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
Summary Of The Martyrs In The Fifteenth Century.
France, which used to be called a free and frank country, yea, a kingdom of liberties, is now so devoid of freedom for the consciences of the true believers, that scarce a corner is found there, where they may confess their faith or practice their worship. At Montpellier they are hurried to the place of execution, and …
703 wordsSECTION 482Summary Of The Martyrs In The Fifteenth Century.
In the meantime he was examined in the faith, and it was found that he taught several articles which militated against the Roman church; but which or what kind of articles these were, is not clearly expressed by the writers; yet it can be inferred from the confession of one Walter Brute, who, in the matter of faith, is…
265 wordsSECTION 483Further Observation Regarding His Death.
Concerning the death of this pious man, a certain author gives the following account from John Fox: “Having received this commission and full power from the King, against William Swinderby, the bishop doubtless did his very best to procure his arrest without delay; however, he did not immediately proceed with the execu…
703 wordsSECTION 484Further Observation Regarding His Death.
NOTE.--_A. D. 1410_. At this time a tradesman was condemned as a heretic by the (Roman) bishops, and delivered to the secular judge; because he believed and said that the bread in the Lord’s Supper was given for a memorial; thus denying transubstantiation, or the essential change of the bread into the body of Christ. F…
710 wordsSECTION 485Further Observation Regarding His Death.
The same public records state, that the year following, A. D. 1417, on the second of October, about two o’clock in the afternoon, when M. Raymond Cabasse, D. D., of the order of Jacobine or Dominican monks, vicar of the inquisitor, sat in the judgment-seat, under the chapter which is beside the portal of the city hall …
718 wordsSECTION 486Further Observation Regarding His Death.
Thirdly, when she says, that “The baptism which is administered by wicked priests is,” etc., what else does this indicate than that the shameful life of the priests destroys the ministry itself, and that as little as the words which they pronounce over the host, tend to consecrate it, just as little tends the baptism p…
674 wordsSECTION 487Further Observation Regarding His Death.
[199] The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up. Matt. 4:16. Of the sacrifice of these friends, mention is also made in the second book of the _History of the Persecutions, p. 577, col. 4_, where it says: “At Donau, in Flanders, A. D…
717 wordsSECTION 488Further Observation Regarding His Death.
“And, therefore, we charge you strictly to keep a close surveillance on the aforesaid persons, and to faithfully observe the above in the manner stated before. “We likewise command and charge each and all of our justiciaries, who have the care of the common peace, as mayors, margraves, bailiffs, constables, and all ou…
683 wordsSECTION 489Account Of The Imprisonment And Death Of Said Martyrs.
16. “That the death of Thomas Becket (archbishop of Canterbury), was neither meritorious nor holy. 17. “That relics consisting in bones of the dead may not be worshiped, exhumed, placed on altars in the church, or inclosed in chests. 18. “That prayers made in every place are equally acceptable to God. 19. “Saints sh…
677 wordsSECTION 490Account Of The Imprisonment And Death Of Said Martyrs.
NOTE.--Three years previous to the death of this martyr, A. D. 1425, a miserable persecution was raised by the Romanists against some orthodox Christians; concerning which the following account is found, for the year 1425: “About this time, Peter Torea was executed at Speyer, in Germany, and many others in the Roman co…
744 wordsSECTION 491Account Of The Imprisonment And Death Of Said Martyrs.
NOTE.--_A. D. 1431_, one Paul Craus, in Scotland, was apprehended by Bishop Henry, because he rejected auricular confession, the invocation of the saints, the idolatrous sacrament, etc. And as he would not depart from the truth confessed, he was finally sentenced to the fire, and burnt on the thirtieth of June, of the …
673 wordsSECTION 492Account Of The Imprisonment And Death Of Said Martyrs.
The abovementioned author, or his printer, has made a chronological error, putting A. D. 1475 instead of A. D. 1457. Then follows: “A. D. ----, a great number of Christians professing the doctrine of the Waldenses, were discovered and apprehended in the bishopric or within the jurisdiction of Eichstædt, in Germany; ver…
787 wordsSECTION 493Account Of The Imprisonment And Death Of Said Martyrs.
NOTE.--_A. D. 1471._ Stephen Brulifer, a theologian or divine, now maintained, that the doctrine was false, yea, a doctrine of Satan, which ascribes justification to the works and merits of men (who observe the religion of the priests); as also, that the church has no power to institute new sacraments. On account of th…
385 wordsSECTION 494Touching The Inquisition Itself--The Nature Of The Same.
