PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Bloody Theatre, or Martyrs Mirror of the Defenseless Christians
Braght, Thieleman J. van (Thieleman Janszoon) · 1,152,781 words · 1675 reading sections
How Algerius Was Offered Up.
Having been brought in a wagon to the place called Mercado, a final attempt was made upon him. A Carthusian monk--in Rome called Capadocines[270], and _holy people_--was appointed to take him in hand. The same constantly held a crucifix before him, and admonished him, to remember once more, before his departure, his Lo…
546 wordsSECTION 842Konrad Schumacher, A. D. 1558.
In this year a young brother by the name of Konrad Schumacher left Swabia with his people, and was apprehended at Stein, near Krems on the Danube, taken to Vienna, and there delivered into the hands of the authorities. There he lay in prison a year and several weeks, for the faith and the divine truth. In the prison he…
674 wordsSECTION 843Konrad Schumacher, A. D. 1558.
She says that she always lived at Buuren, except one year that she resided here in the city, which she afterwards left, but returned about last St. Victor’s day, and has since resided here until the present time. She says that she did not inquire the name of the people where she formerly worked. She says that she and…
672 wordsSECTION 844Konrad Schumacher, A. D. 1558.
_On the same day, and in presence of the abovementioned judges, there was orally examined one Pieter van Eynoven, born at Antwerp, aged 28 years._ He says that he has worked here in the city, at his trade of silk-weaving, since fourteen days before Christmas, in the house of one Christian, whose wife is named Anneken.…
663 wordsSECTION 845Konrad Schumacher, A. D. 1558.
The Bailiff protests costs and interests, since the judges will not consent to limit a day for said prisoners. The judges protest and say that since Cornelis Joosten and Dirk Dirks, of their number, are absent, and they have agreed together to be present in full number to consider the case of said prisoners, they adhe…
1,101 wordsSECTION 846Konrad Schumacher, A. D. 1558.
After this they cried as loud as ever, and demanded the young constable, and also the Bailiff and the members of the court. And as the servants were in a story of the tower below the one occupied by the lords of the court, they told the rioters aloud that the lords and the constable had already left the city hall. Deep…
868 wordsSECTION 847Konrad Schumacher, A. D. 1558.
Whereas Avicenna Jans, born at Delft, at present a prisoner, has confessed, without torture and iron bonds, before the count of Boussu, Knight of the Golden Fleece, and the lord of Cruyningen, as commissaries of his Royal Majesty and the court of Holland, that he, the prisoner, at the time of the tumult and uproar whic…
254 wordsSECTION 848Thomas Van Imbroeck, The 5Th Of May, In The Year 1558.
At Cologne, on the Rhine, a godfearing brother, named Thomas van Imbroeck, a printer’s servant, was apprehended for the truth, in the year 1557, and imprisoned in a tower. When afterwards examined in regard to baptism and marriage, he met them with the word of God, in such a manner that they desisted from examining him…
688 wordsSECTION 849Thomas Van Imbroeck, The 5Th Of May, In The Year 1558.
This grace I wish you, my dear wife, and also the wife of my Lord (you understand whom I mean), through the Author and Finisher of life, Jesus, to whom alone we must take refuge, that we may become conformed to him in this world, according to the words of the prophet, who says: “He hath no form nor comeliness; and when…
700 wordsSECTION 850Thomas Van Imbroeck, The 5Th Of May, In The Year 1558.
Yet, let no one think, that he shall be justified and saved by his good works alone; for this we must wholly ascribe to the grace of God, and to the merits and innocently shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who works the good in us. Therefore, my dear brethren, beware of such spirits; for they would experience greate…
713 wordsSECTION 851Thomas Van Imbroeck, The 5Th Of May, In The Year 1558.
Be admonished by this, that the merchant sold all that he had, and bought the field in which lay the treasure. Matt. 13:44. Thus you should also think now, that you willingly give your husband to the Lord, like Jephtha, who offered up his daughter to the Lord; or remember also Abraham, the pious father of all the faith…
665 wordsSECTION 852Thomas Van Imbroeck, The 5Th Of May, In The Year 1558.
