, my special friend! seeing thy holy Fathers, apprehensive of danger, are afraid to reveal and divulge my Apparitions and Miracles which I have vouchsafed their Covent for confirming this grand Truth, I will now in my own person decide the Controver­versie, that the City of Berne, if it will escape those terrible Judgements which hang over their heads, may engage in this quarrel, and lend their power and authority to support and vindicate my Revelations. But go thy ways into the Chappel of St. John, and there repose thy self a while: then return and present thy self before this holy Image, with the marks of thy five Wounds exposed to open view, where thou shalt abide immovably till some of the Lords of the Council of this City, shall be sent for, in whose presence thou shalt receive the blessed Sacrament, and suffer my Passion. The Fathers feigned themselves extremely ravisht at this extraordinary Revela­tion; And now dear Brother (said they to Jetzer, embracing him,) you would not believe the former Revelations, what say you now to Christ himself? Alas! alas! (replyed he) poor wretched sinner! I am convinced, I am convinced! Then they shewed him how all the Can­dles in the Chappel at one clap were lighted, and presently conveyed him to St. Johns Oratory. And during his short Recess, the Novice who had so well acted these two parts, slipt away without notice, and then they bring him back into our Ladies Chappel, and place him upon his knees upon the High Altar, just before the Image of our Lady, laying his head in her Lap, and enjoyning him to abide in that posture without stirring hand or foot, till such an hour: Then they open his Wound:, and the Receiver tyes his hands in an elevated posture with a Taffata Scarf which was upon the Image, that the simple Spectators might believe the Virgin her self had honour'd him with that mark of her favour. This done, they all quit the Chappel, and lock the doors after them; one of his Shooes they left before the High Altar, another upon the steps that lead up to the Quire, the Fillets that bound up his Wounds they scattered up and down the Chappel.

It was high time for some of the Fathers to goe; and call in company; one of them runs in great haste to their fast friend Advocate Diesbach, another to Advocate Derlach, and humbly entreated these Lords to come immediately to their Church; The Receiver call'd in Rudolph Huber, and Leonard Hupach, two of their special friends, and members of the Council of State; them they conduct to the Gallery that overlooks the Quire, and with wonderful astonishment relate to them how they had found Frier John Jetzer, laid before the High Altar, his Arms placed in the figure of the Cross, when presently he vanisht away, and they knew not what was become of him, till after some search, they found him here in this posture you now see him in our Ladies Chappel. How he came hither God knows, we know not, but there you see he is, the doors are all fast lockt, and the Prior has the Keys, who as yet knows neither more nor less of this matter; so that in all probability the Angels have brought him hither out of the Church into this Chappel, where he has lyen in this posture without the least motion that we can discern ever since we found him: And further, (say they) it seems to us, that our Ladies Image has wept Blood; and therefore they had sent for their Honours, that they might see with their own eyes these Wonders, not knowing what work God had to do amongst them.

These grave Senators testified their astonishment by their looks; and now the Prior comes with his Keyes (which at first forsooth he could not find, having forgot where he laid them last night) and opening the doors, they enter trembling, and whilest they were saying their private Orisons, the Receiver rounds Jetzer in the ear, that he must now receive the blessed Sacrament; then desiring the Lords to draw nigh, and see Jetzer receive the the Sacrament, and undergoe the Passion of Christ, they all stood expecting the Issue.

The Receiver presently offers him the red-colour'd Hoste; but Jetzer, who had enough of that before, gently refused it, softly answering, That it was a thing too holy for such a vile wretch as he to admit into his profane Mouth and Lips; and that it might not breed a quarrel in the midst of the Tragedy, they give him an ordinary one, which he took, and eat. The Sub-prior then gives him a spoonfull or two of his Potion, (upon pretence to the Spectators, that he needed some Cordial to revive his exhausted spirits,) and then they all began to thun­der out in the Quire the Regina Coelorum! at which Jetzer began his tricks; first he jumps up on his feet, stretching out his arms, crossing his leggs one over the other, lyes down all along as if he had been stone-dead, and went through all the particulars of the counterfeit Passion as before.

Whilest these things were a doing, a great number of the City taking the Alarm, had ga­ther'd at the doors of the Chappel, whom the Fathers upon that solemn occasion admitted to see these rare Miracles, who with wonderment beheld the Tragedy; till at last Jetzer coming to himself, was conducted with great Pomp to his Cell, there to retire and repose himself [Page 20]after his great pains and exercise: The Fathers, though they came off in this Scene of Roguery pretty well, yet were not a little troubled, that they had missed their main end, in dispatch­ing Jetzer by the red-coloured Hoste. Nevertheless they made the best of a bad matter, and gained one great point, that by the help of some poor superstitious Bigotts, and old doting Women, they had dispersed the fame of these Miracles: That our Lady in the Covent of the Dominicans had wept tears of Blood; That her Image had spoken terrible things against the City, and that without Repentance, and their peace made with her, they must expect no­thing less than sudden, total, and inevitable destruction.

This pass'd current amongst the vulgar, but yet there wanted not some, who being not so easily susceptible of these Impressions, gave not over-much credit to them: Amongst the rest there was one John Boursier a poor Curate, who in the croud had viewed our Ladies tears; this fellow having made a Ring in the throng of the People, openly declares, that he had viewed these tears with the best eyes he had, and that he found them a mere piece of Imposture, that they were nothing but red enamelled Drops, with excellent Art laid on her cheeks and eyes: This Harangue drew the rage of the Church-men upon him, and the clamour of the superstitious Rabble; nay some of the Lords of the Council chid him for his rashness; and he out of fear of being cited before the Ecclesiastical Court, excused himself in the fairest man­ner he could; but the Prior told him, that if he had caught him upon the Altar, so curiously prying into the Secrets of the Image, he would have fetcht him down with a vengeance; and combed his head with a Bunch of Keys, that he should have scratch'd his Pate all the days of his life; and that he wondred, how a Rascal that every night lay with his Whore durst be so bold as to approach the blessed Virgin.

Not long after the Lecturer brought in this whole affair by the head and shoulders into his Sermon, where he magnified the Miracle, and declaimed against the Impudences of this Cu­rate; And all the Fathers were so passionately concern'd to obtrude this Fiction for a real Miracle, that they could not bear the least contradiction, but they were all in Arms to con­fute the Opponent, which they managed with that bitterness and rage, as gave occasion to some not otherwise suspitious to look more narrowly and impartially into the business. The whole City was divided in their Judgements, and great heats and animosities there were amongst them; A certain Canon Henry Volfli, an honest and well-meaning man, in the Inte­grity of his heart maintained, that if the testimony of our eyes could not be believed in this Cause, it would call in Question the truth of the bodily Presence of Christ in the Mass; but one Lewis Oubly on the other side asserted with no less vehemence, That it was all but a pious fraud, a grand cheat, and that they ought to extort the truth of all from Jetzer by the Rack, and extreme torture.

The prudent Senate of Bearne, awaken'd with the clamours of these quarrelling parties, and not knowing to what height it might grow, judged it Adviseable to issue out a Commissi­on to their Advocate Derlach to examine Jetzer, whether the Virgin had really wept Blood, and what was that severe Judgement she had threatned their City? Derlach armed with Au­thority, in pursuance of his powers, comes to the Covent, but the wary Fathers fearing least Jetzer might bolt out more of the Secret upon his Examination than was for their Interest to be known, humbly entreated the Advocate to adjourn the Execution of his Commission for a few days, pretending that in truth the poor Fryer was so spent with his late Extasies, that he was not capable to give him a satisfactory aecount. The Advocate being their real Friend, condescended; the Fathers now having gained some respite, cast about how to prepare Jetzer to subserve their designs; whereupon the Sunday following, very early, the Lecturer hides himself behind a large picture which hung near the Image of our Lady, in her Chappel, and the other three Fathers introduce Jetzer, to learn whether it might not please the Virgin to declare her self more absolutely and fully upon this point: whilest therefore they were all in Prayers with great Devotion before the Image; the Lecturer in the Name of our Lady thus spoke to Jetzer. Brother John, my dear Friend! The Lords of the Council of this City will cer­tainly send their Commissioner to ask thee why I wept, and lamented so heavily of late, and what are those calamities which I threatned to them and their City, and for what cause I thus menaced them? Thus therefore shalt thou answer them; That my main design is to confirm the truth of all my Apparitions and Revelations to thy self. That what I have said touching my Conception, ought first to be reported to his Holiness, that he may make such Decree thereupon as is agreeable to the Truth; That the Laity ought not to make a judgement of those things which were above their Ca­pacity. That my Image did weep (for as for my Person that is above the reach of sorrow) because of the unbelief both of this City, and of some of the Fathers of this Covent, of such gra­cious and evident Apparitions and Miracles: That the Senate had formerly by a sacrilegious De­cree banished the Teutonick Order, and plac'd Secular Canons in their room, that they had also rased and destroyed many Cloysters and Churches, that they had taken an Oath to entertain no more foreign Pensions, wherein nevertheless they had incurred the guilt and pains of Perjury, [Page 21]and therefore the full Vials of Divine Wrath were ready to be poured out upon their City and Terri­tories, had not my Intercession with my Son diverted, or suspended the execution of that dreadful Sen­tence; which (said she) I have hitherto done in hopes of their Repentance and Reformation, out of my true Love to thee, my dear Friend, and this Holy House.

The Lecturer all this while was in little ease behind the Picture, and turning himself to shift his side, for some ease, he unhappily moved the Frame of the Picture, as if it were just a falling; Jetzer suddenly cryed out, Shall I stop it? The Fathers as readily Answered, By no means! It would doubtless take care of it self! But when it totter'd the second time, Jetzer verily thinking it would have fallen upon his Head, could not contain himself, but puts a hand to support it, and thrusting it a little to set it even and fixt, he unluckily spyed the Lecturer lying behind it: Vexation, Madness, and whatever Passion might transport a Man, entred him at the same time; he catches fast hold on him, and by his Cowl drags him backwards upon the Altar, calling them all the Names he could invent, Dissemblers, Rogues, Villains, Rascals, that could find themselves nothing to do, but abuse a poor Innocent Fellow.

The Fathers being again thus entrapped, yet lost not their Confidence, but flying to their former Excuse, added, that fearing lest he should not Obey the Instructions formerly given him, they had used the Name of the Virgin for his own Advantage, to engage him to do his Duty, which he had otherwise been sufficiently bound to, and that therefore he ought to give such An­swers to the Interrogatories of the Council, as his former Revelations from the Virgin should enjoyn him. Jetzer seem'd at present contented, and in this dubious state of Affairs they wait­ed the second coming of Derlach, the States Commissioner.

Not long after this, came Dr. Fricker, a Member of the Council, with Chancellour Schaller, empowred with the same Commission which was formerly directed to the Advocate Derlach; and when they Examined Jetzer upon the Questions, he pleaded his great inability, and desired the Lecturer might relate the whole Story, as in his Name; but the Commissioners not satisfied therewith, would have him Personally to make Answer to whatever they should propose to him. The Fathers did not at all like these proceedings, that their Covent should be Visited by the Se­cular Magistrate, and therefore began to Huff and Hector at a strange rate; so that the Commi­ssioners went away, excusing the Matter to the Council as well as they could, imputing all to the Ig­norance of Jetzer, rather than to any Practise and Imposture of the Reverend Fathers; Dr. Fricker himself being one hugely affectionate to them, and one whose Interest served them mightily in the Progress of this Affair.

