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
Hans Bret, A. D. 1576.
Hans Bret, who was about twenty-one years old, and the son of one Thomas Bret, an Englishman, was (besides his daily labor which he performed in the service of his master) very diligently concerned and engaged with the study of the word of the Lord, in which he constantly exercised himself in the morning and evening al…
712 wordsSECTION 1502Hans Bret, A. D. 1576.
Now, how he conducted himself in his bonds; how they, through wiles and snares, fair promises and severe threats, sought to move him from, and despoil him of, the salvation of his soul; and how they, because he had written some letters to his brethren and friends, cast him into a loathsome dungeon; together with the va…
678 wordsSECTION 1503Hans Bret, A. D. 1576.
When they had thus closed his mouth, and screwed fast his tongue, the fire with which he was to be offered up being already prepared in the market place, they led him forth, with his hands tied together, from prison, and placed him into a wagon, to convey him to the market place, to the spot where his sacrifice for the…
653 wordsSECTION 1504Hans Bret, A. D. 1576.
Most dearly beloved mother, let me please inform you, that I am well according to the flesh, thanks to the good God; but according to the spirit, I thank the Lord, and praise him for his unspeakable grace, that he gives me strength by his Holy Spirit, so that my mind is unchanged, the Lord be thanked. And I trust in th…
660 wordsSECTION 1505Hans Bret, A. D. 1576.
My mother, I would write you more for your consolation, but I hope that you are better comforted of the Lord, than I should be able to comfort you with my writing; and I also forbear so that you may learn something about how it goes with our imprisonment, for otherwise my paper would not suffice. For I presume that you…
714 wordsSECTION 1506Hans Bret, A. D. 1576.
I hope now to write you a little, relating very briefly how my examination by the priests passed off. The first time that I spoke with the priests, which according to my recollection, was about eight days before Whitsuntide, there came the Dean, that great, large priest, with another priest, whom we are wont to call t…
734 wordsSECTION 1507Hans Bret, A. D. 1576.
Then the Dean became very angry, so that I soon parted from them, for it was getting late. I must be brief, for my paper is giving out. Afterwards I talked yet with a priest alone, on Whitsuntide evening; so that the priest went away from me, when I told that he should show to me, that Christ and his apostles, in this …
360 wordsSECTION 1508Hans Bret.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM HANS BRET, WRITTEN AND SENT TO HIS BROTHER DAVID, WHO LIVED ABROAD, AND HAD NOT YET COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. Grace and peace from God our heavenly Father, through his only Son Jesus Christ, our Savior; the comfort and power of the Holy Ghost, furthering to a true faith; the true heavenly…
699 wordsSECTION 1509Hans Bret.
Hence remember the words of Christ, who says that he shall come as a thief in the night; if the good man of the house knew at what hour the thief would come, he would watch, and not suffer his house to be broken through. Luke 12:39. Seeing then, that we have neither hour nor time, watch constantly with the wise virgins…
701 wordsSECTION 1510Hans Bret.
My brother, give ear now to the word of the Lord, that we may meet there, and hear the glad voice, which I pray the Lord that he will grant us through his only Son, Christ Jesus. Amen. Brother, I must stop, for my paper is giving out; hence take this simple letter in good part, for I have written it out of love; and p…
971 wordsSECTION 1511Hans Bret.
By me, your brother, who is imprisoned for the testimony of God, and for the holy word and truth of the Lord. ANOTHER LETTER FROM HANS BRET, WRITTEN TO HIS BELOVED MOTHER, THE 19TH OF JULY 1576. The unspeakable grace, peace and mercy of God our heavenly Father, who is a Father full of grace and truth, through the bit…
684 wordsSECTION 1512Hans Bret.
Jacob was hated and persecuted by his brother Esau, who also sought to kill him. Joseph was by his brethren cast into a pit, and sold to the Ishmaelites; and chose rather to flee from the wife of the captain of the guard, leaving his mantle behind than to comply with her desire. So, dear mother, I will also rather lo…
738 wordsSECTION 1513Hans Bret.
Behold, my dear mother, what consolation we have, so that when it pleases the Lord to try our faith, that we should not be grieved in the trial; for he says: “Unto us it is given not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for his sake.” Philip. 1:29. Paul, who cared well for the flock of Christ, did not forbear …
936 wordsSECTION 1514Hans Bret.