We must observe here that the pious woman had an aversion for the costly apparel, and hated it more than she loved it. Do you also beware of it, and reprove it sharply in those whom you see given to it: for it proceeds not from a humble heart. The proverb says: “Don’t put moths into the fur;” neither must we give the f…
705 wordsSECTION 853Thomas Van Imbroeck, The 5Th Of May, In The Year 1558.
Hence be of good courage, and bring up your children in good manners, and in the fear of God, that their natural propensities may be mortified; and take an example from yourself, how you bring them up in their weakness, with great labor and trouble, and give the breast to them to whom the Lord has commanded milk to be …
692 wordsSECTION 854Govert Jaspers, Put To Death A. D. 1558.
Greet all the saints with the kiss of love, and all who love the Lord Jesus, and tell them to be kind; for God is the Hero and Captain, who so faithfully succors in time of need. He is like a shower upon the parched earth in a dry summer. Thus he refreshes the afflicted souls, that thirst for him; he is a shadow from t…
342 wordsSECTION 855Willem Van Haverbeke, A. D. 1558.
About the same time there was apprehended at Werwijck, in Flanders, for the truth, one brother Maerten Bossier, who, after much temptation and trial, also had to suffer temporal death (by burning); but now the second death shall have no power over him. All that would follow Christ, must take his cross upon them; this …
260 wordsSECTION 856Daniel Verkampt, A. D. 1558.
About this time, also a young man named Daniel Verkampt, after suffering much persecution, was apprehended at Kortrijck, in Flanders, for living truly according to the word of God. Being sharply examined by the deans of Ronse and Polet, he willingly and freely confessed his faith, and said that he would firmly adhere t…
389 wordsSECTION 857Waechling Dirks, Maerten Schoenmaecker, And Adriaen Pieters, A. D. 1558.
Not long after the above, also a brother named Marcus de Ledersnijder was apprehended for the truth, at Kortrijck, in Flanders, who, having been much importuned and tortured, yet constantly remaining steadfast, was condemned to death, and burned with fire, thus offering up his soul to God, who also most graciously acce…
301 wordsSECTION 858Hans Den Duytsch, A. D. 1558.
In this year, a young brother named Wouter van Honschoten was apprehended, at Honschoten, in Flanders, for following the word of God, and as he freely confessed his faith, and would in no wise depart from it, he was finally sentenced to death and to the fire, and was burnt as a pious witness of God. In the year 1558, …
364 wordsSECTION 859Janneken And Noele, A. D. 1558.
There was also a young maiden named Janneken apprehended for her faith, at Antwerp; who, when she appeared before the lords, freely confessed her faith. The Margrave said: “Janneken, if you will renounce, I will show you favor; do according to my will, and I will give you your life.” But she replied: “The life that you…
528 wordsSECTION 860Joris Wippe, Joosten’S Son, Put To Death At Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
Joris Wippe, when he still lived in the darkness of popery, was a burgomaster at Meenen in Flanders, his native place; but having subsequently come to the knowledge of the Gospel, he had to flee the country, and went to live at Dortrecht, in Holland, where he established himself as cloth-dyer. When he had lived there f…
701 wordsSECTION 861Joris Wippe, Joosten’S Son, Put To Death At Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
[273] _Has held_, etc.; an error of the writer of this sentence; for Joris still held these views at that very time. [274] How can God be honored by what he has forbidden? [275] What edification could the lords derive therefrom, who, by doing this, made themselves tyrants, yea, murderers? _Extracted from the book …
899 wordsSECTION 862Joris Wippe, Joosten’S Son, Put To Death At Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
I further let you know, that my mind and heart are still fixed upon the living God, and I trust by his great mercy not to separate from him, and I daily wait for my redemption. I thought that your sister had just come in time to witness my offering. I knew nothing to the contrary for a time; but my hour had not come ye…
879 wordsSECTION 863Joris Wippe, Joosten’S Son, Put To Death At Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
Herewith I commend you people to Almighty God, and to the word of his grace, and take leave forever until at the resurrection of the just. Then, I trust, we shall meet in one fold. Then shall we hear the sweet voice of our Bridegroom: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundat…
1,246 wordsSECTION 864Joris Wippe, Joosten’S Son, Put To Death At Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
