Second Part. (continued 11)

Be therefore a follower of Christ, patiently and joyfully take up your cross, and follow him with gladness, since he has suffered so much for our salvation; hence let us also suffer for his praise. Since our hour has now come, let us joyfully strive for the crown of life, which is prepared for us.

Therefore I pray you, my love, that you will not sorrow any longer; for the Lord will preserve you as the apple of his eye; yea, though a mother forget her child, yet shall I not forget thee, says the Lord, yea, my sheep hear my voice, says the Lord, and they follow me, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand. Therefore, my most beloved, be content, and trust in the Lord; he will not forsake you. Moreover, I learned partly from my sister, that you also grieved because you were not more patient with me. See, my dear lamb, you have not been obstinate towards me, and we have not lived together otherwise than we were in duty bound to live; why then will you grieve. Be content; Christ will not lay it to your charge, for he will not remember our sins. I thank the Lord, that you have lived so humbly with me as you did. Gladly would I be imprisoned for you for a whole year, on bread and water, yea, and then die, a tenfold death, if you could be released. O that I could help you with my tears and with my blood, how willingly should I suffer for you; but my suffering can avail you nothing. Hence, be contented; I will pray the Lord still more for you. I have written this letter in tears, because I heard that your grief is so very great. I pray you, that you will write to me how you are. Herewith I commend you to the Lord.

A LETTER FROM LIJSKEN, JEROME’S WIFE, WHICH SHE WROTE TO HIM IN PRISON AT ANTWERP, A. D. 1551.

Grace and peace be to both of us from God the Father, and the love of the Son, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with us, to the strengthening, consolation, joy, and salvation of our souls.

My beloved husband in the Lord, know that at first the time seemed very long to me, because I was not used to imprisonment, and heard nothing but temptations to depart from the Lord. They said: Why do you trouble yourself with the Scriptures; attend to your sewing. It seems that you would follow the apostles; where are the signs which you do? They spake with different tongues, after they had received the Holy Ghost. Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4. And they said: Where is your language which you received through the Holy Ghost? But it is sufficient for us, that we have believed through their word, as John tells us, where Christ says: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. John 17:20. Herewith I commend you to the Lord; the grace of God be with us always.

Thanks be to God the Father, who had and showed such love to us, that he gave his dear Son for us; may he give us such love, joy, wisdom, and such a steadfast mind, through Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may prevail against all ravenous beasts, dragons, serpents, and all the gates of hell, which are now using great subtlety to seize, deceive, destroy, and seduce our souls. Well may we therefore humbly pray the Lord without ceasing, day and night; for the devourer walks about us, seeking whom he may devour; for we are not ignorant of his designs. But though they are very crafty, yet the Lord’s hand is not shortened, in them that love him, and do his will; for the eyes of the Lord are upon those that love him, and his ears are open unto their cry; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Is. 59:1; Ps. 34:15,16. Hence, let every one take good heed, that the face of the Lord be not against him; for the soul that sinneth, it shall die, unless he repent before the Lord come. But we are not assured of the time when the Lord will come; for he shall come as a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Hence, we may well pray the Lord for one another, that our flight be not on the Sabbath-day, when we are idle, nor in the winter, when we have no fruit on our trees, for every tree which bringeth forth not good fruit shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire; but every tree that beareth good fruit, he shall purge, that it may bring forth fruit abundantly. Matthew 24:20; 3:10; John 15:2. The mouth of the Lord also tells us: “If any man sin willfully . . . there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. The law of Moses was so strict, that he who transgressed it had to die without mercy under two or three witnesses; of how much sorer punishment shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God?” Heb. 10:26–29. The Holy Ghost also declares: “If we be dead with him, we shall also live with him; if we suffer we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Tim. 2:11–13. Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame; who threatened not, when he suffered for our sins unto the salvation of our souls. Hebrews 12:1,2; 1 Peter 2:23. Thus we also, my most beloved in the Lord, to his praise, and to the consolation of all dear friends. I wish to us both the crucified Savior for an everlasting joy and strength. I trust to the Lord, who alone is wise, and who has given his wisdom only to the simple, the innocent and outcasts of this world, that he will comfort us till our travail is over. Rev. 12:5.

My dear husband in the Lord, whom I married before God and his church, and with whom they say I have lived in adultery, because I was not married in Baal; but the Lord says: Rejoice, when all men shall speak evil of you, for my name’s sake: rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven. Matt. 5:11,12.

Know, that I have wept much, because you were grieved on my account, having heard that I said that I had often spoken to you about moving away from Assuerus, and that you did not do it; be content concerning this, my most beloved in the Lord; if it had not so been the will of the Lord, it would not have happened; the Lord’s will must be done, for the salvation of both our souls, for he will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. Be of good cheer therefore, my most beloved in the Lord, and rejoice in him as before, praising and thanking him for having chosen us to be imprisoned so long for his name, having been found worthy thereto; he knows for what end he has ordered it so. Though the children of Israel were a long time in the wilderness, yet, had they been obedient to the voice of the Lord, they would have entered the promised land with Joshua and Caleb. Thus also we are here in the wilderness, among these ravening beasts, which daily spread out their nets, to catch us (Ps. 35:8); but the Lord, who is so strong, does not forsake his own, who trust in him; he preserves them from all evil, yea, as the apple of his eye; hence let us be content in him, joyfully and patiently take up our cross, and wait with a firm confidence for the promises which he has given us, not doubting them, for he is faithful that promised; that we may be crowned on mount Sion, and adorned with palms, and may follow the Lamb. I pray you, my beloved in the Lord, be of good cheer in him, together with all dear friends, and pray to the Lord in my behalf. Amen.

A LETTER FROM JEROME SEGERS TO HIS WIFE.

Grace and peace be with you from God the Father, and the mercy and love of the Son, and the power and communion of the Holy Ghost strengthen your faith, heart, mind and understanding in Christ Jesus. Amen. This I wish to my beloved wife, whom I before God and his holy church espoused as my own wife. Even as Abraham took Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, and Tobias, the daughter of his uncle to wife; so did I take you to wife, according to the word and command of God, and not as this wicked, blind world. For this reason I praise and thank the Lord night and day, that he spared us so long, till we became acquainted in part with each other, and had attained unto the knowledge of the truth; on which account they say that we lived in adultery, because we were not married like this idolatrous generation, in an idolatrous, carnal, vain, proud, and gluttonous manner, which is nothing but an abomination in the eyes of God. On this account they slander us, as they did Christ. Matt. 12:24. And though they may tell you to attend to your sewing, this does not prevent us; for Christ has called us all, and commanded us to search the Scriptures, since they testify of him; and Christ also said that Magdalene had chosen the better part, because she searched the Scriptures. Matt. 11:28; John 5:39; Luke 10:42. Moreover, my most beloved, though they ask you where your signs and tongues are, this must not hinder you; for the believers whom Peter and John baptized did not speak with tongues, but it was enough for them, that they believed in Christ. Acts 2:38. And also Stephen, who was full of the Holy Ghost, did not speak with tongues; nor did any of the bishops or teachers who were with Paul, perform signs, and speak with tongues; yet they taught the word of God blamelessly. And Paul says that the Holy Ghost distributes his gifts in the church; one has the gift of healing; another of prophecy; another of speaking with tongues; another the working of miracles; another the gift of exhortation; another of showing mercy; another of firm faith; and all these worketh the Holy Spirit, through whom they mutually assist each other to their own edification, and thus grow into a holy temple; and let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:16; 2:21; 1 Cor. 7:20. Moreover, it is enough for us, that Christ prayed not only for his disciples, but also for those who should believe on him through their word. John 17:20.

Behold, my beloved wife in the Lord, how gladly the ravening wolves would murder the souls of the simple, with their lies and subtlety, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, in order to bring your soul into eternal death. Hence, beware of them, and hearken not unto them, since they are very crafty; but do as Christ says: My sheep hear my voice; they hear not the voice of strangers; hence no man shall pluck them out of his hand. See, my beloved, how Christ has warned us of this time; let us therefore look well before us, lest the subtle serpent deceive us. And know, that I have also been before the lords once, when I called to you, and that I then spoke in such a manner, that they let me in peace; though the others were arraigned twice after this, yet I was left unmolested. Once I also had a discussion with the priests in regard to the calling,252 in which I so reproved them with the word of the Lord, that they became so angry that they struck on the table with their fists, and did not know what to say; for they said that Peter was a pope, and that St. Andrew read the first mass. I replied that they could not prove it in truth, and told them they were seducing spirits, and held the doctrine of devils. Then they went away.