From this time Jetzer discovered great dissatisfaction of Mind, no Arguments could ever af­ter induce him to believe the truth of these Visions and Revelations; nor would he ever be per­swaded to undergo the Passion any more, though he was Ambitious enough of the Honour of an Enthusiast. But the Fathers, who had now gone too far, to make an Honourable and safe Re­treat, set a good face on the Matter, and resolving to become the Aggressors, presented them­selves to the Council, humbly entreating to Honour them, either in their Persons, or by their Delegates, to see those Miracles which the Divine Grace had favoured their Cloyster withall, and to give them their Advice thereupon, as the case should require.

The Council immediately Deputed some of their Number, to whom were joyned, the Pro­vost of the Chapter, the Dean, the Sacristan, and some others of considerable Quality: All these the next Sunday, at their Arrival in the Covent, were conductded into the Chappel, where the Prior shewed them the Famous red coloured Hoste; the two Wax Candles which the Blessed Vir­gin brought with her from Heaven; the Silver Box, in which were enclosed the little Crosses, and the drops of the Blood of Christ with them; for the truth of which he pawn'd Soul and Sal­vation. All this was carried with that Pompous Decency that became a Matter so Sacred and August; and in fine, the Holy Reliques were shewed to the People, who out of Curiosity had crowded in such multitudes to see the Glorious sight, that they were forced to shut the Doors, lest their rudeness should have Prophaned the Sacred Mysteries. After all, the Fathers repeated to the Deputies whatever had happened to this eminent Saint Jetzer; adding moreover, that they had an express Command not to Reveal the Reasons of these things to any but the Pope himself, in testimony whereof they referr'd themselves to the Attestation of Jetzer.

A little while after, upon the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Patron of their Church, the Prior, with the whole Covent went in Procession, carrying in Pomp the red coloured Hoste, al­lotting it several stations, to expose it to the view of the People, with the fore-mentioned Box, and the Holy Candles, which they made the People believe could not be lighted by any but the B. Virgin her self, which drew an infinite throng of People after it, both of the City and Coun­trey; the Emperours Embassador, who then resided in the City, and the Agents of the other Can­tons, not scorning to attend this Religious Cavalcade. And in a fair way they were to have impo­posed upon the World, had not the Providence of God timely interposed to Discover the Im­posture, which had else laid the Foundation for much Idolatry and Superstition in the following Ages.

This Affair became the Subject of Mens Discourses, and was entertain'd with such diversity of Sentiments, that the State of Berne thought it adviseable to dispatch an Express to the Pro­vincial of the Dominicans, desiring him to make a narrow scrutiny into it, that there might ensue no scandal to the World, and that he would be pleased to give them his thoughts how they might demean themselves in the business. The Provincial Solemnly sends the two Doctors, Wetter and Hug, sufficiently Instructed in their Errand, who coming to Berne, acquaint the four Fathers of the Covent what the Chapter General of their Order held at Padua had determined about it: They advised them by little and little to let it die, and the thing would be but nine days Wonder, the noise would cease, and all things in a while would return to their old peaceable posture. But the Fathers tell Jetzer quite another story, assuring him that the whole procedure was owned by God and all good Men, that it would clear it self in due time, and having wrought it self through all Difficulties, and broken through the Clouds of Envy, shine at last with greater Lustre: For all this, Jetzer grumbled to himself, and though Ambitious enough to be reputed a Saint, and one of the first Magnitude, yet was not boyled up to that height, as to believe such palpable Forgeries. Dr. Hug makes him a private Visit hereupon, and chides him very severe­ly for his Obstinacy, saying, that he had no Reason to think, much less to speak so slovenly of his Reverend and Holy Superiours, Men of tryed Integrity, and strict Consciences, whom no Temptation could be great enough to seduce to the least evil. Still Jetzer was stubborn, and for all his threats could not forbear to say, that whatever it cost him, he must declare to all the World, that he saw nothing but Imposture and Knavery. Hug was inraged at this Answer, and having accidentally a bunch of Keys in his hand, laid Jetzer full drive over the Face, that the Blood ran about his Ears, and he cryed out, Murder! Murder!

These Visitors, who on the part of the Provincial had the Affair in hand, hearing that the Coun­cil of Berne were resolv'd to Invite the Bishop of Lausanne to come and take a more particular Examination of the Matter, by common consent agreed to supervise the Statutes of their Covent, from thence the better to understand their Priviledge, in reference to the Civil Magistrate, the Secular Clergy, and their Authority over their own Members; and reading some clauses to Jet­zer, containing their Power to Imprison, and otherwise to punish the disobedient Friers, on purpose to affright him into better manners; they perswaded him either to accept a Higher de­gree in their own Order, or to remove to some other far distant Cloyster, both which with great Resolution he peremptorily refused: They seeing his Audacious stubbornness, send for a Mass-book, and opening it before him, made him lay his Right hand upon a Crucifix, and to Swear by the Power of God, and the Severity of his Vengeance (according to a form in La­tin, which they proposed to him) that he would never speak otherwise of the Conception of the Virgin than had been taught him; nor ever directly, or indirectly reveal any thing or matter that might any ways prejudice his Superiours; and that he should avow before all the World, that whatever Apparitions, Revelations, Miracles had past amongst them, were of indubitable ve­rity. They charged him moreover not to withdraw from the Covent, to shew himself Obedi­ent and tractable to the Fathers, and not to regard the prate of the World, which (they said) lay drench'd in Wickedness, and was more ready to give credence to the Devil than to God him­self. And now they thought they had made him their own, and halter'd up his Conscience, that it should not flinch from their Party and Interest.

Not long after this, trusting to the hanck they had got over Jetzer's Conscience by this Solemn Oath, the Prior, in a fair white Surplice, with a Rose embroyder'd on it, representing St. Ber­nard, came to try Jetzer's Faith or Patience, and thus began. Frier John! the Friend of God! That thou mayst be fully convinced that the Cordeliers in the point of the Conception are Heretical, and as much as in them lyeth, offer a high affront both to the Blessed Virgin, and her Son Jesus, see here this beautiful Rose, which was given me by the Virgins own hand, in Testimony of the Truth of the Dominican Doctrine: And I am now sent from Heaven to settle thy Faith, lest by Reason of the many false and flying Reports, thou shouldst be stagger'd in the belief of the rea­lity of her Appearing to thee: I must charge thee also to Obey thy Superiours, and have express Command to comfort, strengthen, and settle thee in that Obedience thou owest to them, that thou mayst also strengthen their hands in those Sufferings which for their Couragious asserting the Truth they may undergo from this unbelieving Age. This St. Bernard (you must know) came in at the Window, which they had made to comport with their Design, and as he was re­turning the same way, Jetzer perceived he had such shooes on as the Dominican Preachers wear; he said little, but fell down-right upon him, and thrust him out at the Window a little faster than he would have gone, so that he fell with his Head forward into the Court, which, though the fall was not very far, yet it so bruised his Reverence, that the Sub-prior and Receiver, who stood under the Window, were forced to carry him away to his Lodgings; but Jetzer, thinking he had play'd a famous prank, cryed after them, The Devil take you for a pack of Knaves! And seeing the Priors Surplice lye there, which in the Scuffle he had pluck'd over his Ears, he tore it in pieces, and fairly burnt it, that there might be no token left to Convict him of an Assault upon the Person of the Prior.

The Bishop of Lausanne, with his Vicar, and some others were now come to Town, to whom the Council joyned the Prior of Thorberg, the Provost of the Chapter, the Dean, and some others of their own Body, to examine Jetzer touching the aforesaid matter, who ap­peared in the Covent, and the Bishop demands to be admitted into Jetzers Cell, where he found him lying on his Bed, and the Lecturer sitting by him, giving him ghostly Counsel.

The Bishop without more adoe, waving the Ceremony of Prefaces, commands the Prior and Jetzer, under pain of Excommunication, and by virtue of that Christian obedience to him due, as Bishop of Lausanne, on whom they did depend, to whom they were subordinate, and who had cognizance of all matters relating to the Faith and the Holy Sacraments, to Con­fess to him the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth, touching these pretended Appariti­ons, Revelations and Miracles.

The Prior, observing as little Ceremony as the Bishop, answer'd with a loud voice, and a proud look, that by the Papal priviledges given to their Order, they owed him no Canonical Obedience; And though they did, yet they owed a greater Obedience to the Queen of Heaven, who had expressely forbidden them to give any Account to any person under the Sun, save to his Holiness. The Bishop asks him, whether then he believed the Apparitions of the Vir­gin Mary, to be a real Truth? The Prior readily answers, He did! And that they had such unexceptionable evidences thereof as made it a Mortal sin in them to haesitate about it: The Bishop then desires he might hear Jetzer himself declare his mind therein. The Fathers all unanimously answer, That he should discharge the Company then, excepting those that were his immediate Retinue; The Bishop consents, so that none remained in the Cell with them but the Prior of Thorberg, and Dr. Fricker, a member of the lesser Council, who supplyed the place of Jetzer's Interpreter; They that were dismissed, raised a great clamour, adding many Menaces, that they would make them dearly repent it, if any foul play were offer'd. The Bishop, when the room was cleared, searcht Jetzers wounds, examining him of all the circumstances relating to them: Jetzer answer'd very sillily, and had been instructed to put on more simplicity than his own; beseeching his Grace to receive the Report of the Reve­rend Fathers, who were able to give him better satisfaction in all things than himself. The Bishop being able to get nothing out of them who all hung together on a string, commanded them however to proceed no further in so slippery a business, waiting to see what discovery the Providence of God might make hereafter: for indeed the Fathers when once the matter took wind, and became town-talk, prudently pluckt down Jetzers old Lodging, and those of his two Neighbours, that there might no foot-steps remain of the contrived Knavery; so that the Bishop return'd almost as wise as he came.

After the Bishops departure, the Fathers with all the Arguments they could muster, could not perswade Jetzer to drink the Potion, nor to have his wounds any more dress'd by them, (which they hitherto upon pretence of healing had kept raw and fresh) and found in a little time, that all his pain vanished, and the wounds closed up of themselves, which abundantly convinced him, that the whole affair of his Wounds, and Passion, were mere contrivance, and the V. Mary wholly Innocent in it; speaking openly that he would divulge the truth to the world. This gave the Fathers quick apprehensions of danger, who were now beaten from their old shifts, and were forced to have recourse to the Milder Expedients of Prayers and Tears, to hold his tongue; if not to justifie the things to have been reall, seeing all was done for the upholding the Truth of the Conception of the Virgin, and the Credit of their Order, wherein he had a concern as well as they; and did protest, that the present healing of his wounds was not natural, but an immediate Judgement, inflicted upon the unbelieving Age which gave no more Credit to the Miracles of the Virgin: And that he had best beware what he did, seeing that if any Judgement should pass upon these Actions, the greatest load would fall upon his own head, and that they under the Protection of their Degrees and Dignities should more easily weather the storm.