Herewith I take leave from you forever, my dear children, until at the resurrection, and commend you all to Almighty God and to the word of his grace. Amen. And may God’s Spirit ever be present with you, to comfort and strengthen you in all righteousness. _Written by me, Joris Wippe, your father, imprisoned at Dordrec…
791 wordsSECTION 865Joris Wippe, Joosten’S Son, Put To Death At Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
Finally they asked him concerning the incarnation of Christ. He said that he believed that Christ was true God and true man, sin alone excepted. At last they told him, that if he would renounce his baptism, and confess that he had erred, they would show him favor. But he replied that he had taught the pure truth, so he…
724 wordsSECTION 866Joris Wippe, Joosten’S Son, Put To Death At Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
The 23d of August was the day fixed for the execution of the minister, Hans, and brother Henderick. They were brought before the court into the vault near the pillory. Much people flocked together, also some who were their friends, and had sent them food and drink. They went smilingly through the people to the place of…
741 wordsSECTION 867Joris Wippe, Joosten’S Son, Put To Death At Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
Now when brother Henderick Adams and the other brother were led to death, the executioner bound his hands so tightly, that his fingers turned black; but he lifted up his hands to God, praising him, that he was counted worthy to suffer this. In the mean time the bonds on his hands became loose. They were tied again, jus…
356 wordsSECTION 868Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
Gotthard of Nonenberg and Peter Kramer were both of them faithful men, who walked to edification among the brethren in the duchy of Berg, where the truth of the gospel began to shine again at that time, and very many came to the faith and knowledge of the truth. Thus these two men were called and chosen ministers of th…
909 wordsSECTION 869Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
After their heads had been severed from their bodies, the common people began to go home; but the steward called out to them, saying: “Don’t be in such a hurry, but help bury these pious men first; they did not die for any crime; they are neither thieves nor murderers; they were pious of life and conduct; they embraced…
650 wordsSECTION 870Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
With regard to the holy supper of Jesus Christ, I believe and confess what Christ has said concerning it, as is written: As they were eating the supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it t…
650 wordsSECTION 871Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
When I had been in prison ten weeks, my first examination took place. On the third day of January, A. D. 1558, reckoning the beginning of the year from New Year’s day, the jailer came to me in the afternoon, saying that I had to appear before the commissary, in order to be examined concerning my faith. I was ready with…
668 wordsSECTION 872Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
_Com._ “Whence then originate so many sects and heresies? whence springs so much uproar and mutiny?” _Jac._ “As far as the sects and heresies that are in the world are concerned; as those of Munster or Amsterdam, or elsewhere, we have in no manner fellowship or part with their works, nor with their doctrines, but we r…
1,299 wordsSECTION 873Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
[276] _East country_, probably Austria or the Orient is meant here.--TRANS. * * * * * After many other words he asked: “What do you think and believe of the sacrament of the altar?” _Jac._ “Do you mean the breaking of bread?” _Com._ “Yes.” _Jac._ “I confess and believe as Christ ordained it, as the apostles practice…
957 wordsSECTION 874Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
_Jac._ “This must be proven to me by the Scriptures; I believe the word of the prophet, who says: ‘The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; but the soul that sinneth it shall die.’” Ezekiel 18:20. _Inq._ “It is not to be understood thus; but the child is …
969 wordsSECTION 875Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
He made no reply to this, but looked at me sharply, and, after a few moments said: “Is it Calvin who writes: ‘Attestation (that is, testimony) of a good conscience?’ These are the false prophets that deceive you, people; but the genuine text does not read so.” _Jac._ “I am not imprisoned for the doctrine of Calvin.” I …
981 wordsSECTION 876Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
