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Translator’s Preface.
Translator’s Preface.
The principal object in writing this preface is to point out the chief difficulties I had to contend with while engaged in this truly laborious and exhaustive task. I do this not for the purpose of exciting sympathy on my behalf, but to convey to the reader an appropriate idea of the perplexing nature of the work that has engrossed my closest attention, and absorbed so much of my energy and care for nearly three years. The reader will thereby be prepared to view with greater leniency the unavoid
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Invocation.
Invocation.
To God, my Lord, the Creator, Preserver and Redeemer of my soul, be praise, honor and majesty, forever and ever. Pardon me, O my Lord and my God! that I, who am but dust and ashes, approach Thee. Gen. 18:27. I fear to come to Thee, because Thou art a consuming fire, while I am wood, hay and stubble, subject to be burned; yet I must not remain away from Thee, because I have that which is Thine, yea, which is Thy most precious treasure, even the blood and offering of the saints; I must needs come
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TO MY BELOVED FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR SAVIOR.
TO MY BELOVED FRIENDS AND COMPANIONS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR SAVIOR.
Next to God we are joined to our fellow-believers who have received the same faith with us; and we shall therefore address ourselves to them. But most beloved, do not expect that we shall bring you into Grecian theatres, to gaze on merry comedies or gay performances. Here shall not be opened unto you the pleasant arbors and pleasure gardens of Atlas, Adonis or Semiramis, which are said to have been built in the air, and of which the ancients used to sing their merry lays; yet far be it from us t
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TO THE READERS IN GENERAL.
TO THE READERS IN GENERAL.
Good friends and fellow citizens : Of old, among the heathen, the greatest and highest honors were accorded to the brave and triumphant warriors, who, risking their lives in the land of the enemy, conquered, and carried off the victory . 12 Thus Homer , the foremost of the writers of heroic poetry in Greece, has, in twenty-four books, extolled and embellished with many eulogies the warlike deeds of Ulysses. Quintus Curtius described, in ten books, the deeds of Alexander, the son of Philip of Mac
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SUMMARY OF THE FOLLOWING WORK.
SUMMARY OF THE FOLLOWING WORK.
This work comprises two books, each of them containing a different and independent topic. The first is a treatise of the holy baptism and of that which pertains to it. The second is a historical account of the holy martyrs who suffered on account of baptism, or, generally, for the testimony of Jesus Christ. These two topics have been briefly, yet not less clearly, treated, throughout, in every century, from the days of Christ up to our present time; and this order has been followed: through ever
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OF THE TRUE CHURCH OF GOD, ITS ORIGIN, PROGRESS, AND IMMOVABLE STABILITY, THROUGH ALL TIMES.
OF THE TRUE CHURCH OF GOD, ITS ORIGIN, PROGRESS, AND IMMOVABLE STABILITY, THROUGH ALL TIMES.
[As in the following work a survey is given, to some degree, of the succession and establishment of the church, we find it expedient in order that the same may not be misinterpreted, and because some of our good friends have requested and besought us (though we had intended to leave it as it was), to precede, by way of introduction, that which follows, by our exposition of the true and the false church, and of their respective good and evil succession and progress; also, to state the views we ho
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OF THE UNGODLY AND FALSE CHURCH, WHICH IS THE OPPOSITE OF THE CHURCH OF GOD, AND THE ORIGIN, PROGRESS AND SUCCESSION OF THE SAME THROUGH ALL TIMES.
OF THE UNGODLY AND FALSE CHURCH, WHICH IS THE OPPOSITE OF THE CHURCH OF GOD, AND THE ORIGIN, PROGRESS AND SUCCESSION OF THE SAME THROUGH ALL TIMES.
Where God builds a temple, says the old proverb, there the devil builds another in opposition. This has been apparent ever since the beginning of the world. For at the same time that Abel became a martyr of God, and, therefore, a good leader of the children of God, Cain made himself a murderer , and became a leader of the children of Satan, who belong to the ungodly and false church, as members of one body. Gen. 4:8. He was followed by Lamech, one of Cain’s descendants, who slew a young man, and
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POEMS IN THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGE.
POEMS IN THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGE.