Their chief design remaining was this, That seeing they could not hoyste up Jetzer's cre­dit to support their Doctrine, they would take away his credit from accusing their wicked­ness, for which end they proceeded in this fashion. They put the Red-colour'd Sacrament, in a Cabinet (with the little Crosses of the Blood of Christ) and lockt it up with four Locks: Then they send for the Prior of Thorbergh, Captain Hupschi, Rudolph Huber, and the Chan­celor, their great Confidents, and inform them upon what account Jetzer had been discharg'd of his five wounds, (which Jetzer durst doe no other than confirm) and the Case being thus; if the Virgin Mary, who had been highly provok'd, should in pursuance of her just indig­nation, fetch away from them the Sacred Hoste, so miraculously colour'd, and the Blood of Christ, which she had deposited with them; that then the world would certainly judge them guilty of some practice, and that the Frier and they had invented these things merely out of their fruitful heads: And therefore they had at that time desired their Honours presence, who being persons of known Integrity might be able to vindicate their sincerity against all [Page 24]men; they therefore humbly entreated them to keep three of the Keys of this Cabinet where­in the Sacred Reliques were put, and the Prior should keep the fourth. As these persons re­turned home, they meet with the Burser of Wattevile, to whom they relate what had passed; who smiling, askt them if they had no more wit than to trust to such slender security, for perhaps, nay without perhaps, they had three other Keyes made of the same Wards, which would open the Cabinet at their pleasure: This single consideration made them immediately go back, and civilly deliver up their Keys to the Prior: The Fathers then desired them to feal it up with their own Seals; they desir'd to be excused, pretending they had not their Seals about them; but one Henry Volfli, a Canon, being desired, yielded; which the Re­ceiver evaded by taking the Impression in Lead, and afterwards causing a Seal to be made by it.

The third day after Jetzer's discharge from his wounds, the Fathers had a grand Consult, touching the Conception of the V. Mary in Sin; and did solemnly swear to Jetzer, that if he believed not these following Articles, they would bind him with Excommunication, and de­liver him up to the Secular Powers. The Articles were these: 1. That the Virgin was con­ceived in Original Sin. 2. Born in Original Sin. 3. That she was in Original Sin when she stood under the Cross. 4. And when she died. 5. That she conceived our Saviour being her self in Original Sin. 6. That she was then only freed of it, when she was taken Body and Soul into Heaven. These Articles they commanded him to subscribe in testimony of Assent and Con­sent to them; but Jetzer was almost grown an Infidel by this time, and had got such a ha­bit of Incredulousness, that he would hardly believe his own eyes; ‘Why (said they) bro­ther Jetzer, what if the Virgin her self should appear to you in reality, and St. Catherine of Seulis a Holy Sister of their Order, would he not then believe? He replyed, He could not well tell what he should doe,’ but if the B. Virgin should verily and indeed come down from Heaven, he would labour to give her credit. This being all they could scrue out of him, they must be content with the answer: His Confessor calls him to Confession, and takes thence occasion to advise him to Faith in God, and good hope, that he would provide some means for the Confirming of his Truth wherein his Interest so much lay.

The next night after Mass, the Virgin Mary appeared, and St. Catherine waiting on her, and because they came about their old Errand, I shall not need to trouble the Reader and my self to repeat the Discourse; it may suffice, that Jetzer having been now more versed in these Apparitions, at first dash knew the Sub-prior's voice, who at that time acted the Virgin, and drawing out his knife, made at her Ladyship full tilt; 'tis true, he miss'd his Mark, but sheath'd his Whittle in the thigh of St. Catherine (represented by the Receiver) and presently down came all her Holy-water; The disguised Virgin seeing this, in a rage cried out, Lay him o're the face, St. Catherine! dash out the Rogues brains! Surely, he's possest with the Devil! St. Catherine, for all her wound, gave him as hot as he brought, and hit him so full o're his face, that the swelling continued eight dayes after: Jetzer's blood was up, and catching up a Mallet which he there spied, let fly at her head, that gave her such a rebuke, that she fell down: Mary came in for her Second, and taking up a pint pot, with all her might threw it directly at his pate, but missing him, dasht in pieces the Glass window; Jetzer seeing him­self overmatcht, betook himself to his heels, and running out at the door, lockt it after him; he goes up to the Prior, and the Lecturer, and bringing them to his Cell, where he had left these two Actors, Prisoners: Look (says he) Reverend Fathers, and behold the Fruits of your late Preaching; Are you not come to an end of your Villanies? The Sub-prior presently played the Chirurgeon, and dresses the Receivers Wound, giving it out, that he had an Ulcer long time a breeding in his Thigh, and by this means would make Jetzer a Lyar.

But these Reverend Fathers, seeing it was to no purpose to endeavour to hide their Kna­veries from Jetzer, held a close Council how they might rectifie their former errours, the result whereof was this, That to oblige him to secresie, they would find a means to make him guilty of Sacrilege, so that having him upon the hip, he might not dare to play the Blab of his tongue, and disclose their Secrets: Having therefore in their hands some Church-uten­sils, and Ornaments pawned to them, as Jewels, Bracelets, and Necklaces for the Virgin, very rich and gawdy, besides some small Images of Silver, and Agnus Dei's, they made him a Present of these Rarities; Jetzer (whether he smelt the Plot or no, I cannot tell) modestly refused them, onely one sett of Beads hugely allured his eye, which because he would not seem to take gratis, he would needs buy of them: whilest they were driving this bargain, who should come in, but Henry Volfli, a Canon, who askt him who had given him that ex­cellent sett of Beads; he answered, his sister had sent it him for a token: (for so he was in­structed by the Fathers.) By and by a rumour went up and down the Covent, that the Vir­gins Image had been rob'd of its Ornaments, and a great bussle there was about it. The Fathers desired Jetzer, that if ever he had the happiness to see the B. Virgin, he would de­sire her to discover the Thief; They had provided him a Mary, that should answer the [Page 25]Question; but she at the next interview told him, she was the Mother of Grace and Mercy, it became not her to turn Informer, or to delate any one to expose them to shame, or danger of Death. Nay then, Brother John (said they) you may be confident 'twas really the Virgin her self, and no evil Spirit, nor Delusion; the Devil delights in nothing more than to bring Men to Ruine: but they turn'd their tale to the rest of the Friers, and said, no doubt it was this Ras­cal Jetzer that had committed this horrid Sacriledge.

Jetzer had noted that there had passed several Dishes of Meat, and store of Wine very late at Night towards one of their Chambers, he was minded to stand Scout, if he might happily discover the matter. The first time, the Prior and Lecturer had got a couple of Ladies; the Prior himself was in a Secular Habit, like a Gallant, with his Sword by his side (by the same token it was the same he had of Jetzer upon his Admission.) He had a Montere on his Head of Crimson Velvet, his Doublet was all slash'd and prick'd A-la-mode; his Breeches were green. These Madams had got on all the Array of the Virgin: The Lecturer espying Jetzer peeping in at the door, gently rebuked his sawciness, but withal telling him, he ought not to take any Offence at their Liberty, for those Gentlewomen were their Sisters, whom in Civility they could not but Treat handsomly. Another time he surprized them with three Wenches, that were Notorious Baggages, where they were Epicurizing with good fat Capons and Fowls, when at other times they would look so demurely, as if Butter would not melt in their mouths: Jetzer in Passion, What the Devil (said he) do you make here? What would the Senators of Berne say if they saw your pranks? The Prior Answer'd, Now God confound thee, thou impudent Rogue, with what Face durst thou come into my Chamber without the Preface of knocking at the door? What have the wise Woodcocks of the Council to do with our Affairs? Well! (says Jetzer) if I Live I'le signifie your Debaucheries to the Provincial and the Council. Thou Tray­tor (replyed the Prior) meddle with thy Old shooes! we know what we have to do; and these Ladies are the Wives of those that are our special Friends: Go about thy business, Goodman Fool! and leave us to our Honest Divertisements and Recreations. Jetzer had more insight into their Secresies than they were aware of; for one time the Sub-prior, being in Frolick, and debo­nair Humour, told Jetzer in a boasting way, that he had a Confection, that would bring any La­dy in the City to his Lure, if she took a Dose of it: But these things were spoken before they had mistrust of Jetzer's Apostacy.

The Fathers not finding any Humane expedients to extricate themselves out of those snares in­to which their own Impiety had now brought them, resolved to have recourse to the Devil; and desired the Sub-prior, who had an Excellent faculty that way, to give them a cast of his Office. He was not backward to gratifie them, but told them, as a preliminary Article to his engaging in that Design, they must all Abjure, God, Christ, the Faith, the Virgin Mary, and all the Saints, as he before had done, and give themselves up to the Devil. The Fathers, as bad as they were, at the first motion look'd upon one another with some amazement; but the Sub-prior told them flatly, it was in vain to stand dreaming there if they intended he should proceed; hereupon the Fathers consented, and the Sub-prior Read to them the Form of Renunciation: The Lecturer began, and the Prior followed him; and when the Ice was thus broken, the Receiver plung'd himself in with them into the same Condemnation. And not content to be Miserable alone, they would see if they could draw Jetzer into the same Destruction with themselves: They told him they would teach him an Innocent Science, easily Learn'd, by means whereof he might become a Learned Doctor in an instant, & speak Latin, French, Italian, and other Languages, with as much fluency as his Mother-tongue, and be able to give pertinent and rational Answers to the most profound and subtle Questions. Jetzer was not a little tickled with a liquorish Humour to become a Doctor; but when they told him the Terms, he flew off, and would by no means buy the Reputation of a Scholar at so dear a Rate. Come! (said the Sub-prior) do not fear any Colours! 'tis but a venial sin, God is Merciful, and will Pardon us easily, seeing we onely use, and not abuse this Mysterious Art to an evil end: and that you may see an Essay of this Art, he takes his Book and falls a Conjuring for the twelve Apostles, who should justifie their Actions. Jetzer told him, that seeing was believing, and if he could see St. Peter and St. Paul, he should entertain more favourable thoughts of their Art. The Conjurer then perswades them to say after him certain hard words, and presently there appeared six Spirits in Humane shape, with black Beards, swarthy Complex­ions, having flat Bonnets on their Heads, who cast themselves in a Circle round about these Fa­thers and poor Jetzer; but he surprized with Horror, snatches the Fatal Book out of the Sub-priors hands, declaring he would have nothing to do with such Abominations: The Devils upon this disappeared in a moment, leaving an insupportable stench behind them. But the Sub-prior, mad at the miscarriage of the Design, Thou great Sot (says he) hadst thou kept thy self quiet, we had all seen Wonders! God keep me (replyed Jetzer) from having a hand in such black De­signs. O most wretched, are you Religious and Spiritual Persons! I wonder how you can sing Mass, how Confess your selves, who daily plunge your Souls in such detestable enormities! But God will assuredly witness against you, and bring to light your Horrid Impieties. Hold your prating (said the Prior) thou art a Fool, and art resolved to live and die a Fool: Is it not bet­ter [Page 26]at once to Confess all our sins to God, than to tell so many thousand lies to a Priest in Auricu­lar Confession? Come! take an Oath that thou wilt never Reveal what has pass'd, and all shall be well! but Jetzer utterly refused to swear, which put them in such a terrour, as they had never been in before. The Prior swore things went very untowardly against them, and that they had both God and the Devil for their Enemies, and the Sub-prior very unadvisedly burnt his Conju­ring-Book.

