Chapter CXLIX: Conclusion: Of the Sixteenth Century (5)

But the preachers shall be edifying, both by being zealous in their church ministry, and by conducting themselves honestly, godly, and inoffensively in their life, so that especially, of the preachers, no evil reports be heard. The duty of their calling also consists principally in this, that they rightly divide the doctrine of truth, and apply the same to the profit of every one; also, that they, as often as an opportunity presents itself, show forth the errors of the Anabaptists, and effectually, but yet in the spirit of meekness, refute them from the foundation of the holy Scriptures, well answer all objections, and fully convince them, as also that they better instruct their churches and hearers.

But the officers in general, spiritual as well as secular, especially of the places where such people live, shall, every one in his calling, so perform and do their duty, as before the eyes of the omniscient God; they shall also together, in general as well as in the consistory, sincerely labor with zeal and diligence, that the open vices of whoredom, lasciviousness, cursing, and swearing immoderate eating and drinking, and like wickedness, be strictly and without connivance, punished according to the edicts and ordinances emitted by us, virtue and honesty thereby planted, and thus they who would excuse their departing from the church by such offensive life, be deprived of all occasion.

But to this, our chief point, belongs especially the invocation of God, that he will grant his blessing and increase, to the public proclaiming of the pure doctrine, and keep Satan in check, so that not, under the dissemblance of simplicity, the noxious and pernicious weed of hypocrisy, of disobedience to God, of base contempt of the public worship, the holy sacraments, and other holy institutions, as also of the duty and propriety due to us, the Christian magistracy, be propagated.

The second chief point, as to how such people are to be dealt with, consists of two points.

1. _How the same are to be detected and brought to light._

2. _How those that are detected are to be proceeded with._

Concerning the first: As these people are hard to be taken, since some are concealed by others, even by those to whom they are related by marriage or other ties, particularly by those with whom there is little knowledge of God, and zeal for religion to be found, and they hold their gatherings mostly by night, in hid or otherwise unknown places; therefore our officers shall with all diligence, according to their oath and official duty, also on pain of punishment for connivance, be admonished and bound themselves, and through their sub-officers and servants, to search for them, especially the teachers, as much as possible, and to have them followed whether in the mountains or in valleys, forests and wildernesses, with all possible means, in order to apprehend or capture as many of them as possible.

In order now the better to know and discover them and their adherents, our church ministers, as appointed shepherds, shall with like diligence, and in accordance with their literal, sworn oath, be admonished, obligated and bound, every one of them, particularly in places where this sect is found, with two or three of the church council in his pastorate, to go round from house to house at least twice a year, and properly to write down all those that belong in the church, that is, men and women, old and young, and to keep a stricter eye on them, so that they may all attend the preaching, catechization, common prayers, and particularly also use the holy sacraments; those who stay away and do not bring their children to holy baptism at the proper time or not at all, and thereby are guilty of apostasy from the church, not only at all times to make known these by name to the chief bailiff appointed, but also to indicate to him the persons and their places of abode, as far as known; also to neglect nothing of all that is required for the managing of such persons.

However, in order that not again something be lacking in the execution of this so necessary work, even as has hitherto been the case, or that it otherwise be slackened and omitted, through want of the necessary zeal, our officers together with the preachers are strictly charged to carry out this order with the proper effect, in sincere earnestness, without regard of persons. And that herein no negligence or connivance be exercised by them, much less that they allow themselves to be turned therefrom by any scruples, as being forbidden, improper means, or on account of any advantage, lest they incur our disfavor.

The second article of the second chief point concerns the manner of proceeding against those that are detected and captured by the aforesaid means: whether the same be teachers and seducers, or their adherents, and that are seduced.

Thus far the first part of the edict, which as yet mentions no corporal punishment, but only the apprehending and capturing of the (by them so-called) Anabaptists. The other part then follows, page 1070, col. 2, beginning with these words:

“The teachers of whom one or more, by close search,” etc.

Thereupon it follows, in what manner they are to be punished, either by depriving them of their goods, utterly banishing them from the country, conducting them under safe escort to the boundaries of the country, and if they, contrary to the banishment, etc.

NOTE.--This edict having been proclaimed in the Berne dominion, soon after arrived in Holland, and caused no small sorrow in many well-meaning hearts among the Anabaptists there, who were moved with heartfelt sympathy for their dear fellow believers, the more so since already some of them were in severe imprisonment, and others in the confines of Zurich, had now for many years been deprived of the use of their property.

Hence, in various Dutch cities, yet especially in the city of Amsterdam, there was presented, by certain men delegated thereto, in the name and by the order of their churches, to the noble, honorable lords burgomasters of said place, the distress of the aforementioned oppressed friends, and a formal request made for favorable letters of recommendation to the magistrates of the cities of Berne and Zurich respectively, for the release of the aforementioned prisoners, and the restitution of their goods, etc. This was subscribed with the names of H. Vlaming, W. J. V. Coppenol, and G. Grates.

This request having been delivered, the noble, honorable lords burgomasters and rulers of the aforementioned city, very fatherly and kindly consented to the matters presented, giving thereupon this appointment:

The burgomasters and rulers of the city of Amsterdam have consented to grant the above requested letters of recommendation.

Done this 29th day of January, 1660, and subscribed,

N. NICOLAI.

Thereupon followed the promised letters of recommendation to the rulers of Berne as well as to those of Zurich, reading as follows:

THE SUPERSCRIPTION OF THE LETTER TO THE GOVERNMENT OF BERNE.

_To the very honorable and highly esteemed lords, our good friends, the lords burgomasters and pensionaries of the city of Berne_, Very honorable and highly esteemed lords: A very considerable number of our citizens, who with regard to their religion are called Mennonites or Anabaptists, have shown us, that their fellow-believers, dwelling in the cantons of Zurich and Berne, because of their religion have to suffer a very severe persecution, insomuch that many of them have been cast into prison, without that it was granted them, to leave the country with their families and goods.

It is for this reason then, that the abovementioned citizens, sympathizing in their hearts for their fellow-brethren, on account of their distress, have, through Christian, as well as human zeal, requested letters of recommendation from us, in order that by means of the same they may have a favorable access to your noble lordships, to prostrate themselves before your excellencies, with respect and proper humility, to excite compassion and pity in you for those who are persecuted, that you will give and grant them the liberty and reasonable permission, to leave the dominions of your lordships, with all that belongs to them.

