The Decree

The burgomasters and the council make known: Whereas it has come to our certain knowledge that not only do 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 in the year '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 within and outside the marriage state, and others as well contrary to the Christian church regulations established and customary here, creep in and are practiced; and we by virtue of our office recognize it as our duty to meet and check all this with proper penalties: therefore we have ordained, and do ordain and decree by this present document, as follows

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

And if anyone is 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 there, he shall each time be fined ten dollars.

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

And all who are found attending such preachings or gatherings shall each time be fined two dollars.

Whoever is found to have rebaptized anyone shall be fined twenty dollars; and when caught the second time, shall be imprisoned on water and bread, and expelled as stated above.

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, unless he takes the solemn oath required for it.

And all who refuse such an oath shall be punished as a witness, unless he takes the solemn oath required for it. [n1216-2]

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

(NOTE. Here follow two other articles, which do not properly belong to this matter; therefore we have not placed them here; but going on we read as follows:)

As regards the disposing of the fines mentioned above, one half shall go to the informer, and the other half, like other fines, shall fall to the city and its jurisdiction. [n1216-1]

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

What is written above, concerning the exercise of religion, was published by the bell on the 7th of September, 1601, old style.

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