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Martyrs Mirror

Martyrs-Mirror.jpg Martyr’s Mirror was written and published in 1659 by a Dutch Mennonite, Thieleman J. van Braght. One of the reasons why van Braght compiled this massive work was to strengthen the faith of his fellow believers, now that persecution of the Mennonites in the Netherlands had largely ended.

Martyr’s Mirror contains classic accounts of more than 4,000 Christians who endured suffering, torture, and a martyr’s death because of their simple faith in the gospel of Christ. It also includes more than 50 finely detailed etchings by noted Dutch artist Jan Luyken.

Thieleman J. van Braght
Thieleman J. van Braght
Songs, letters, prayers, and confessions appear with the stories of many nonresistant Christians who were able to love their enemies and return good for evil.

In 1748, American Mennonites had Martyrs’ Mirror translated into German, on the eve of the French and Indian War. They wanted to strengthen their brethren to resist the temptation to be drawn into this worldly struggle for power. In 1886, Martyrs Mirror was translated into English to challenge generations of Christians in North America.

This enduring work calls believers to follow Jesus in all areas of life, even unto death. Come what may, true Christian commitment demands supreme discipleship and steadfast adherence to the teachings modeled by Jesus and his apostles.