MARTYRS MIRROR - OLD BOOK

Subject/WriterPageMeister, Leonhard 413Koch, Hans 413Tauber, Caspar 414Mantz, Felix 415Sattler, Michael 416Wagner, George 416Keyser, Leonhard 420Hermann, Thomas 422Weynken 422Schoener, Leonhard 424Walen, John 424Frick, Leonhard 425Schlaeffer, Hans 425Schneider, Leopold 426Little Hans of Stotzingen 427Eighteen persons burned in Salzburg427Pretle, Hans 427Ulman, Wolfgang 427Three brethren and two sisters 428Thomas, Balthasar and Dominicus 428Feierer, Hans 428Nine brethren and three sisters 429Langmantel, Hans 429Six persons at Basel 429Vilgard and Caspar of Schoeneck 429Reve, Hans van der 430Blaurock, George 430-432Plaitner, Virgil 433Prader, Carius 433Louis 433Seven brethren 433Brandhuber, Wolfgang 433Hut, John 433Niedermair, Hans 433Kopf, Daniel 435Four brethren and four sisters 435Anna of Freiburg 435Maler, Anna and Ursula 437About 350 persons near Altzey 437Two other brethren and two sisters 437Second edict in Zurich 438Bauman, George 438Gruenwald, George 438Philip of Langenlonsheim 438Steinmetz, George 439

Eslinger, Wolfgang 439Pain 439Martin the Painter and others 439-440Gruber, Lambrecth 440Pelgrims, Veit and others 440Mair, Walter 440Schumacher, Laurence 440Plaver, Peter 440Beck, Hans 440Taller, Hans 440Zaunringerad, George440Feichter, Conrad 441Snyder, Sicke 441Fest, Ludwig 441Kraen, Hugo Jacob 441Haring, Christina 441Wiggers, William 442Edict of Emperor Charles V 442Koster, Peter 443Jans, Sybrant 443Benedictus, Stephen 443Campen, Hendrick Gijsbrechts van 443Claessen, Andrew 444Seven brethren 444Kels, Jerome 445Mels, Johanna 445Seifensieder, Michael 445Gerrits, Peter 445Oberbacker, Hans 445Leydecker, Peter 445Joris, Peter 445Vaser, George 446Gruenfelder, Hans 446Glasmacher, Sebastian 446Sailer, Leonhard 446Peiz, Hans 447Twelve persons at Vucht 447Bartel, Hans 447Keurs, Philip de 447Adrian of Gravenhage 447Wucherer, Hans 447Greizinger, Offrus 448Lochmair, Leonhard 448Wideman, Michael 449Martin of Vilgraten 449Schumacher, Caspar 449Styarts, John 449Apollonia, wife of Leonhard Seyle 450Hans of Wels 450Decree in England 450Seyel, Hans 450Great persecution in Austria 450

Anna of Rotterdam 453-454Jacobs, Arent 455Reynerts, Tjaert 455Simeraver, Hans 455Walter of Stoelwijk 455-464Krood, Dirk Pieters 464Jans, Pieter Clas 464Jacob and Seli 464Trijnes, Pieter 464Roders, Claes 464Egtwercken, Jan and others 464Huber, Hans 465Hubmaier, Balthasar 465Bernkop, Leonard 465Hellrigling, Ursula 466Decree in West Friesland 466Damian of Algau 466Libich, George 466Beckum, Maria van and Ursula 467-468Lamberts, Lucas 468-471Claess John 468-471Francis of Bolsweert 472Oswald of Jamnits 472Number of believers at Rotterdam 472Kofler, Andrew 473Blietel, Hans 473-474Gurtzham, Hans 474Matschilder, Michael and his wife 474Pieters, Quirinius 474Staudtach, Hans and others 475Smuel, Dirk Peters 475-481Heynes, Richst 481Lecks, Claes 481Elizabeth, AD 1549 481-482Jans, Jan 483Jans, Ellert and seven others 483-484Fije and Eelken 484-485Claess, Jacob 485-486Jeronymus, Cecilia 485-486Overdam, Hans van 486-494Keeskooper, Hans 493-494Buefkijn, Jannijn 493-494Gover, Gillis, Mariken and Anneken494-495Willem, Martigen, Dieuwertgen and Maritgen 495Haustelraed, Teunis van 495-496Eleven then seven in Millen and Borren 496Lindt, Tijs van 496Palmen, Palmken 496Jan and two others 497Asselroye, Anthony van 497-498Cantiana, Anna 498Knel, John 498

Dosie, Jacques 498-500Monster, Hans van 500Bartl 500Aernem, Hendrick van 500Old Jacob 500Two young girls 500Decree for the introductions of the Inquisition 501Dircks, Reyer 502Smith at Komen 502Gillis and Elizabeth 502Bair, John 503Catherine burned at the stake 503Joris, Wouter, Grietgen and Naentgen 503Segers, Jerome 504-522Dircks, Lijsken 504-522Weert, Pieter Bruynen van 523-524Jan the old clothes buyer 523-525Willem the cabinetmaker 525Maria of Monjou 525-526Jans, Dirk 526Barbel 526Willem of Bierck and others 526Robaeys, William 526Mariken and Anneken 526Dirks, Hendrick 526Corneliss, Adrian 526-535Jans, Lievijn and five others 535-536Olman, Pieter van 536-538Kulenburgh, Cornelis van 538Jans, Herman 538Capelle, Wouter van 539Jans, Felistis 539Tijs and Beerentge 539-540Simon the shopkeeper 540Kindt, Joos 540-546Elisabeth and Hadewijk 546-547A pious brother in Flanders 547-548Witses, Pieter 548-549Lovain, William van 549David and Levina 549Pieter with the lame foot and others 550Leyen, Tanneken van der 550Bartholomew the potter 550Pichner, Hans 550Rommeken 550Pieters, Digna 550-551Renewal of decree by Philip II 551-553Francijntgen, Grietgen and Maeyken553Augustine the Baker 553Abraham 554Kudse, Jan de 554Praet, Claes de 554-560