They are a class of people who, under our government, and that of our predecessors, have lived for many successive years, and do still live, in this city, with all quietness and peaceableness, as has also been the case in divers other cities of this state; willingly contributing for the support of the Republic, as much as is imposed upon them; discharging further the duties of good citizens and subjects, who have on no occasion been found deficient, in manifesting an unusual love towards the confessors of the Reformed church.

They still recently, while our brethren the Vaudois, were so cruelly dispersed, contributed in this city, simply upon our recommendation, even to the sum of about seven thousand pounds Dutch money, to be used in the support of said Vaudois.

It is therefore for this reason, Very Honorable and highly esteemed Lords, that we, considering these reasons, could not refuse to grant the effect of our Christian love to these our worthy citizens, interceding for them with your lordships, in favor of their fellow-brethren; praying your lordships, if you cannot be moved to let these poor people live under your government here, even as we do, that you would at least be pleased, to deal gently with them; granting them, according to the pattern and example of those of Schaffhausen, as also of the Duke of Neuburg, a Roman Catholic Prince, the liberty, and proper time, to remove with their families and goods; in which we doubt not your lordships will do a true and genuine work of mercy. We on the other hand assure you, that we shall not neglect, when opportunity offers, to reciprocate such obligation in all that in which your lordships shall deem our intercession to be proper; as being truly, Very Honorable and highly esteemed Lords, very ready to serve your lordships, The Lords Burgomasters and Rulers of the City of Amsterdam.

_The 11th of February, 1660._

By order of said my Lords.

Subscribed: N. NICOLAI.

NOTE.--It would be sufficient for the intelligent, if only the first mentioned letter were given, since the following contains almost the same words and circumstances; but as it was thought by some, that this work would not be complete, if any thing lacked of that which was also written to Zurich, we shall place said letter here in full.

THE SUPERSCRIPTION OF THE LETTER TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ZURICH.

_To the very honorable and highly esteemed lords, our good friends, the lords burgomasters and syndics of the city of Zurich._

Very honorable and highly esteemed Lords: A very notable number of our citizens, who with regard to their religion are called Anabaptists, have shown us, that those of their persuasion have now for several years been compelled, because of edicts published against them, to leave their abodes and goods in the canton of Zurich, without that it was granted them, to take their aforementioned goods with them, nor to enjoy the profit and income from the same, even to this day.

It is for this reason then, that our said citizens, sympathizing in their hearts for their fellow-brethren, on account of their distress, have, through Christian as well as human zeal, requested letters of recommendation from us, in order that by means of the same they may have a favorable access to your noble lordships, to prostrate themselves before you, and to entreat you with respect and proper submission, to have compassion and pity for those of their church; giving them, or to those whom they have authorized, the liberty and reasonable time, to dispose of their aforesaid goods, which are situated under your lordships’ jurisdiction, in order that they may convey them away to where they may deem it convenient or necessary.

They are a class of people, who, under our government, and that of our predecessors, have lived very peaceably for many years, and still live, in this city, as also in divers other cities of this state; contributing with all diligence, to the support of the Republic, all that is imposed upon them, and discharging the duty of good citizens and subjects; who have on no occasion that presented itself been found deficient, to manifest their Christian zeal in an uncommon manner against those of the Reformed religion; even as they also still recently, when our brethren the Vaudois were so cruelly dispersed, contributed in this city alone, upon our recommendation, even to the sum of about 7000 pounds Dutch money, to be used for the support and comfort of said Vaudois.

It is therefore for this reason, very honorable and highly esteemed lords, that we, in consideration of the same, could not refuse this present effect of our Christian love, to these our worthy citizens, interceding for them with you, praying your lordships in favor of their fellow-brethren: if your lordships cannot allow this poor people to live under your government as we do here, that you would at least be pleased to deal a little more gently with them, granting them, according to the example of those of Schaffhausen, and also of the Duke of Neuburg, a Roman Catholic prince, the liberty and proper time, to dispose of their goods and effects, in order that they may in pursuance therewith convey or transport the same to where they shall deem proper; in which we in no wise doubt, your lordships will do a true work of equity and mercy. We also assure you, that we on our part shall in no wise fail to evince our reciprocal and mutual duties, in all that in which your lordships shall deem it well to commit it to our intercession, as being truly and sincerely, very honorable and highly esteemed lords, very affectionately yours, and ready to serve your lordships. The burgomasters and rulers of the city of Amsterdam.

_The 2d of March, 1660._

By order of said my lords.

Subscribed: N. NICOLAI.

Thus did the noble and most laudable rulers of the city of Amsterdam, as fathers over their dear children, full of compassion and mercy, act in the matter of the afflicted and oppressed Swiss friends. God be their shield and very great reward. May he bless their wise reign. May he grant, that their days may endure as the days of heaven and earth.

The very good example of the aforementioned rulers took such great effect in the hearts of some of the leaders in the French church of said city of Amsterdam, that they were also moved, and kindled with a holy zeal of compassion, to labor in like manner, by friendly petitions, to the magistrates as well as to the members of the consistory of the cities of Berne and Zurich, for the deliverance and liberation of the oppressed.

With regard to this, we could, if it were necessary, show their own writings. Truly, a miracle of the Lord! Who should ever have thought, that Zion’s deliverance should come through this way? But it is here, as the apostle has said for the consolation of the pious: We know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28. We are persecuted, but not forsaken. 2 Corinthians 4:9.

TO THE BLOODY THEATRE OF THE ANABAPTISTS, OR NON-RESISTANT CHRISTIANS.[365]

[365] This poem, by P. Van Braght, written to his brother, the
author, on the occasion of a severe illness, from which he was not
expected to recover, during the progress of the work, appears in the
original, on page 58. During the progress of the work on the present
edition it was translated by A. B. Kolb, and hence we give it a place
here.--_Publishers._

_To my Brother T. J. Van Braght_:

A zeal and heavenly desire prevades th’ inspired strings
Of David’s harp, whose tuneful chords a mournful feeling brings;
When fear of death was strong within, those strains from Zion
would roll,
In psalms to demonstrate his grief and gloominess of soul.