The same writer then relates what the inquisition at this time was, and the manner in which it was instituted and executed; concerning which we will give, not the exact words, as they are rather badly arranged, but only the sense, as nearly as we can possibly express it. He commences thus: “In order to relate briefly, …
503 wordsSECTION 495How Those Were Delivered Who Seemingly Had Returned To The Roman Church.
But when the inquisitors have condemned any one, on account of so-called heresy, to the fire, who, from fear, or for some other reason, returns to the Roman belief, they deliver him to the secular judges with these words: “Whereas the holy Tribunal of the Inquisition cannot believe, that this man’s conversion is sincer…
760 wordsSECTION 496Conclusion Of The Fifteenth Century.
_A. D. 1499._--Paul Scriptoris taught at this time against transubstantiation (or the essential change) of the bread into the body of Christ; as also, that all that is taught must be tried by the touch-stone of the Word of God, adding that all who teach otherwise teach falsely; hence he said there should speedily come …
495 wordsSECTION 497Second Part.
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, h…
720 wordsSECTION 498Second Part.
But, on the other hand, the joy which we have seen with our spiritual eyes, and heard with the ears of the heart cannot be told, yea, can be described by no language. For, some embraced death, singing and praising God, and what is still more, who can comprehend this? he who was himself subjected to the death by fire, l…
635 wordsSECTION 499Preface 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 begi…
844 wordsSECTION 500Preface To Second Part.
They were endowed with such strength that even cruel and inhuman torture could not extort from them the names of their fellow brethren, so that, filled with divine and brotherly love, they sacrificed their bodies for their fellow believers. The brotherhood in general was thereby so enkindled with zeal and love, that ea…
1,661 wordsSECTION 501Preface To Second Part.
Since, then, the godfearing who are visited with the cross, have so many holy martyrs as predecessors; and since the cross is foretold them; yea, since such glorious promises are given to those who suffer, it is a little thing for them that they, who gladly acknowledge themselves soldiers under the bloody banner of Chr…
1,083 wordsSECTION 502Preface To Second Part.
They usurp the office of the Most High, and would command and compel the souls who are not under them, but under the sceptre of Jesus Christ (Matt. 10:28); yea, they set themselves not only beside, but above the Divine Majesty, demanding that men should obey them rather than God. God has commanded that we should serve …
935 wordsSECTION 503Preface To Second Part.
They further produce, in defense of, or, rather as an excuse for, the punishments of heretics, these reasons: 1. Thereby to bring and compel them to conversion. 2. That their heresy might not propagate itself, and pollute others. 3. To prevent rebellion. As regards the first, it is the duty of every Christian, to promo…
953 wordsSECTION 504Preface To Second Part.
As regards the accusation of rebellion, this also is not an invention of yesterday or to-day. He (Christ), said the Pharisees, stirreth up the people with his doctrine; whereas they stirred up the people against Christ, who preached nothing but peace, love, humility, meekness, and the like, and whose life and actions w…
753 wordsSECTION 505Preface To Second Part.
In former times, in the times of the cross, when men could assemble only under peril of their lives, our zeal drove us in the night and at unseasonable times, into nooks and corners, and into fields and woods. How precious was then one hour which could be employed in stirring up and establishing one another in godlines…
865 wordsSECTION 506Preface To Second Part.
In times of persecution, words and colloquies consisted in edifying instructions, and awakenings to godliness, magnifying of the name of God, mutual consolations in suffering, exhortations and incitations to constancy, and recommendations of eternal salvation. Examine once, whether at this time you have not lent your t…
797 wordsSECTION 507--Of The--
In the meantime, let us constantly adhere to God, always pray for an increase of wisdom and divine knowledge, and run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Heb. 12:1,2; for we have the same conflict which David had in his time, and Job, and all the proph…
312 wordsSECTION 508Summary Of 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 …
673 wordsSECTION 509Summary Of Baptism In The Sixteenth Century.
But this was also the century in which Luther in Germany, Zwingli in Switzerland, and afterwards Calvin in France, began to reform the Roman church; and to deny, oppose and contend with the authority of God’s holy word against the supposed power of the Roman Pope, and many papal superstitions, however, in order to avoi…
743 wordsSECTION 510Summary Of Baptism In The Sixteenth Century.
_A. D. 1507._--“In this year,” writes P. J. Twisck, “the Vaudois, Waldenses, or believers were cruelly persecuted in Hungary, and delivered the confession of their faith, together with an apology, to Uladislaus, King of Bohemia, refuting the calumnies of their enemies, and proving that they had not separated from the R…
704 wordsSECTION 511Summary Of Baptism In The Sixteenth Century.