THE HOLY MARTYRS OF THE NEW COVENANT. To all charitably inclined Anabaptists and non-resistant Christians : SONNET. ON THE BLOODY THEATRE OF THE ANABAPTISTS OR NON-RESISTANT CHRISTIANS. To my brother T. J. van Braght: THE BLOODY THEATRE —OR— MARTYRS MIRROR —OF THE— ANABAPTISTS OR DEFENSELESS CHRISTIANS, WHO SUFFERED AND WERE SLAIN FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, THEIR SAVIOR, FROM THE TIME OF CHRIST UNTIL THE YEAR A. D. 1660....
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE FIRST CENTURY,
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE FIRST CENTURY,
That is, from the first year of the ministry of Jesus Christ to the year 100. [We have begun with the baptism of John, who in Holy Scripture is properly called the Baptist , because he was the first and chief one who truly administered baptism with all that pertains to it; concerning which we have noted the time, place, persons, etc. From there we proceeded to Christ and the command which he gave concerning baptism; thence to the apostles, and how they fulfilled Christ’s command. But, since the
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE PIOUS MARTYRS AND WITNESSES OF JESUS CHRIST WHO SUFFERED DURING THE FIRST CENTURY:
AN ACCOUNT OF THE PIOUS MARTYRS AND WITNESSES OF JESUS CHRIST WHO SUFFERED DURING THE FIRST CENTURY:
That is, from the death of Christ to the year A. D. 100. This first century did not pass without the shedding of much blood of the saints; for, since Jesus Christ himself, the Leader of all true believers, was subject to it, it was just, that his members should follow in the same path; yet John died before Christ. But after the death of Christ, the fire of persecution raged exceedingly, consuming nearly all of the beloved apostles and friends of Christ, according to the flesh. We have described
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY MARTYRS IN THE SECOND CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY MARTYRS IN THE SECOND CENTURY.
The witnesses as regards the ordinance of the baptism of Jesus Christ, who have written in this century, are few, and their accounts are brief, but mostly clear and conclusive. First appears one Dionysius, surnamed Alexandrinus, who writes to his friend Sixtus about a certain brother, who considered the baptism of the heretics no baptism at all, and, therefore requested to be re-baptized. He is followed by Justinus, who, in his letters written in defense of the Christians, as well as in his disp
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SECOND CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SECOND CENTURY.
[The two Roman, or, properly speaking, Greek Emperors, Trajan and Marcus Aurelius raised the principal persecutions against the Christians, in this century. This is amply shown in the following account, as well as what persons suffered for the name of Christ in these persecutions. In the persecutions through Trajan there were slain, after enduring much suffering, Simon Cleophas, who was a hundred and twenty years old, Rufus and Zosimus, the Ethiopian baptized by Philip, Ignatius, Onesimus, Diony
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE THIRD CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE THIRD CENTURY.
[Among the witnesses of true baptism we have accorded Tertullian the first place, because it was in the very early part of this century that he flourished and spread abroad the fame of his doctrine. He rebuked those who brought such as were too young to be baptized, justifying his rebuke with conclusive reasons. Leonilla, a Christian grandmother, had her three grandsons, Sosyphus, Cleosyphus, and Melosyphus, baptized after previous instruction. Then comes Origen, surnamed Adamantius, who gives v
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE PIOUS MARTYRS AND WITNESSES OF JESUS CHRIST WHO SUFFERED IN THE THIRD CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE PIOUS MARTYRS AND WITNESSES OF JESUS CHRIST WHO SUFFERED IN THE THIRD CENTURY.
[There never was a time in the church of Jesus Christ, in which so many and great tyrants arose to destroy and extirpate the people of God, as in this century; for scarcely had one ceased, when another began; excepting a short cessation under the Emperors Caracalla and Geta. The principal ones of those who tyrannized over, and put to death, the believers, were Severus, Maximinus, Decius, Valerianus, Gallienus, and Aurelianus, who, though the world hailed them as “Gracious Emperors,” were in deed
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE FOURTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE FOURTH CENTURY.
At the close of the third century the eminent Arnobius was introduced, and inasmuch as his life extended from one century into the other we refer to him again here in the beginning of the fourth century. He speaks of the virtue and benefit of baptism, as may be seen in the proper place. Fusca and the handmaid Maura were baptized after previous instruction. At this time (in the time of Sylvester) there existed such sects as were afterwards called Waldenses, Anabaptists, etc. One Donatus was calle
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FOURTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FOURTH CENTURY.