Such zeal, O brother, did I see from thee, like flashes burst,
As thou the Christian martyrs’ deaths and steadfast faith rehearsed:
E’en at the very time when sore afflicted, thou didst lie,
And thou didst seem to realize that thou must shortly die.

Wilt thou not save that care and zeal which thou dost now exhaust,
And cease awhile that sacrifice, which all thy strength has cost?
And with the sick and weak awhile from active service hold,
In which, as I have said, thou hast engaged with zeal untold.

Yet, well I know that thou, like Christ, must ever onward go,
And teach the world the word of God, while traveling here below.
To show the world what we should bear, and what the martyrs bore:
Thou wast, by studying God’s blest word, impelled to work the more.

P. VAN BRAGHT.

TERTULLIAN’S CONSOLATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE MARTYRS IN PRISON IN THE TIME OF THE HEATHEN EMPERORS, IN THE YEAR 200.

Ye blessed and chosen martyrs of Jesus Christ, receive from me also, somewhat that may tend to your spiritual refreshment, in addition to the temporal comfort and maintenance with which the lady, the church, has supplied you from her own breasts, and the brethren from their individual labor. For, it is not profitable to nourish and cherish the body, while the spirit is permitted to suffer hunger; and when assistance is rendered to that which is weak, we should not neglect that which is still weaker. However, I am not the person to address you. Nevertheless, the most consummate soldiers are addressed, not only by masters and their superiors, but also by plain persons and those of inferior rank, receiving occasionally abundant and circumstantial exhortations from them. Hence, it has frequently happened, that the representations and admonitions of such persons, have afforded them signal advantage.

Therefore, ye blessed, above all things, grieve not the Holy Spirit who has accompanied you into prison; had he not entered with you, you would not now be in bonds. Strive, therefore, to retain the Holy Spirit with you there, that he may lead you from prison and conduct you to the Lord. The prison is indeed the house of the devil, in which he keeps his household; but you have gone into prison for the purpose of trampling upon him in his own house; for when you contended with him without, you totally vanquished him. Wherefore, he shall not say: “They are in my power, I will tempt them with disgraceful hunger, with apostasy, or with dissension among themselves.” He will flee from your sight, and hide himself in his abyss, like a frightened, halting, torpid, accursed and vanquished serpent.

Moreover, he shall not be so successful in his kingdom, as to excite dissension among you, and incite you against one another; but he shall find you equipped and armed with concord, since your peace is to him a war. Even though some of you have not enjoyed this peace in your churches, yet they have usually obtained it through prayer, from their fellow martyrs in prison. You ought, therefore, to have and preserve this peace among you, that you may impart the same to others. Other hindrances, such as parents, etc., have accompanied you to the prison door. Thenceforth, you are separated from the world, and much more from the perishable things of the world. It should not be a source of fear and distress to you, that you are separated from the world; for when we consider that the world is rather a prison, we can perceive that you have rather escaped from than been committed to prison. For the world is filled with greater darkness, obscuring the minds of men. The world binds sinners with more ponderous chains, in order to keep their souls in bondage and security. The world exposes adulterous mankind to more desolating impurities. In fine, the world contains more prisoners; namely, the whole human family; and, moreover, is awaiting a sentence, not this sentence of aldermen or judges, but the judgment of God. So, ye blessed, ye are now in a place of refuge or safety from the prison of the world; true, there is darkness in that refuge, but you are a light in that darkness. There are indeed prisoners there, but you are God’s freedmen; there is a loathsome smell there, but you are a sweet savor. These judges have to look for a judge, but you it is who shall judge these judges. 2 Cor. 6:2; Rev. 3:21. Those may indeed be distressed who sigh after the wealth of this world, but a true Christian had already renounced the whole world when he was out of prison: and now that he is in prison he also renounces the prison. To you who have renounced the world, it matters not in what part of the world you are. And if you have but some of the joy of this life, it is profitable dealing to lose or relinquish a trifling bargain, in order, thereby, to gain a greater one. I forbear mentioning the magnitude of the reward and glorification to which the martyrs are called of God. Rev. 3:21.

Still, we would hereby compare the life of the world and the prison life; the spirit gains more in prison than the body loses. Nay, the body loses not the necessaries of life, in consequence of the providence of the church and love of the brethren. But the spirit, moreover, makes such acquisitions as are every way advantageous to faith; for there (in prison) you see no strange gods; there you are not offended with their images; there you are not molested by the great throng of men, which takes place at the festivals of the heathen; you are not enveloped with foul stench; you are not terrified with the shrieks of the horrid exhibitions, and with the fury and insolence of tumult, when the heathen tragedians make such vain representations. You are not disgusted with the sight of public brothels; you are free from offense, from temptation, from evil thoughts, nay, from persecution. The prison affords to Christians all the advantages derived by the prophets from their solitary wilds. The Lord was wont to withdraw from the people, that he might enjoy the more freedom in prayer, and in retirement from the world. Nay, in the wilderness, he manifested his glory to his disciples. We will, therefore, discard the name _prison_, and substitute that of _separation_, for, though the body is therein secluded and confined, yet all things are open to the spirit. Let the spirit then issue forth and wander abroad, not in shady orchards or spacious pleasure houses, but let it travel in the way that leads to God. Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:2; Heb. 13:14. So often as you expatiate in the spirit, so often will you be beyond the confines of the prison. The feet are free from the shackles, when the hands are uplifted to heaven; the mind carries the whole man with it, taking him wherever it goes: hence, our hearts should be wherever we should have our treasures. Matt. 6:21.

But be it so, ye blessed, that the prison is irksome to the Christians: yet we must remember, that we are called to the warfare of the living God. Eph. 6; and the more especially as we have taken the sacramental (baptismal) vow. Nay, no soldier marches to war with joy and delight. He marches forth to the battle, not from his bed, but from his tent, equipped and girded about, when the whole work is a series of trouble, sorrow and turmoil; nay, in peace they are free from labor. They teach with trouble to endure the fatigues of war; they march under arms, they exercise in the field, sink ditches and saw wood for the various kinds of armaments and fortifications. All is one continued labor and toil, lest the body or the mind should be influenced by fear; from the evening twilight till the dawn of day, from the heat of summer to the cold of winter, from the taking off of the coat till the putting on of the armor, from silence till clamor, from tranquillity till alarm.