In the preface, page 10, we read: “Since, my beloved, all the truly pious have a sincere joy and the greatest delight [to know], that many pious people are found upon earth, it has seemed good to me, to acquaint you with a brief testimony that has fallen into my hands: How, in the year 1540, or a little before, certain…
739 wordsSECTION 512Summary Of Baptism In The Sixteenth Century.
“All this having taken place, they parted in peace, and having commended each other with tears and the kiss of love, into the keeping of the Lord, the brethren journeyed back to Thessalonica. “One of them who was a tailor by trade, left his shears as a memento in the church at Pausrom. “This history is not only known…
667 wordsSECTION 513Confession Of Thomas Van Imbrœck, Concerning Baptism.
NOTE.--Notwithstanding we might herewith close our account of Holy Baptism, since not only this article, but all that further belongs to it, has been sufficiently shown, and the known martyrs of our faith and their confessions have been plainly presented in our old book of the martyrs long before this time; yea, alread…
692 wordsSECTION 514Confession Of Thomas Van Imbrœck, Concerning Baptism.
Hence, the words of Christ declare, that teaching must take place before and after baptism, in order that the person baptized may use diligence to observe, after baptism, the Gospel (which was presented to him before baptism), and all things commanded him; for he is no more lord over himself; but, as a bride surrenders…
653 wordsSECTION 515Confession Of Thomas Van Imbrœck, Concerning Baptism.
Lastly, as the apostles established the church of God through the Gospel, so they all unanimously declare in their epistles the aforesaid foundation of Christ. For, thus says Paul to the Romans: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried wit…
706 wordsSECTION 516Confession Of Thomas Van Imbrœck, Concerning Baptism.
But when he knew himself, God clothed him with skins, which signified the sign of grace of Christ. Now when he had on the skin, his nakedness was no longer seen. So it is also with Christians; when they have put on the coat of skins (Christ), our sin is seen no longer, and the garment which we have on is manifest to al…
783 wordsSECTION 517Confession Of Thomas Van Imbrœck, Concerning Baptism.
For Christ himself says, that there are but few who find the true way; “for many are called, but few chosen;” few believe, and few shall be saved. Luke 13:24; Matt. 20:16. As also Luke says: “Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8. For, noble sir, and servant of God, I a…
424 wordsSECTION 518Defense Against The Opponents By Thomas Van Imbrœck.
_In the first place_, our opponents say, it is written: “Suffer little children to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14. Now, if they have the promise, why should they not also receive baptism, which is less than the promise? _Answer._--We believe and confess that infants are saved on accou…
657 wordsSECTION 519Defense Against The Opponents By Thomas Van Imbrœck.
Now, if the children, whom the Lord had commanded to be circumcised on the eighth day,[210] obtained mercy from him, and he promised to give them the land, and that they should possess it, how much more should now his grace be upon the children for whom Christ died? [210] From this our opponents, nevertheless, form an…
662 wordsSECTION 520Defense Against The Opponents By Thomas Van Imbrœck.
Hence Paul says: Be not children in understanding; howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. For, faith cannot be comprehended without understanding, even as Paul says to the Hebrews: Faith is a sure confidence of things hoped for, and conforms itself to things not seen; so that faith has such a po…
305 wordsSECTION 521Thomas Van Imbroeck.
_A. D. 1569._--Now when the papists sat in such darkness, that they immediately put to death those who, having been baptized in infancy, were, when arriving at riper years and understanding, baptized upon faith, a godfearing teacher of the church of Jesus Christ, named Jacob de Roore, did nevertheless not hesitate to m…
654 wordsSECTION 522Thomas Van Imbroeck.
Thus, this witness of Jesus openly, boldly, and unfeignedly declared the truth of God in this matter, according to the testimony of the word of God, and his conscience; to show which has here been our sole aim. _A. D. 1586._--At Ingolstadt, in Bavaria, one Christian Gasteiger, after suffering much onset and opposition…
715 wordsSECTION 523Article I.
_About A. D. 1600._--The time when this confession, which we have just mentioned, was originated, we have not been able definitely to ascertain; but as it is stated concerning it, that, as far as the sense is concerned, it was believed, taught, and practiced, by those called Mennonites, already many years ago, even as …
660 wordsSECTION 524Article Ii.
