_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 a change in the (Roman) religion. For this reason he was driven into banishment by the Minorite monks; and, having lived full three years in exile, he died in the beginning of the year 1504. Compare _P. J. Twisck, Chron., page 912_, with _Joh. Munst. Tract., fol. 199_. With this we conclude the fifteenth century, and, consequently, also the account of the martyrs who then suffered.
We long to take our leave from this century, since we cannot longer behold this misery. However, we have only reached the summit of the mountain of martyrdom. In our ascent we have met scarcely anything but skulls, thigh-bones, and charred skeletons. In our descent deep pits, pools and blood-red rivers, into which the bodies of the saints are thrown, threaten us; to say nothing of the dark prisons, dungeons, torture-chambers, and countless instruments of torture.
But the merciful Lord, who has led us by the hand, and thus far aided us, will lead and help us still further. His love shown to me in this matter, has been wonderful. For, when the bands of death were around me, by reason of a half year’s severe sickness, which attacked me in the midst of this work, his gracious hand restored me, so that I have completed the work thus far, though not without anxiety and labor. Hence, though still in the grasp of severe fevers, I wrote, for my own remembrance, to the praise of my Creator, and to dedicate to my brethren this book, these words:
My heart with anxious fear did beat, That I this work should not complete; Since God had touched me with his hand, And sickness brought me near my end.
Now thank I God with joyful song, Whose constant presence made me strong, Until I to the end have come, By ways oft sad and wearisome.
My brethren, take this book, I pray, With ardent love, and favor, yea, Which for the truth of God doth burn; For this my soul doth greatly yearn.
It is time to proceed, in order that we may reach the end. We will conclude this first book, comprising fifteen centuries, the whole of which we had to bring up from the very depths; and proceed to the second, where our labor will not be so great; since the living memoirs of old writers and their accounts will serve us therein. Moreover, the entire work can be comprised in one great century; relying upon which, we take our leave, and turn to the following work, to which the Lord be pleased to grant us his grace, as much as is necessary. Amen.