Hasepoot, Gerrit 560Brael, Hans 560-563Walraven, Janneken 563Simons, Joriaen 563-568Dircks, Clement 563-568Six brethren in Volewijk 568Zaeywever, Maerten and others 568Droogscheerder, Willem 568-569Margriete, Klaerken and Janneken 569Jeronymus and four others 569Algerius 570-573Schumacher, Konrad 573-574Examination of four persons in Rotterdam 574-578Imbroeck, Thomas van 578-582Jasper, Govert 582Bossier, Maerten 582Tomme, Absalom van 582Haverbeke, Willem van 582Verkampt, Daniel 582Ledersnijder, Marcus de and others 583-584Wippe, Joris 584-588Smit, Hans and others588-590Adams, Hendrick 588Kramer, Peter 590-591Gotthard of Nonenberg 590-591D'Auchy, Jacques 591-611Claesken 611-616Groot, Jelis de616Halewijn, Mahieu van 616Hueber, Wolfgang 617Thiem, Karel van 617Brant, Jan Jans 617Mair, Wolfgang 617Vroevrouwe, Fransken and others 618Keuts, Trijnken 618-618Pan, Adrian 618-619Vette, Hans de and others 620-622Aechten of Zierckzee 623Korte, Maeyken de 623-624Bernaerts, Jelis 624-630Bosch, Jan 630-631Vermeersch, Hans 631-633Langedul, Andries 633-633Pottebacker, Mattheus 633-633Leyen, Lauwerens van der 633-640Claes, Anthonis and others 640Aerts, Elsgen 640Peter of Spain and others 640Plovier, Lenaert and others 640-643Felbinger, Nicholas 643-644Leytner, John 643-644Joris and Joachim 644

Kleermaecker, Willem de 645-646Korbmacher, John and others645-646Houte, Soetgen van den 646-651Joosten, Joost 651Koolaert the Cooper 651Verbeeck, Joos 651-652Klampherer, Julius 651-652Walle, Lauwerens van de 652-654Schoonvelt, Antonis 652-654Strings, Kalleken 652-654Kocx, Maeyken 652-654Elstlandt, Franchoys van 654Orvel, Jan and Pleunis 654Schut, John 654-655Jan, Hendrick, Bastiaen, Hans and others 655Amare, Nikasen 655Amare, Marijn 655Brael, Adriaen and others 655Allaerts, Lauwerens 656Strings, Jelis 656-660Eemkens, Heyndrick 660-661Friesen, George 661-663Keppel, William van 661-662Aelmeers, Martijntgen 663Aelmeers, Nikasen van 663Amare, Martijne 663Welsch, Anthony 664Sach, Francis van der 664Swarte, Jan de and others 664-666Aerts, Hendrick, and wife Janneken Cabiljaus 665Lamberts, Dirk and others 666Boosers, Maeyken 667-669Corneliss, Willeboort 669-670Maelbouts, Prijntgen and Martijntgen 670-671Matthijss, Jelis 671-680Gerrits, Jan 680-686Burry, Adriaen den 686Duyck, Willem de 686Koch, Conrad 686-688Servaes, Matthias 688-703Forty-two persons in Berne 703George, John and others 703-704Langedul, Christian and others 704-709Symons, Hans709-713Claess, Cornelis the Shoemaker 713-715Aerts, Willem 715Mesdagh, Jacques and others 715-721Willems, Adrian 721Groot, Lucas de 722Portier, Jan 722Maelschalk, Hendrick and others 723Dircks, Jacob and sons 724-725

Raet, Karel de and others 725-726Smit, Jan de and others 726Schoolmaster, Valerius 726-731Jans, Job 731Thielemans, Jan 731-736Arents, Heyndrick 736-737Vettre, Claudine Le 737-738Beckjen, Pieter Pieters 738-740Verkamer, Lauwerens and others 740Willems, Dirk 741-742Alewijns, Hendrick and others 742-757Oosten, Hans Marijn van 757-758Alewyns, Gerrit 758Berge, Anpleunis van den and others 758-759Denijs, Wouter and others 759-761Jasper, Nelleken 762-763Sentences from Amsterdam 763-766Timmerman, Herman 766-770Hasebroeck, Jan van 770-774Andriess, Dirk774Roore, Jacob de, the Chandler 774-785Vleckwijk, Herman 785-798Letters from Jacob the Chandler 798-818Ol, Adriaen 818Picolet, Abraham and others 818-823Claess, Jan 823Jeuriaenss, Tijs 823-831Janss, Willem 831-832Quirijnss, Jans and others 832-837Janss, Cornelis 833Hendrickss, Clement 834-841Greyenberger, Veit 841-842Essen, Ursel van and others 842-843Essen, Arent van 842-843Ogiers, Anneken 844-845Andries, N. 845Jans, Barber and others 845-846Dircks, Faes 846-848Aertss, Jan 847Adrienss, Jan 847Pieters, Adriaen and others 848Verkindert, Joost 848-863Andries, Lauwerens 863-864Wege, Hans van den and others 864-870Goethals, Barbelken 870-871Duerhove, Saerken 870Ten persons at Dortrecht 871Claverss, Jelis and others 871-872Mieuwess, Dirck 872Heyndricks, Anneken 872-874Straten, Joost van der 874Pinder, Wolfgang 874-875