Moreover, know, my beloved wife in the Lord, I am sorry that you wept; for, when I heard that you grieved, I prayed the more fervently to the Lord, day and night, for you, and know assuredly, that he will preserve you as the apple of his eye. I constantly praise the Lord, that he has made us both worthy to suffer for his name, for which cause I greatly rejoice. When I read your letter, and learned how it was with you, and that you wished the crucified Christ to me, for a salutation, my heart and my spirit leaped up for joy in my body; so that I could not finish reading the letter, but had to bow my knees before the Lord (Eph. 3:14), and praise and thank him for his strength, consolation and joy, although I was afflicted on account of our brethren and you, because you have to be imprisoned there so long. I have committed you, together with the fruit, into the hands of the Lord, being confident beyond a doubt, that he will give you the same joy which he gives to me, and keep you unto the end. I experience such joy and gladness in his promises, that I never think on these torments, but only on the great promises which he has given to those who remain steadfast unto the end. I have such gladness, consolation and joy as I never had, yea, such joy, that I cannot utter or describe it, yea, that I did not believe that a person could have such joy in prison; for day or night I can scarcely sleep for joy, nor sufficiently thank and praise the Lord; for it seems as though I had not been here a day yet. Sir. 43:30. O that I might break my heart into pieces, and give it to you and our brethren! O that I could help them with my blood; I should so gladly suffer for them!

O my beloved in the Lord, I now experience how mightily, strongly and fatherly he preserves those who trust in him, and seek nothing but his glory; yea, what strength, consolation and joy he gives them; and how ignominiously he permits them to fall, who trust in men, and forsake and deny him; so that they get a torturing conscience, a sorrowful heart, and dreadful horror, yea, look for nothing but eternal damnation and the pain of fire, and expect to hear the terrible words: Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire; for the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Matt. 25:41; Ps. 34:16. Behold, therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, let us look unto Jesus the Finisher, how he went before us into death, for our salvation; for, behold, the crown of life is prepared for us; we shall sit with him upon his throne; we shall be clothed in white robes. Herewith I commend you unto the crucified Christ for consolation and joy; that he will keep you, satisfy you with his divine word, feed you with the bread of life and of understanding, and give you to drink the water of wisdom and the unadulterated milk, from the fountain of life. May he keep your soul unto salvation. Amen.

A LETTER FROM LIJSKEN, JEROME’S WIFE.

The grace, peace, joy and love left by Christ to his disciples be unto you. I earnestly beseech him, that he will give us such love and such a steadfast mind, that we may be found fit to receive the beautiful promises which he has given to us, if we continue steadfast unto the end. To this Christ be praise and honor forever and ever. Amen.

I cannot thank or praise the Lord sufficiently for the great grace, the unfathomable mercy, and great love which he has shown us, that we should be his sons and daughters, if we overcome, even as he overcame. 2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:21. O, well may we say that true faith, which works by love, and which will bring us to glory, if we suffer with him is actuated by things not seen. Gal. 5:6; Romans 8:17; Heb. 11:1. Let us consider, dear friends in the Lord, what great love worldly men have towards one another. There are some in prison, I have heard say, who rejoiced when about to go to the rack, because they should then be nearer those whom they loved, though they could not come together in person. Hearken, my beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, if the world has such love, what love, then, ought we to have, who expect such glorious promises! I also have before me the beautiful example of a bride, how she adorns herself, to please her bridegroom of this world. O, how ought we then to adorn ourselves, to please our bridegroom! O that we might be adorned as were the five wise virgins with oil in their lamps, to meet our bridegroom, that we might also hear the sweet voice: Come, ye blessed, inherit the kingdom of my Father. I pray the Lord day and night, to give us such fervent love, that we may not regard the torments which they may inflict upon us; yea, may say with the prophet David: “I fear nothing of all that men can do unto me.” Ps. 118:6. And this our pain, which is light and temporal, is not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18.

Since, then, it is the will of the Lord that with Daniel I must remain so long in the den of lions, and await the howling and ravening wolves and lions, and the old serpent, which was from the beginning, and shall be unto the end; therefore, I entreat all my dear brethren and sisters, to remember me in their prayers; I will gladly do the same, according to my ability. O my dear friends, how can I sufficiently thank my heavenly Father, that he has made me poor sheep fit to remain in bonds so long for his name’s sake. I pray the Lord day and night, that this my trial may tend to the salvation of my soul, to the praise of the Lord, and to the edification of my dear brethren and sisters. Amen.

Nicholas op de Suyckeruye brought two priests to me, to instruct me, whom I answered by the grace of the Lord. They told me they were sorry that I had embraced this opinion, which they could not call a faith, but only an opinion, since we observed nothing commanded by the Christian church. I replied to them: “We desire to do or believe nothing but what the church of Christ commands us; but we will have nothing to do with the temple of Baal, or with other temples made with hands, after the doctrines and commandments of men, and not after Christ. With these we will have nothing at all to do; for Stephen says that the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands; but he said that he saw the heavens opened, and Christ sitting on the right hand of his Almighty Father. Acts 7:48,56. And Paul says, that we are the temple of the living God; if we do his will, he will dwell and walk in us. 2 Corinthians 6:16. They said that they were the sent, and those who sit in Moses’ seat. I replied to them, that in that case the woes spoken of in Matt. 23 applied to them. They asked me whether I meant to say that he who taught me these things, was sent of God. I said: “Yes; I assuredly know that he is sent of God.” They then asked me, whether I knew how a teacher ought to be. I answered: “A teacher must be the husband of one wife, blameless, having his children in subjection, no drunkard, winebibber or whoremonger.” 1 Tim. 3:2. They replied: “If we do wrong, it will fall on our own heads; the Lord is merciful.” I then asked, whether they would sin upon the mercy of God, and said it was written that we should not add sin unto sin, and say: “The Lord is merciful.” Sir. 5:5. We said much more; but it would take too long to relate it.

I told them that they were ever learning, and never able to come to a right knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. 3:7. They then said that Christ said to his apostles: “To you it is given to understand, but to others in parables.” Matt. 13:11. I replied: “They who now rightly understand it, to them it is also given.”

Finally they crossed themselves over and over and said that I should find it out when I should stand before the judgment. That is true, I said: we shall there be appointed judges, to judge this disobedient and adulterous generation. Matt. 19:28. With this they went away. I also told them, that they had come from Satan, to murder my soul.

Once more I wish to my dear husband in the Lord, and to myself, the crucified Christ, as an imperishable joy and love, forever. Amen.

Know, my dear husband in the Lord, when I read that you rejoice so greatly in the Lord, I could not finish reading the letter, but had to pray the Lord, that he would give me the same joy, and keep me unto the end, so that we may offer our sacrifice with joy, to the praise of our Father who is in heaven, and to the edification of all dear brethren and sisters. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace. Know, that I thank you very much for the letter you wrote me. The grace of the Lord be with us always.

ANOTHER LETTER FROM LIJSKEN TO HER HUSBAND.

The abundant grace of God be with us both always, and the love of the Son, and his unfathomable mercy, and the joy of the Holy Ghost be with us forever. Amen. To him who has begotten us again from the dead, be praise forever and ever. Amen.

I wish to us both the crucified Christ for the protector and guardian of our souls; may he keep us in all righteousness, holiness and truth unto the end. And he will preserve us as his sons and daughters, yea, as the apple of his eye, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Hebrews 3:14. Hence, let us trust in him, and he will never forsake us, but preserve us, as he has preserved his own from the beginning of the world, and will let no temptation come upon us, but such as is common to man. Heb. 13:5; 1 Cor. 10:13.

The Lord is faithful, says Paul; he will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has made us fit to suffer a short, transient affliction for his name, through his beautiful promises, which he has given us and all those who remain steadfast in his doctrine. We may suffer here a little, but we shall be greatly rewarded. Wis. 3:5.