[This lamentable time commenced with the Tenth General Persecution, instituted by Diocletian, and prosecuted by Maximian, his associate; which caused a very severe and distressing state of affairs, with respect to the violence as well as the long duration of the persecution. In order to proceed systematically, we have presented separately each year with its respective martyrs. In the first year of this persecution Anthimus and many others at Nicomedia; Phileas, Cassianus; Eulalia and Eucratis, a
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE FIFTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE FIFTH CENTURY.
[We have begun this century with the fifth chapter of the Centuriæ Magdeburgenses , the contents of which may be examined. Vincent Victor opposes Augustine in the matter of infant baptism. Synesius Syrenus, baptized on his faith, by Theophilus. The fourth council of Carthage establishes, that those who desire to be baptized, must first be examined, and sounded relative to their faith. Sedulius maintains that baptism is a regeneration, and, moreover, exhorts the young to baptism. Hilarius of Syra
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FIFTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FIFTH CENTURY.
[First of all, mention is made of the tyrants who in the beginning of this century tyrannized over the defenseless lambs of Christ; among them are mentioned Isdigerdis, and his son Geroranes. The bloody edict issued by the two Emperors, Honorius and Theodosius, against the so-called Anabaptists, is adduced, according to different versions, and explained. The couplet of Prosperus, which proclaims to the candidates for baptism, that their baptism must be perfected by martyrdom, is explained. Alban
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE SIXTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE SIXTH CENTURY.
[Shortly after the beginning of this account, Alcimus is introduced who declares that baptism was prefigured in the suffering of Christ; his testimony, however, in regard to this, is reserved for another place. Cassiodorus follows Alcimus, saying that in baptism believers are regenerated to new creatures. He is followed by Fortunatus, who speaks of the virtue and benefit of baptism, saying that those who are regenerated by baptism, become children of God. People who indicate that infant baptism
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SIXTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SIXTH CENTURY.
[The verse of Alcimus, reserved in the preceding account of baptism in this century, is now adduced, as the first proof of the martyrization of this time, and circumstantially explained. Mention is made of various severe persecutions that occurred about this time, of which fifteen are enumerated; it is also shown in what kingdoms, principalities, or countries they took place, as well as who the tyrants were by whom all this was committed against the Christian believers. An explanation that it is
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE SEVENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE SEVENTH CENTURY.
[Adrian is mentioned as the first one who, in this century, declared himself, not so much in words as in deed, against infant baptism; as to the manner, however, in which the Romanists proceeded against him, shall be more fully spoken of elsewhere. The Bracerensian papists, to prevent the decline of infant baptism, confirm it in a certain council. The pious adhere to the true ordinance of the baptism of Christ, notwithstanding the power of the Pope and the decree of the aforementioned council. I
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SEVENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SEVENTH CENTURY.
[After the oppression exercised by the heathen and Arians, the Roman Pope also began to direct his arrows against the orthodox Christians. This forms the beginning of our account. Bishop Adrian, of whom we have already related that he refused baptism to infants, is now criminally punished for this cause, A. D. 606. Concerning the chapter of criminal matters, some further observations are made; also, as to whether said Adrian really suffered corporal or capital punishment. Thereupon follows a not
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE EIGHTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE EIGHTH CENTURY.
[The example of Lutgerus (adduced in the last year of the preceding century) is rehearsed, by way of introduction, in the beginning of this; to which is added an account of Herinigild, who was baptized by Leander, after previous instruction: Germanus, a father at Constantinople, states that it was customary to make confession of sins before baptism. Bede the presbyter treats of the baptism of the apostles; of the baptism of the Angles who were baptized in the Rhine and Swalbe; of the catechumens
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE EIGHTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE EIGHTH CENTURY.
[We commence with a certain severe persecution of the Christians in the East, instituted by Haumar, King of the Saracens, about A. D. 718. Thereupon follows a note concerning said persecution; it is related that those of the East had long before separated from those of the West (that is, from the Roman church); mention is also made of the Thessalonian churches, which, from the time of the apostles, are said to have continued unchanged in religion; from which it is concluded that apparently also
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE NINTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE NINTH CENTURY.
[This account begins with a sad lamentation, that nearly all the learned and celebrated men were corrupted through the Roman superstitions. Immediately, however, a consolation follows, namely, that in this corrupt age there were still people who did not adhere to the Roman superstitions. Then it is shown from Haimo, that teaching must precede baptism; that the candidate must first be instructed; that he must first be enlightened, etc. Thereupon, in the margin, A. D. 821, it is noticed that Chris
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE NINTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE NINTH CENTURY.