Straten, Hans van der 875-876Corneliss, Gerrit 876-877Verstralen, Hendrick 877-882Deynoots, Maeyken 882Hoedemaecker, Adriaen Janss 883-885Andries, M. 885Gaukes, Ydse and others 885-893Eeuwouts, Douwe 893Misel, Hans 893-894Block, Jan 894-896Eckelo, Heyndrick 896-897Wouterss, Jan (van Kuyck) and others 897-926Jans, Adriaenken and husband 926-929Corneliss, Geleyn and others 929-931Pieterss, Jan and others 929-931Janss, Maertens 931-932Hendrickss, Jan 933-944Hendricks, Evert 944-945Wouterss, Sander 944-945Knevel, Hans 945-947Bernaerts, Mattheus and others 947-951Rogiers, Adrian 951-954Straten, Maerten van der 954-961Rijcker, Willem de 961-962Fierens, Christoffel 961-962Smit, Jan 962-963Loosveldt, Pierijntgen 962-965Bruyssel, Michiel van and Barberken 965Ackeren, Jan van 965Kleermaecker, George and others 965-966Rousselare, Sijntgen van 967-968Leuven, Franchoys van and others 968Wege, Jacob van den 969-977Deventer, Maeyken van 977-979Wens, Maeyken and others 979-983Munstdorp, Hans van and Janneken 983-991Claes, Susanneken and Kalleken 991Ysbaerts, Anthonis 991-992Fifty-four persons in Antwerp and Brussels 992Hoedemaecker, Adriaen 992-993Keuse, Mattheus 992-993Peltner, Hans 993-994Aysess, Reytse 994-1005Pruyt, Hendrick 1005-1007Willemss, Olivier 1007Jacob the Cobbler 1007-1008Armentierss, Claes van 1008Twenty persons in London 1008-1024Pieterss, Jan 1008-1024Terwoort, Hendrick 1008-1024Glock, Paul 1024-1026Binder, Matthijs 1026

Velde, Raphel van den 1026-1035Schepens, Jeronymus 1035-1036Louwerens the Shoemaker 1036Bret, Hans 1037-1054Letter of Privilege granted by William I 1054-1055Janss, Louwerens Noodtruft 1055-1056Ruyter, Hans de 1056Charge of William I to Middleborgh 1056-1057Sumer, Hendrick 1057Mandel, Jacob1057Platser, Melchoir 1058-1059Pirchner, Andries 1059-1060Sumeraver, Leonhart 1060Aicher, Hans 1060Botson, Anneken and others 1060Raufer, Wolfgang and others 1060-1061Gasteyger, Christian 1062Vischer, Michael 1063Rijcen, Christiaen 1063-1069Saymer, Pieter1069Tollenaer, Joost de and others 1069-1080Pickelen, Maeyken 1080Boltzinger, Leonhard 1080Wanger, George 1080-1082Platser, Jacob 1082Panten, Bartholomeus1082-1088Hazel, Michiel 1088Han, Thomas 1089Mair, Mattheus 1089-1090Letter of Maurice, Prince of Orange 1090-1091Baten, Aeltgen 1091-1092Wouters, Maeyken 1091-1093Hove, Anneken van den 1093-1094On the destruction of some tyrants 1095-1098Conclusion of the sixteenth century 1098-1100Summary of the martyrs in the 17th century 1100-1101Decree of Groningen and Sneeck 1101-1102Nimrich, Hemes and others 1102-1103Straten, Huybert and others 1102-1103Landis, Hans 1103-1105Prohibition of Aerdenborgh and Deventer 1105-1106Articles of faith of Anabaptists in Holland 1107-1108Inauguration of the last Swiss persecution 1108-1110Twelve brethren in Zurich 1110Meyli, Hans and others 1110-1111Meylin, Barbara and others 1112Hilzin, Elizabeth 1112Uticken, Hans van and others 1113Aman, Burckhardt 1113Schedme, Ulli and others 1114-1115Manifesto of Zurich and answer 1115-1118Albi, Verena 1118

Phister, Werner and others 1118-1119Landis, Felix and others 1120-1122Edicts from Schaffhausen and Neuberg 1122-1123Wagman, Ully and others 1123-1124Bogart, Ully and other teachers 1124-1125Seven hundred oppressed at Berne 1125Letters from Obersultzem 1125-1127Haslibacher, Hans 1128-1129Martyrs of Berne 1129Aeberly, Lorenz 1130Edicts of Berne and responses from Holland 1130-1139Response to Zurich 1138-1139To the Bloody Theater of the Anabaptists 1139Tertullian's consolation to the martyrs AD 200 1139-1141

MARTYRS MIRROROF THEDEFENSELESS CHRISTIANSOld BookENLARGED AND IMPROVED FROM VARIOUS CREDIBLE CHRONICLES,MEMOIRS, TESTIMONIES, ETC.