In the beginning of August, the Confessor having received Jetzer's Confession, and hoping to win upon him, and reduce him to his Obedience, and bring him to their bow: Jetzer told him to his teeth, that he and his Confederates were a Company of naughty Creatures: the Con­fessor for these sawcy words, imposed on him for penance, to give himself three sound lashes with a great Iron Chain upon his naked back, and to lye all Night in Ashes! For (said he) your obstinate disobedience his merited a greater Punishment than this comes to, put case the Fathers had put some Innocent slur upon you. The silly Ideot durst not refuse the imposed penance, but before the High Altar, being stript naked to his waste, he gave himself that severe Disci­pline of the Chain, and after fastened it about his middle next his skin, and obliged him to lye in it all Night: But Jetzer feeling it pinch him sore, without scruple of Conscience Absolved himself of the Chain. The Confessor soon found his cunning, and therefore to make sure work, he fastens it with two Padlocks, threatning moreover if he cryed out in the least he would Gag him so that should cure him of his yawling. Still Jetzer mumbled, and the Confessor was as good as his word, leaving him so Gag'd, that for three days and nights, he could neither eat, drink, nor sleep, nor rise, nor lye down at ease, the Chain being forced so close to his Loyns, that it gave him incredible pain: There was scarce an hour that the Fathers did not visit him, to see if Arguments, edged with such Penances, might not conquer him; they promis'd Li­berty, and what he could desire, if he would but receive the five Wounds again, drink the Potion, and Act the Passion: But he assured them he would sooner dye, than undergo any of those Tor­tures: The Sub-prior, enraged at that Answer, handled him very barbarously. He takes a red­hot Iron, and thrusts it through his left Arm in three places, withal threatning him, that if he would not swear to conceal obstinately to Death, whatever had pass'd between them, he would give him that Martyrdom, till his base Soul should leave his contemptible Carkass. This indeed wrought upon his timorousness, that after some struglings, he swore once again upon the Mass, that he would perpetually suppress whatever had been done or spoken concerning his Wounds, the Potion, Poyson, their Sacriledge, and Abrenunciation of God. And now they deliver him from his Chain, still Preaching to him that no Perjur'd Person could ever enter into the Kingdom of God, not considering, perhaps, what would then become of those who had so Solemnly re­nounced him, and given themselves to the Devil. They minded him further, that if he should violate his Oath, that he should be call'd in Question for it, and perhaps burn at a stake: As for themselves, they doubted not but their Priesthood, and Sacerdotal Dignity would be a sufficient protection: And if ever they should be Examined by the severest torture, they did not question but to find Faith and Courage, which should carry them through all, nor would they suffer the least of their Secrets to be extorted from them by extremity of pain.

Still the Fathers were not secure in their own Breasts, (for what can give rest to a Guilty Conscience?) but in the Evening after Vespers came to him again: And the Prior more hardened in his Villanies, had once again brought with him the red coloured Hoste, sent to Jetzer (as they would make him believe) by the Virgin Mary, whereof he might be well assured, seeing he knew the Cabinet wherein 'twas lock'd, had been firmly Sealed; and now our Lady, who had freely discharged him of his former Wounds, would no longer leave amongst ungrateful Men, so precious and sacred a Relique, and therefore she had sent it to him, as the worthiest Friend she could bestow it upon, charging him to eat it, that he might be incorporated into her dear Son: He refused it, resolving to starve, rather than taste a bit that came out of such Treache­rous Hands. The Fathers hereupon fall violently upon him, throw him against the Floor, and with Tongs and Pincers tore his Thighs and Legs till the Blood run about him; at last they wrench open his Mouth with a Key, and put the Hoste into it, threatning if he refused, they would powre melted Lead down his throat, which he should find hotter Broth than their Po­tion: The Lecturer held his lips close when he had got it in's Mouth, till he supposed it melted, and when they let him rise he spet it out again upon the stool, which left therein an impression of its own form and colour, that all the Art of the Fathers could not get out. This seem'd some­thing Miraculous, and forced the Prior to say, O God, what shall become of us? The Lectu­rer, who was always good at a dead lift, makes a fire, and therein burns both the stool and the red Hoste: And now hear a wonder (whether Divine or Diabolical I determine not) these were no sooner thrown into the Flames, but there was such crackling, and terrible noise, that none of them durst come near it, but fled as fast as fear and strength could carry them out of the Room.

Jetzer, it's true, did not observe that they threw the Sacrament into the Fire, and therefore [Page 27]knew not the Reason of this noise; however the Fathers put into its place in the Cabinet ano­ther of the same form and colour, Dandalus, before his departure, having left them a good stock of those Commodities.

After this horrid Action, they agreed upon the 10th. of December, in the Chappel, that they would rid their hands and hearts of Jetzer at what rate soever; and having in their Discourse run over all their Famous Exploits and Atchievements, with much Triumph in the rehearsal, they bound themselves by Oath one to another, to stand firm, and not confess a Syllable for any Racks and Tortures whatsoever, and though perhaps Jetzer's pusillanimity might make him be­tray, and Impeach them, yet would they averr the contrary, and charge Jetzer with Lying, Sacriledge, and Forgery. The Prior gave them all his Benediction, wishing a happy issue to the Affair, whereof, the Lecturer said, for his part he did not at all doubt. And yet they would make one more attempt upon Jetzer, if he answer'd not expectation, they would Poyson him; then would they Report the whole matter to his Holiness, and if they found Fortune frown, they would strip the Virgin to her Skin, Plunder her of all her Necklaces, Gold Chains, Jewels, and Ornaments, and borrowing what ready Cash there was laid up in Offerings, they would fly to some place of Secresie and Security, and there defie the World, and sing Old Rose.

In pursuance of this their final Resolve, upon Sunday, the 12th. of September, they baited Jetzer again to own all the former Apparitions, Revelations, and Miracles, which if he did not, they assured him, he would be Guilty of casting such dirt upon their Order, that his Blood could never wipe off again: But to be short, his Confessor Commands him to be present at the Midnight-Mass, where he should be sure to find all the Friers of the Covent, that they might all unite their Devotions to the Holy Virgin, to give them a Prosperous Journey to Rome, whi­ther they were now forthwith a going: Nor did they doubt, but that the Virgin, being their Protectress, would give them a Gracious Answer, and never forsake their Holy Order, which had ever been so Devoted to her Service.

Having thus prepared their Matters, at the time appointed they all meet in the Chappel; where first the Prior takes the Sacrament and places it upon the Altar, to keep, as he said, the Devil at a distance, that he might not create them any disturbance in their Devotions: They had no sooner began to roar out their Ave Regina Coelorum, but one of them casting his Eyes towards the Gallery of the Quire, he espies a Glorious Apparition descending the stairs that came from the Organ-loft, Crowned with a most Rich Diadem of Stars, her Hair hung dishevelled at length upon her shoulders, curiously curled, in her hand she carryed a Wax Candle, made in the form of a Crose: As she passed along she gave the Benediction to the Lay-Brothers; then turning to the middle of the Gallery towards the Quire, she Blessed those that were there; and when she came over against Jetzer, who, poor Fool, kneeled Devoutly before the Altar, which place was due to his Eminent Saint-ship, in a strain far beyond that of the former Apparitions, she opened her Divine Lips:

From the Coelestial Mansions, the Paradise of Bliss, drawn by meer Grace to thee Jetzer, my Son Adopted, I am come from thy Saviour, and my Son by Nature, Arrayed with some Beams of the Divine Glory, yet so Eclipsed, that fleshly Eyes may not be struck blind with the refulgency of my Majesty; to give Authority to my Commands by this my Lustre; I charge thee therefore to con­sult no more with Flesh and Blood, let Faith silence Reason, and Receive, as the Oracles of God, all my Revelations, and thy Superiours Injunctions, which in my Name they have given forth. And let them Report these Sacred Mysteries at Rome, the Mistress and Mother of all Churches: Nor shall they want the special Assistance of the Divine Presence, to bear them up under all Difficulties and Oppositions.

This Eloquent Oration somewhat amated the poor Man, and the more, because he look'd for no such Glorious Appearance, till recollecting himself, he suspected the old Artifice, and there­fore with down-right scolding he Saluted her Lady-ship, and treated her very rudely for all her fine Accoutrements. Thou Mary (said he) the Devil as soon! and without more words draw­ing his Knife (which for a piece of extempory Service he always wore about him) made at her with might and main: But Mary, who had heard of Jetzer's Rancounter with St. Cicily, thought it not Prudence to come to fifty-cuffs, and popping out the Candle, mounted up the Or­gan-stairs, and scaped a scowring. Jetzer crys out, The Virgin is too nimble for me, but I shall be even with her one time or other. Frier Jost Hack Answered: O Profane wretch, how hast thou disturb'd the Vision, which after-ages will Curse thee for? At this comes his Father Confessor; What, has the Virgin (says he) really now at last appeared? The Virgin! (Replyed Jetzer with scorn) no, I am confident it was the Devil: Come (says the Prior) leave off this squabble, let's return to our Devotions; they obeyed: and then he takes the Sacrament, and with their Church-Musick marches in form of a Procession with great Gravity and Pomp; the Father Con­fessor takes him gently by the Hand, not permitting any to exchange a word with him, lest his awakened Passion should blaze abroad the Cheat to all within reach of his Clamour, whisper­ing to him that without all controversie, this was a most real Vision: To which Jetzer re­turn'd, [Page 28]that he could see nothing in it but a continuaton of their former Villanies and Ro­gueries.

The Confessor for that sawcy Language, and his notorious unbelief, imposed this Penance on him; that he should come before the High Altar, and there stripping himself stark naked to his Navel, should receive a competent number of Lashes with the Iron Chain; to all which the poor slave with Patience perforce submitted; There were present two Canons, Dubi and Volfli, who freely upon this occasion offer'd themselves to the same Discipline, and would have rejoyced to have undergone it twice over (as they said) to have had the honour of Jet­zer's Revelations; and the Fathers hoped to make good use of their simplicity, they being forward to testifie the truth of this last Vision, which they readily did under their Hands and Seals. Dubi protested he never saw such a glorious person in his life, nor ever expect­ed to see the like on this side Heaven: and Volfli avowed, that the glory of her presence so dazled his eyes, that he could not perfectly see her face; and that he could not refrain tears of transporting joy, especially when he saw the Holy Frier, so readily submit to that severe disci­pline: The conclusion was, the Fathers warned Jetzer to hold all these Revelations for the greatest Certainties, and to make conscience of his Oath, that he disturb'd not the affair, du­ring their Absence in their Voyage to Rome.

And now the Lecturer and Sub-prior, leave Berne, September the 24^th, designing to wait on their General first, to report to him the whole matter, that with his Approbation they might more confidently and authentically appear before his Holiness; but finding him deceased, they had recourse to Cajetane, the Vicar Generall, who shortly after was elected Generall, and not long after that was made Cardinall; to him they open the whole business with all its circum­stances in Ample manner from first to last; but he being a Person of great understanding, deputed the Procurator of their Order to examine the Affair, and when he heard the Re­port, commanded them to proceed no further in it: only he promis'd them that he would procure from the Pope, a Brief, whereby they and their Order should be Indempnified, pro­vided they would desist, and make no more words of it. This Brief in a while was procu­red, and dispatcht to the Priors of Berne and Interlacken, with a recommendatory Letter to maintain the Innocence of the Order, with which they return'd home in January, in the year 1508. but the chief Magistrates being highly provoked by their attempted Journey, they sup­pressed the Brief, and durst not at all own it:

During their absence, various rumours and discourses pass'd in the City, some offering to lay any wager, that they would procure a Confirmation of these Miracles and Apparitions: Others were as confident that the Fathers were run away, and that their pretended journey was but a handsome way of escaping the punishment due to their horrid Impieties: but all agreed, that it was an eternal dishonour to their City; That they had been imposed upon to worship a sorry Taylours Boy for a Saint, and a red-coloured Hoste for a God: and by degrees the town-talk went so high, and the dissatisfacton of the People was so great, that the Council was obliged to summon the Prior and Jetzer personally to appear before them, upon the first day of October: They appeared, but nothing could be got out of them, but only this, they referred themselves to the blessed Virgin, for an Answer to all Interrogatories that were put to them: The Council was at a loss, and knew not how to deal with such refractory fellows, and therefore they remitted the Prior to his Covent, bidding him mind his business, and for Jetzer they threatned to send him to his Competent Judge, there to be further and fully examin'd about the whole Intrigue.

