PREFACE. Ir is the remark of an eminent modern writer, that History, during the three last centuries, has been one vast conspiracy against Truth. Few, indeed, are to be found, among the authors of that period, whose works could be safely recommended for study, or even for perusal, at an age in which, more than any other, it is important to guard against erroneous impressions. Many of those, therefore, on whom devolved the duty of sowing in the youthful mind the seeds of historical knowledge, were compelled to undertake the laborious task of selecting and transcribing,—of extracting facts, apart from the prejudices of the historian,and of endeavouring to draw out a clear and truthful outline, which some would deem sufficient, and which others might at leisure fill up and extend. A considerable portion of the present volume had been thus formed, and for some time made use of in manuscript, when the labour of transcribing, and a view to more general utility, led to its first appearing in print. Considerable additions were then made, the most approved authorities were consulted, and some pains were taken, as well to fix the attention of the young, by the adoption of a simple familiar style, as to compress the work within reasonable bounds, without any important omission. The advantage of studying collectively, instead of separately, the annals of modern times, has borne the test of experience, and will be duly appreciated upon trial. It is only necessary to add, that in preparing this second edition for the press, the dates have been verified, and several portions of the work altered and corrected, where needful, by carefully collating them with the most recent authorities. New Hall, Chelmsford, Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, 1846. THE HISTORY OF MODERN EUROPE. CHAPTER I. STATE OF EUROPE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. THE early part of the sixteenth century forms the commencement of a new and eventful era in the annals of mankind. From the time of their conversion to Christianity, the semi-barbarous nations, which were spread over the north and middle of Europe, had been making slow but steady progress in civilization and the refinements of social life. To this gradual advancement, the Crusades had greatly contributed, as well by calling together large bodies of men of different nations, and thus diffusing among all the acquirements of each, as by putting a stop to those interminable petty wars which were constantly arming neighbouring states against each other, and the feudatory vassal against his lord. Notwithstanding their unsuccessful result, as far as regarded the main object they had in view, the Crusades awakened energies which quickly found employment in other channels. Commercial undertakings were planned on a scale that was gradually extending; guilds and other associations were formed for mutual assistance and protection; monasteries were erected as asylums for the devout, the studious, and the penitent; territories long independent, or merely feudatory, became united under one monarch, and the whole of Christendom composed, as it were, one vast commonwealth, over which the sovereign pontiff exercised a recognised authority B |