[The following part of Martyrs Mirror was not originally written by van Braght, but was the outgrowth of a compilation from different authors, and published in different editions, which from time to time were enlarged and improved. The original book, as appears from the writings of Samuel W. Pennypacker, of Philadelphia, Pa., was published in Holland, in 1562, under the title, Het Offer des Heeren. Later editions were printed in the years 1567, 1570, 1576, 1578, 1580, 1589, 1595, and 1599. In 1617, a large quarto edition, containing 863 pages, written by Hans de Reis and Jacques Outerman, and printed by Zacharias Cornelisz, at Hoorn, was published, bearing the title, Historie der Warachtighe getuygen Jesu Christi. This book was succeeded by a folio volume of ten hundred fifty-six pages, printed at Haerlem, by Hans Passchiers, von Wesbusch, in 1631, entitled, Martelwrs Spiegel der Werelose Christenen, that is, The Martyrs Mirror of the defenseless Christians. This book, our author, van Braght, embodies as"Second Part," in his own work under the title of The Bloody Theatre, or Martyrs Mirror of the defenseless Christians, as he says, without change, except where some correction was needed, adding, however, such matter as seemed profitable and necessary. This will explain to the reader the above remark, "Old Book."-Publishers.]HANS KOCH AND LEONHARD MEISTER, DESCENDANTS OF THE ANCIENT WALDENSES, BOTHPUT TO DEATH AT AUGSBURG, FOR THE TRUTH OF THE HOLY GOSPEL, A. D. 1524

From A. D. 1160 until this time (A. D. 1660) we have followed according to our ability the trail and footsteps of the ancient Waldenses, of which we have by no means, until this time, lost sight; neither have we now lost sight of them, but still keep them in view.

This appeared in the case of two pious men of said profession. (which agrees with that of the Anabaptists) who, loving the truth of Christ, which they maintained more than their own lives, were put to death at Augsburg, in Germany, in accordance with the rigor of the court, there, in the year 1524.

Concerning this, we read in Jacob Mehrning's History of Baptism the following words, translated from the German, "From these Bohemian and Moravian Old Waldensian brethren afterwards

sprang several excellent men; as, among others, Hans Koch and Leonhard Meister, who were both put to death at Augsburg, A. D. .* Bapt. Hist., page 748.

NOTE.-The year 1160 was the time in which Peter Waldo appeared against popery, at Lyons, in France, and made a sound confession, of which we gave an account in the first book. As regards his descendants, this Hans Koch and Leonhard Meister are counted as none of the least of them; as also, afterwards, Michael Sattler, Leonhard Keyser, John Hut, etc. See Jac. Mehr., Ba¢t. Hist., page 748.

*A. D. 1527, the printer had set it; but it is an error. Page 414 PRAYER OF HANS KOCH AND LEONHARD MEISTER

The following earnest prayer to God was spoken by Hans Koch and Leonhard Meister before their death, and left for the consolation of all their fellow believers

O God! behold now from Thy high throne the misery of Thy servants, how the enemy persecutes them because it is their purpose to walk in the narrow way, and how abominably they are scorned. He who learns to know Thee, and holds fast to Thy words, is despised and scorned by them. O God of heaven! we have all sinned before Thee; therefore chastise us in mercy. We beseech Thee, let us enjoy Thy grace, that Thy honor may not be profaned by us before this world, which now seems determined to extinguish Thy Word. We might well have peace with them, if we would not confess Thy holy name, and not believe on Thy Son, that He atoned for us on the cross, bore our sins, and paid our debt. The enemy has no other reason for his daily raging against us, than because we do not fulfill his will, but love Thee, O God, in our hearts, which neither Satan nor his adherents can endure. Therefore they compel us with great distress, and afflict us with much tribulation. Thus, our misdeed, on account of which the enemy fights so hard against us, is, that we place our hope in Thee alone, and in Thy dear Son Christ Jesus, and in the Holy Ghost; therefore we must suffer reproach, because we do not set ourselves against Thee; if we would give ourselves up to idolatry, and practice all manner of wickedness, they would let us live unharmed, in peace and tranquillity. Therefore, O dear Lord, take up arms for us, and judge all those who disregard Thy power and might. If we would deny Thy Word, antichrist would not hate us; yea, if we would believe his false doctrine, follow his error, and walk with the world on the broad road, we would have favor with them; but because we seek to follow Thee, we are hated and forsaken by the world. But though the enemy brings us to torment, it does not happen to us alone, but was also done to Christ our Redeemer; for they afflicted Him first with much reproach and suffering; and thus it was with all p~hat adhered to Him, and believed in His Word. Hence Christ says Himself, "Marvel not, if the world hate you; for it hated me first; they have not received my words; thus shall they also not receive your words. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; and when all these things happen to you, rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." Christ comforts us still more through the mouth of His beloved apostles, saying, "If we suffer with him, we shall also rejoice with him, and reign in everlasting joy." What matters it, if we are ridiculed and scorned here for a little while? since God promises us eternal rest and bliss. O Lord, Thou seest and hearest the derision and contumely, and the suffering with which Thy children are afflicted. Thou also knowest their small and feeble ability;therefore we pray Thee, O God, that Thou wouldst protect Thine own honor, and sanctify Thy name, which is now so fearfully profaned by all those who, here on earth, are of high and low estate. Manifest Thy power, that the enemy may perceive and understand Thy divine strength, and may learn to be ashamed. O Lord God, have compassion upon Thy poor sheep, that are scattered, and have no longer a true shepherd who will henceforth teach them. Send them Thy Holy Spirit, that He may feed and satisfy them with Thy grace, and that they may not hearken to the voice of a stranger, unto the

end. O God, in Thy high majesty, graciously hear our petition, and do not forsake us, since we are in great tribulation and conflict. Give us steadfast patience through Christ Thy Son, our Captain, who can vanquish Satan with all his host. To Him be honor, and praise to His holy name. Amen.