My dear, beloved husband in the Lord, you have partly passed through the trial, and have remained steadfast, eternal praise and glory to the Lord for his great grace! And I beseech the Lord with tears, to make me also fit, to suffer for his name; for all his chosen lambs are appointed thereto, since he has redeemed them from among men, to be the first-fruits unto God. Rev. 14:4. Yea, we know, as Paul says, that if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him; if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. 2 Tim. 2:12,11. Hence, let us not despise the chastening of the Lord; for, whom he loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth, as Paul tells us. Heb. 12:5,6. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace and glory; with which he will glorify us, if we adhere to it unto the end. The grace of the Lord be with us.

A LETTER FROM JEROME SEGERS TO HIS WIFE.

The grace, joy, and peace from God the Father, and the loving kindness and love of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion and consolation of the Holy Ghost, strengthen, console and confirm and keep us, both in all righteousness and holiness unto the end. To him be praise forever and ever. Amen.

I wish to my chosen wife in the Lord, and to me, eternal joy, and the imperishable and incorruptible life, and may he grant, that we both adhere unchangingly to his divine word and eternal truth, unto the end; which he will also do, since he has promised it to us, if we continue faithful in what he has given us, and are willing to contend for it for his glory, even as he contended for our salvation, and was obedient to his Father unto death. If we also continue thus faithful unto death, we shall receive the crown of life, and inherit eternal life with him, and he will never forsake us; for the Lord will or can do nothing contrary to his word, for his word shall never pass away. Matt. 24:35. And he has so faithfully promised to keep us, if we do not forsake him; so that no one shall pluck us out of his hand; he will keep us as the apple of his eye, yea, as his sons and daughters. For, behold, my beloved, how faithfully he preserved those who faithfully served him; even as Noah was preserved in the ark, as Lot was led out of Sodom, as Jacob was preserved from his brother Esau, who sought to kill him, and as Joseph was preserved from his brothers, the sons of Jacob, Joshua and Caleb from all the heathen, and entered into the promised land, David before Goliath; Susannah before the false witnesses: Daniel from the lions; and many other examples too lengthy to recite. Hereby we may perceive, how faithfully he preserves those who sincerely fear and love him, and how ignominiously they fall who forsake him, as we may see from the beginning of the world, how it perished, on account of its wickedness, and how Lot’s wife was punished. Esau could not find his birthright again, and the whole house of Israel perished in the wilderness. See, my beloved wife, all this the Lord permitted to happen not only for the sake of those who had sinned, but also for our sakes, that we should see, how Christ is with the righteous, and preserves them, and how he forsakes and brings to nought the ungodly; for Paul says: “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.” Rom. 15:4.

Hence, let us diligently take heed, that we seek, fear and love the Lord from the bottom of our heart, faithfully serving, and not forsaking him; for Christ says: “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth” (Luke 11:23); even as we daily see how mightily he preserves those who trust in him, and how soon they fall who forsake Christ, and put their trust in man. Therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, let us trust in the Lord Almighty, constantly look to Jesus, the Captain and finisher of our faith, always keep the crucified Christ before our eyes, faithfully follow him as he went before us, and patiently take up our cross, always remembering the words of Christ, where he says that they shall kill us, and will think that they do him service; and remembering that this is told us beforehand, that when it happens to us, we may not be offended; for the servant is not greater than his lord. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. John 16:3. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness, but unto us, the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18. Hence, let us always remember the words of Christ: Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven, and before his holy angels. Matt. 10:32,23. Let us firmly trust in him, and he will not forsake us; for he does not forsake his own, but he prayed his heavenly Father, that where he is, he will that we shall be with him. John 17:24.

Hence, let the world call us heretics and Anabaptists and condemn us as much as they please; for Paul says: “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is ever at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things! Now, if God so loved us, when we were yet enemies, how much more shall we be preserved from wrath, seeing we are justified through his blood: for being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom. 8:33,34,32; 5:10,1–5.

My dearly beloved, let us therefore firmly trust the Lord, and patiently wait for his promises, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; and let us not forsake him, and he will not forsake us. I have committed us both and also the fruit into his hands, to do his divine will with us, that his name may be glorified thereby, and that it may tend to the salvation of our souls, and to the consolation and joy of all that fear the Lord, and I firmly trust him, and doubt not, that he will preserve us as his sons and daughters, yea, as the apple of his eye. Know, that I rejoiced greatly, when I read your letter and that you write, that you pray the Lord with weeping eyes, to make you fit to suffer for his name. My beloved, be not anxious, but pray the Lord with a humble heart, to give us what is best for our souls, which he will doubtless do, and will not tempt us above that we are able. May he keep us in all righteousness, holiness and truth, unto the end.

Know also, my beloved, that they greatly tortured me, to find out the midwives where our sisters lay in child-bed; but the Lord, who kept my lips, was stronger than all their tortures. Eternal praise and glory be to the Lord, who does not forsake his own. They obtained no names from me, save one or two, which they had read to me from a letter, and which I told them, to see what they would say. But they asked me whether I was making sport of them, and tortured me still more, demanding that I should tell them concerning the women, and others, or they would torture me till the next morning, and stretch me a foot longer than I was. They told Gileyn to rack, and his assistant racked vigorously, and Gileyn poured my body full of water. They had me lying stark-naked on the bench, with nothing but the shirt to cover my shame. I was bound to the bench with four cords, so that it seemed to me, as though my head and legs were severed; but they obtained nothing more, praise and glory be to the Lord. When they released me, two or three of them had to lift me from the bench, and dress me; yea, it would not have been possible to endure the pain without the help of the Lord. They told me to consider the matter, and become a good son of the Roman church, and that I should indicate all those whom I knew, or they would deal more severely with me. I replied that I had not erred, and would far rather die than forsake my faith. They then said that they would come again; but they can do no more than the Lord permits them. John 19:11. Eternal praise to the Lord, who has made us fit for this, may he further fit us to become children of his Kingdom. Amen. My beloved wife, I commend you to the Lord and to the word of his grace.

A LETTER OF JEROME SEGERS TO BIG HENRY, WHO WAS ALSO IMPRISONED THERE, IN THE YEAR 1551.

The grace and peace of God the Father, and the great mercy and love of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father, out of grace, for the salvation of all those who are dead unto their sins, and thus have risen with Christ into newness of life, and the eternal, unfathomable joy, consolation and communion of the Holy Ghost, strengthen your heart, understanding and mind in Christ Jesus. To him be praise forever and ever. Amen.

I wish you, Henry, my dear brother in the Lord, whom I love from the bottom of my heart, for the steadfastness of our faith in Christ Jesus, true, penitent faith, which works by love, which you have, and a firm, constant mind, and steadfastness unto the end in this same effectual, saving faith. Col. 2:5; Hebr. 3:14. I am greatly rejoiced at your steadfastness, that you are again so cheerful and content, the Lord be praised forever. I pray the Lord night and day, to strengthen you with his divine word, and confirm you in the faith, preserve you in the den of lions, as he preserved Daniel and keep you with his strong arm, and to give you the New Jerusalem for an inheritance, which he will also do, for he is faithful that promised. Heb. 10:23.

Therefore, my dear brother in the Lord, let us fight manfully against all devouring beasts; for life is prepared for us; and let us not be afraid of their threatenings, nor be terrified by their tortures, for they can do nothing without the will of the Father. 1 Pet. 3:14; John 19:11. The Lord will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. The Lord is our Captain, whom will we fear? The Lord is with us, who can be against us? For he will preserve us as the apple of his eye, yea, as his sons and daughters; for no man shall pluck his sheep out of his hand, yea, it is impossible for God’s elect to be deceived. Matt. 24:24.

Hence, behold my dear brother in the Lord, be not dismayed, though they growl and snarl at you in an ugly manner; they can do nothing else to you. Let us fight valiantly against all dragons and lions. Put on the armor of God, take the sword of the Spirit, and resist them undauntedly, and regard no one; they will have to take to flight; for the sword which the Lord has given us is much too sharp for them, and the Lord helping us to fight, who is there able to prevail? For our God is a consuming fire, which devours his enemies. Deut. 4:24.