O my chosen mother, think not that there is aught that might rob me of my salvation, for Paul says; Who can separate us from the love of God? Neither hell, the devil, nor death. Christ has conquered all, so that I may say: O hell, where is thy pain? O death, where is thy power? Christ has vanquished death; Christ has b…
730 wordsSECTION 1515Hans Bret.
You further write me in your consoling letter, whether I have any lack of the necessaries of life. O no, I have enough, the Lord be thanked. You also write in your letter, that if I desired you, I should write so, and you should come, though you had to pay for it with your blood. O my dear mother, why should I desire t…
704 wordsSECTION 1516Hans Bret.
Thus they wrote a letter, that they would deliver me over to the lords; that I was an obstinate heretic, and would not hearken to them; and they wrote that they had done their best, so that they would not talk with me any more. Thus I was released from the priests, and delivered to the authorities, so that I expect to …
474 wordsSECTION 1517Jan Bret.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM HANS BRET, WRITTEN TO HIS BELOVED MOTHER, THE 5TH OF JULY 1576. The unspeakable love, grace and peace of God our dear heavenly Father, who is a Father full of grace and truth, rich and abundant in mercy and loving kindness, through the bitter suffering and death of his only Son our Savior, who love…
672 wordsSECTION 1518Jan Bret.
O my dearest mother, who should not long for this glory; who should not strive for it, and say with Paul: “I groan and desire to be out of this flesh; for I look for another dwelling, that is not made with hands, but which is eternal in the heavens.” 2 Cor. 5. Then shall we, as John says, see him in whom we now believe…
722 wordsSECTION 1519Jan Bret.
Consider how it went with the prophet Jeremiah, who endured much grief, because he according to the command of the Lord reproved the cities of their sin. He was apprehended and cast into a miry dungeon, yea, much grief came upon him, as the Scriptures sufficiently testify concerning it; yea, so that he resolved no more…
1,157 wordsSECTION 1520Jan Bret.
O it is better to leave flesh and blood at the stake, than to suffer one’s self to be despoiled of the eternal salvation of one’s soul, of one’s Father’s inheritance which is obtained through Christ. Hence Paul says: Who can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus? tribulation, or distress, or persec…
767 wordsSECTION 1521Jan Bret.
O I am so glad that my dearest brother whom I have upon earth in the Lord, has so remembered me, poor prisoner, with a hymn and a letter by his own hand. It rejoiced me so much inwardly in my soul that I cannot describe it to you. I pray you to thank him heartily, and ask him to write again, and you also, for I think t…
727 wordsSECTION 1522Jan Bret.
Now he that will be a good and faithful disciple of Christ and serve his Lord in faithfulness, must willingly bear all that is laid upon him for the Lord’s sake, for Paul says: “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” And again: “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of hea…
746 wordsSECTION 1523Jan Bret.
Christ also says: “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, if ye believe and doubt not, it shall be done unto you.” Mark 11:24. The Scriptures abundantly testify, that the prayer of the righteous penetrates through the clouds, so that they are heard by the Lord. Herewith I take leave from you, dear mother, if it sh…
267 wordsSECTION 1524Hans Bret.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM HANS BRET, WRITTEN FROM A DARK PIT INTO WHICH HE HAD BEEN CAST, AND SENT TO ONE OF THE SISTERS IN THE FAITH, ON A SUNDAY IN AUGUST, 1576. Grace and peace from God our dear heavenly Father, full of grace and truth, rich in mercy and loving kindness, through the bitter suffering and death of his only…
693 wordsSECTION 1525Hans Bret.
Written by me your weak brother, by the light of a candle, in a pit which is called _Lazarus’ pit_, where I am confined for the word of truth. The Lord knows my redemption. ANOTHER LETTER FROM HANS BRET, WRITTEN TO HANS C., ONE OF THE BRETHREN IN THE CHURCH. The great unspeakable grace and peace from God our heavenly…
790 wordsSECTION 1526Hans Bret.