Therefore, ye blessed, inure yourselves to all the hardships of the soldier, for the exercise and strengthening of the mind and body. You are now marching in a good contest, in which the living God is the dispenser of the prizes, and the Holy Ghost the keeper; the coronation is an everlasting jewel, the citizenship angelic existence in heaven, a glory that shall endure forever: therefore, it is Jesus Christ who dispenses the prizes to you, who has given you the unction of the Holy Spirit, and advanced you to this grade of honor; may he withdraw you from lighter work before the day of battle, that you may be assailed with greater violence, and your strength be confirmed; for the combatants have to undergo severe discipline and exercise, in order that, by exertion, their physical powers may be improved. For, for this end they are kept from venery, rich victuals, and strong drink; they are subjected to constraint, tortured and exercised; and the greater preparatory exercise they take, the greater is their hopes of victory. Now they do it, says the apostle (1 Cor. 9:25), to obtain a corruptible crown; but we shall obtain an eternal one. We should, therefore, make the prison a place of trial and exercise, that we may be inured to every misfortune and inconvenience, and so appear with the greater confidence, before the judgment-seat of Christ.

We are not unacquainted with the declaration of the Lord Jesus: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” We ought, therefore, not to fear or be dismayed, since the Lord declares that the flesh is weak; but he has told us beforehand, that the spirit is willing and ready, in order that he might know which should be subject to the other, namely, that the flesh should serve the spirit, the weaker submit to the stronger--that the former might also acquire strength of the latter. The spirit should converse about the general eternal salvation, and not about the inconvenience of the prison, but meditate upon the contest, and what greater hardships may still be in reserve. Perhaps the flesh will be terrified at the huge sharp sword, the lofty gallows, the ravenous beast, or the exquisite pain of the flames, and the numerous instruments of torment; then will the spirit and flesh stand in opposition. What though this be great cruelty, numbers have suffered it with great joy; nay, persons have voluntarily desired and longed for it, in order to acquire honor and a name; and not only men but women. Hence, ye blessed, you may know how to deport yourselves according to the measure of your race.

It would consume too much time to mention all who have been executed with the sword, under the influence of a strong desire for such a death. Among females, there is _Lucretia_, who, being ravished, pierced her bosom with a dagger in the presence of her friends, that she might leave behind her the fame of her chastity. _Mutius_ burnt off his right hand, in order, thereby, to acquire a name. How, also, that many other extraordinary inconveniences and tortures have been suffered for the acquisition of worldly honor and fame, we omit for brevity’s sake; and add: If temporal honor is worth so much torture and pain, endured through strength of mind, so that fire, sword, gallows, wild beasts, and torture were contemned for the reward of human fame, I may well say, that this, our affliction, is extremely light in comparison of the heavenly glory and the divine reward. If glass is so valuable, how much more precious are jewels? Who, then; would not much rather suffer so much for a real, substantial good, when so many endure so much for an unsubstantial one. I now dismiss the consideration for temporal fame; still the strife of indignation and that of martyrdom are analogous, etc.

This outward exercise, ye blessed, the Lord has not permitted to enter the world to no purpose; but, for our sakes, to warn us, thereby, that we shall be put to shame and confusion at the last day, if we are afraid of suffering for the sake of truth unto salvation, that which others have endured for the sake of vanity, unto perdition, etc. And in conclusion, let us consider the end or design of the creation of man, at which we must arrive, that such reflection may stimulate us to prepare ourselves resolutely to endure those calamities which equally befall the willing and the unwilling, (namely, the punishment of death, etc.) There is no person who would not still suffer for man’s sake; why then should we hesitate or fear to suffer in the cause of God, who will recompense us with the purest love, and with joy and everlasting glory? Meditate upon this, ye blessed.

INDEX.

--A--

Abraham of Cholchester burned, 332

" put to death, 533

" Picolet, 783

" " letter of, 784

Absalom van Tomme, 560

Address of Zeno to Candidates, 208

" to the worldly minded, 14

" " " young, middle-aged, and old, 14

Ado Trevirensis, baptism, A. D. 1076, 253

Adrian, a bishop punished, 210

" Corneliss and others, 506

" " a prayer, 507

" " an admonition, 508–510

" " a confession, 510–515

" de Rieu, 676

" Willems, 692

Adriaen Brael, at Bruges, 629

" den Burry, 659

" Ol, 783

" van Hee and Joos Meeuwens, 562

" Pan and his wife, 595

" " a letter from, 595

" " another letter, 595

" Pieters and Barber Joosten, 810

" Janss Hoedemaecker burned, 841

" " " 1st letter, 841

" " " 2d " , 842

" " " 3d " , 843

" Rogiers, 900

" " first letter, 904

" " sec’d " , 905

" " third " , 906

" Hoedemaecker, 943

Adriaenken Jans burnt, 855–856

" " letter, 881

" " " to her, 883

Advertisement, 1076

Aechtken of Zierick--zee, 599

Aedesius, brother of Apphian drowned, 175

Aeltgen Baten and Maeyken Wouters, 1033

Agapitus, put to death, 126

Agathonica and others put to death, 111

Agathopus, a deacon, drowned, 175

A lad of fifteen years, 483

Albanus, a teacher, burned, 192

Albert of Gaul martyred, 221–222

Albigenses, confession of, 274

" or Waldenses, distinction of, 293

" a plain distinction, 295

" 180 burned, 295

" 60 " at Casser, 296

" 100 " , 296

" 50 " for the faith, 296

" 400 " at Lavaur, 296

Alexander of Phrygia executed, 112

" the Greek martyr, 114

" of Jerusalem put to death, 127

" burned at Alexandria, 129

" torn by wild beasts, 136

Alcibiades martyred, 113

Alfuard put to death, 258

Algerius, a youth, letter, 548

" offered up, 551

Allert Janss, 807

Aloida and Nunilo put to death, 235

A man burned in London, 297

Ambrose, articles of faith, 154

Ammonaria, 130

Ammonius put to death, 179

Ammon, a deacon, 180

Andrew, the apostle, crucified, 84

" Claessen beheaded, 428

" Kofler beheaded, 456

" Samuel and Dirk Pieters, 458

Andries de Meulenaer, at Bruges, 629

" N., his father and brother, 807

Andries Langedul, 608

Andries N., 807

Andries Pirchner, 1003

Andronicus martyred, 83

" put to death, 141

" first examination, 142

" second " , 144

" third " , 146

" account of death, 147

Anna Maler and Ursula, 421

" of Freiburg, 419

" of Rotterdam, 436

" " " letter to her son, 436

" Cantiana, 480

Anneken and others, 476

" Ogiers drowned, 806

" Heyndricks, 833

" Botson, Janneken, her daughter and Maeyken Pieters, 1005

" van den Hove, 1035

" " " " further observation, 1036

" van Bruyssel, 956

Anpleunis van den Berge, 726

Answer to the question, Whether all the people mentioned in
this book confessed the faith of the Anabaptists, 17