Matt. 7:14; Ps. 106:6; Dan. 9:5; I Pet. 2:24; Matt. 22:37; I Pet. 4:3; Matt. 7:13; John 17:14; 1 Pet. 4:1; Isa. 53; Matt. 27; Luke 24:26; John 15:18; I John 3:13; Matt. 5:12; Rom. 8:11; II Tim. 2:12; John 10:5.CASPAR TAUBER, A. D. 1524

In this year, also Caspar Tauber, a tradesman and citizen of Vienna, in Austria, was apprehended for the Christian faith; and as he faithfully and steadfastly continued to confess Christ, without apostatizing, he was condemned and burned.OF A CERTAIN DECREE WHICH THOSE OF ZUERICHPUBLISHED AGAINST THE ANABAPTISTS,A. D. 1525

At this time not only the papists, but also the Zwinglians or so-called Reformed in the city of Zuerich laid their hands on the innocent and defenseless flock of Christ; yet not, as far as we can learn, punishing them with death, or depriving them of life by the executioner, but confining them under severe imprisonment, until ultimately, as may be inferred, death followed.

However, in order to determine from this time on, what course was to be pursued in this matter, the magistrate of said city ordained, among other things, the following:, "Therefore we ordain and will, that henceforth all men, women, youth, and maidens forsake Anabaptism, and practice it no longer from this time on, and that they have their infants baptized; and whosoever shall act contrary to this public edict, shall, as often as it occurs, be fined one mark silver; and if any should prove utterly disobedient and obstinate, they shall be dealt with more severely; for we shall protect the obedient, and punish the disobedient according to his deserts, without bearing with him any longer. Let everyone act accordingly. All this we confirm by this public document, sealed with the seal of our city, and given on St. Andrew's day, A. D. 1525."

Page 415

Compare Chron. van den Ondergang, page 1010, col. with Henr. Bull. against the Anabaptists, lib. 1, cap. 5, 6; also the open letter of the council of Zuerich, published A. D. 1525.

The Zwinglian church at Zuerich, where this decree was made, was at this time only about five years old, and was also subjected to the hatred and persecution of the papists; certainly a lamentable matter, that those who had but a short time before purified themselves in many respects from the leaven of popery and were opposed to the tyranny of the pope, should nevertheless continue, in this respect, united with the papists; that is, in persecuting others who did not have the same faith with them.

Still, it would have been well if they had stopped with this decree, since with one mark of silver one could have atoned for the first offense in neglecting to baptize a child. But this was not the end of it, as a few years later, especially in A. D. 1530, when they became a little bolder, they decreed, that the so-called Anabaptists should be punished with death, which we shall show in its proper place.FELIX MANTZ, A. D. 1526

Felix Mantz was also an originator of the Reformation of the faith, in Germany, and when he, with great zeal, practiced, taught, and preached, the recognized truth of the Gospel, he was envied, accused, and imprisoned by his adversaries, and finally drowned at Zuerich, for the evangelical truth, thus becoming a witness of the sufferings of Christ. This occurred in the year of our Lord 1526. He left the following admonition to his fellow brethren, for their comfort, "My heart rejoices in God, who gives me much knowledge and wisdom, that I may escape the eternal, and never-ending death. . Therefore I praise Thee, O Lord Christ from heaven,. that Thou dost turn away my sorrow and sadness; Thou whom God has sent me as a Saviour, and for an example and a light, and who has called me into His heavenly Kingdom, already before my end has come, that I should have eternal joy with Him, and should love Him and all His righteousness, which exists here, and which shall endure forever hereafter, and without which nothing avails or subsists; hence so many who do not have this in truth, are deceived by a vain opinion. But alas I how many are found at the present who boast of the Gospel and speak, teach, and preach much about it, but are f ull of hatred and envy, and who have not the love of God in them, whose deceit is known to all the world, as we have experienced in these latter days, that those who have come to us in sheep's clothing are ravening wolves, who hate the pious on the earth, and obstruct the way to life and to the true sheepfold. Thus do the false prophets and hypocrites of this world, who curse and pray with the same mouth, and whose life is disorderly. They call upon the authorities to kill us, by which they destroy the very essence of Christianity. But I will praise the Lord Christ, who exercises all patience towards us; for He instructs us with His divine graces, and shows love to all men, according to the nature of God His heavenly Father, which none of the false prophets are able to do., "Here we must observe this difference, that the sheep of Christ seek the praise of God; this is their choice, and they do not suffer themselves to be hindered either by possessions or temporal good, for they are in the keeping of Christ. The Lord Christ compels no one to come to His glory; only those that are willing and prepared attain unto it by true faith and baptism. Whenever a person brings forth genuine fruits of repentance, the heaven of eternal joys is, through grace, purchased and obtained for him by Christ, through the shedding of His innocent blood, which He so willingly poured out; thereby showing us His love, and enduing us with the power of His Spirit, and whoever receives and uses it grows and is made perfect in God. Only love to God through Christ shall stand and prevail; not boasting, denouncing, or threatening. It is love alone that is pleasing to God: he that cannot show love shall not stand in the sight of God. The true love of Christ shall not destroy the enemy; he that would be an heir with Christ is taught that he must be merciful, as the Father in heaven is merciful. Christ never accused any one, as do the false teachers of the present day; from which it is evident that they do not have the love of Christ, nor understand His Word; and still they would be shepherds and teachers; but at last they will have to despair, when they shall find, that everlasting pain shall be their recompense, if they do not reform. Christ also never hated any one; neither did His true servants, but they continued to follow Christ in the true way, as He went before them. This Light of life they have before them, and are glad to walk in it; but those who are hateful and envious, and do thus wickedly betray, accuse, smite and quarrel, cannot be Christians. They are those who run before Christ as thieves and murderers, and under a false pretense shed innocent blood. By this we may know them that are not on the side of Christ; for they, as children of Belial, prompted by envy, destroy the ordinances of Jesus Christ; even as Cain slew his brother Abel, when God accepted the offerings of Abel.

