Invictissimi Rudolphi II. Electi Romanor. Imperatoris, et In Hungaria Boemiaque Regis, pro libero exercitio religionis Augustanae confessionis in Silesia, clementissima confirmatio

A decorative initial "B" begins the text.

...they might be left to exercise it, and therefore be protected by our fullest security. We also, on the sixteenth of December of the year just past, after a further deduction was made, most mercifully remitted them to the end that, if everyone remained in those things which they possessed by right, and was not pushed from them, we would decree that they should not be burdened by any iniquity thereafter. However, in matters concerning Religion, we most mercifully judged that all things must remain entirely as they were observed and found in the times of our most honorable ancestors, the Emperors FERDINAND and MAXIMILIAN, and likewise under the entry of our own Empire. And indeed, they took care to signify to us, through this Legation, that this resolution was difficult for them because it was conditional, and because by it an opportunity and occasion were offered to Catholics to litigate with those addicted to the Augsburg Confession. They prayed most submissively that, in the point of Religion, we might show ourselves as merciful toward our obedient Princes and Estates, with equal satisfaction, as we most mercifully declared ourselves toward our Estates of the Kingdom of Bohemia under both species original: "Sub-Utraque" (referring to the practice of communion in both kinds: bread and wine).

Therefore, most graciously attending to the most submissive supplication and petition of our faithful and obedient Princes and Estates embracing the Augsburg Confession; and likewise weighing those multiple and great grievances which, just as they have arisen everywhere, so also have they been wont to arise in Silesia from religious conflicts, and have been accustomed to exist until this day: and furthermore, that many more could easily be excited and multiplied (if, as has been done until now, one moves and urges against another, in a PETITION, their own right and justice, which they possessed toward one another from ancient times and before the entry of our Empire, regarding Convents, Monasteries, Temples, Consistories, Quaestorships, Tithes, Revenues, and all other things—whether from original foundation, or from the right of Patronage, or any other title whatsoever that can be fashioned, investigated, and produced in any way—and because of this one has disturbed and pressed another): For this reason, and in order that such inconveniences might be met in time; and so that, just as in all our remaining Kingdoms and Regions, so also in Silesia, between both religions—namely, between Catholics and our faithful and obedient Princes, Estates, and Subjects addicted to the Augsburg Confession—stable peace, unanimity, and fidelity might be planted now and at all times, and once planted, be conserved; and that in the future, neither party of both those conceded religions might be disturbed in its possession and exercise, but could be conserved in a quiet state, with no one opposing: Therefore, considering all these reasons already set forth, and many other very grave ones; primarily the services provided by our above-named faithful and obedient Princes and Estates, which have been most useful and most ready in all and individual...