On Monday, the 10th of January of the same year, I was again brought before the same inquisitor, who, after a few words, asked me: “Have you made up your mind with regard to baptism?” _Jac._ “I have nothing else to say, than what I have told you already: since you cannot prove to me with the Scriptures, that the baptiz…
1,215 wordsSECTION 877Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
I then took his German testament, which he had before him, and read the passage to him. After I had showed and read it to him, he said to me: “You must not govern yourself according to your own understanding, but according to the exposition of the holy teachers, such as St. Augustine, Ambrose, and others of the ancient…
1,265 wordsSECTION 878Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
He became angry, and asked me: “Are we idolaters, because we worship Christ?” _Jac._ “No, if he is in the bread; but if he is not in it, what else are you?” _Inq._ “Well then, what do you believe concerning it? say but a word, yes or no.” _Jac._ “My lord, you have heard that I believe that he sits on the right hand of …
1,629 wordsSECTION 879Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
* * * * * Thereupon he arose, and said to me: “Adieu, Jacques, see that you come to a good conclusion; for your time is short; consider the matter well.” I also bade him adieu, and told him that I was ready always to follow that which was best, in what should be proven to me by the holy Scriptures, and nothing else. …
1,268 wordsSECTION 880Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
We had many more words yet about this article, also about baptism, and a little afterwards about purgatory, and the decree, in all for about an hour and a half; whereupon he left me, showing me a very nice and friendly countenance, whether it came from the heart, I do not know. On the 20th of January of said year, I w…
1,404 wordsSECTION 881Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
We had much more conversation yet in regard to this matter; finally he asked me my decision concerning baptism and the sacrament, to which I replied as I had done at other times. He then left me, enjoining me to ask God to give me understanding to return, as he said, to the holy Catholic church. On the 27th of January…
663 wordsSECTION 882Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
_Inq._ “Nevertheless, you must be instructed herein by some men.” _Jac._ “We are not founded upon men, but upon the living Rock.” _Inq._ “Have you then no pastor or bishop?” _Jac._ “Yes.” _Inq._ “Who is it?” _Jac._ “Christ the Son of God.” _Inq._ “You know very well what I mean; but you do not want to answer; however, …
971 wordsSECTION 883Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
[277] The passage referred to is 1 Samuel 21:6. The reader will bear in mind that formerly the two books of Samuel were called respectively the first and second book of the Kings.--TRANSLATOR. _Inq._ “O I can soon prove that heretics may be put to death; for it is written that if any heretics or false prophets shoul…
652 wordsSECTION 884Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
_Jac._ “Yes; my lord, you say that our sect has existed only twenty or thirty years, but it has always been the case that those who would live godly in Christ Jesus, have had to suffer persecution, according to the words of Paul.” _Inq._ “Thus speak all heretics.” _Jac._ “Paul said it first; yet he was not a heretic.” …
971 wordsSECTION 885Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
Thereupon he laughingly asked me: “Jacques, was not Peter also a sheep of Christ?” _Jac._ “My lord, if he was chosen of God, he also belonged to the flock.” Matt. 10:1. _Inq._ “Answer, yes or no.” _Jac._ “I believe that he was not only a sheep of the flock of Christ, but even a shepherd.” _Inq._ “Well then, he, who was…
967 wordsSECTION 886Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
_Jac._ “My lord, when Susanna was unjustly condemned to death, who bore the punishment, the judges, or the witnesses?” _Inq._ “They that were guilty.” _Jac._ “My lord, the judges were rebuked by Daniel; but the witnesses were rebuked and punished.” _Inq._ “Do you think that I am witness in your case? I have come here…
1,198 wordsSECTION 887Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
Perceiving that he could get nothing else out of me, he asked me: “What is your determination?” _Jac._ “I have declared my faith to you, and thereupon I have made my determination, until the contrary be proven to me.” _Inq._ “I have proven it to you sufficiently; but you will believe nothing but your fancy and obstinac…
712 wordsSECTION 888Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