With this I will finish my discourse, desiring that all the pious be mindful of the fall of Adam, who when he accepted the advice of the serpent, and became disobedient to God, the punishment of death came upon him. Thus it shall also happen to those who do not accept Christ, but resist Him, love this world, and have not the love of God. And thus I close with this that I will firmly adhere to Christ, and trust in Him, who is acquainted with all my needs, and can deliver me out of it. Amen.

I Pet. 5:1; John 16:20; Gal. 5:21; John 5:42; Matt. 7:15; II Thess. 3:7; John 10:3; Acts 2:38;

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Luke 6:36; John 8:12; John 10:1; Gen. 4:8; 3:6; I John 2:15; John 5:42.GEORGE WAGNER, A. D. 1527

George Wagner, of Emmerich, was apprehended at Munich, in Bavaria, on account of four articles of the faith. First, That the priest cannot forgive sins. Secondly, That he does not believe that a man can bring down God from heaven. Thirdly, That he does not believe that God or Christ is bodily in the bread which the priest has upon the altar; but that it is the bread of the Lord. Fourthly, That he did not hold to the belief that water baptism possessed any saving power. As he would not renounce these articles, he was most severely tormented, so that the prince felt great compassion for him, and personally came to him in the prison, and earnestly admonished him thereto, promising that he would call him his friend all his life time. Thus also the tutor of the prince, earnestly admonished him to recant, and likewise made him many promises. Ultimately his wife and child were brought before him in prison in order, on this wise to move him to recant. But neither was he to be moved in this way; for he said that though his wife and child were so dear to him that the prince could not buy them with all his dominion, yet he would not forsake his God and Lord on their account. Many priests and others also came to him, to persuade him; but he was steadfast and immovable in that which God had given him to know. Hence he was finally sentenced to the fire and death.

Having been delivered into the hands of the executioner, and led into the middle of the city, he said, "Today I will confess my God before all the world." He had such joy in Christ Jesus, that his face did not pale, nor his eyes show fear; but he went smilingly to the fire, where the executioner bound him on the ladder, and tied a little bag of powder to his neck, at which he said, "Be it done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;" and having smilingly bid farewell to a Christian, who was there, he was thrust into the fire by the executioner, and happily offered up his spirit, on the eighth day of February, A. D. 1527. The sheriff, however, surnamed Eisenreich von Landsberg, while returning home from the place!!of execution, traveling on horseback; purposing to apprehend others of the brethren, died suddenly in the night, and was found dead in his bed in the morning, having thus been removed through the wrath of God.

NOTE.-It is known that Balthasar Pacimontanus opposed infant baptism, and was therefore burned at Vienna, A. D. 1527. See second part of Jacob Mehrning's History of Baptism, page 777, ex Bellarm., Tom. 3, lib. 1, de Bdpt., cap. 8.MELCHIOR VET

This Melchior Vet. was a companion of George Blaurock, who was of the same faith with him, andalso served with him in the Gospel. He was burned in the time of Michael Sattler, at Drache, for the testimony of the faith and of the divine truth, which he boldly confessed.

PRAYER OF HANS KOCH AND LEONHARD MEISTER

The following earnest prayer to God was spoken by Hans Koch and Leonhard Meister before their death, and left for the consolation of all their fellow believers

O God! behold now from Thy high throne the misery of Thy servants, how the enemy persecutes them because it is their purpose to walk in the narrow way, and how abominably they are scorned. He who learns to know Thee, and holds fast to Thy words, is despised and scorned by