Accordingly the next day, Jetzer was sent to Lausanne, with Letters to the Bishop, ear­nestly desiring him to commit him to close Durance, and to examine him with all strictness requisite to sift out the bottom. Upon the 8^th of October, Jetzer appeared before the Bishop, assisted by several Doctors of Law, and Canons, Francis de Tabrieu, Lewis de Piere, Baptist Hicard, Vicar Guidon de prez, Michael de Sancto Cyriaco, William de Mondragon, and other Secular Officers: The Bishop examined him strictly of all the Circumstances of the affair; but Jetzer set a good face upon the matter, taking his Oath by laying his hand upon the Go­spels, that all contained in the Narrative of the Prior was exactly true, only as to the Con­ception of the Virgin Mary he desired to be excused.

On the fifteenth of the same Month, he confirm'd again with the greatest vehemence the truth of his former Confession, that the V. Mary had appeared to him, and that all these Re­velations and Miracles were true in manner aforesaid, and that he would take his death upon it; and being ask'd, whether the blessed Virgin had ever appear'd to him since his coming to Lausanne, he answer'd, Yes! both upon Sunday and Wednesday last; and that amongst other things, she had told him; That during all her Sojourn upon Earth, she never had a good day free from Tribulations and Afflictions, but she thank'd God, being now in Heaven with her Son, she was fill'd with unspeakable satisfaction, to which Glory he should at last arrive, though he should suffer much in the world for bearing witness to the Truth, but if he did continue faith­ful [Page 29]to the death, he should receive a Crown of Life, but he must expect to enter into Glory through many Tribulations; and that for her part she went the same way, and had always pray'd as much for Patience as for her Virginity.

It might astonish the world, that this Villain who by most evident proofs had discovered the Cheat of these pretended Apparitions, and Revelations, and could never be brought to own the Truth of them to his Fathers in the Covent, should now so stoutly avouch them before Au­thority; but his former Oaths so solemnly taken to conceal the Mystery, with that Impressi­on of terrour he had received, that he should be put to death as an Impostor, if ever he con­fessed, and an ambition to be accounted and Canonized for a Saint, which by standing stoutly to his tackling he hoped for, and the presumption that it would proceed no higher than an Ex­amination, put him upon this resolution and impudence to outface his Judges.

Some while after he appeared again before the Bishop, where he put a handsom cheat upon them; for pretending a desire to be absolved from an Oath he had taken before his Fathers, they readily granted it, hoping they should get some notable matter out of him: Upon his Absolution he declared; That he had sworn not to declare the particulars of his Visions and Revelations, which now he could more freely doe: As that our Lady had wept tears of blood; how she told him, she was under Original Sin only three hours after her Conception; That he saw with these very eyes, the Images of Christ and the Virgin, not only weep and move, but heard them speak; and that one time amongst the rest, the Virgin came to him in the Chappel of St. John, asking him what he was about, he answer'd her, he was going to say his Prayers: That she replyed, she would pray with him; whereupon they both went to the side of the High Altar, and there both fell down on their knees, and that then he knew not how, he was carried into our Ladies Chappel, where she disappeared, and that from that time forward her Image began ordinarily to speak to him.

On the last day of the same Month he appeared again, and confirm'd by Protestation all his former Confession, adding, that if the whole world oppose him herein, he would spend his dearest blood before he would renege one Syllable of what he had avowed.

Upon the 13^th of November he was again examin'd, when he said he had nothing to adde, no change in his former Confession, only that he confessed he was neither Noble nor Great in the world, but a poor mean Taylour, yet had the Blessed Virgin honour'd him with these Apparitions, who was unaccountable to them in what she did; and that one time he could not forget with what inexpressible Ravishments he had been filled, upon the Appearance of Christ to him in his seamless Coat, with the marks of his Passion fresh upon his hands, feet, and side, and with him Saint Barbe, St. Francis, St. Dominick, St. Catherine of Sienne, and the old Prior that was delivered out of Purgatory, with many others, all in ravishing glory, and that Christ said to him, (shewing him a Crown, the most rich and glorious that ever he beheld,) Look here dear friend; If thou wilt wear this Crown, then endure with patience my five Wounds; and that this Vision lasted about nine hours, with such satisfaction to his Soul, that it seem'd but a moment, and that he had seen the same Vision twice, and that he would not for the whole world have been deprived of the sight of it.

Their Excellencies of Berne, lookt upon these proceedings to be very slow, and perhaps partial, and therefore for expedition, they dispatcht one of their own Body as their Deputy, viz. John Frisching, with power to expedite the matter, and bring it to an issue; The Prior of Berne was also transmitted thither.

Hereupon in the presence of the States Deputy, the Procurator Fiscal of the Bishop, with the Procurator of the Faith, John de Cyriaco, formed a process of a hundred and sixty Articles, upon the voluntary Confessions of Jetzer, hereupon the poor wretch was put to the Question, and criminally examin'd.

The 20^th of November, Jetzer humbly entreated, that all they who had not heard his for­mer Confessions might be dismissed the Court (except the Deputy of Berne.) It was granted: And then he humbly prays, That the Bishop would receive him into his Protection; and dis­charge him of his Order, and admit him into one more rigid and severe in Discipline; and that he would receive such Penance for his irregularities in his former Order as his Grace should impose; adding, that he had much to say touching the Order of the Dominicans: The Bishop promis'd him protection as far as Justice would warrant him, and immediately dis­charg'd him of his Order; Jetzer hereupon acquaints the Bishop; That the Prior, and Lectu­rer had forbidden him by a solemn and sacred Oath, to declare the whole truth, as the Vir­gin had revealed it to him, about her Conception, for fear of drawing envy and ill will upon their Order; the 22^th of the same Month, he discover'd how the Fathers of the Covent had mutually bound themselves to each other by Oath, in the Chappel of our Lady, never to leave one another to the death, and not to confess a word of what they had done with him; and that they had endeavour'd to bring him over to their designs by the Apparition of the Virgin crowned with Stars; and that they had agreed to dispatch him (this Deponent) by Poyson, [Page 30]and then to Report the whole matter to his Holiness; and that in case of the worst, they would plunder the Covent, rifle the Images and Shrines, and then live merrily in some secret place with the Spoyls that they had got: Yet nevertheless the Blessed Virgin had really at other times appeared to him; and once she told him: That the Fathers design'd to put a trick upon him, but in the event they would be slurred themselves; for in a little time they should be glad to leave their Cloyster, and fly for't; and that she told him, that the next day he should be summon'd before the Council, and carried to Lausanne, and accordingly it so fell out.

On the 20^th of December he was examin'd concerning the Jewels, Ornaments and Brace­lets that had been stollen from the V. Mary's Image, and why his Confessor had given a share of them to him? he confess'd the whole truth in the point, but yet maintain'd it with an un­daunted courage, that the Virgin Mary had visibly appear'd to him, distinctly spoken to him; and hoped he should throw all the imposture, forgery, and contrivance upon the four Fathers, and come off himself like an honest man.

Nothing more being to be got out of this knotty piece, and the Council of Berne now quite tyred out with the delayes of the Bishops proceedings, who began to cool in the pro­secution through the suggestions of some Clergy-men, who insinuated, that a through disco­very would reflect severely upon the Church; They remanded Jetzer to Berne, and sent for the most eminent Fathers of the Dominicans that were within their Call, that they might seem not to have done just nothing with that mighty noyse which had raised all mens ex­pectations.

The Bishop of Lausanne, and the Deputy of Berne, however judg'd it adviseable to trans­mitt a true Copy of the Cause, and their proceedings thereupon to Rome, to beg advice from the infallible Oracle how they might behave themselves in a matter of so great Impor­tance.

In the beginning of the year 1509. Dr. Paul Hug, with many other knowing Persons arri­ved at the Dominicans Covent in Berne, who were not Ignorant of the Intrigue, and were hugely concern'd in the Issue, knowing that not only their whole Order, but themselves in particular might suffer deeply in their Reputations, if the secret were discover'd to the bot­tom.

They therefore formally took from Jetzer the Habit of his Order, upon the Feast of the three Kings, being the very day on which he enter'd into it: Jetzer now appears before the Council in the Quality of a mere Lay-person, where he stands to his Confession made at Lau­sanne, and discover'd further how he had several times snapt these holy Fathers ranting and rioting with their Whores in the Covent, and for Confirmation of what he had said, desired he and they might be deliver'd up to the Secular Power: but the Fathers stoutly pleaded their own Innocence, alleadging that he was not a competent witness against them, having former­ly asserted their Innocence in full Council, and because they were able to prove him a noto­rious Lyer, and there were many evident self-contradictions in his testimony, and that he had been guilty of Sacrilege, of most horrid Impostures; and particularly, that the appearance of the B. Virgin crowned with Stars was merely a forgery of his own head, wherein they had no hand: The Prior denyed the whole Plott; The Receiver pleaded that it was false, that ever Jetzer had wounded him in the thigh with his knife, and brought in the Chirur­geon to testifie that it was an old Ulcer, and all the Fathers begg'd their Honours to proceed advisedly in the case, that Innocence might not suffer, nor Wickedness escape due punishment: In conclusion Jetzer was committed to the Marshalsea, and the Fathers under suspicion re­manded to their Covent.

Eight days after, upon the Return of the Lecturer and Sub-prior from Rome, (where they had been during this troublous affair) they were all brought again before the Council; Jetzer as before justified his Confession, and further open'd the counterfeit Vision of St. Cicily, to which though the Fathers made a zealous defence, the Knavery came out daily to the satisfaction of the people.

But upon the fifth of February, Jetzer was by order of the Council brought to be exa­min'd upon the Rack, where he again more particularly laid open the whole villanous design, humbly praying that the Fathers might come under the same way of Examination, hoping that the Principals should have the same Measure with him that was but an Accessory, and indeed a poor blind Tool to serve their Malice; protesting that the main Reason why he had been so hardly brought to discover the whole truth, was a respect he had to the Credit of that Order, and some checks of Conscience about his Oaths of Secresie, which they had imposed upon him: And that he believed that most of the Fryers in the Covent were perfectly Inno­cent, except the aforesaid Fathers, and some few others, that were their Confederates and Accomplices in the Design.

This last discovery set the City in such a rage against the whole Covent, that the Council [Page 31]feared lest they should Rise, and pluck down the House about their Ears, and tear in pieces those Religious Persons; for prevention of which, they placed a strong Guard upon all the A­venues, both to secure the Fathers from the Rage of the Multitude at present, and that they might not escape the Punishment due to their horrid Impieties for the future.