Through Paul he says: That an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 1 Cor. 8:4; 12:6; Eph. 4:6. And in this only God we must necessarily believe to salvation, as the beginning and foundation of the Christian faith. Read: For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he i…
678 wordsSECTION 525Article Iii.
Read also: Prov. 8:23; Dan. 2:34,45; Syr. 24:13; Rom. 8:29. Concerning the Godhead of Christ, read: Ps. 45:6; Heb. 1:8; John 1:1 and 20:28; Rom. 9:5; 1 John 5:20. _Of the Holy Ghost_ we believe and confess: That there is a true, real Holy Ghost, also comprehended in the only, eternal, divine essence; who proceeds from…
406 wordsSECTION 526Article Iv.
_How Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are to be distinguished in certain attributes._ Of this we confess: That in the only eternal Divine Being there are not three mere names; but that each name has its true signification and attributes; so that there is a true real Father, of whom all things are; and a true, real Son, by w…
659 wordsSECTION 527Article Iv.
“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him and I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I s…
269 wordsSECTION 528Article V.
_That these three true witnesses are but one only true God._ Hereupon we confessed: That this must certainly follow, from the fact, that the Son proceeded or came forth from the eternal essence and substance of the Father; and that the Holy Ghost truly proceeds from the Father and Son, and is comprehended together with…
638 wordsSECTION 529Article Vi.
_Of the creation of all things visible and invisible, and of the creation of man_ we confess: That the only, almighty, and wonderworking God, who is the origin of all good, and for whose sake all things are created, and have their being, created, among other invisible things, also a multitude of many thousand angels, w…
663 wordsSECTION 530Article Vi.
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and in him.” Col. 1:16; Ps. 33:6. Regarding the angels, read: “He maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a fl…
416 wordsSECTION 531Article Vii.
_Of the fall and punishment of man_ we confess: The first man, Adam, and Eve, having been thus gloriously created after the likeness of their Creator, unto eternal life, did not continue long in this estate; but as they were created with a free will, to choose what they would, so that they could fear, serve and obey th…
684 wordsSECTION 532Article Viii.
“O thou Adam, what hast thou done! for though it was thou that sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of thee.” 2 Esdr. 7:48. Read also: John 3:6; Rom. 8:5; Eph. 2:3; Syr. 17:16; Gen. 6:5. Read further, how God announced unto Adam his punishment on account of sin, which punishment God extends unto all…
683 wordsSECTION 533Article Viii.
But men having attained the knowledge of good and evil, and, through the lust of the flesh, and their own desire, having been drawn away from the path of virtue and innocence, so that they follow Adam in sin, hence it comes that they separate themselves from their Creator, and, consequently, do not perish, nor are cond…
664 wordsSECTION 534Article Ix.
Concerning how God the righteous Judge will not punish infants for the sin of their parents, or of Adam; but to requite each with righteousness, according to his own works, read: “For so much then as thou art righteous thyself, thou orderest all things righteously: thinking it not agreeable with thy power to condemn hi…
678 wordsSECTION 535Article Ix.
But men, considered in themselves, seeing they are without the grace of God, are of themselves incapable of thinking anything that is good, much less are they able to do it. But it is almighty God, who through his Spirit of grace works in man both to will and to do, moves, draws, and chooses them, and accepts them as h…
682 wordsSECTION 536Article Ix.
“Man can do nothing good of himself, by his own power; but through the grace of God, he, in his imperfectness, is able to keep God’s commandments. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philip. 2:13. “Thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, an…
554 wordsSECTION 537Article X.
_Of the providence of God, the election of believers, and the rejection of unbelievers._ Of this we confess: As we believe and confess that God is omnipotent; and that with him nothing is impossible; so likewise is he also prescient and omniscient, so that nothing is hid from him in heaven and in earth, neither that wh…
657 wordsSECTION 538Article X.
Here it is to be observed with attention, how God, through his prescience, from the beginning elected the believers in Christ, and rejected the unbelievers. Read: “Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith?” etc. Jas. 2:5. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the worl…
324 wordsSECTION 539Article Xi.
_Of the written word of God, the law of Moses, and the Gospel of Christ._ We confess: That the old law which was given by Moses and received by the disposition of angels, was a perfect doctrine and rule for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with whom God had made and established this his covenant. According…
712 wordsSECTION 540Article Xi.
The Old Testament is to be expounded by and reconciled with this New Testament and must be distinctively taught among the people of God: Moses with his stern, threatening, punishing law over all impenitent sinners as still under the law; but Christ with his new, glad tidings of the holy Gospel over all believing, penit…
657 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.