Hence, I pray you, my dear brother, not to let it grieve you, though they keep you so long in this den of lions; for hereby the Lord tries us, since he tries his chosen as gold in the furnace. Therefore be patient in your tribulation; for where no conflict is, there is no victory; hence, we must have conflict, if we are to overcome; but he that overcometh shall inherit all things. Rev. 21:7. Let us, therefore, take up the cross with humility and patience, and wait for our promises, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; and let us keep the Lord before our eyes, and be faithful to him unto death, for we must here suffer a little, but we shall be greatly rewarded; for he will set us upon his throne, and give us to eat of the hidden heavenly bread, and make us pillars in the temple of his God. Rev. 2:10, Wis. 3:5; Rev. 2:17; 2:12. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace; may he strengthen you in his righteousness unto the end. Furthermore, I let you know, that I have been told that you heard I had forsaken the Lord; I was greatly surprised at this. It is not so, nor ever shall be; but they have said it to draw you off and trouble you. They have lied about me; for I have never stood otherwise in my faith, than is proper, and am still of the same mind as I was when I lay with you, the Lord be praised. I have never wavered, for I would rather be tortured ten times a day, and ultimately be roasted on a gridiron, than forsake my faith, which I have confessed.

Therefore, though they tell you ever so much about my having apostatized, believe it not, for the devil does this, in order to seduce and deceive you thereby; for by the grace of God I shall never forsake the Lord. But I have been sick in my flesh for many days; however, my spirit was so much the stronger. I prayed the Lord, to send me still more suffering, if it would conduce to my salvation, and he gives me more and more strength and consolation, for which I cannot sufficiently thank him. Herewith I commend you to the Lord. When you sing aloud, I can well hear you. I thank the Lord, that he still gives you so much strength that I hear you sing.

LAST LETTER OF JEROME TO HIS WIFE, WRITTEN THE NIGHT WHEN HE WAS SENTENCED; HE WAS PUT TO DEATH ON THE 2d OF SEPTEMBER, A. D. 1551.

Grace and peace from God the Father, the unfathomable mercy of the Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the loving kindness and communion of the Holy Ghost be unto you, for an everlasting consolation, joy, gladness, and strength in your bonds, tribulation, sufferings, and vexation in your labor, and for strength in your faith, love and tribulation. To him be praise for ever and ever. Amen.

I wish unto you, my dearly beloved, chosen wife in the Lord, the true, genuine, penitent faith, which works by love, and a very firm, immovable, steadfast mind in my and your most holy faith. I further wish you the crucified Christ for a bridegroom, who has chosen you for a daughter, bride and queen. To this King of the Most High, to the everlasting Father and jealous, loving God, I have now commended you, my beloved in the Lord, that he will now be your Comforter and Bridegroom, since he has called and taken me first, with which I am well content, seeing that it was the will of the Lord; eternal praise and glory be to the Lord for his great power which he has manifested in us.

Therefore, my most beloved in the Lord, do not complain, or grieve much, because he has taken me first; for he has done all for our best, that I should be an example unto you, and that you may follow me as valiantly as I, through the grace of the Lord, who has made us both worthy to suffer for his name, shall go before you. O my dear lamb, I humbly entreat you, not to listen to the papists or other sophists, but steadfastly to follow your bridegroom, your immovable bridegroom. Follow his footsteps, and fear not their threats, nor let their tortures terrify you; for they can do no more than the Lord permits them; they cannot hurt a hair of your head without the will of the Father which is in heaven. Matt. 10:30.

Hence, fear not, but continue firmly and steadfastly in the doctrine of Christ, and in the right truth; for the Lord will not forsake you, but will preserve you as the apple of his eye; yea, as his daughter and child, since it is impossible for God’s elect to be deceived; for his sheep hear his voice, and follow him; but they hear not the voice of strangers. Hence, no man shall pluck them out of his hand; for he is their Shepherd and Protector. Hence, fight valiantly, my chosen lamb, for the glory of the Lord, even as he fought so valiantly, for the salvation of our souls. Be therefore of good cheer, even though you have to lie yet a little longer in this den of lions. Your deliverance is nigh; it tarries not, but comes; and when he comes that will come with power, he will receive you as his bride and queen; for it is his pleasure to have his chosen with him, since he delights in beholding them; and the day of the Lord is at hand. Habakkuk 2:3; Ps. 45:14; Isa. 13:6.

Therefore, my dear wife in the Lord, fight valiantly now, and fear not man, but rather say with Susanna, that you would much rather fall into the hands of man, than into the hand of God; for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Susanna 24; Heb. 10:31. Go to meet the Lord with ardent love as you have done hitherto by the grace of the Lord, who works in you; and fight valiantly, for the crown of life is prepared for you, since to those that overcome all things are promised, and they shall also inherit all things; for Christ says: “Blessed are ye, when all men speak evil of you; for great is your reward in heaven.” Matt. 5:11. He also says: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Lord also said that when they have brought us before lords and princes, and tortured and killed us, they shall yet think to have done him service thereby. John 16:2. Therefore, trust firmly in Christ alone, and the Lord will not forsake you, and the crown of life is prepared for you.

Herewith I will commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace, and take leave of you, here in this world; for I do not expect to see your face any more; but I hope to see you under the altar of Christ before many days. Therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, though the world counts us liars, and separates us bodily, yet the merciful Father will soon bring us together again under his altar, together with our brother; for I do not doubt it, but am firmly trusting in him; for I have commended us three into his hands, to do his divine will with us, whereby his name may be most praised and thanked, to the salvation of our souls, and to the consolation and strengthening of all those that fear the Lord, and serve and love his name; this he will also do, I doubt not; for he does not forsake his own who trust in him; hence I go with a glad heart, to offer up my sacrifice to the praise of the Lord. If I could yet have come to you, I would have done so; but Joachim would not have it. But Christ will soon bring us together again under his altar; this men will not be able to prevent. Herewith I bid you adieu, till we meet under the altar. I commend you to the Lord. Big Henry salutes you much in the Lord. See, my dear wife in the Lord, the hour is now come that we must part; and thus I go before, with great joy and gladness, to my and your heavenly Father (John 20:17), and I most humbly entreat you, not to grieve on this account, but to rejoice with me. Rom. 12:15. However, I am sad in one respect, because I leave you among these wolves; but I have commended you and the fruit to the Lord, and know assuredly, that he will preserve you unto the end, and herein I rest content. Be valiant in the Lord.

HOW LIJSKEN, JEROME’S WIFE, VALIANTLY FOUGHT, AND CONFESSED THE GROUND OF HER FAITH BEFORE ALL THE PEOPLE, REMAINING STEADFAST UNTO THE END; AND HOW THEY BY NIGHT PUT HER INTO A BAG, AND THREW HER INTO THE SCHELDT, SHE THUS SEALING HER FAITH WITH HER DEATH.

Lijsken, our sister, who was in bonds for a long time, fulfilled the time of her sojourning, continuing most perfectly and steadfastly in the word of the Lord unto the end, the Lord be praised forever, and confessed her faith very frankly and unfeignedly, in the court, before the authorities and the common people. In the first place, they questioned her concerning baptism, to which she replied: “I know but one baptism, which Christ and his saints practiced and left us.”

“What do you think of infant baptism?” asked the bailiff?

Lijsken answered: “That it is nothing but infant baptism, and a human institution.”

The lords then arose and put their heads together. In the meantime Lijsken clearly confessed and explained the ground of her faith to the people. Thereupon they passed sentence upon her. Lijsken thus addressed herself to the judges: “You are judges now, but the time will come when you shall wish that you had been shepherds;253 for there is a Judge and Lord over us all, who will judge you in due time; ‘but we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.’ ” Wis. 5; Ps. 7:11; Eph. 6:12. The lords therefore said: “Take her out of the court.”

The people then ran together in great crowds to see her. Lijsken boldly said to them: “Be it known to you, that I do not suffer for theft, murder, or any other evil deed, but solely for the incorruptible word of God.” Thereupon they came to the Bargkerk,254 when she said: “O thou den of thieves (Matthew 21:13), how many a soul is murdered in thee!” As she was thus going along between the servants, though not led by them, the latter said [to the people]: “Arise, make room.” Then Lijsken said: “They do not hinder me; they may look on me, and take an example from me, all who love the word of the Lord.” Phil. 3:17.