O my dearest brother, weary not in the ways of the Lord, neither become slack in keeping God’s commandments; have your delight therein day and night, with all God’s righteous ones, and say with the prophet David: Lord, thy word is a greater comfort and joy to me, than all the treasures and riches of this world. And aga…
687 wordsSECTION 1527Hans Bret.
Written by me, your weak brother, whom you well know, at present in bonds for the testimony of the Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Rom. 1:16. NOTE.--When this great heat of persecution which the papists had kindled everywhere as far as their jurisdiction extended, began to…
911 wordsSECTION 1528Louwerens Janss Noodtdruft, Of Delft, A. D. 1577.
All with this provision and understanding, that when greater tranquillity of affairs exists, and the matter has been considered with mature deliberation, proper measures shall be enacted. Thus done, under his Excellency’s name and seal, in the town of Middelborgh, the 26th of January, A. D., 1577. Sealed with a red wa…
572 wordsSECTION 1529Hans De Ruyter, With His Wife And Daughter, A. D. 1577.
At Antwerp there was imprisoned for the sake of his faith, with his wife and daughter, in the year 1577, the brother Hans de Ruyter, a minister of the church of God, and a very experienced man in the Scriptures. But when he was assailed with many severe trials, and many fair promises of release and other things were he…
442 wordsSECTION 1530Charge Of William I., To The Magistrate At Middelborgh.
The Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau, Lord and Baron of Breda, Diest, etc., to the noble, pious, honorable, wise, particular, etc. _Whereas_, certain residents, living there, said to be Anabaptists, have at divers times indicated to us by way of complaint, that you daily molest them, and deprive them of the means, in…
428 wordsSECTION 1531Hendrick Sumer And Jacob Mandel, A. D. 1582.
The aforegoing copy was certified to as follows: Written by the secretary Baudemont, and found to agree with it. By me Jacob Masureel, notary public of the town van der Vere, the 15th of November, 1579. Signed: J. MASUREEL, Notary. REMARK.--Notwithstanding the Prince, of Worshipful Memory, had now the second time s…
675 wordsSECTION 1532Hendrick Sumer And Jacob Mandel, A. D. 1582.
When they came outside, Hendrick said: “Now, my brother Jacob, since we have traveled together so long, let us now also journey together further, through this temporal death into eternal life.” Brother Jacob Mandel was the first one. The executioner took him and drowned him in the water. When he was dead, he drew him o…
284 wordsSECTION 1533Melchoir Platser, A. D. 1583.
In the year 1583, on the Friday after Whitsuntide, Melchoir Platser, who had been an apothecary, was apprehended for the faith’s sake, in the village of Rankweil, in the Feldkirch, bailiwick. There he was put in irons and taken to Feldkirch into the castle, and imprisoned in a deep tower, whence he was several times ta…
858 wordsSECTION 1534Andries Pirchner, A. D. 1584.
On the 26th of May, in the year 1584, Andries Pirchner was apprehended at Laitsch, in Vintschgau, his fatherland, and thence taken to Soltrain, where he was thrice put upon the rack and severely tortured. For they wanted to know of him, where and with whom he had lived and had intercourse, and that he should mention th…
698 wordsSECTION 1535Leonhart Sumeraver, A. D. 1584.
When the executioner had drawn out the sword, and was about to make a stroke, they called to him to hold still, and the brother was very earnestly entreated, that he should renounce, and they should let him live. But he would not; he valiantly lifted up his head, and thus the executioner beheaded him; joyfully offering…
670 wordsSECTION 1536Wolfgang Raufer, George Pruckmair, And Hans Aicher, A. D. 1585.
About the year 1585, there were imprisoned, at Sint Vyt, in the country of Lutzenborg, three women, having been brought from a village called Nieuwstadt. Among them were a mother and daughter; the mother’s name was Anneken Botson, and that of her daughter Janneken Botson; the other woman was named Maeyken Pieters. All …
1,036 wordsSECTION 1537Wolfgang Raufer, George Pruckmair, And Hans Aicher, A. D. 1585.
While Wolfgang was thus speaking, they were led out, and came to the place of execution. The other two brethren, George and Hans, had mostly been silent; but when they arrived at the place of execution, all three of them were joyful, again took leave from one another, and offered up their prayer together in quietness. …
335 wordsSECTION 1538Christian Gasteyger, A. D. 1586.