And being Resolved to come to some issue, they sent to the Bishop of Lausanne, that he would Favour them with his Presence: As also to the Ʋniversity of Basil, to send them some of the Ablest Divines and Civilians in their City to Advice with them: And that they might be fully empowred to proceed to Judgment, they dispatch'd Lewis Oubli, with full Instructions, and a Humble Supplication to his Holiness, with a Narrative of the Case depending before them, who upon the 13th. of March lest Berne, and upon the 25th. of May got a Brief from the Pope, Di­rected to the Bishops of Lausanne and Sion, the Provincial of the Dominicans of the Province of Strasburgh, as Judges upon the whole Matter; and one the 21st. of June he return'd to Berne: The Lords of Berne immediately sent their Letters to these Judges, intreating them to lose no time, but to meet on the 26th. day in the Cathedral Church, where being Assembled, the Apo­stolique Commission, with all due Reverence, was presented to them, and the Records of all the proceedings with Jetzer: The Papal Brief being read, and Jetzer Examined punctually of all his Confession, these Judges Commanded their Secretaries, viz. Francis de Vermettis, for the Bishop of Lausanne; John de Proux, for the Bishop of Sion, exactly to Register the Confession with all its Circumstances, that from thence they might have matter from which to draw a Lagal Process or Indictment against Jetzer and the four Fathers. At this Examination, besides the Chief Judges, there were several Assistants, Baptist de Aicarde, a Native of Lausanne, John Grand, Official of Sion, Michael de Sancto Cyriaco, Peter Magnus, all Doctors in Law, and Cha­nons in Lausanne, with other eminent and worthy Persons.

The Judges constituted Lewis Oubli afore-said, and Conrade Vimman, Procurators of the Faith, Ordering them Legally to Summon Jetzer and the Fathers to appear before them their compe­tent Judges. After a tedious proceeding, Jetzer still affirming, and the Fathers denying the Villanies whereof they were accused, upon the 7th. of August, the Bishops of Lausanne and Sion Decreed, that the four Indicted Fathers should be put to the Rack, and there Examined Criminally upon such Questions and Interrogatories as should be drawn up: A Cellar on the back-side of the Marshalsey was chosen as the fittest place for the Execution, and each of them being stript of the Habit of his Order, were arrayed in a Frock of coarse Cloath, and so waited for the Torture. And so upon the 19th. of the said Moneth of August, at the instance of the Procurator of the Faith, the Lecturer was first put into the Rack: He Pleaded hard to be Excu­sed, as that he was as Innocent as when he came out of his Mothers Womb; that he was a Doctor of Divinity, and did protest, that all he should say under his Torments, was a perfect Nullity, and onely wrested from him by force. The Torture was exceeding grievous, such as seem'd above the firmest Resolution of Humane Nature to bear: But the Rack, seconded with the se­rious Exhortations of the Judges, could not wring one Syllable of the Truth out of his obsti­nate Breast.

The same course they took with the Receiver and Prior; but they maintained the same Resolution: The Prior openly protesting against the procedure, and saying, that they had no Au­thority to deal thus with him, being not onely a Brother of the Holy Order, but a Reader or Professor of Divinity, a Prior, and wholly Innocent of all those horrid Crimes were laid to his Charge.

All Men were amazed at these things, they whom the Evidence had convinc'd of his Guilti­ness, wondred at his Resolution, to deny matters so apparent, and to bear Torments so dread­ful; but many of the Vulgar, whose Natural Pity was stirred towards Persons for whom they had great Veneration, and now they saw endured such Tortures, and yet Confessed nothing, were inclin'd to think them Innocent, especially since it was the Judgment of most, that had they Ingeniously pleaded Guilty, and shewn sincere Repentance, they might easily have obtained a Pardon.

Upon the 30th. of August, the Lecturer was brought to the Rack the second time; and then he began to Relent, Confessing upon his Oath, upon the first sight of the Rack, their first Con­sult at Vimpten, Basil, and Berne, and what had pass'd in their Journey to Rome, craving the fa­vour to deliver his Confession in Writing, which was granted by the Judges: His Confession he drew up in four sheets of Paper, which he Personally read before the Court and the Assistants, Humbly imploring Mercy: But the Judges observing that his Confession was very Lame, and onely touched upon the exteriours of the Intrigue, sifted him more narrowly upon the point of the Potion given to Jetzer, the Red coloured Hoste, upon Jetzer's five Wounds, to which he would give no satisfactory Answer, hoping they would have been put off with some General matter remote from the main Project.

Upon the first of September he was therefore put to the Rack five times: The first time he onely endured the Cord, the second time he had a single weight laid on his Breast, the other [Page 32]three times he had a double weight laid on him, yet would he not confess a word more than he had done, but with the most dreadful Imprecations imaginable denyed all the rest; so that the Judges proceeding upon his first Confession, drew up his process in twelve sheets of Paper on the third and fourth of the same Moneth.

Upon the 21st. of August the Receiver had been Rack'd, the first time onely with the Cord, the second with the weight upon his Breast, when he Confess'd his Crimes, and on the 23d. he confirm'd his Confession upon Oath without Torture; so that his Process was finish'd also in six sheets of Paper the first and 5th. of September.

About the 23d. of August the other Judges commanded the Provincial to withdraw, having apparently discovered himself partial to their Order: and then was the Prior brought to the Rack, thrice with the Cord, and thrice with the Weight, and Jetzer being by, he denied all with incredible Resolution; to whom Jetzer said thus: Ah, Father, if you had been but half so Tormented, as you have Tormented me: you know this, and you know that, there's nothing but what you are privy to as well as my self. The Lecturer was present also, who seeing his great Resolution, interposed. [...] her Prior, for Gods sake harden not your self, but Ingeni­ously Confess your Faults: Take away that Charm wherein you place so much Confidence, we are all a company of most miserable wretches! The Prior replyed; trouble not your self about me, my own Innocence will carry me through all that the wrath of man can inflict upon me; I had rather die than falsly accuse my own Innocence: Yet for all his boasting, when he saw them preparing the second Weight, he humbly beg'd convenient time to draw up his Confession, and respite was given him till the 28 of the same Moneth; and when he was Examined about their Renouncing God and Christ, he muttered something to himself, and then openly said, Alas! what shall I say? If I be silent, you will Torture me; If I say any thing, I must he against my own Integrity.

The Bishop of Sion pressed him very largely to Confess his Crime freely and fully; to stand more in awe of the Vengeance of God, than of the Judgment of Men: Do not you see (said the Bishop) how the Justice and Wisdom of God had appeared against them, that when they had time and conveniency enough to have made their escape, yet God had infatuated them to that degree, that they should abide by the Crime, which could not be justified. Own the hand of God visibly gone out against you! How often has poor Jetzer eaten and drunk of your Poy­sons, and yet escap'd Death, wherein you must own the Mercy of God also, that suffered you not to aggravate your other hainous Offences with Murder, though your Wills were Guilty in that point also. You ought to acknowledge Gods goodness to the World, that he has brought to light your horrid Villanies, which otherwise might have seduced this and the future Ages into desperate Superstitions: And may you not even yet obtain the Grace promised to Repenting Sinners, if being more ashamed of your sin, than of the shame due to it, you shall give Glory to God, in the Confessing of it? Are you afraid of the Temporal Punishment? O! why trem­ble you not a thousand times more at the Vengeance of God threatned, and due to your impu­dent Affronts given to God, Christ, the Holy Sacraments, the Blessed Virgin, all the Saints, and the Faith it self? You can have no part, no share in the Mercy of God, nor can you escape, nor endure his heavy wrath ready to seize your Soul under this obstinacy. I charge you therefore in the presence of God, that for the Salvation of your Soul, you speak the Truth, which Christ, when he shall come to Judge the World with all his Holy Angels in flames of Fire, shall discover and lay open before Men and Angels. The Holy Apostles indeed in the sense of their Innocency, rejoyced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the Name of Christ: And Sylvanus, the Scholar of St. Jerome, falsly Accused of Adultery (the Devil in his shape being found in Bed with a Harlot) yet satisfied himself in the secret peace of his own Innocency, and patiently underwent the imposed Censure and Penance: But this is not your Case, you suffer as evil doers, and have no way to escape the Guilt and Punishment of your unparallel'd Crimes, but by acknowledging your sin, lying in the dust, taking shame to your selves, and flying to the Grace of God: But I see you are obdurate, nor can I behold the least sign of Remorse in you: How dare you Swear so audaciously that you are Innocent, and challenge the Devil to take you, Body and Soul, if you be Guilty! How dare you undergo the Rack with such Resolution, and Justifie your self as clear of all sin, when St. John says, If any Man saith he hath no sin, he makes God a Lyar? Penitent Magdalene durst not approach her dear Lord and Saviour, to wash and kiss his Feet without Confession; and why then tremble not you at the Majesty and Terrour of that God, before whom the Devils tremble? And though the Confession which is now required of you, be not Sacramental, but Judicial, yet it is necessary to your Salvation: But you think, if you do but Confess to your Confessor, you may then stand out, and deny your sins before all the World! Oh, wipe off the scandal which you have brought upon our Holy Religion, which must either be expiated by your Tears, or your Blood; and so you shall be an Example of Re­pentance to those, to whom you have been scandalous Examples of Transgression. I do there­fore again, and again charge and conjure you by the Bowels of Gods Mercy, and the Flames of [Page 33]his wrathful Indignation, that you trifle no longer with God, with your Judges; with your own Souls, but acknowledge your sins, that we may not be compelled to proceed to further Tor­ture.

This Discourse wrought so far on the Prior, to whom in particular he applyed his Discourse, that falling down on his Face before the Judges, with Sighs and Groans, he cryed out for Par­don and Forgiveness; and enlarging upon what he dubiously and very imperfectly confessed be­fore, his Process was drawn up, and finish'd in seven sheets of Paper, the 4th. of September.

The Sub-prior yet stood out, and hoped to Weather the point, he Muster'd up all his Spirits, and was resolv'd to be a Martyr; and though all the World should Condemn him as a Malefact­or, he would not make himself Criminal: And he endured the Racking with the Cord stoutly, but when they added Weights, he saw there was no Remedy, he followed the Example of the Prior, and his Process was draw up and finish'd in nine sheets of Paper.

The Judges being set, upon the seventh of September the Procurator of the Faith appeared before them, and demanded final Judgment upon the Delinquents: But the Advocate for the Prisoners stood up, and Pleaded, that the whole procedure was Null and Void in Law; and that he did, on the behalf of his Clients, Appeal to the Holy See, this being a special Case, and ought to be reserved to his Holiness, and prayed that his Appeal might be entred in due form of Law. All the other Prisoners submitted to the Court, onely the Prior stood to the Appeal: The Judges were dubious how to proceed, and at last, after mature Debate and Deliberation amongst themselves, not daring to intrench in the least upon the Prerogative of the Pope, they drew up the whole Process of all these Criminals in Latin, Signed by the Secretaries of the Bi­shops of Lausanne and Sion, the Original whereof was transmitted to Rome, and an Authentick Copy Attested, and Signed, and Sealed by a Publick Notary, was laid up in the Records of the City of Berne, out of which this present History was Compiled; the Copy of which Certifi­cate, word for word, here followeth.

In English.

The Bishop of Sion, a great Statesman, at the earnest Sollicitation of the States of Berne, was the main Wheel that gave motion to the expediting this tedious Affair; for the Bishop of Lausanne, being a Flegmatick and heavy piece, moved slowly, and was herb John in the whole proceeding: The other Judge, viz. the Provincial, had withdrawn himself, and went to Con­stance, where shortly after he died; and indeed he was Sick of the business all along, easily per­ceiving that his dear Order would have small Comfort in it, or Credit by it.

