[The following part of Martyrs Mirror was not originally written by van Braght, but was the outgrowth of a compilation from different authors, and published in different editions, which from time to time were enlarged and improved. The original book, as appears from the writings of Samuel W. Pennypacker, of Philadelphia, Pa., was published in Holland, in 1562, under the title, Het Offer des Heeren. Later editions were printed in the years 1567, 1570, 1576, 1578, 1580, 1589, 1595, and 1599. In 1617, a large quarto edition, containing 863 pages, written by Hans de Reis and Jacques Outerman, and printed by Zacharias Cornelisz, at Hoorn, was published, bearing the title, Historie der Warachtighe getuygen Jesu Christi. This book was succeeded by a folio volume of ten hundred fifty-six pages, printed at Haerlem, by Hans Passchiers, von Wesbusch, in 1631, entitled, Martelwrs Spiegel der Werelose Christenen, that is, The Martyrs Mirror of the defenseless Christians. This book, our author, van Braght, embodies as"Second Part," in his own work under the title of The Bloody Theatre, or Martyrs Mirror of the defenseless Christians, as he says, without change, except where some correction was needed, adding, however, such matter as seemed profitable and necessary. This will explain to the reader the above remark, "Old Book."-Publishers.]