them. O God of heaven! we have all sinned before Thee; therefore chastise us in mercy. We beseech Thee, let us enjoy Thy grace, that Thy honor may not be profaned by us before this world, which now seems determined to extinguish Thy Word. We might well have peace with them, if we would not confess Thy holy name, and not believe on Thy Son, that He atoned for us on the cross, bore our sins, and paid our debt. The enemy has no other reason for his daily raging against us, than because we do not fulfill his will, but love Thee, O God, in our hearts, which neither Satan nor his adherents can endure. Therefore they compel us with great distress, and afflict us with much tribulation. Thus, our misdeed, on account of which the enemy fights so hard against us, is, that we place our hope in Thee alone, and in Thy dear Son Christ Jesus, and in the Holy Ghost; therefore we must suffer reproach, because we do not set ourselves against Thee; if we would give ourselves up to idolatry, and practice all manner of wickedness, they would let us live unharmed, in peace and tranquillity. Therefore, O dear Lord, take up arms for us, and judge all those who disregard Thy power and might. If we would deny Thy Word, antichrist would not hate us; yea, if we would believe his false doctrine, follow his error, and walk with the world on the broad road, we would have favor with them; but because we seek to follow Thee, we are hated and forsaken by the world. But though the enemy brings us to torment, it does not happen to us alone, but was also done to Christ our Redeemer; for they afflicted Him first with much reproach and suffering; and thus it was with all p~hat adhered to Him, and believed in His Word. Hence Christ says Himself, "Marvel not, if the world hate you; for it hated me first; they have not received my words; thus shall they also not receive your words. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; and when all these things happen to you, rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." Christ comforts us still more through the mouth of His beloved apostles, saying, "If we suffer with him, we shall also rejoice with him, and reign in everlasting joy." What matters it, if we are ridiculed and scorned here for a little while? since God promises us eternal rest and bliss. O Lord, Thou seest and hearest the derision and contumely, and the suffering with which Thy children are afflicted. Thou also knowest their small and feeble ability;therefore we pray Thee, O God, that Thou wouldst protect Thine own honor, and sanctify Thy name, which is now so fearfully profaned by all those who, here on earth, are of high and low estate. Manifest Thy power, that the enemy may perceive and understand Thy divine strength, and may learn to be ashamed. O Lord God, have compassion upon Thy poor sheep, that are scattered, and have no longer a true shepherd who will henceforth teach them. Send them Thy Holy Spirit, that He may feed and satisfy them with Thy grace, and that they may not hearken to the voice of a stranger, unto the end. O God, in Thy high majesty, graciously hear our petition, and do not forsake us, since we are in great tribulation and conflict. Give us steadfast patience through Christ Thy Son, our Captain, who can vanquish Satan with all his host. To Him be honor, and praise to His holy name. Amen.

Matt. 7:14; Ps. 106:6; Dan. 9:5; I Pet. 2:24; Matt. 22:37; I Pet. 4:3; Matt. 7:13; John 17:14; 1 Pet. 4:1; Isa. 53; Matt. 27; Luke 24:26; John 15:18; I John 3:13; Matt. 5:12; Rom. 8:11; II Tim. 2:12; John 10:5.CASPAR TAUBER, A. D. 1524

In this year, also Caspar Tauber, a tradesman and citizen of Vienna, in Austria, was apprehended for the Christian faith; and as he faithfully and steadfastly continued to confess Christ, without apostatizing, he was condemned and burned.OF A CERTAIN DECREE WHICH THOSE OF ZUERICHPUBLISHED AGAINST THE ANABAPTISTS,A. D. 1525

At this time not only the papists, but also the Zwinglians or so-called Reformed in the city of Zuerich laid their hands on the innocent and defenseless flock of Christ; yet not, as far as we can

learn, punishing them with death, or depriving them of life by the executioner, but confining them under severe imprisonment, until ultimately, as may be inferred, death followed.

However, in order to determine from this time on, what course was to be pursued in this matter, the magistrate of said city ordained, among other things, the following:, "Therefore we ordain and will, that henceforth all men, women, youth, and maidens forsake Anabaptism, and practice it no longer from this time on, and that they have their infants baptized; and whosoever shall act contrary to this public edict, shall, as often as it occurs, be fined one mark silver; and if any should prove utterly disobedient and obstinate, they shall be dealt with more severely; for we shall protect the obedient, and punish the disobedient according to his deserts, without bearing with him any longer. Let everyone act accordingly. All this we confirm by this public document, sealed with the seal of our city, and given on St. Andrew's day, A. D. 1525."

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Compare Chron. van den Ondergang, page 1010, col. with Henr. Bull. against the Anabaptists, lib. 1, cap. 5, 6; also the open letter of the council of Zuerich, published A. D. 1525.

The Zwinglian church at Zuerich, where this decree was made, was at this time only about five years old, and was also subjected to the hatred and persecution of the papists; certainly a lamentable matter, that those who had but a short time before purified themselves in many respects from the leaven of popery and were opposed to the tyranny of the pope, should nevertheless continue, in this respect, united with the papists; that is, in persecuting others who did not have the same faith with them.

Still, it would have been well if they had stopped with this decree, since with one mark of silver one could have atoned for the first offense in neglecting to baptize a child. But this was not the end of it, as a few years later, especially in A. D. 1530, when they became a little bolder, they decreed, that the so-called Anabaptists should be punished with death, which we shall show in its proper place.FELIX MANTZ, A. D. 1526

Felix Mantz was also an originator of the Reformation of the faith, in Germany, and when he, with great zeal, practiced, taught, and preached, the recognized truth of the Gospel, he was envied, accused, and imprisoned by his adversaries, and finally drowned at Zuerich, for the evangelical truth, thus becoming a witness of the sufferings of Christ. This occurred in the year of our Lord 1526. He left the following admonition to his fellow brethren, for their comfort, "My heart rejoices in God, who gives me much knowledge and wisdom, that I may escape the eternal, and never-ending death. . Therefore I praise Thee, O Lord Christ from heaven,. that Thou dost turn away my sorrow and sadness; Thou whom God has sent me as a Saviour, and for an example and a light, and who has called me into His heavenly Kingdom, already before my end has come, that I should have eternal joy with Him, and should love Him and all His righteousness, which exists here, and which shall endure forever hereafter, and without which nothing avails or subsists; hence so many who do not have this in truth, are deceived by a vain opinion. But alas I how many are found at the present who boast of the Gospel and speak, teach, and preach much about it, but are f ull of hatred and envy, and who have not the love of God in them, whose deceit is known to all the world, as we have experienced in these latter days, that those who have come to us in sheep's clothing are ravening wolves, who hate the pious on the earth, and obstruct the way to life and to the true sheepfold. Thus do the false prophets and hypocrites of this world, who curse and pray with the same mouth, and whose life is disorderly. They call upon the authorities to kill us, by which they destroy the very essence of Christianity. But I will praise the Lord Christ, who exercises all patience towards us; for He instructs us with