The very day of the conclusion of the Process, all the Jewels, Ornaments, and other movea­bles of the Covent were seized for the use of the City; all their Rights, and Priviledges, and Patents were also sequestred into their Hands, the Monks turn'd out, who must else starve, the State peremptorily refusing to give them their usual Allowance of Corn and Wine, and other Necessaries, without which they could not subsist.

The States also directed their Supplicatory Letters to his Holiness, desiring that he would cause the Delinquent Fathers to be Sentenced in their City, which Letters, together with the whole Process, were transmitted to Rome, by Order of the afore-said Judges, with sufficient Creden­tials and Instructions to sollicit the Cause, and committed to care of Conrade Vimmau, Priest of Spiers: And for dispatch of his Negotiation, he was recommended to several Cardinals, to Nicholas Diesbach, and the Captain of the Swiss-guards, with other Persons of Interest.

Vimmau Arrived at Rome the 26th. of October following, and by the Interest of the Provost of [Page 34]Soleure, the Captain of the Guards, and others, he obtain'd a speedy Audience: The Captain offered his Service to facilitate the Business, and was exceeding zealous for his Countrey in it; but he told them they would need to make all the Friends they could, and to entertain the ablest Counsel they could get; for as the Affair was Extraordinary, so they must expect that the Do­minicans, who were Powerful at Court, would turn every stone, and set themselves with all their might to oppose it: That they had already misrepresented the City, as disaffected to the Catholick Religion, and that their proceedings were a down-right Persecution of their Order, and that therefore they ought not to be admitted to Audience, but rather slighted, and their cause dismissed. Yet notwithstanding the Process was comitted to the Auditor, and the whole world ringing thereof, some condemn'd, though the most commended the zeal of Bern, that were re­solv'd to drive the matter as far as it would go.

On the part of the Dominicans there appeared the Cardinal of Naples, Protector of their Or­der, Cajetan, General of the Order; the Popes Confessor, the Embassadors of some Kings and Princes, sollicited by Dr. Hug, who came an Express from the German Fathers of that Or­der, and they Laboured by Bribes, and others Engines, to suppress the Process, or however to delay it, that time might cool the zeal of the Prosecutors, or the excessive charge weary out their Purse or their Patience.

All this Practise could not so far obstruct the Affair, but that the Process was read in the Con­sistory, and referred to the Cardinal of Sengall, one of the Order of the Discalceated Friers, a Worthy Person, and Doctor in Divinity, to make a Report thereof in a full Assembly of the Cardinals, when, and where it was Decreed to dispatch a Commissary to Berne, who with the Assistance of the Bishops of Lausanne and Sion, might by final Judgment and Sentence put an end to this Affair.

The Negotiation meeting with so happy Success, Conrade Vimmau the Envoy, return'd to Berne in the Moneth of March, 1509. and in April following, Achilles de Grassis, of Bologn, Bishop of Castel, Commissary for his Holiness; a Person of great Age, and as great Learning, arrived there also. By the way, the Reader may know, that this Person was afterwards created Cardinal, and some are of Opinion, that he had been Elected Pope at the next vacancy, but that the Cardinals in the Conclave judged the multitude of Bastards that he had then alive, would eat up the Revenues of the Papacy, and establish a most ruining Nipotismo.

However he was a back-friend to the Dominicans, and was over-heard once to say to the Bi­shop of Lausanne, Hi fratres toti, quanti, quanti, sunt Poltroni, & Ecclesiae Sanetae devoratores. These Friers are every Mothers Son of them great Rogues, and the Devourets of the Holy Church.

This Commissary being now at Berne, Lodged at the Crown, where Attended him the Bi­shops of Lausanne and Sion, to whom he shewed the Papal Commission, whereby he was em­powred to hear and determine the depending cause, non obstante, whatever Exemption, Privi­ledge, or pretence of Right given to the Order in general, or to that Covent in particular, might be pleaded to the contrary.

The Guild-Hall of the City was appointed for the place of the Session, and they first swore their Clerks or Notaries: For the chief Commissary, Salvator de Meligotis; for the Bishop of Lausanne, Francis de Vermettis; for the Bishop of Sion, George Collet, Priest of Geneva, all three Publick and sworn Notaries by Papal and Imperial priviledge.

The Court being set, The new Prior Elect, for the Dominican Covent of Berne, John Or­nant, and the new Sub-prior, George Sadler, Humbly prayed, that Letters of safe conduct might be granted to some of the Fathers of their Order and others, to appear on the behalf of the pri­soners, and they shewed a Missive from Frier Paul of Ʋlm, in favour of this petition, to the Bishop of Castel: The Judges easily granted their petition, and yet Resolved to make them ex­emplary in punishment, whoever should be found to have had a finger in this accursed design.

Then was Conrade Vimmau aforesaid sworn, Procurator of the Faith; John Murer, a Prior, was also sworn Interpreter, to whom, as Deputies, were added John Dubi, Sacristane, and Martin Lairer, both Chanons, and also Petrus Magni, of Sion; so that two of them at least were always to be present in the Court.

The same day was Jetzer Examined upon Oath, touching each Article of his confession, which he Explained, and added some Remarkable matters to them without retracting a word, and ap­pear'd before the Judges upon this point the second, fourth and fifth of May, on which last day the four Accused Fathers now in hold, appear'd before them; and after the Reading of the Commission and their charge, they were ask'd, what they had to say for themselves? They prayed that they might be allowed their Procurators and Advocates, and the Court assigned them Docter Paul Hug, Doctor Jacob, and Doctor Heintzman.

The Lecturer was first set to the Bar, who freely acknowledged that he had nothing to oppose to his former Confession; and when he had Explained several of the Articles, and opened the whole Intrigue, to the Satisfaction of the Court, he was set aside, and his process finish'd on the seventh of that Moneth.

Upon which seventh day the other three Fathers appeared, who all continued to own their particular Confessions, and the Process of the Receiver was concluded on the eighth and ninth of the said Moneth; The Judges then issued out a Warrant to Balthazar de Catancis of Bologne, Humbert Praroman of Fribourgh, and to Marshall Schaller, to seize the person of the Novice Megerlin, but this crafty Knave, aware of the danger, had a year before made use of his heels, and was reported to lye lurking about Noremberg.

Upon the 10^th and 11^th of May, the Process of the Prior was finisht, but he the last day of his Examination began to boggle, and would fain have eaten his words, and particularly be­ing examin'd about the red-colour'd Hoste, he was so off and on, so inconstant and uncertain in his Answers, that the Judges knowing they had already enough against him, promised that whatever he should now further discover, should not come in Judgement against him: Here­upon he falls down on his knees, begging their Grace and Mercy, saying, that indeed he had but two of those red-colour'd Hostes in all, which he had consecrated, one of which was for ought he knew in the Cabinet where he put it, in the room of that which the Sub-prior threw in the fire: that for those Druggs wherewith they attempted to destroy Jetzer by Poyson, they had them of one Nicholas Alber an Apothecary; That the Sub-prior had such a rare Art in Poysoning, that he could leave one part of a Wafer free from poyson, that he could both touch, and if need were eat the innocent part without the danger to himself, when all the rest should be mortal Poyson.

On the 14^th day the Sub-prior was examin'd upon the former Confessions, who answer'd, That his first Confession which he made without torture was the truth, that the second which he had made was false, and only extorted from him by the Rack; That the Fathers, and Jetzer perhaps were conscious to themselves of wickedness, but for his part he was perfectly Innocent of their contrived Villanies; and hoped his Judges would not look upon him as an Accomplice, or Accessary in such a foul and odious matter. Upon this the Officials of Lau­sanne and Sion were order'd to deal seriously with him; and this good effect it had, that it brought him to himself again, and falling down on his knees he humbly begg'd mercy; and so his Process was concluded the 15 and 16 of the same Month.

Before and after the conclusion of their Processes, divers Witnesses were sworn, and their Testimonies received, upon several particulars relating to the Cause depending before the Court. As Anthony Noll, Martyn Franck, Goldsmith, William of Dirsbach, Knight and Ad­vocate, Peter Miller a Carthusian; John Miller Procurator of the discalceated Friers; John Frisching, one of the Council; Thomas Peters Chanter of the Cathedral; Bennet Vingarten, Captain, and one of the Council; Nicholas Armbroster, Nicholas d' Arm; Lewis the Chirur­geon of Schapsen; Rodulph Huber, Architect, and one of the Council; Conrade Brune; John Schindler; John Dubi, Canon; Jost Zeller; Nicholas de Graffenried, one of the Council; John Zinder, Plumber; Henry Stiffell, Carpenter; Peter Eglinger, belonging to the Court of Justice; John Brunsperg, Rector of St. Anthony's Chappel, Christian Kosen, Curate at Kirkberg; Bennet Tick, Curate at Wimmis. All these, with many others, which for brevities sake I have omitted, deposed upon Oath their personal knowledge in this matter. Others who could not possibly appear in person, sent in their Testimonies in writing: as John Mu­rer, Dean of the Cathedral; Nicholas Schaller, Chancellour; Valerius Anselm, Doctor in Phy­sick, Native of Roteuille, but dwelling at Berne; which last drew up the whole History of Jetzer; the 17^th of May, John Zivygard, Chaplain of the Hospital; Martyn Goldsmith, John Rock, Shoomaker; Frederick Hirtz, Spurrier; John Haller, Chirurgeon; Nicholas Abber, Apothecary; John Graswyl, Draper; Dubi, and Volfli, Canons, with Captain Wyller, and the Chancellour, gave in further Informations in writing.

Upon the 18^th day, after that the Judges had fully inform'd themselves of the whole cause, they again order'd the Lecturer and the Receiver to appear in Court, where upon Oath they confirm'd their former confessions to be exactly true: The 19^th they did the same by the Prior, and Sub-prior, and asking them if they or any of them had any thing further to offer to the Court, for which end they allowed them four dayes time deliberately to advise with themselves, and consider of the matter; against which time the Commissioners caused Cita­tions to be affixt to the Church-doors of St. Vincent, to the Guild-hall, to the Gaole, and the Covent-gates of the Dominicans, by virtue whereof the said Fathers were formally cited to appear with their Procurators, Assistants and Advocates, to answer such matters as should be alleadged against them.

The day being come, the Procurator of the Faith demanded Justice upon them; and being demanded what they could say for themselves, why the Commissioners of his Holiness should not proceed to sentence; They answer'd, they should neither adde to nor diminish from their avowed Confessions, that the whole was True, which they again confirmed by Oath, and added, that they should make no other or further Appeal, only prayed God to be merci­ful to their Souls.

The Judges proceeded with this great precaution and deliberation, because they well knew, many eyes were upon them, and all their actings would be scanned with curious heads, and such as would be willing to find some flawes and irregularities in their proceedings: And there­fore the Judges accompanied with their Assistants, Notaries and Witnesses, went to view the Covent of the Dominicans, that they might compare the places in the Cloyster, with the Evi­dences which referred, if perhaps from thence they might discover some circumstantial evi­dence, and get light into this deed of darkness: some of the places related to, as the Scene of action, they found utterly destroyed, others changed, and some standing still in the same po­sture; The Commissioner de Castel would needs make an experiment upon the famous Can­dles, which were pretended to be sent from Heaven by the V. Mary, and of such a strange nature, that none on earth could light them: He handled also the Red Hoste, and then placed it upon the High Altar, commanding the New Prior and his Brethren, to keep it safe, and never at any time to shew it to any without express order from his Holiness: He enquired also after the Drops of Blood, and the little Crosses; and the Prior being examin'd further upon this point, what was become of them, he confessed that Frier Hug, for fear of danger had burnt them.