Speaking on, she went back into prison. The common people were greatly agitated, but the friends rejoiced. Hence, in the afternoon, some of our friends went to the prison to visit her, much other people also coming. The friends talked a little with her, and said: “It is well that you suffer only for well-doing, and not for any evil deed.” 1 Pet. 2:20. But she had to avoid them, on account of the other people that were in the prison. She spoke boldly and valiantly to the people, and sang a beautiful hymn, so that the people were greatly astonished. Two monks came, to torment her yet, and the three were locked together in a room. Lijsken utterly refused to listen to them. Once the door of the room was opened, much people standing before it, and Lijsken came and stood in the door, and said to the monks: “Go away, until you are sent for; for I will not listen to you; if I had been content with your leaven, I should not have come to this.” The three were again locked into the room, and the erring spirits or stars (1 John 4:1; Jude 13) made another attempt with their false and deadly poison; but, God be praised, Lijsken was undaunted and of good cheer, and commenced singing a hymn in the presence of the monks. One of the friends present said: Sister, fight valiantly.” When they [the monks] heard this, they were very angry, and said: “There is another of her people, who encourages her, whom it were better to burn than her.” Thus they went away in a rage; for their voice was strange, and they were not heard there. John 10:5.

Lijsken was then shut up alone in the room, which fronted the street, where she used to sit; and no one could get to her, save he that had the keys. When the monks came out into the street, to go away, some friends who were there asked them: “Will she not be converted?” The monks replied: “No; for there was one of her people there, whom she preferred to hear.” Towards evening, the Lord granted, that one of the friends came to the place where Lijsken sat, and conversed with her a long time, so that the people in the street began to hear it, and all looked up to the place where the friend was, so that some who were with him became uneasy, and told him to go away; but he replied: “I must first bid her adieu.” He then said: “Arise, sister, show yourself, and look out at the window.” She immediately did so, and as she looked out upon the people standing in the street, some friends who were among the crowd, also called out, saying: “Dear sister, fight valiantly; for the crown of life is set before you.” She then said to the people: “Drunkards, whoremongers, adulterers, all these are tolerated; they indeed read and speak of the Scriptures; but they that live and walk according to the will of God, are troubled, oppressed, persecuted and put to death.” 2 Tim. 3:12; John 16:2. And forthwith she began to sing: “Behold, what poor sheep we are,” etc. Rom. 8:36. Before the hymn was finished, the lords came with the servants into the prison. Some friends said: “Just finish it, Lijsken.” But before she could finish the hymn, they drew her away from the window, and evening approaching, she was seen no more. Saturday morning we rose early, some before daylight, others at day break, to see the marriage which we thought should come off. But the crafty murderers had anticipated us; we had slept too long; for they had perpetrated their murderous work between three and four o’clock. They took the lamb to the Scheldt, thrust her into a bag, and drowned her, before the people arrived, so that but few witnessed it. There were some, however, who saw that she went boldly unto death, and valiantly said: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Thus she was delivered up, and departed, to the praise of the Lord; so that through the grace of God it moved much people. When the people arrived, and learned that she was dead already, it caused a great commotion among them, and as much sorrow as though she had been publicly executed; for they said: “Thieves and murderers are brought publicly before all men.” Thus their perfidy became the more widely known. Some plain people asked: “Why must this people die? for many give a good testimony of them.” Some friends who were there openly said to the people: “The reason is, that they obey the commands of God more than that of the Emperor, or of men, because they have sincerely turned to the Lord their God; from lies to the truth, from darkness to light, from unrighteousness to righteousness, from unbelief to the true faith; have thus amended their life, and, after becoming true believers, been baptized according to the command of Christ, and the practice of his apostles.” They moreover showed to the people from the word of God, that the papists are those of whom the apostle Paul prophesied; that is, the seducing spirits who teach the doctrines of devils; and also, that the righteous had to suffer from the beginning, from the time of Abel until now, even as Christ also had to suffer, and thus enter into the glory of his Father, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps; “for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 1 Timothy 4:1; Luke 24:26; 1 Pet. 2:21; 2 Tim. 3:12.

PIETER BRUYNEN, JAN, PLEUNIS, AND JAN THE OLD CLOTHES BUYER, AND ANOTHER BROTHER, ALL PUT TO DEATH, ON THE 2d OF OCTOBER, A. D. 1551, AT ANTWERP.

A letter from Pieter Bruynen van Weert, which he wrote in prison at Antwerp, where he and four others were put to death for the word of the Lord, on the 2d of October, A. D. 1551.

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God of mercies, who has with his divine word begotten us again unto a lively hope, reserved in heaven for us, who by the power of God are preserved in the faith, and tried for the kingdom of God, wherefore we suffer, for which thanks be to the Lord, because he has chosen us thereto, and made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Rom. 1:7; Jas. 1:18; Col. 1:12. Therefore, dear brethren, be valiant and fearless, and walk with a firm and unchanging faith before God and his church, and firmly resolve, not to depart from the Lord, nor to separate from his love, on account of any distress or tribulation; and he can give you assistance and comfort, when you are forsaken, being deprived of all human help and consolation; for he comes to the help of him that forsakes and denies himself, since he dwells and will dwell alone in the hearts of men, and will not have it that we should serve anyone but him. Matt. 4:10. Thus, be established and built up in him, and let love increase among you, whereby one sustains the other, and each joyfully endeavors to be the chiefest in virtue. Pay no regard to the walk of the slothful and heedless, to follow their example, namely those who are called Christians in ease of life (Matt. 11:8), adornment of clothing, or external appearance; but consider those whose life and confession of faith conform to the doctrine of Christ; so that you may go neither too high nor too low, neither too broad nor too long. Eph. 3:18. For many go astray by looking to one another, in consequence of which they grow cold.

Hence, my dear brethren, if you be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, that your mind may be directed towards the incorruptible, and let your hope be set on the things which are not seen, and be patient herein; for there must be patience, if we would receive the promise. 2 Corinthians 4:18; Heb. 10:36. Stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Jas. 5:8. Put off the old man, and put on the new man (Colossians 3:9,10); deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and be transformed by the renewing of your minds. If you would be partakers of the resurrection of Christ, know, that you must first have crucified the old man, that the body of sin may be destroyed. Rom. 6:6. And do not become weary in well-doing, since your labor shall not be in vain; for you are made partakers of Christ, if you hold the beginning of your confidence steadfast unto the end. 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 3:14. Be therefore not shaken by anything, neither be afraid of the sons of men, who pass away as grass; for they can do you nothing without God’s permission. But fear God for this is perfect wisdom. Humble yourselves before him; for the great Glory is honored by the lowly. Count yourselves always with the humble, and you shall be great in the eyes of God. Do not think yourselves to know something, or to be something, lest you deceive yourselves. Always forsake yourselves, and regard not those who may inflict evil or suffering upon you, though you be wronged; for this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. Matt. 5:39; 1 Pet. 2:19. Hence, be patient in your tribulation, and be partakers of the sufferings of Christ, that you may inherit the promise; for the reproach suffered here is brief when compared with the eternal joy. Rom. 12:12; 1 Pet. 5:1. And this light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; for though our life is poor, yet we shall be rewarded with much wealth. And though death reigns over us now, an east wind shall come from the Lord, and dry up his torments. For it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. 1 Cor. 15:43,44. Hence, the house of this tabernacle must be dissolved, if we would obtain the building prepared us by God. We need therefore not fear them that kill the body, since they cannot harm the soul; for the greatest of which they deprive us, is also that for which God will give us the greatest reward; and after that they have no more that they can do to us. Matt. 10:28. Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, watch in prayer, always giving thanks unto God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, for his abundant grace, and that he has made known unto us his will, manifested the savor of his knowledge, and given us the most glorious and precious promises; who were sometime estranged in our minds by wicked works, and alienated from the life of God, of which we had no hope in the promises. But after that the kindness of God appeared toward us, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, in whom we are sealed until the time of redemption, who is the earnest of the future inheritance, and who assures us, and bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God, and teaches us all things, and who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. To God the Father, who only hath immortality, and to whom alone belong power and might, praise and glory, be honor and thanks, through Christ our Lord, for his unspeakable grace, now and forever. 1 Pet. 1:13; Eph. 1:9; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Eph. 4:18; Tit. 3:4,5; Eph. 1:13,14. Rom. 8:16; 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Tim. 6:16; Rev. 4:11.