His divine graces, and shows love to all men, according to the nature of God His heavenly Father, which none of the false prophets are able to do., "Here we must observe this difference, that the sheep of Christ seek the praise of God; this is their choice, and they do not suffer themselves to be hindered either by possessions or temporal good, for they are in the keeping of Christ. The Lord Christ compels no one to come to His glory; only those that are willing and prepared attain unto it by true faith and baptism. Whenever a person brings forth genuine fruits of repentance, the heaven of eternal joys is, through grace, purchased and obtained for him by Christ, through the shedding of His innocent blood, which He so willingly poured out; thereby showing us His love, and enduing us with the power of His Spirit, and whoever receives and uses it grows and is made perfect in God. Only love to God through Christ shall stand and prevail; not boasting, denouncing, or threatening. It is love alone that is pleasing to God: he that cannot show love shall not stand in the sight of God. The true love of Christ shall not destroy the enemy; he that would be an heir with Christ is taught that he must be merciful, as the Father in heaven is merciful. Christ never accused any one, as do the false teachers of the present day; from which it is evident that they do not have the love of Christ, nor understand His Word; and still they would be shepherds and teachers; but at last they will have to despair, when they shall find, that everlasting pain shall be their recompense, if they do not reform. Christ also never hated any one; neither did His true servants, but they continued to follow Christ in the true way, as He went before them. This Light of life they have before them, and are glad to walk in it; but those who are hateful and envious, and do thus wickedly betray, accuse, smite and quarrel, cannot be Christians. They are those who run before Christ as thieves and murderers, and under a false pretense shed innocent blood. By this we may know them that are not on the side of Christ; for they, as children of Belial, prompted by envy, destroy the ordinances of Jesus Christ; even as Cain slew his brother Abel, when God accepted the offerings of Abel.

With this I will finish my discourse, desiring that all the pious be mindful of the fall of Adam, who when he accepted the advice of the serpent, and became disobedient to God, the punishment of death came upon him. Thus it shall also happen to those who do not accept Christ, but resist Him, love this world, and have not the love of God. And thus I close with this that I will firmly adhere to Christ, and trust in Him, who is acquainted with all my needs, and can deliver me out of it. Amen.

I Pet. 5:1; John 16:20; Gal. 5:21; John 5:42; Matt. 7:15; II Thess. 3:7; John 10:3; Acts 2:38;

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Luke 6:36; John 8:12; John 10:1; Gen. 4:8; 3:6; I John 2:15; John 5:42.GEORGE WAGNER, A. D. 1527

George Wagner, of Emmerich, was apprehended at Munich, in Bavaria, on account of four articles of the faith. First, That the priest cannot forgive sins. Secondly, That he does not believe that a man can bring down God from heaven. Thirdly, That he does not believe that God or Christ is bodily in the bread which the priest has upon the altar; but that it is the bread of the Lord. Fourthly, That he did not hold to the belief that water baptism possessed any saving power. As he would not renounce these articles, he was most severely tormented, so that the prince felt great compassion for him, and personally came to him in the prison, and earnestly admonished him thereto, promising that he would call him his friend all his life time. Thus also the tutor of the prince, earnestly admonished him to recant, and likewise made him many promises. Ultimately his wife and child were brought before him in prison in order, on this wise to move him to recant. But neither was he to be moved in this way; for he said that though his wife and child were so dear to him that the prince could not buy them with all his dominion, yet he would not forsake his God and Lord on their account. Many priests and others also came to him, to

persuade him; but he was steadfast and immovable in that which God had given him to know. Hence he was finally sentenced to the fire and death.

Having been delivered into the hands of the executioner, and led into the middle of the city, he said, "Today I will confess my God before all the world." He had such joy in Christ Jesus, that his face did not pale, nor his eyes show fear; but he went smilingly to the fire, where the executioner bound him on the ladder, and tied a little bag of powder to his neck, at which he said, "Be it done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;" and having smilingly bid farewell to a Christian, who was there, he was thrust into the fire by the executioner, and happily offered up his spirit, on the eighth day of February, A. D. 1527. The sheriff, however, surnamed Eisenreich von Landsberg, while returning home from the place!!of execution, traveling on horseback; purposing to apprehend others of the brethren, died suddenly in the night, and was found dead in his bed in the morning, having thus been removed through the wrath of God.

NOTE.-It is known that Balthasar Pacimontanus opposed infant baptism, and was therefore burned at Vienna, A. D. 1527. See second part of Jacob Mehrning's History of Baptism, page 777, ex Bellarm., Tom. 3, lib. 1, de Bdpt., cap. 8.MELCHIOR VET

This Melchior Vet. was a companion of George Blaurock, who was of the same faith with him, andalso served with him in the Gospel. He was burned in the time of Michael Sattler, at Drache, for the testimony of the faith and of the divine truth, which he boldly confessed.