In the year 1586, on the Friday after Whitsuntide, which was the 3d of June, Christian Gasteyger, a blacksmith, was imprisoned, at Ingolstadt in Bavaria. On the following Sunday two Jesuits, with the town judge, came to him, and talked with him concerning his faith; but they soon left him again, for they could not agre…
668 wordsSECTION 1539Christian Gasteyger, A. D. 1586.
He was led forth from prison before the council house, and sentenced to the sword. He was then led to death, and since he was very joyful and of good cheer, and spoke very much to the people, the Jesuits became very angry and spat into his face, so that the executioner himself wiped it off. The Jesuits also held before…
367 wordsSECTION 1540Michael Vischer, A. D. 1587.
In the year 1587, about Whitsuntide, Michael Vischer was imprisoned for the faith, at Ingolstadt, in Bavaria, and when he had been confined about twelve weeks, and much had been tried with him by monks, Jesuits and otherwise, and he would also not follow their false doctrine and idolatry, but firmly persevered in the f…
414 wordsSECTION 1541Christiaen Rijcen, A. D. 1588.
This Christiaen Rijcen lived still in these latter days as a faithful witness, at Hontschoten, in Flanders, where he, as a true Christian, was imprisoned for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, in December of the year 1587. And after suffering much trial and temptation there, he was very cruelly tortured…
1,379 wordsSECTION 1542Christiaen Rijcen.
[346] Strife. Herewith I will commend you, my dear wife, for this time, to the Lord, and to the rich word of his grace; who is able to keep your treasure, and to give you his eternal kingdom. Written on the 2d of January, A. D. 1588, by me, your husband. ANOTHER LETTER FROM CHRISTIAEN RIJCEN WRITTEN TO A BROTHER, TH…
621 wordsSECTION 1543Christiaen Rijcen.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM CHRISTIAN RIJCEN, WRITTEN TO HIS WIFE, IN WHICH HE WRITES THAT HE HAS LEARNED THAT NO COMFORT HAD COME FOR HIM FROM THE COURT, THOUGH THE RECORDER HAD COME HOME; WHEREFORE HE CONSOLED HIMSELF IN THE LORD. Grace, peace and love be unto you from God our heavenly Father, through his Son Jesus Christ. …
585 wordsSECTION 1544Christiaen Rijcen.
ANOTHER COMFORTING LETTER FROM CHRISTIAEN RIJCEN, WRITTEN TO HIS WIFE, IN WHICH HE EXHORTS HER TO PERSEVERANCE IN THE FEAR OF GOD, AND INFORMED HER, HOW THE PASTOR OF HOUTEN HAD TEMPTED HIM, PROMISING HIM TO HELP HIM OUT, IF HE WOULD HEARKEN TO HIM. I, Christian Rijcen, imprisoned for the Lord’s sake, wish my very dea…
695 wordsSECTION 1545Christiaen Rijcen.
Thus, my very dear and beloved wife, my hope and confidence are fixed upon the Lord, to serve and obey him all the days of my life, by his divine help and power. Herewith, I commend you and my children to the Lord and to the rich word of his grace. Amen. Greet much in my name all the acquaintances that live near you, …
878 wordsSECTION 1546Christiaen Rijcen.
Herewith, I commend my dear wife to the Lord, and to the rich word of his grace. Amen. Greet the acquaintances that are with you much in my name, and always keep yourself pure in the fear of God. Written on the 12th of March 1588, by me, your husband. ANOTHER CONSOLATORY LETTER FROM CHRISTIAEN RIJCEN, WRITTEN TO HIS…
728 wordsSECTION 1547Christiaen Rijcen.
By me, your beloved husband. CHRISTIAEN RIJCEN EXHORTS HIS WIFE FIRMLY TO TRUST IN THE LORD, AND INFORMS HER, THAT HE WAS ASSAILED ONCE MORE THIS WEEK BY THE PASTOR AND A FRANCISCAN FRIAR, WHO TEMPTED HIM BY THREATS AND FAIR WORDS TO APOSTATIZE; AND OF THE TERROR THAT CAME UPON HIM THE FOLLOWING NIGHT. Grace, peace a…
786 wordsSECTION 1548Christiaen Rijcen.
Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the rich word of his grace. Amen. And greet your landlord in my name, and give him for this time this hymn; and greet from me also all the others that live near you. Nothing more for this time, except that I heartily thank you for your comforting treasures, which you send me …
502 wordsSECTION 1549Pieter Saymer, A. D. 1588.
In the year 1588, Pieter Saymer was apprehended at Freiburg in Bavaria; having staid there over night, in an inn, with a landlord, and about to proceed on his way in the morning, a beadle seized and apprehended him. He was then conducted to Berckhausen, and very briefly examined, and continuing steadfast, was taken bac…
324 wordsSECTION 1550The First Letter Of Joost De Tollenaer.
On the 13th of January, A. D. 1589, at ten o’clock in the night, there were apprehended at Ghent, in Flanders, for the practice of the truth and following Christ, two brethren and one sister, namely, Joost de Tollenaer, Michiel Buyse, and Sijntgen Wens; who, after much temptation and torment (in which they constantly r…
745 wordsSECTION 1551The First Letter Of Joost De Tollenaer.
Hence, my dear and beloved, rejoice with me in the spirit, thanking the Lord, that he so graciously assists your weak brother with his Spirit and word. All those that shall read or hear read this my letter, I pray out of brotherly love, that you will bow the knees of your heart before the Most High, that he may strengt…
777 wordsSECTION 1552The First Letter Of Joost De Tollenaer.
When one is thus brought to the touch-stone, then it is made manifest upon what one has built, whether it be gold, silver, precious stones, or wood, hay, or stubble; for every one’s work shall then be made manifest, as by fire. Hence, I counsel my dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, that are now at liberty, that you…
351 wordsSECTION 1553The Second Letter From Joost De Tollenaer.
I wish you, my heartily beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord (who as scattered strangers are dispersed in every country, driven and persecuted from their lands, cities, houses, and goods, and this for the testimony of Jesus Christ), grace, peace and mercy from God our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ his only …
892 wordsSECTION 1554The Second Letter From Joost De Tollenaer.
I warned them, that they should take heed, before they laid their hands upon those that seek to practice their faith in peace, that have done injury to neither you nor yours. They said that we were rebels and seditious, and seduced many simple hearts, and drew them to our faith, and that we were worthy of greater punis…
863 wordsSECTION 1555The Second Letter From Joost De Tollenaer.
In the second place, I said; “My lords, we have the truth, and I hope by the grace of God, that we shall adhere to it unto the end.” He also made many words, saying, that he had come out of compassion which he had for us; “and inasmuch,” said he, “as you will not hearken to the clergy, I come of my own accord, finding …
710 wordsSECTION 1556The Second Letter From Joost De Tollenaer.
Hence, my dear brethren and sisters, watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong, and let all your things be done with charity, so that you may grow up and increase, and not depart in love, in hope, in faith, which is a precious treasure, that we have received in our earthen vessels through the Holy…
865 wordsSECTION 1557The Second Letter From Joost De Tollenaer.
O that God would grant grace, that they could bear one another in love, and that the principal ones would bow themselves under the mighty hand of God, and deny themselves, for the holy will of the Lord and for the sake of his church. I should hope that it would not give them an evil conscience, if they submitted to it …
788 wordsSECTION 1558Another Letter From Joost De Tollenaer, To His Mother.
Finally, my dear brethren, rejoice, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11. Watch in the faith! By me, a weak brother, a feeble member of the body of Christ, too undeserving for all the mercy of God, and unworthy of his grace,…
734 wordsSECTION 1559Another Letter From Joost De Tollenaer, To His Mother.
Hence Paul calls love the bond of perfectness.[347] Herewith I will bid my dear and in God beloved mother, a Christian farewell and final adieu. Adieu my chosen, beloved mother and sister in the Lord, and be of good cheer in the Lord and grieve not too much on my account, for parting must come once; but we expect, in t…
277 wordsSECTION 1560A Testament From Joost De Tollenaer, To His Daughter.
If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Prov. 2:3–5. If thou wilt serve God, be in earnest with it, lest thou tempt him. Eccl. 1…
921 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.