He laughingly said to me: “Do we say that?” _Jac._ “Do you not? do you not say we are evil, vile and useless trees, that must be cast into the fire? And yet you have confessed to me, that our fruits are good, but that it is our faith.” _Inq._ “It is true, you do good works before men; but the inward is good for nothing…
1,794 wordsSECTION 889Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
Perceiving that he could not answer me, and that two or three persons were listening at the door, besides the jailer, who is always with the prisoners, he commenced to give me a long talk, saying that I must not inquire so deeply into the Scriptures, but suffer myself to be instructed by those more learned than I, and …
1,132 wordsSECTION 890Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
He arose and said: “It is time for me to go; see that you consider the matter well, and pray diligently to God.” _Jac._ “I know of nothing to consider, since you cannot prove to me anything different.” _Inq._ “What should I prove to you?” _Jac._ “I have asked you to show to me what pastors I must follow, and whether th…
985 wordsSECTION 891Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
Having, through the grace of God, undergone and endured manifold assaults, by way of numerous examinations and threats from the bloodthirsty, he died in great steadfastness for the testimony of Jesus. He was not put to death at the place of execution, but secretly murdered by night. Until quite recently trustworthy per…
754 wordsSECTION 892Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
These are the questions which he put to me; but he used far more words, and when I did not readily answer him, he said that I had a dumb devil in me, that the devil transformed himself into an angel of light in us, and that we were all heretics. He then read to me the articles I had confessed, and said it should come b…
870 wordsSECTION 893Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
[278] Den Kerck-gang. At one time there were also two monks with him, who were to instruct me. They had but little to say, only that we were people of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 6:5; 2 Tim. 3:7,8. I replied: “When the day o…
772 wordsSECTION 894Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
When he examined me the seventh time, he said: “Do you not believe that the apostles ate the flesh of Christ?” _Cl._ “Christ took the bread, gave thanks, brake it, and gave it to his disciples, and his body he gave for their redemption.” _Inq._ “Do you not believe otherwise?” _Cl._ “I do not believe otherwise than Chri…
873 wordsSECTION 895Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
Behold, my dear friends, lay this to heart, that the Lord will not hear those who do not fear him now (John 9:31); and how precious the fear of the Lord is to him that will choose it; for nothing is to be compared to her. The fear of the Lord is honor, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. The fear of the …
799 wordsSECTION 896Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
Therefore desire with a sorrowful heart for the Lord, and say: Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember no…
797 wordsSECTION 897Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
I must further relate to you something of the sorrow which I had before I was apprehended. Now I remember the words of the apostle, that I have had godly sorrow, and that godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation. 2 Cor. 7:10. Yea, I had such sorrow at times, that I did not know whither to turn, and sometimes cried …
692 wordsSECTION 898Gotthard Of Nonenberg And Peter Kramer, A. D. 1558.
Since that time, my husband and our brother appeared once before the pastor of the Old Court, and on Sunday in Lent all three of us were before the steward, our brother first; he had a long conversation with him; and proved it to him with the Scriptures, so that he could not say a word against it, except that it was fr…
681 wordsSECTION 899Jelis De Groot, And Mahieu Van Halewijn, A. D. 1559.
As regards infant baptism he knew nothing to say, except Christ says: You must be born again of water and of the Spirit. John 3:5. I said: “Children cannot understand the new birth; Christ said this to the adult; hence we have put off our old life, and put on a new life. We well know that our children are saved before …
308 wordsSECTION 900Wolfgang Mair, And Wolfgang Hueber, In The Year 1559.
About the same time there was also apprehended at Kortrijck, for the love of God, and living according to his word, a brother named Karel van Tiegem, who was not ashamed freely to confess Christ his Lord before men, and to make a good confession of his faith, in which he also persevered unto the end; but however greatl…
639 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.