• Thieleman J. Van Braght, Martyrs Mirror

    1. Of the True Church of God

    Of the True Church of God, Its Origin, Progress, an Immovable Stability, through all Times [As in the following work a survey is given, to some degree, of the succession and establishment of the church, we find it expedient in order that the same may not be misinterpreted, and because some of our good friends have requested and besought us…

  • Thieleman J. Van Braght, Martyrs Mirror

    Martyrs Mirror: Editor’s Note

    The following work is set forth in its entirety, including footnotes which have been added in brackets either preceding or following the reference points. The first 18 chapters provide an overview of Gospel history, beginning with Adam and Eve and proceeding to the present time of the publication, 1660. The remaining chapters are devoted to a detailed record of the…

  • Thieleman J. Van Braght, Martyrs Mirror

    Martyrs Mirror: Introduction

    Summary of the Following Work This work comprises two books, each of them containing a different and independent topic. The first is a treatise of the holy baptism and of that which pertains to it. The second is a historical account of the holy martyrs who suffered on account of baptism, or, generally, for the testimony of Jesus Christ. These…

  • Thieleman J. Van Braght, Martyrs Mirror

    Martyrs Mirror: To The Readers

    Good friends and fellow citizens: Of old, among the heathen, the greatest and highest honors were accorded to the brave and triumphant warriors, who, risking their lives in the land of the enemy, conquered, and carried off the victory. [The victors at the Olympic games (so-called from Mount Olympus in Greece, where they were held) were crowned with Wreaths of…

  • Thieleman J. Van Braght, Martyrs Mirror

    Martyrs Mirror: Preface

    To my beloved friends and companions in Christ Jesus our Saviour Next to God we are joined to our fellow-believers who have received the same faith with us; and we shall therefore address ourselves to them. But most beloved, do not expect that we shall bring you into Grecian theatres, to gaze on merry comedies or gay performances. Here shall…

  • Thieleman J. Van Braght, Martyrs Mirror

    Martyrs Mirror: Invocation

    To God, my Lord, the Creator, Preserver and Redeemer of my soul, be praise, honor and majesty, forever and ever. Pardon me, O my Lord and my God! that I, who am but dust and ashes, approach Thee. Gen. 18:27. I fear to come to Thee, because Thou art a consuming fire, while I am wood, hay and stubble, subject…