Anthimus, bishop at Nicomedia, 169

Anthonis Keute at Bruges, 629

" the weaver, 844

" Ysbaerts, 941

" Claes and others, 615

Anthony Keyn beheaded, 457

" van Asselroye, 479

" Welsch, 638

" Hinnelberg, 1065

Antipas burned, 92

Antonis Schoonvelt and others, 627

Anysia, a young girl, slain, 179

A pious brother, 526

Apollonia burned, 129

" wife of Leonhard Seyle, 434

Apostles Creed, 26

Apostolics put to death, 282

Apphian, a youth, drowned, 174

Aquila martyred, 83

Aquilina put to death, 178

Arent Block, 885–886

Arent van Essen and Ursel, his wife, 805

Arent Jacobs, wife and son, 438

Ares put to death, 177

Aristarchus slain at Rome, 83

Arnald, a lector, burned, 281

Arnobius on baptism, 148

Arnold, a teacher, martyred, 204

" Marsilius, Theodoric and others, 284

" " " account of their views, 284

" " " their examination, etc., 285

" " " their constancy, 285

Articles of faith from John Wickliffe, 324

A Smith at Komen, 484

Asterius crucified, 139

Ater burned, 130

Atrocious treatment of Christians, 107

Attalus roasted in an iron chair, 112

Augurius burned, 135

Augustine, the baker, 532

Aurea, a maiden, beheaded, 236

Auxentices, put to death, 179

A youth persecuted, 112

--B--

Babylas of Antioch beheaded, 130

Balthasar Huber and his wife, 448

Baptism _in the first century_, 61

Baptism of John, 61–62

" " Jesus, 62

" commanded by Christ, 62

" practiced by the apostles, 62

" testimony of the apostles, 63

" not to be administered to infants, 63

" testimony of the fathers, 64

" _in the second century_, 97

" Dionysius on, 97

" Justinus ", 97

" Gratianus ", 99

" Clemens Alexandrinus, 99

" of infants not mentioned by Clemens, 99

" further remarks on, 100

" _in the third century_, 114

" Tertullian on, 115–116

" Leonilla and her grandsons, 117

" Origen Adamantius on, 117–119

" Notice concerning the writings of Origen, 119

" P. J. Twisck on different points of the doctrine of Origen, 118

" of Virian, Marcellinus and Justin, 119

" of Pancratius, 119

" " Bassilla, 119

" " Pontus, 119

" " Nemesius, 120

" Testimony of Cyril of Jerusalem on, 120

" Arnobius on, 121

" _in the fourth century_, 148

" of Fusca, 148

" Donatus on, 149

" of Athanasius, 150

" Council of Nice, 151

" of Hilarius, 152

" Views of Hilarius, 152

" of Monica, 153

" Canons respecting, 153

" of infants declared against at Neocesarea, 153

" of St. Martin, 153

" of St. Ambrose, 154

" Ephrem Syrus on, 155

" Gregory of Nyssa on, 155

" Optatus Milevitanus on, 156

" Gregory of Nazianzus, 156

" of Nectarius, 157

" Basilius and Eubulus, 157

" " on, 157–158

" Chrysostom on, 158

" Benefit, etc., of, 159

" of Jerome, 161

" Jerome on, 162

" of Augustine, 163

" of Epiphanius, 165

" Epiphanius on, 165

" of Constantine and Theodosius, 166

" _in the fifth century_, 181

" of infants opposed by Victor, 181

" " Victorinus, 181

" " Synesius Syrenus, 182

" Sedulius on, 183

" Hilarius ", 183

" Prosperus on, 184

" Maximus ", 185

" Cyril of Alexandria on, 185

" Received by a Jew, 186

" Faustus Regiensus on, 186

" Evagrius on, 186

" Eucherius on, 187

" at Carthage, 187

" of Nazarius, 187

" Salvian of Massilia, 188

" of Anthymius, Sisinnius, etc., 188

" Primasius on, 189

" Fulgentius, 189

" Clodovius and people, 190

" _in the sixth century_, 190

" Cassiodorus on, 195

" Mehrning and Montanus on, 197

" Justus Origelitanus on, 199

" Olympiodorus on, 199

" Peter on, 199

" of the Jews, etc., on Easter and Whitsuntide, 200

" of Brunechildis, 200

" Donatus on, 201

" _in the seventh century_, 206

" of Anastasius, Cæsarea, etc., 207

" of Jews and others, 207

" Zeno of Verona on, 208

" Jacob Pamelius, 208

" Bracerensian counsel renewed, 208

" Isadorus on, 209

" J. Pomorius on, 209

" in A. D. 700, 209

" _in the eighth century_, 212

" Germanus on, 213

" Bede on, 213

" Amalarius Fortunatus, 214

" Roman practice favorable to, 215

" of Wittikind, 216

" What was required of catechumens, 216

" Albinus on, 216

" J. Mehrning on, 218

" Sebastian Franck on, 218

" P. J. Twisck’s account of, 218

" _in the ninth century_, 224

" Lamentation, 224

" Haimo on, 225

" Gratian to his contemporaries, 227

" Rabanus Maurus on, 227

" Angelomus on, 228

" Council at Paris on, 228

" Slaves baptized, 229

" Huldricus, complaint, 229

" Hincmar, Bishop Laudun, 229

