Page:Gregor The story of Bohemia.pdf/372

 One of the favorite schemes of Ferdinand, that around which all his plans and aims centered, was to limit the powers of the States, and, if possible, establish an almost absolute monarchy. He was somewhat hindered in this by the continual war with the Turks, but, on the other hand, helped by the religious and political dissensions among the people.

At this time the officers in Prague were composed of Calixtines and Catholics, or, rather, the enemies of the new sect of Lutherans. One of the aldermen, a certain Pasek, who seemed to take the lead in affairs, perceiving that Ferdinand did not look with favor upon the new sect, began to persecute its adherents to such an extent that several were put to death by fire. Many were exiled from Prague. Ferdinand, not being pleased that a common citizen should arrogate to himself so much power, took up the cause of the persecuted, and ordered Pasek to recall the exiled citizens; and when he refused to obey, he was deprived of his office. The king also embraced this opportunity to break up the newly-formed union between the Old Town and New Town of Prague. The Lutherans returned to their homes, praising the justice of their king, which praise, however, proved untimely, as further developments prove.

Another method of abridging the liberties of the people, was the prohibition of the General Assemblies that were wont to be called by the citizens, unless they had obtained the express permission of the king.

In 1531, through the influence of his brother, Charles V, Ferdinand was elected, in Cologne-on-the-Rhine, King of the Romans, and therefore successor to the Imperial throne.