The Bloody Theatre, or Martyrs Mirror of the Defenseless Christians / who baptized only upon confession of faith, and who suffered and died for the testimony of Jesus, their savior, from the time of Christ to the year A.D. 1660

by Thieleman J. van Braght

(From here on we shall follow G. van Byler’s own words.)

We were then brought before Her Majesty’s Bishop, to confess our faith, which we did.

When we came before the bishop, there were assembled there: Mr. George, James King, John Wheelwright, two aldermen, and a French preacher. Again: we came before the lords and their servants; they presented to us four questions, and thereupon said: “Say yes or no.”

1. Ques. Whether Christ had not assumed his flesh and blood from the virgin Mary?

We replied: That he is the Son of the living God.

2. Ques. Whether infants must not be baptized?

We replied: That we could not understand it so, since we had not found it in the holy Scriptures.

3. Ques. Whether a Christian may administer the [criminal] office of the magistracy?

We replied: That our conscience did not allow it, but that we recognized it as the servant of God, as we read.

4. Ques. Whether a Christian, in case of necessity, may not swear?