As regards our present condition, the Lord be praised for it, whom we cannot thank enough for the joy, that he has counted us worthy to suffer for his name, and for the joy given us by him, which we have in our imprisonment; for he is faithful, so that with the temptation he also provides for his own a way of escape, and he does not suffer his own, who trust in him, to be confounded. The grace of the Lord be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss, Jan, Pleun, and I, also greet you much. Herewith I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. Written by me, Peter Van Weert, while in prison with two others.

Peter’s second letter, in which he takes leave.

Herewith we commend you all, dear brethren, to the Lord, wishing that you may finish your course to the praise of the Lord, so that you may obtain the crown, and remain steadfast unto the end, in order that you may obtain salvation; for no one obtains the prize, except he strive valiantly. 1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Tim. 2:5. Run, therefore, that you may obtain the prize; fight as soldiers of the Lord; firmly resolve to take no thought how or what you shall speak when you shall be brought before the magistrate, for God the Lord suffers not his own who trust in him to be confounded. Matthew 10:19. Though they are arraigned as malefactors, yet he does not forsake his own; for though weeping come in the evening, joy shall return in the morning. Ps. 30:5. And though he, to chasten us, be angry for a moment, yet through his mercy he keeps us alive. Heb. 12:8; Is. 54:8. Hence, we are not forsaken by him, though we have more adversity than the world.

My brethren, the servant is not greater than his Lord or Master. Remember, that though Christ was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, and though he was exalted, yet for our sakes he suffered and accepted reproach, that we through his poverty might be made rich, and through his reproach become heirs of his promises. 2 Cor. 8:9. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, and help bear his reproach. Heb. 13:13. Let us long for the future possessions. And be not in darkness, nor overcharged with eating or drinking; neither entangle yourselves with the cares of this life; walk as children of the light; be always ready like those who constantly wait for their lord; for he will come as a thief in the night. Luke 21:34; 12:36; Rev. 3:3. Make yourselves ready, take the staff into the hand, gird up your loins, and journey to the promised land; you shall possess it, if you do not fall into unbelief. It is pleasant and beautiful; we have seen it from afar, for which we thank and praise the Lord.

On this account, we desire of you, lovers of the truth, that you help us thank the Lord. For I once made a vow to the Lord, that I would live to him all the days of my life (Luke 1:75), which he has helped me fulfill, for which I praise him, and have often earnestly done so, with outstretched arms. The reason I write this, is, that you may not forget to thank and praise the Lord, for he is greater than all our lives; for you cannot so magnify him that he is not still more wonderful. Sir. 43:30. Continue in his words, and keep his commandments. Love one another sincerely. 1 Pet. 1:22. We also praise him for his faithfulness according to his promises, which he shows in us, in that we cannot sufficiently describe the joy he gives us; for in the beginning of our confinement, when we were imprisoned, we were joyful and fearless, likewise before the lords, and were filled with joy also afterward on the bridge and in our prison. Moreover, we hope that God will give us boldness unto the end.

Hence, our dear brethren, be not terrified, if they inflict more than one death upon us, since much can be done in a quarter of an hour, yet it is as nothing to the pain of hell, and not worthy to be compared to the future joy. For after we have suffered this distress, and passed through this strait, we expect joy and amplitude; then shall all our tears be wiped away, and we shall weep and cry no more, but pass from one joy to another. O, my brethren, strive to enter into his joy. Lead henceforth a Christian life and see that the Gospel be not evil spoken of on your account. Rom. 14:16. Be always meek, and have an unspotted conscience, and whatsoever you take in hand, remember the end, that you will not do amiss. Matt. 11:29; Sir. 7:36. And forget not the ardency of the spiritual reformation in the beginning of the Christian life, lest when you think you are a perfect Christian, reformation of life be still necessary. We commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. We, Jan, Pleun, and Peter, greet you in the Lord. Pray the Lord for us, that we may finish our course to his praise. We also pray for you.

CONFESSION OR DEFENSE OF FAITH, OF JAN, THE OLD CLOTHES BUYER, WHEN HE LAY IN PRISON AT ANTWERP, A. D. 1551.

Question. “What do you think of infant baptism?”

Answer. “I do not think it to be anything but a human institution.”

Ques. “By what then will you prove or maintain your baptism?”

Ans. “Mark 16.”

Ques. “What are your views concerning the sacraments?”

Ans. “I have nothing to say of the sacraments of men, but the Supper, as Christ held it with his apostles, I approve and esteem; for I think there are many who do not know what sacrament means.”

Ques. “What do you think of the Roman church?”

Ans. “Nothing, but I esteem the Christian church, which is the church of Christ.”

Ques. “What do you hold concerning the host which the priest holds in his hand? Do you not believe that our Lord is in it with flesh and blood?”

Ans. “No; for it is written, Acts 1, that he shall come again in like manner as he ascended into heaven.”

Ques. “What do you think of the Pope?”

Ans. “That he is the antichrist.” 1 Thess. 2:3.

Ques. “What do you think of the mass, ceremonies, and confession observed in the church?”

Ans. “Nothing, since the tree from which they spring, is good for nothing.”

Ques. “Where were you baptized?”

Ans. “My lords, if you know it, why do you yet ask me?”

The bailiff then said: “I adjure you by your baptism, that you tell us where you were baptized.” Matt. 26:63.

Ans. “My baptism I hold to be good and right; but your adjuration I do not regard.”

They then read to me the names and surnames of all that had been baptized with me and said: “Assuerus has confessed it to us.” I then said: “It is true.”

Ques. “Who baptized you?”

Ans. “It does not behoove me to tell.”

Ques. “We shall make you tell.”

Ans. “My flesh is before you; do with it as you please.”

WILLEM THE CABINET-MAKER, BEHEADED IN CLEVES; WINDEL RAUENS ALSO PUT TO DEATH THERE, A. D. 1551.

(Copied from an old Writing‍255)

Willem, the cabinet-maker, resided in Weesz, a village belonging to the country of Cleves; he was a very peaceable and pious man, who on account of the Christian faith had to leave his native country, and when he would not conform to the world, he was brought prisoner from Weesz to Cleves, and having there been imprisoned for about a year, finally beheaded. He wrote several letters from prison.

When Willem the cabinet-maker was to be condemned by the judges at Cleves, Claes Meselaer, one of them, would not sit in the court to condemn him, but pretended sickness and went to bed. The Burgomaster, therefore, with the six judges, came to his bedside, to obtain his assent to the sentence. He said he did not want to condemn so pious a man. Thereupon the Burgomaster said; “By this you will incur the great displeasure of our gracious Prince and lord.” Claes replied “I will rather incur the displeasure of Duke William, than of the Most High.” “Then I will take it upon myself,” said the Burgomaster, who was afterward visited by the avenging hand of the Lord, so that he was tormented by lice, and lost his speech for a time, and thus died in great misery. But Claes Meselaer resigned his office of judge, and died a brother in the church. Besides him, another brother, named Windel Rauens, was put to death at Cleves; who like the aforesaid, exchanged his life for death, after he had commended his soul into the hands of God.

MARIA OF MONJOU, A. D. 1552.

As it is known and manifest according to the testimony of the divine Scriptures, that all who have been righteous, and lived godly in Christ Jesus, have had to suffer, from the beginning of the world, so this Maria, as a pious, godfearing woman, also partook of said suffering. For as she, according to the requirement of the Scriptures, had been baptized upon the true faith, as a member of the body of Christ, and had conducted herself for a time in an edifying manner among the brethren and all men, the envy of the dragon manifested itself, and the bailiff of Monjou caused her to be brought and imprisoned at Monjou, where she remained in confinement over a year. And though she had to suffer much, yet she bore it with joy. Her constant admonition to all the pious was, that they should walk in love, and hold fast the covenant of Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:2. She was herself constantly endeavoring to present her body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, and that she might be built up a spiritual house well adorned inwardly with the word of God. Rom, 12:1; 1 Pet. 2:5.

