# Conclusion Of The Fifteenth Century.

15th century (source section) · Historical source

Source: Martyrs’ Mirror. Original heading: CONCLUSION OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.

Century of containing source section; exact event date not assigned

We long to take our leave from this century,
since we cannot longer behold this misery. However,
we have only reached the summit of the
mountain of martyrdom. In our ascent we have
met scarcely anything but skulls, thigh-bones, and
charred skeletons. In our descent deep pits, pools
and blood-red rivers, into which the bodies of the
saints are thrown, threaten us; to say nothing of
the dark prisons, dungeons, torture-chambers, and
countless instruments of torture.

But the merciful Lord, who has led us by the
hand, and thus far aided us, will lead and help us
still further. His love shown to me in this matter,
has been wonderful. For, when the bands of death
were around me, by reason of a half year’s severe
sickness, which attacked me in the midst of this
work, his gracious hand restored me, so that I have
completed the work thus far, though not without
anxiety and labor. Hence, though still in the grasp
of severe fevers, I wrote, for my own remembrance,
to the praise of my Creator, and to dedicate to my
brethren this book, these words:

My heart with anxious fear did beat,

That I this work should not complete;

Since God had touched me with his hand,

And sickness brought me near my end.

Now thank I God with joyful song,

Whose constant presence made me strong,

Until I to the end have come,

By ways oft sad and wearisome.

My brethren, take this book, I pray,

With ardent love, and favor, yea,

Which for the truth of God doth burn;

For this my soul doth greatly yearn.

It is time to proceed, in order that we may reach
the end. We will conclude this first book, comprising
fifteen centuries, the whole of which we had to
bring up from the very depths; and proceed to the
second, where our labor will not be so great; since
the living memoirs of old writers and their accounts
will serve us therein. Moreover, the entire work
can be comprised in one great century; relying upon
which, we take our leave, and turn to the following
work, to which the Lord be pleased to grant us his
grace, as much as is necessary. Amen.

339

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