The same day at six a Clock in the afternoon, the Procurator of the Faith besought the Judges that they would hear several Witnesses, who would testifie what misunderstanding, and quarrels, this villany had occasion'd amongst the Citizens of Berne, what scandal and reproach it had brought upon the Government, insomuch that the generality of the People were near an Insurrection, and the States had been hardly put to it to keep them quiet.

To this point were sworn, John Rodolph, Advocate; Sebastian Steyn Knight; Thuring Fric­ker Dr. of Laws; all of the Council: Nicholas Schaller, Chancellour: Gaspar Willer: Gilg Schoni; Peter Anselm; Bennet Wyngarten, Knights; Rudolph Huber; John Subinger, and Leo­nard Villading: To conclude the day, The Procurator of the Faith demanded earnestly a Definitive Sentence upon the Offenders convict, and that each of them singly might receive Judgment according to the nature of their Crimes; but the Court adjourned the Sentence till Eight next moring.

The 23^rd of May, being the Wednesday before Whitsontide, at the hour appointed, the Court sate, and the Procurator appeared, and again Importuned the Judges for final Sen­tence.

The prime Commissioner with great gravity addressed himself to the Sentence, and after some aggravations of their Crimes, he declared it as the Judgment of the Court, that the aforesaid fathers, should be deprived of their holy Orders, of the habit appertaining to them as Dominican Friers, and being cut off as rotten members from the Body of the Church, should be committed to the Secular Arm, from thence to receive such corporal punishment, as by the Manicipal Laws should be adjudged proportionable to their Offences.

This Sentence was afterwards openly read, with all the usual Formalities: The Procurator of the Faith pressed the Court that the Sentence might be executed; in pursuance whereof, the next day was appointed to degrade them from their Offices, to strip them of their Habits, and the Court adjourned till Eight a clock the next morning.

The next day was a Tribunal erected near the common Prison, before the Abby, hung with rich Tapistry, where sate the Commissioners, and on the side at some distance sate the Ad­vocate for the City of Berne in a Chair by himself; and on a Bench raised high, and hung also with Tapistry, sate the Treasurer of the City, the four chief Bayliffs, and some other of the Council. The Prior was first brought forth, from the said Abby where he had been kept, encompassed with his Guard under the Bedell of the Provoste: he was introduced in all his Sacerdotal Vestments, and in the habit usually worn at Mass, with a Chalice open in his hand, and so was lead up the Scaffold; then at the command of the prime Commissioner, he kneel­ed down before him, and he took from him all his Priests Garments one after another, ac­ccording to the directions of the Pontifical, which there lay open before him) then he took from him the Chalice; and perform'd all with words suitable to the Ceremony; and when he had finisht the whole, he gave him a kick with his foot, and deliver'd him up to the Advo­cate with this short speech: Sir, be pleas'd to take into your Custody and cognizance this Apo­state person, and yet I beseech you shew him all the mercy and favour that may consist with Law and Equity; The Holy Mother Church puts none to death, but is always ready to embrace penitent Sinners, and such as return to their duty. Immediately hereupon he was cloath'd in a close Coat of coarse cloath, without welt or guard, and by Order of the States Advocate sent by the Town-Serjeants to the Marshalsea, there to be kept in close durance.

The same course was taken with the other three Fathers, and all this in the presence of in­finite multitudes of Spectators, the windows and tops of the houses being throng'd with men, women and children, all curious to behold the Spectacle.

The day after, being the 24^th of May, at Eight a clock in the Morning, the Apostolick [Page 37]Commissioners at the repeated Instance of the Procurator of the Faith, pronounced Sentence upon Jetzer to this effect: That seeing by his pretended Visions, Apparitions, and Miracles, he had render'd himself an Infamous and scandalous person, he should be perpetually banisht the Provinces of High and Low Germany, that he should be led through all the Streets and Quarters of the City of Berne, with a Paper Mitre upon his head, and afterwards set in the Pillory before the Guild-Hall, and be further left to such pains and Penalties as the Civil Ma­gistrates should decree against him.

The State of Berne having now the whole power in their hands, proceeded to award the extreme penalties upon these Malefactors. And according to their Sentence the four Fathers were condemned to the Flames.

For the Execution of which Sentence, upon Thursday after Whitsontide, being the last day of May, the four Fathers were drawn through the Gate of Marcily over the River Ayre in­to a Meadow adjoyning thereto; whither being followed with an incredible Number of per­sons of all ages, sexes, degrees and conditions, they were bound back to back in two couples, to two Stakes fixt in the ground for that purpose, the one distant not many paces from the other, about which were laid good quantity of Wood, Straw, and other combustible Materi­als, to give them a quick dispatch, the Law designing them for Examples to after-times, and not intending to make their deaths more terrible by a lingering torment.

But the Providence of God (as it seems,) was not satisfied with their simple Deaths; for when the Executioner had put fire to the fatal piles, the wind suddenly arose and drove the flame away from their upper parts, so that their feet, leggs and thighs were burnt before the flame could reach their vital parts, during which time they roared out with such terrible shrieks, as forced the Executioner to throw Billets at the heads of these wretched Creatures to dispatch and put them out of their horrible torments, that it was a Question, whether they were burnt to death or knockt on the Head. Their miserable deaths moved the multitude to great signs of commiseration, that they threatned, and had it not been for the Guard, had certainly executed the Executioner: The Bishop of Castell looking out at his Window, where he could easily see the sight, protested it was a righteous Judgment of God, that they should find no Mercy from Heaven, who had been so unmerciful on Earth; and that whatever they had suffer'd, all was much short of what they had deserved. It was observed that the Prior, of all the rest, to dispatch himself, endeavour'd to suck in and swallow the Smoak and Flame, as he could have opportunity, and the Executioner, for his default in making so quick a riddance of them, was put out of his place.

And thus was that Prophecy accomplisht, which these miserable Fathers in the day of their Prosperity had often been heard to boast of, That there should come a day, when all the Bakers in the City should not be able to provide Bread enough to satisfie the People that from all sides should flock to Berne to behold them: for such a vast multitude were that day from all quarters gathered together, that the City could not hold them, much less feed them.

Not long after, at the Instance of the Bishop of Lausanne, the Stakes to which they were bound at their Execution were removed, that no Sign might remain to rub up the memory of Passengers of so terrible a Punishment: And thus we have brought the Reader to the last Act of this Tragedy, whose Epilogue will be to acquaint him with what became of Jetzer, whereof some may be impatient to hear.

Jetzer was now in the Common-gaole, awaiting what the Court would determin of him: The Council debated the matter, and some were of opinion that he deserved a Fagot as well as those Fathers who had seduced him; conceiving by the Evidence, that in many things he was as willing to be deceived, as they were to deceive him: but there were others that judged him worthy of some more modeate punishment; not only because His Holinesses Commissioners had already so judged, but because the Fathers had plotted to Trapan him, they wrought upon his Ignorance and Simplicity, he was merely passive in the whole Affair, that he was terrified by his Superiours, bound with Oaths, threatned with Excommunica­tion, and after all was more Ingenuous in his Confessions: but the main Consideration was this, that he had suffer'd sufficient Martyrdom under the hands of his Ghostly Fathers, and it seem'd hard that he should be more severely punished who had been already unjustly plagued. This difference of opinion, though it produced not his Pardon, yet it wrought for him a Re­prieve: And the Sentence pass'd upon him by the Ecclesiastical Judges was deferr'd till after July, being only kept close Prisoner.

Jetzer's Mother was yet Alive, though Old, and with her years was guilty of more Cun­ning than ever her Son was master of in his Youth: This subtle old Huswife made Friends to get access to her Son in the Gaole, and at several times found means to convey in to him an old Wastcoat and Petticoat, a Quoif and Neckerchief, and other Accoutrements to dress him up like a Countrey-woman; and being thus array'd he waited till the Under-keeper came in, (and his Mother with him) to bring him up his Supper; Jetzer stands close up behind the [Page 38]door, and when the Keeper was come in, he suddenly slips out, and going confidently to the outward door, the Turn-key lets him out, he makes his way in this Disguise from one Street, Lane, Alley, to another, till he came to the Covent of the Bare-foot Friers, where in some out-places he bestowed himself that Night. The Keeper soon miss'd him, and as soon made out after him, An alarm was given to the Gaole, Hue-and-cry immediately sent out, and ma­ny went in pursuit of the Fugitive, but he had so much discretion to lye close, till the Storm was over, using the secresie of his Sisters house, till he could find a fair opportunity to escape out of the Jurisdiction of Berne:

It was not long before Jetzer had got him a Wife, and supposing that the storm was now blown over, he shewed himself openly, and amongst his Companions would boast of his for­mer Rogueries: this obliged the Magistrates to seize his Person, and he was imprison'd at Ba­den: The Magistrates presently sent advice to their Excellencies of Berne, that they had se­cured Jetzer, and desired to know whether they would be pleased he should be transmitted to them, to proceed against him according to his demerits: But the Council remembring how chargeable and troublesome the Cause had been to them, only desired he might be banisht all the Territories of the Cantons of Switzerland, and that he should take an Oath never to reside in the Jurisdiction of any of the Cantons, and that should give them satisfaction, but to give the World no further trouble about him, and put an end to all Disputes, Jetzer fell sick and died.

This whole Story so Notorious in it self, the Discourse of that Age, and the Amazement of the World, yet was not above the Impudence of the Dominicans to deny, who fear'd not to say, that it was a Contrivance of the Franciscans, to throw dirt upon their Order: This is certain, that the whole History was put in Rhyme, and descanted upon by the Wits of that Age; but the World then being most of a piece, they had the advantage to suppress it from flaming, but not from smoaking; It's also evident, that the Bayliff of Baden, where he was Prisoner last, took from his own mouth the Narrative of his Life in the Covent, and the manner of his escape out of Gaole: In which he relates, that the old Provincial, the Prior of Cologne, the Prior of Basil, Dr. Paul of Ʋlm, and Dr. Wigand of Stutgard, were all enga­ged in the Plott, and that there were few of the more eminent Fathers of the Order in the Province, but what were privy to it.

And thus Reader, I have lead thee through a Labyrinth of as great Villany, as perhaps any Age in one place has been guilty of, the whole taken from the German Narrative, and com­pared with the above-mentioned Latine Copy, preserved in the Archives of Berne; from whence if the World would learn, that the Catholicks will boggle at no Impiety to serve the advance­ment of their Cause; and what judgment to make of those celebrated Apparitions, and Mi­racles which they so much cry up, in testimony of their darling Principles, and what Credit is due to their Oaths, Imprecations, Protestations, when they may be useful to conceal their Designs; and how easie it is for a few confederate Monks to gull the world, if the all-seeing Providence did not sometimes bring their Impostures to light; and lastly, into what Mazes of Errour and Folly they run, who leaving the conduct of the all-sufficient and infallible Word of God, have recourse to lying Miracles, counterfeit Revelations, and enthusiastick Fopperies, thou hast then the whole intent of the Translator in making this piece speak plain English.