MUNSTER, a city of Germany, capital of a bishopric of the same name and of all Westphalia, stands at the conflux of the river Aa with the Ems, in E. Long. 7. 49. N. Lat. 52. 0. It is of a circular form, large, and well fortified both by nature and art. It has a fine citadel called the Brille, erected by a bishop named Bernard van Galen in order to awe the burghers. The dean and chapter now elect the bishop; but till the beginning of the 13th century he was nominated by the emperor. This city has been rendered famous by three remarkable transactions. 1. By the peace concluded here in 1648, which put an end to the war of 30 years; occasioned by the persecuting spirit of bigotted Papists, who chose rather to plunge their country into all the calamities of war than allow liberty of conscience to the Protestants. By this peace, however, they consented, much against their inclinations, to grant them a toleration. 2. By the disorders and disturbances occasioned here in 1553, by a parcel of enthusiasts, headed by a taylor, called John of Leyden from the place of his birth, who turned out the magistrates, and took possession of the city, where they perpetrated the most horrid villanies and cruelties. 3. For the noble, though unsuccessful, efforts it made in defence of its liberties against the tyranny and oppression of the above mentioned turbulent and bloody-minded bishop, Bernard van Galen. In this city are a great number of convents and other religious houses, many of them stately piles, and surrounded with beautiful gardens.