# The Decree.349

17th century (source section) · Historical source

Source: Martyrs’ Mirror. Original heading: THE DECREE.349

Century of containing source section; exact event date not assigned

The burgomasters and the council make known:
Whereas it has come to our certain knowledge that
not only many in the city and in the jurisdiction
of the same presume to exercise and practice, contrary
to the treaty sworn to and made with the city,
A. D. ’94, another religion than the Reformed, to
the adulteration of the word of God, to the misuse
of his holy sacraments, and to the offense and seduction
of many persons; but that also nearly all
disorders and abuses in and without the marriage
state, and also others contrary to the Christian
church regulations established and customary here,
creep in and are practiced; and we by virtue of our
office recognize it our duty to meet and check all
this with proper penalties: therefore, we have ordained,
and do ordain and decree by these presents,
as follows:

Firstly, that the exercise of all other religions
than the Reformed is herewith again strictly prohibited.

And if any one be found to allow his house or
place to the Anabaptists, contrary to the church
regulations of this city, for the purpose of preaching
or holding meetings therein, he shall each time
be fined ten dollars.

The preachers, as aforesaid, if found to be preaching,
shall for each offense be fined ten dollars, or
be imprisoned two weeks on water and bread; and
when detected in thus preaching the third time,
shall be expelled from the city or the jurisdiction
of the same.

And all that shall be found attending such
preaching or gatherings, shall each time be fined
two dollars.

Whoever shall be found to have rebaptized any
one, shall be fined twenty dollars; and when detected
the second time, shall be imprisoned on
water and bread, and expelled as aforesaid.

Again, unbaptized children shall not receive inheritance,
according to the city statutes.

No one also shall be admitted to any administration
or office, public or private, nor be accepted as
a witness, except he render the solemn oath required
for it.

And all that refuse such oath shall be punished as
is proper according to law.

(Note.—Here follow two other articles, which
do not properly belong to this matter; hence we
have omitted to place them here; but proceeding
we read thus:)

As regards the disposing of the aforesaid fines,
one half shall go to the informer, and the other half,
like other fines, fall to the city and its jurisdiction.

Thus resolved on the 5th of September, to be
published by the bell on the ensuing Monday.

The aforewritten, touching the exercise of religion,
was published by the bell, the 7th of September,
1601, old style.

See Chronijck van den Ondergang, edition 1620,
page 1539, col. 2, compared with the apology of the
decree, letter A., fol. 4; also, Tegenberecht, letter
A., 3, 4.





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Page: http://history.truechristian.church/stories/mm-the-decree-349/

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