" Hincmar, Bishop of Rheims, 229–230

" Paschasius on, 230

" Remigius on, 231

" P. J. Twisck on, 231

" _in the tenth century_, 238

" Giselbert on, 240

" Ansbert on, 241

" Smaragdus on, 241

" Theophilact, 242

" of Theridates, 244

" " Namesius, 244

" " Olympius, 244

" " Placidus, his wife and two sons, 245

" Fulbertus of Carnotanses on, 245

" _in the eleventh century_, 249

" Jacob Mehrning on, 250

" Anselm on, 250–251

" Algerus on, 251

" Buchard of Worms on, 252

" Lanfrancus writes, 252

" Bruno bishop of Angiers, 252

" Berengarius, deacon, 252

" Beroldus on, 253

" Ado Trevirensis on, 253

" Juo Carnotensis on, 253

" A. D. 1090, 254

" _in the twelfth century_, 260

" Waldenses on, 261

" Rupert Tuiciensis on, 261

" D. J. Vicecomes, 262

" Ludovicus Vives on, 263

" Petrobrusians, 263

" Arnulph, Bishop of Lyons, 263

" Hildebert, Bishop of Mayence, 263

" Arnald of Brescia on, 263

" Henricus Petri Tholossanus, 263

" _in the thirteenth century_, 288

" Jacob Mehrning from Cent. Mag., 289

" Peter de Bruis on, 289

" Henry of Toulouse, 289

" of the true, 290

" Principal points of doctrine, 290

" Account of Sebastian Franck, 290

" Gerard Sagarellas on, 291

" Form or mode of, 291

" Alexander on, 291

" Probus, Bishop of Tullo, on, 291

" _in the fourteenth century_, 309

" Jacob Mehrning on, 309–310

" Views on, 310

" Dulcinus and Margaret, 310

" Views of heretics (so called) on, 310

" John Wickliffe on, 311–312

" William Swinderby and Walter Brute on, 313

" Nicephorus Callistus on, 313

" Charles, Bishop of Milan, 313

" _in the fifteenth century_, 321

" of the Taborites, 325

" D. Balthazar Lydius, 325

" Jacob Mehrning on, 326

" Extract from History of Baptism on, 326

" _in the sixteenth century_, 351

" Ludovicus Vives on, 353

" Nicephorus on, 354

" Thomas van Imbroeck on, 355

" Jacob de Roore on, 359

" John Wouters van Kuyck on, 359

" Christian Gasteiger on, 359

" Bartholomew Panten on, 360

Barba slain, 104

Barbara Thielemans, six brethren, etc., burned, 465

" Meylin and others, 1053

" Kolbin " " , 1053

" Neeff " " , 1062

Barbel put to death, 506

Barbelius slain, 104

Barbelken Goethals, 830

" " letter, 830

Barber Jans, 807

Barbly Ruff, 1062

Barnabas put to death, 73

Barsimaeus slain, 104

Bartel and others put to death, 481

Bartholomeus Panten, 1025

" " first letter, 1025

" " second letter, 1026

" " discussions, 1027

" " testament to his daughter, 1029

Bartholomew tortured and flayed, 85

Bartholomew, the potter, 529

Basilides beheaded, 124

Basileus, Bishop at Pontus, burned, 180

Beerentge, a maiden, 519

Belief of these people, 312

" " William Swinderby, 313

Believers put to death, 454

Benefit, virtue and operation of baptism, 159

Benjamin, a deacon, put to death, 193

Berengarius, a deacon, condemned, 258

" followers anathematized, 260

Berengarians banished, 280

" burnt, 281

Betgen, Neelken and Mariken Franss, 594

Biblis, Aquilina and Fortunata, 178

" put to death, 178

Big Henry, Jerome Segers, etc., 485

Blandina persecuted, 112

Blasius Beck beheaded, 457

Bloody oppression of believers, etc., 194

Brother Alda, 423

Bruno, bishop of Angiers, condemned, 258

Bruyn and others, 844

Burckhardt Aman, 1054

--C--

Calapodius put to death, 126

Carius Prader and others, 417

Carpus and others put to death, 111

Casper Tauber, 399

Cassian put to death by his scholars, 170

Catharina, a maiden, beheaded, 177

" Mulerin, 1052

Catharine of Thou, 329

Catharine burnt at the stake, 485

Cecilia put to death, 126

Charge of William I. to the magistrates of Middelborgh, 1001

Charles, Bishop of Milan, 313

Charlo de Wael, 637

Christian from Eukeraet, and others, 506

Christian executed with the sword, 529

Christian Langedul, 76

" " first letter, 676

" " second letter, 677

" " third letter, 678

" " another letter, 679

" " last adieu, 680

Christians burned at Toulouse, 301

Christians during the fourth persecution, 114

Christiaen Gasteyger, 1006

" Rijcen, 1007

" " examined by, etc., 1008

" " another letter, 1009

" " " " , 1009

" " " " , 1010

" " " " , 1011

" " consolatory letter, 1011

" " exhorts his wife, 1012

" " letter to his wife, 1013

Christina Harring, 425

Christoffel from Geistens, and others, 506

Christoffel Buyze, Laurens van Rentergen, Joost Meerssenier
and Grietgen Baets, 727