[The beginning is a repetition of the fourth proposition of the discourse of Haimo (for the year A. D. 814) respecting baptism by the shedding of blood, with which the Lord and all the holy martyrs were baptized. Of the cruelties instituted by the Danish tyrant, Regnerus (A. D. 818) against the Christian believers; which matter is further explained in a note. In the margin, mention is made that A. D. 826, the Saracens invaded the islands of the Romans, and, consequently, Creta; where Cyril, Bish
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE TENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE TENTH CENTURY.
[The corruption of this century, caused by the papal superstitions, is sadly lamented by Jacob Mehrning and P. J. Twisck. Nevertheless, it is shown thereupon, that in the midst of papal darkness there were still some who, in the matter of holy baptism, did not differ from the institution of Christ and his apostles. Giselbert teaches, that baptism must be connected with regeneration and a good will. Then follows Ansbert, who declares that Christ, through preaching and baptism, is still daily brin
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE TENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE TENTH CENTURY.
[About the year 910, we again refer to Giselbert (see our Account of Holy Baptism), who teaches, as it were, for the consolation of the martyrs who could not receive water baptism, that it is in God’s power to show mercy to them on account of their good will. Lamentable persecution of the Christians in the region of Cordova, by the Arabians, instituted by their King Habdarrhaghman, A. D. 923. Eugenia, an upright Christian woman, beheaded for the testimony of Jesus Christ, near Cordova, in said y
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE ELEVENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE ELEVENTH CENTURY.
[In the beginning of the eleventh century, the celebrated Anselm is introduced, who declares that baptism is the “fulfilling of all righteousness;” that the baptism of Christ is a “washing of water in the word;” that every one, in his day, was baptized in the name and the faith of God; that believers were then baptized upon, or in the name of Christ; that the adults had first to be instructed in the Christian doctrine; that after baptism one must not again lay the foundation of repentance from d
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE ELEVENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE ELEVENTH CENTURY.
[A simile of the moonlight and the stars, which shine most in the darkest nights, forms the beginning of our account, representing the condition of this time. Fourteen persons, the chiefest of whom was called Stephen, are burned as heretics, for the testimony of the truth, by the papists, A. D. 1022, at Orleans in France. Then follows a note concerning the accusations brought against the aforementioned persons; and also, further observations touching said fourteen martyrs, according to the accou
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY.
[The last year of the preceding century, namely, A. D. 1100, is introduced here by way of introduction to the following century; in which it is shown, that in and shortly after that time there existed the Waldenses and Albigeois, of whom we shall speak more fully about the middle of this century. For the year 1105, some persons are introduced, who opposed infant baptism, transubstantiation, and the Roman church; also some, for the year 1119, who condemned the mass. Certain people, who held the s
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY.
[In the beginning mention is made of this salutary, but bloody century, in which the pious witnesses of the Lord come in multitudes to receive the crown of martyrdom on the battle field of Christ. Four persons, having no good opinion of infant baptism and transubstantiation banished from the bishopric of Treves, A. D. 1105. Some of the followers of Berengarius, in the same bishopric, follow their fellow-companions, and are not only banished, but also expelled, one year after, namely, A. D. 1106.
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY.
[The thirteenth century is commenced with the thirteenth and last Centuria , with which the Magdeburg Centuriators have concluded their Ecclesiastical History; which is, as it were, a mournful farewell air, on account of the lamentable desolation caused by the Pope of Rome, in the worship of God. Several Roman superstitions mentioned, which were commanded as solemnly as the word of God, and are called the baptism of necessity, the baptism by women, heretics, etc.; also, how to baptize a child th
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY.
[The way and entrance to the martyrs of this century is through the valleys of Albi and throughout France, England, and other countries, where the pious witnesses of Jesus laid down their lives for the evangelical truth. From the year 1209 throughout this century, crusades are preached in the name of the Pope; which were the cause of the destruction of thousands of Albigenses, who lived quietly and peaceably under certain papistic authorities; for certain reasons, however, we have not finished t
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY.
[The beginning is of the congregations or churches of the Waldenses; concerning whom it is shown that they existed not only in this century, but long before and after, teaching that the baptism of infants is of no avail. The seventh article of the confession of the faith of the Waldenses, touching baptism, is presented; which treats of their confessing the faith, and change of life. The belief of Dulcinus and his wife Margaret adduced, of whom the papists say, that they were exactly like the Wal
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY.