The authorities tormented her for three days in succession, but could not induce her to forsake her faith, since she would adhere to Christ; for according to the Scriptures, no one is ever confounded, who fears God from the heart. The Bailiff entreated her to go to church and he would release her, and give her her board for a whole year; but she would not consent, but desired to adhere to Christ, and to give her life for his sake; whereupon she was condemned to be drowned.

On her way to the water, she sang with a joyful heart, because this day had come, and she had lived to see this hour; and thus she proceeded, like a sheep is led to the slaughter, in the hands of Pilate, even as they did with Christ, as the Scripture testifies: “They shall kill you, and think that they do God service.” John 16:2.

On the way, Maria said: “I have been the bride of a man; but to-day I hope to be the bride of Christ, and to inherit his kingdom with him. As they approached the water, one of the hypocrites said: “O Maria, repent, or it will not go well with you.” At the water, they delayed with her over two hours, thinking that they could induce her to apostatize, forsake the truth, and follow them. Thereupon Maria said: “I adhere to my God; proceed with what you have come here for; the wheat is in the straw; it must be threshed, so the word of God has begun, and must be finished.” With this, she undressed, willingly surrendered herself, and said: “O heavenly Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit, and was thus drowned, and died, confessing the name of God, and sealing it with her death to the consolation of all believers.

BARBEL PUT TO DEATH A. D. 1552.

About this time, also a pious, godfearing woman, named Barbel, was drowned, at Guelich, because she had forsaken popery and idolatry, and become obedient to the holy Gospel. 1 Cor. 10:14.

WILLEM OF BIERCK, CHRISTOFFEL FROM GEISTENS, CHRISTIAN FROM EUKERAET, AND TIELLEMAN FROM NUNKERKEN, A. D. 1552.

The four brethren, Willem of Bierck, Christoffel from the Geistens, Christian from Eukeraet, and Tielleman from Nunkerken, were executed together on the same day, with the sword, at Blankenburg; they willingly suffered death for the testimony of Jesus, and with their blood testified to their faith.

MARIKEN AND ANNEKEN, A. D. 1552.

Those who hold only to God and his holy word, and seek to fulfill the latter, are not only persecuted but also imprisoned and put to death, as was very evident, in the year 1552, at Leyden, in the case of two women, named Mariken and Anneken, who were apprehended and brought into a house, where they were asked by the Bailiff, what views they held with regard to the Roman church. They replied that for the most part it was nothing but the doctrine of devils. He further questioned them respecting the sacrament of the priests, whether Christ was not bodily in it. They said: “It might be a hidden devil; for God does not suffer himself to be locked up in silver or golden caskets.” They were then led to prison, and passing the church they said: “O den of murderers and choir of devils!” “Why do you speak such presumptuous words?” said the Bailiff’s servant. “Because so many a poor soul is murdered in it,” they replied. Being kept imprisoned for a time, and examined, they boldly confessed their faith, and firmly adhered to it, in consequence of which they were sentenced to death. In the sentence of the one it was charged that she had denied infant baptism, rejected the sacrament, and, contrary to the decree of the Emperor, had attended unlawful assemblies, and that she should therefore be put to death as a heretic. The other, not having been baptized, would have been set at liberty, had she been willing to apostatize from her faith, which she was greatly importuned to do; but she remained immovable, and as she had said: “Your bread god is eaten by spiders and worms; I will not be a partaker of it,” and remained steadfast also in other articles, she was likewise sentenced to death. Thus these two had to lose their lives for the truth, to satisfy the bloodthirsty judges, who have feet that are swift in running to mischief, and hands to shed innocent blood. Prov. 6:18,17.

WILLIAM VAN ROBAEYS, A. D. 1552.

In this same year, a brother named William van Robaeys, was persecuted, apprehended, examined, tortured and finally put to death, at Komen, in Flanders, for righteousness for the truth, and for following Christ.

HENDRICK DIRKS, DIRK JANS, AND ADRIAN CORNELISS, A. D. 1552.

In the same year, three brethren, named Hendrick Dirks, Dirk Jans, and Adrian Corneliss, were apprehended at Leyden, and examined in regard to their faith; but when they boldly confessed it, and would in no wise depart from it, they were also sentenced to death. Hendrick Dirks, advancing joyfully, said: “Blessed are they that weep now; for they shall laugh, and be rewarded with shining robes; yea, with an eternal crown, if they strive steadfastly. This is the sabbath of the Lord, which I have long desired; not that I am worthy to suffer for his name, but he has made me worthy; and thus we suffer not for theft or murder, but for the pure word of God.” Luke 6:21; Matt. 13:43; 2 Timothy 4:8; Matt. 24:13; Is. 58:13; Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 4:15.

Dirk Jans said: “Though all men despise us, God does therefore not despise us. Remember, lords, that on high there is a judge over all, and believe that he will once judge and pass sentence. This suffering,” said he, “is not so great; Christ had to suffer much more, when he shed his blood for us He will strengthen us in what we suffer for his name; for we suffer not for schism or anything evil; for there is no other true faith to be found than that which we maintain. Therefore, O God, have compassion upon me, and receive me into thine arms.” Ps. 7:11; Matt. 25:31; Is. 53; Matt. 26:28.

Adrian Corneliss intrepidly said: “Christ has gone this way before us; and his beloved apostles likewise, and we his servants are not above our Lord.” Luke 24:26; Acts 14:22.

They then fell upon their knees, earnestly prayed to God (Acts 20:36), and rising, said: “They think by killing us to exterminate the godfearing; but for one whom they kill, a hundred others shall arise. Hence, fear not them that kill the body; but fear him who is able to cast both soul and body into everlasting torment.” Matt. 10:28. Standing on the bench, they exclaimed: “Fear not that which is temporal, but fear that which will last forever; for eternity is so long.” With this, they commended their souls into the hands of God, and offered up their burnt sacrifice. They now rest under the altar, and wait to be clothed in shining robes, and to receive the new wine in the throne of heaven. Matthew 26:29.

SEVERAL LETTERS WRITTEN IN PRISON, BY ADRIAN CORNELISS, INCLUDING A PRAYER, AN ADMONITION, AND A CONFESSION OF ADRIAN CORNELISS, GLAZIER, WHO WAS IMPRISONED AT LEYDEN, AND ALSO PUT TO DEATH THERE FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, 1552.

His Prayer to God.

O Lord of heaven and earth, who hast made all things out of nothing, who hast given me members after the image of thy Son, I hope to offer them up now for thy holy name; for thou art the Lord, before whom every knee must bow, both in heaven and upon earth: hear my prayer, and let my incense be acceptable before thee. Take not thy grace from me, a polluted man of unclean lips; purify my mouth, that thy name may be praised thereby. Incline thine ear to me, and thou shalt see how they fall upon me; but it is better for me to fall into the hands of men, than to sin in thy sight; for thine eyes are as a flame of fire, and thy word as a sharp, two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and thou art a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, and there is nothing hid before thine eyes. Therefore I exclaim with David, thy dear prophet, that it is better to fall into the hands of men, than into thy wrath. Matt. 11:25; Gen. 1:27; Rom. 12:1; Philip. 2:10; Is. 6:5; Susanna 23; Revelation 1:14; Heb. 4:12,13.

O Lord, lead me into the land of Haran, in which I have not so much inheritance as to set my foot on, namely, the promised land, which I pray thou wilt give me, out of grace, and not for my own works or merits. Acts 7:4,5. Deliver me with Lot from this generation. Preserve me, Lord, from the fierce teeth of the lions, which are many, yea, from the ferocious evening wolves, that let nothing remain till the morning, whose feet make haste to shed innocent blood. Zeph. 3:3; Prov. 1:16. O Lord, preserve me with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that the fire of blasphemy which proceeds out of their mouth, may not harm me. Dan. 3:27. O Lord, let my prayer be heard with that of Tobit and Sarah; hear my prayer with that of Elijah, and receive me as a burnt-offering, living, holy and acceptable unto thee, that the prophets of Jezebel may be confounded, and seduce thy people no longer. Tobit 3:1,11; 1 Kings 18:36; 19:4. Lord, preserve me with Joseph from the wicked woman, that I may rather suffer myself to be deprived of my garment, namely, my first body; for we read: “He which is joined to a harlot is one body with her.” Genesis 39:7; 1 Cor. 6:16. Preserve me, Lord; for I call heaven and earth to witness, that I die innocently; for whosoever seeks to save his life, shall lose it; and whosoever loses his life for thy sake, Lord, and the Gospel’s, shall preserve it. 1 Macc. 2:37; Matthew 16:25. Hence, I cry with old Eleazer: “I will rather die gloriously than live stained with abomination.” 2 Macc. 6:19.