Christoffel Fierens, 914

Chrysostom’s views respecting baptism, 158

Chrysostom’s views on articles of faith, 160

Church of Christ, 38

Claudine le Vettre and a brother, 707

" " " and a brother, further account, 708

Cladius crucified, 139

Claes Roders and Pieter Claes Jans, 447

" Lecks, 463

" Gerbrants and others, 515–516

" de Praet, confession of, 533–538

" Opreyder, 844

" van Armentierss, 956

Claesken, confession of before the commissary, 588

" " " before the inquisitor, 588

" a letter, 592

" another letter, 592

Clement of Scotland burned, 221–222

Clement Hendrickss, 797

" " first letter, 800

" " second letter, 800

" " third letter, 801

" " fourth letter, 802

" " fifth letter, 803

Cointha stoned, 129

Coming of Christ, 37

Command to teach and baptize, etc., 62

Conclusion, 56

Conclusion to the fifteenth century, 326

" of " " " , 338

Conclusion of the sixteenth century, 1040

Confession, first, 26

" second, 32

" third, 36

" of the Waldenses and Albigenses, 274

" of faith, ancient, 313

" of faith, etc., 332

" of faith, 360–395

" of Claes de Praet, 533–538

" of Claesken, 588

Conrad Feichter and others, 425

" Koch, 659

" " first letter, 660

" " second letter, 661

Conversion of Euvodius, 164

Cornelis Gijselaer and one Michael, 885–886

Cornelis van Kulenburgh, a lad, 517

Cornelis Claess, 676

" the shoemaker, letter, 684

" Jan of Haerlem burned, 797

Cruelties practiced by Nero, 77

" instituted by Regnerus, 232

Cruelty and misery of this persecution, 128

" of Emperor Aurelian, 137

" of the Arian King, Honoricus, 193

" of Elvelid, the Mohammedan, 220

Cyrenia, 176

Cyril, points of faith, 186

Cyrilla put to death, 179

--D--

Damian of Algau, 449

Daniel Kopf, with two brethren and four sisters, 419

" Verkampt, 560

" Kalvaert, 640

" de Paeu, 696

" van Vooren and Passchier Weyns, 696

David and Levina, 528

Deaf Betgen, Betgen of Ghent and Lijsken Smits, 615

Decree of Pope Lucius III against the Waldenses, 286

" Ilphonsus, king of Aragon, against the Waldenses, 287

" first and second, of Frederic II against the Waldenses
and Albigenses, 304

" third of Frederic II, 305

" published in England, 328, 434

" " by the Romanists, 397

" against the Anabaptists, 399

" " Menno Simon, 449

" for the introduction, etc., 483

" against the Anabaptists, 1007

" " " " , 1043

" further observation, 1043

Decrees, renewal of, 530–532

Defense and confession of Andrew Smuel and Dirk Pieters, 458

Defense and confession of Anabaptists, 1048

Demetrius put to death, 179

Derthuin, Bertherius, Anobert, etc., 220

Didius put to death, 179

Dieuwertgen, and others, 477

Digna Pieters drowned, 530

Dileman Snijder, and others, 565

Dingentgen of Honsschoten, 900

Dionysia beheaded, 130

Dionysius Areopagita martyred, 104

" bishop at Alexandria exiled, 135

Dioscorus, greatly tormented, 130

Dirck Mieuwess, 832

Dirk Pieters Krood, and Pieter Trijnes, 447

" " Smuel burnt, 458

" " " testament of, 460

" " " letter of consolation, 461

" Jans and others, 506

" Lamberts, Christian Wetteren and Antonijn de Wale, 640

" Willems, 710

" Anoot and Willem de Zager, 727

" Andriess, 741

Discordance of Papistic writers, 49

Divine judgments, etc., 55

Doctrines of Origen, 118

Document to the city of Berne, 1073

" " " " " Zurich, 1073

" " " cities of Switzerland in behalf of Adolph de Vrede, 1073

Donotian beheaded, 180

Donuina put to death, 139

Douwe Eeuwouts, 850

Dulcinus and his wife Margaret, etc., 316

--E--

Edict against the Christians, in the years 284 and 302, 139

" of Theodosius and Honorius against the Anabaptists, 191

" first version--second version, etc., of above, 191

" second by those of Zurich, 422

" by Charles V, 426

" against Mennonists, 1047

" " Anabaptists, 1063

" " " , 1070

" what was done for mitigation of same and for the release
of the prisoners, 1072

" concerning the, against the Anabaptists, 1076

Eighteen persons burned at Salzburg, 411

Election of the Pope, 50

Eleven and then seven, 478

Elias put to death, 177

Elizabeth drowned, 464

" and Hadewijk, 525

" Meylin, 1053

" Hilzin, 1053

" Bachmanni, 1061

Ellert, Jans, six brethren, etc., burned, 465

Elssa Bethezei, 1061

Ennathas, a maiden, burned, 177

Epaphras slain under Nero, 83

Epimachus burned at Alexandria, 129

Epipodius martyred, 114

Epolonius of Antioch beheaded, 130

Ethiopian put to death, 102

Eucratis, a maiden, died in prison, 172

Eugenia beheaded at Cordova, 246

Eugenius, Auxentius, Maodatius, etc., 179

Eulalia burned with torches, 170

Eulogius burned, 135

Eunus burned at Alexandria, 129

Euphratesia, seven brothers and others put to death, 178

Euplius beheaded, 172

Eusebius and others put to death, 126

Eustace Kuter, 620

Evert Nouts, examination, tortured and sentenced, 552–556

" Hendricks of Warendorp burnt, 898

Expulsion of the Christians from Metz, and burning their books, 288

Extracts from book of criminal sentences of city of Amsterdam, 731–734

Extracts from book of criminal sentences of the town of Gouda, 809

--F--

Faes Dircks and two others, 808

" " confessions, 808

" " first examination, 808

" " second examination, 809

" " third examination, 809

" " execution, 809

Fall of man, 37

False and true church, 42

Father Abraham of Cholchester, burnt, 332

Faustina and Jacobita put to death, 105

Faustus put to death, 179

Feanchoys van Elstlandt, 628

Feet-washing, 30–39

Felician thrown to beasts, 174

Felicitas and her seven sons at Rome, 106

" " others, 123

Felistis, Jans, burned, 518

" " death sentence, 518

Felix, bishop at Thibaris, put to death, 173

" Mantz, 400

" Landis and his wife Adelheid Egli, 1060

Fierijntgen Ketels, Leentgen, her mother, with Pierijntgen
and Marijntgen van Male, 640