[The exordium to the entrance of this century is taken from the places where most of the martyrs suffered at this time, as also from the circumstances of their suffering and death. The manner of inquisition over the believers in these times, shown in divers articles, for the year 1301, according to the account of Jean Paul Perrin Lyonnois. Dulcinus and his wife Margaret, who, as L. Kreutzheim says, founded a sect alike in every respect to the Anabaptists, are torn limb from limb; and with them o
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
[In the beginning of this century, the decree Statutum ex Officio , of King Henry IV., of England, published against the Wickliffites, is mentioned. Thereupon follows a recital of fifteen articles of said Wickliffites, which by the inquisition were laid before them, for recantation; the twelfth article of which declares, that a child, though it die unbaptized, will be saved; and the thirteenth article, that neither the Pope, nor the prelates, nor any ordinary, can compel any one to swear; the ot
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
[The beginning treats of the great distress in these times; some definite information given, about some countries where the misery was the greatest, as concerning England, France, Germany, Flanders, etc. The first year of this century begins with a bloody decree published in England against the confessors of the holy Gospel; in consequence of which much innocent blood is shed. William Swinderby is put to death by fire, for the faith, in the city of London, A. D. 1401; some account is given respe
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To my beloved Friends and Fellow-Believers in Christ Jesus our Savior.
To my beloved Friends and Fellow-Believers in Christ Jesus our Savior.
Most Beloved : When, in former times, C. Vermander, one of our fellow-believers, desirous of describing the Trojan war, followed the Greek poet Homer, called the Blind, relating in Dutch rhyme, the latter’s Greek verses treating of this matter, he stopped when he had completed half, that is, the first twelve books of the Iliad , 202 writing these words: He became weary when he had traveled half the way, and certainly, he had good reasons for it; for, who knows not, that by following a blind man,
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Preface to Second Part.
Preface to Second Part.
Christian Reader : In this our address we shall present to you nothing new or uncommon, but that which in former times a certain lover of the holy and blessed martyrs communicated to his cotemporaries, for general edification, concerning the faith and steadfast death of many of them; except a few passages in the beginning, and also a little further on (which do not properly belong here, and to which we have affixed certain marks to prevent mistakes.) These we have omitted here, and added, in bra
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AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
[The controversy of the so-called clergy the cause, in this century, that the Anabaptists increased the more, which forms the beginning of this account. In the meantime, the difference is shown, between the old Waldenses and the apostate Hussites, respecting the article of holy baptism. The Waldenses in Hungary were now, in the year 1507, greatly persecuted; concerning whom it is stated, that they led an innocent life; and it is also declared that in their confession, which they delivered this y
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
[Mention of the inquisition which from the year 1492 continued to 1660. It is noticed for the year 1501. Persecution of the orthodox Christians in Hungary briefly, and plainly shown, for the year 1507. Two years after this, there is brought to remembrance another persecution of the same people, in the principality of Mecklenburg, near Mooren, two years later, presented and noted for the year 1509. Several persons who opposed popery in various points of doctrine; as, Nicholas Rus, Bernhard Liblin
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ENLARGED AND IMPROVED FROM VARIOUS CREDIBLE CHRONICLES, MEMOIRS, TESTIMONIES, ETC.
ENLARGED AND IMPROVED FROM VARIOUS CREDIBLE CHRONICLES, MEMOIRS, TESTIMONIES, ETC.
[The following Part of the Martyrs Mirror, was not originally written by van Braght, but was the outgrowth of a compilation from different authors, and published in different editions, which from time to time were enlarged and improved. The original book, as appears from the writings of Samuel W. Pennypacker, of Philadelphia, Pa., was published in Holland, in 1562, under the title, Het Offer des Heeren . Later editions were printed in the years 1567, 1570, 1576, 1578, 1580, 1589, 1595, and 1599.
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AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY,
AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY,
FROM 1600 TO 1660. [After the preceding, sixteenth century closed with the burying alive of Anneken van den Hove, in the year 1597, the following, seventeenth century commenced, not without threats, and the shedding of the blood of the pious witnesses of the Lord. The first year of this century begins with a decree (though not unto death), published by those of Groeningen and Sneeck against the Anabaptists. Huybert op der Straten. Trynken his wife, Pieter ten Hove, and Lysken te Linschoten, near
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