Fifty-four persons burned, 942

Fije and Eelken, 466

Florentin put to death, 137

Fortunata put to death, 178

Forty youths burned, 176

" women and others burned, 180

" Christians slain A. D. 566, 205

" two persons put to death, 675

Four brethren and four sisters, 419

Four God-fearing women, 130

Four persons banished, 280

" " " , 1044

Fourteen persons burned, 255

" " further observation, 255

Francais, the carpenter, 727

Franchoys de Swarte, with Klaesken, his wife, 637

Francijntgen Meulenaers at Bruges, 626

Francijntgen and others, 532

Francis of Bolsweert, 455

" van der Sach, 638

Francoys van Leuven, 920

Frans Sweerdtveger, 529

" Tiban and Little Dirk, 561

Fransken Vroevrouwe, 594

Fructuosus, bishop Tarragona, burned, 135

--G--

Gaius of Alexandria exiled, 135

Gallus Schneider, 1059

Geleyn Corneliss, 885–886

George Wagner, 401

" Blaurock and Hans van der Reve, 415

" " memorial of, 416

" " consolatory admonition, 419

" Bauman, 422

George Gruenwald, 423

" Steinmetz, 423

" Zaunringerad, 424

" Vaser and Leonhard Sailer, 430

" Libich and Ursula Hellrigling, 449

" Raeck, 620

" Friesen, a cabinet maker, 636

" " an admonition, 636

" Pruckmair, 1005

" Wanger, 1024

Gerard and thirty others branded and scourged, 283

" etc., answers to questions, 283

" " summary of doctrine, 283

" " conduct toward the fathers in the council, 284

" " joyful going out and miserable death, 284

" further observations, 284

" Sagarellus burned, 308

Germanicus devoured by beasts, 111

Gerrit Hasepoot burned, 538

" van Kempen, 479

" Duynherder, 711

" van Mandel, confession of faith, 734

" Corneliss put to death, 835

Getulicus and others slain, 106

Gillis put to death, 476

G. Kleermaecker put to death, 917

G. " letter, 917

God and the creation of all things, 36

Golauduch of Persia put to death, 205

Gomer, the mason, and others, 615

Gotthard of Nonenburg, 568

Govert, Gillis, Mariken and Anneken, 476

" Jaspers put to death, 559

Grietgen, Naentgen and others, 484

" and others, 532

" Tanneken, Lijntgen and Stijntgen of Aix-la-Chapelle, 561

" Bonaventeurs, 599

" van Sluys, 920

Grietjen " Bruyssel, 956

Guljame van Dale, 631

Gysbert Jans, six brethren, etc., burned, 465

--H--

Hadewijk and Elizabeth, 525

Hans Koch put to death, 398

" Schlaeffer, 410

" Pretle, 412

" Feierer with five brethren and three sisters, 412

" Langmantel, etc., 414

" van der Reve, 415

" Wucherer and Hans Bartel, 431

" Seyel and Hans of Wels, 433

" Simeraver, 439

" Huber, 449

" Blietel, 456

" Staudtach beheaded, 457

" van Overdam, confession, 468–473

" " " letter, 473–475

" " " death, 476

" Keeskooper, letter of, 475

" " death of, 476

" van Monster and others, 481

" Borduerwercker, 529

" Pichner of Sal, 529

" Brael persecuted, 539–542

" den Duytsch, 561

" de Smit, 561

" Burculo, 561

" Smit and others, 565

" Beck " " , 565

" de Vette, confession of, 596

" Vermeersch " ", 606

" de Backer and others, 615

" Mariken van Meenen, Beetgen van Brugh and Lijntgen, 629

Hans Symons, 676

" " a letter to his wife, 681

" " another letter, 683

" Marijns van Oosten, 711

" " " " letter, 726

" van den Wege, 825

" " " " first letter, 826

" " " " second letter, 827

" " " " third letter, 829

" " " " fourth letter, 829

" " der Straten, 835

" Misel, 851

" Knevel, 899

" van Munstdorp burned, 934

" " " letter to his wife, 934

" Peltner, 943

" Bret, 984

" " first letter, 986

" " another letter, 988

" " another letter, 990

" " " " , 993

" " " " written in a dark pit, 997

" " " " to Hans C, 998

" de Ruyter, with his wife and daughter, 1001

" Aicher, 1005

" Poltzinger and Marcus Eder, 1044

" Landis, 1045

" " further observations, 1046

" Meyli, Sr., and his son’s wife, 1051

" van Uticken, 1054

" Jacob Hess, with his wife, 1056

" Zaug and others, 1065

" Haslibacher, 1068

Hansken van der Broecke and others, 561

" Lisz at Bruges, 629

" Parmentier at Bruges, 629

" in’t Schaeck, 696

" van Oudenaerden, 920

Hanz Peiz and some others, 430

Harman Timmerman of Antwerp, 734

" " confession of faith, 734

Harmen, the dyer, and others, 844

Hemes Nimrich, a teacher and others scourged, 1044

Henderick van Etten, 783

" Dirks and others, 506

Hendrick Anthoniss and others, 515–516

" Leerverkooper, Anthonis, and Dirk de Schilder, 561

" Adams and others, 565

" Aerts, the hatter, and Janneken Cabiljaus, his wife, 638

" Maelschalck, 694

" " letter, 694

" Alewijns, 711

" " an epistle to his children, 712

" " to the lords at rack, 718

" " farewell testament, 719–726

" Verstralen, first letter to his wife, 836

" " another letter, etc., 837

" " letter to brethren, 839

" Pruyt, 955

" Sumer, 1002

Henricus put to death, 126

Henry and Alfuard slain, 258

" of Toulouse put to death, 282

" Gutwol, 1056

" Boller, 1062

Heraclides put to death, 124

Herman, Andrew and Guillemette, 309

" Jans of Sollem burned, 518

" van Vleckwijck burned, 741

" " " and Friar Cornelis, 751–763

Hero and others put to death, 124

Heron burned, 130

Heyndrick Eemkens, 635

" Arents, 706

" van Eckelo, 854

Hilarius on baptism, 152

Holy Supper, 39

How Christ baptized through his disciples, 62

Hugo Jacob Kraen, his wife Mary, and two others, 425

Huybert op der Straten, Trijnken, his wife, and others, 1044

--I--

Ignatius devoured by wild beasts, 102

Inquisition by Pope Innocent III against the Albigenses
and Waldenses, 287

" cruel mode of, 298

" continued, 298

" commenced in the Netherlands, 299

" of believers, 307

" continuation, 307

" mode of, 316

" rules of, 316

" articles for recantation, 322

" by the Spaniards, 336–337

" places of imprisonment, 337

" how persons were delivered to the secular judges, 337

" against the believers, 396

In what the church always continued the same, 21

Irene and two sisters burned, 178

Ireneus put to death, 125

Iron and leaden century, 51

Isidore burned, 130

--J--

Jacob and Seli his wife, 447

" den Geldersman burnt, 458

" Claess and his wife Cecilia, 467–468