O Lord, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over us, and they shall take away certain of us, and feed the idle with things offered unto idols; but thou, Lord, preservest me, thou givest thy servant bread in time of need, and water when he is thirsty, and in the day of tribulation thou forgivest sins. 2 Esdra 16:68; Sir. 2:11. And thou hast said to thy dear prophet, that though a mother forget her child to which she herself has given birth, yet wilt thou not forget us; for it is thy word, Lord. Is. 49:15. Thou hast spoken through thy dear apostle Paul: Come out from this wicked generation, and touch not the unclean thing. Then thou wilt deliver us, and be our Father, and we shall be thy sons and daughters. 2 Cor. 6:17,18. We now also go forth without the camp, and will help bear thy reproach. Heb. 13:13. Lord, teach us to pray according to thy will, that we may pray in spirit and in truth, that we may truly call thee Father; for a son must honor his father, and a servant his master. Mal. 1:6. Grant us therefore to be partakers of the word which declares: These are they who have not loved their life, but have delivered it into death; for those that are slain by men, have a better hope to expect from God, namely, that they shall be raised again; for thou provest thy chosen; thou triest them as gold in the furnace, and thou receivest them as an offering of burnt sacrifice. Ps. 66:10. Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace. Holy Father, sanctify thy Son, that I may be found unblamable at thy appearing. Keep me, holy Father for thy holy name’s sake. Amen. Luke 2:29; John 17:11.

An admonition of Adrian Corneliss, to the friends.

The rich grace and peace of God our heavenly Father, who has purified us by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, has enlightened our hearts, and opened the eyes of our understanding through the hope of the Gospel, and warned us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, and keep ourselves unspotted from this world, before God the Father, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth, that at the time of revelation we may have hope and consolation, and be counted among the number of the elect. The father and his blessed Son Jesus Christ fit you for this, now and evermore. Amen. Tit. 3:5; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:18; Tit. 2:12; James 1:27; 1 Tim. 2:14.

We, fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad through cruel edicts and severe persecution, greeting. Eph. 2:19–21; 1 Peter 2:6; James 1:1. Hence, my dear brethren and sisters, do not become weary because you now suffer for a season, and have to flee from one city into another; but remember, my dear friends, that it all conduces to your happiness, and take for an example Tobit, with his wife and son, how he had to flee, and to be hid naked; likewise, Matthias with his sons and those who loved him, when he said: “Whosoever is pious and of good cheer, let him make his testament, and follow me.” Matt. 10:23; Rom. 8:28; Tobit 1:19; 1 Macc. 2:27.

Take also Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for examples, who dwelled in tents, and also others; for here we have no continuing city; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, in hunger, want and affliction, of whom the world was not worthy. Genesis 12. See, my dear friends, think not that you are the only ones, or that you are forsaken by the Lord, when some tempest assails you; but remember that we must through much suffering take the kingdom of God. Sir. 2:10; Acts 14:22. If the abovementioned had been mindful of the country from whence they came out, truly, they might have had opportunity enough to have returned; but they declare plainly that they sought a country, a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God; wherefore God was not ashamed to be called their God. Ex. 3:6. Thus, also, my dear friends, will he not be ashamed of us; for he says through his pious prophet Isaiah: “Can a mother forsake her own child, to whom she herself has given birth? Yea, she may forget it, yet will thy God not forget thee.” Is. 49:15. Consider, therefore, how the gracious Father has been with all the pious children. of God, and how he has preserved and upheld them under his powerful hand, as we may clearly understand from Abraham; for when he went into a strange country, he often had God for his comforter. He gave Jacob courage when he fled before his brother Esau. He fed Hezekiah three days and three nights, who complained of the blasphemy of Sennacherib. 2 Kings 19:6. He delivered the Jews through Judith, when they were besieged by Holofernes. Judith 13:8. He delivered the three young men from the heat of the fiery furnace, and was in the pit with Daniel, so that the lions did not devour him. Dan. 3:25; 6:22. He delivered Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh. He delivered Rahab from the shadow of death. Josh. 6:25. He saved Susanna through Daniel. He delivered Peter from prison. He delivered John from the Isle of Patmos. He comforted Paul by the vision on the way to Damascus. He comforteth the apostles through the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. He turned Joseph’s great sorrow into great joy in Egypt. Thus, God will also turn the sorrow of every one of you into great joy, even as he himself declares: “The world shall rejoice; but ye shall mourn and be sorrowful; but be of good cheer, God shall turn your sorrow into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your sorrow shall be turned into joy, and your joy no man taketh from you. John 16:20–22.

Therefore, my dear friends, be not afraid of the sons of men, who pass away as grass. “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. Be not afraid, my dear friends, of this tyrannous generation; fear not them that kill the body; but I will show you whom you shall fear: fear him who after you are dead has power to cast into eternal fire. And, my dear friends, we have here a little suffering of tribulation, but it is very small in comparison with the everlasting torment or punishment.

John the Revelator says: Fear God, and give glory to him. Rev. 14:7. And the prophet Esdras says: “Behold, God himself is the judge, fear him: leave off from your sins, and forget your iniquities, to meddle no more with them forever: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from all trouble. For behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you, and they shall take away certain of you, and feed you, being idle, with things offered unto idols. And they that consent unto them shall be had in derision and in reproach, and trodden under foot. For there shall be in every place, and in the next cities, a great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord. They shall be like mad men, sparing none, but still spoiling and destroying those that fear the Lord. For they shall waste and take away their goods, and cast them out of their houses. Then shall they be known who are my chosen; and they shall be tried as the gold in the fire.” Therefore, my chosen, behold, the days of trouble are at hand, but the Lord will deliver you from the same. Be ye not afraid, neither doubt; for God is your guide, and the Lord will not leave you orphans; for he cares for us all, and will preserve us as the apple of his eye. 2 Esdr. 16:67–75; Wis. 3:6; Jn. 14:18.

Hence, faint not at the tribulation in which we are, but adhere to the Lord, and the tempest will soon attack you; but, my dear friends, remember, as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ, since eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Eph. 3:13; Matthew 7:25; 2 Cor. 1:5; 1 Cor. 2:9. Let every one therefore, that has this hope in him, purify himself, even as he is pure, and go out from this sinful generation, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 1 John 3:3; Eph. 5:11–14.

Hence, my dear friends, if there should be yet some among you, that are slothful or drowsy, let them wake up now, or they will be shut out with the foolish virgins. O, my dear friends, it will not avail that some of you know the way. O, my dear friends, knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth: for it avails not to know the way, but it must be walked; and though it is strait and narrow, and fraught with much labor, it must nevertheless be walked. 1 Cor. 8:1; John 13:17; Matt. 7:14.

Therefore, my dear friends, who have become partakers of the heavenly calling, make good use of the time of grace, and look not to those who proceed so lukewarmly and slothfully; but strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:24. Why, my dear friends? Because they seek to enter in by another way, which is not commanded us. But those who enter in by Christ, since he is the way, they are the ones that shall inherit the city, whom the Bridegroom will make sit down at the table, and will serve them. But, my dear friends, the lukewarm, that are neither cold nor hot, God will begin to spew out of his mouth, who say they are rich, and increased with goods, and know not that they are poor, miserable, naked and blind. Hence, Solomon says: “Go to the ants, thou sluggard, and consider their labor; they gather in the summer their sustenance for the winter.” And Jeremiah says: “The crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people observe not the time.” O ye ignorant, the ox knoweth his master’s crib. Ye who say, It will be fair weather to-morrow, and it cometh to pass; O ye, who can discern the face of heaven and earth, why can ye not discern among yourselves that which is right? Matt. 16:3. Therefore, my dear friends, take heed that none of you be found slothful; but let your loins be girded, and have your staff in your hand, to eat the passover; for we have a passover to eat, which is Christ; Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Ex. 12:11; 1 Cor. 7:8.

Hence, my dearly beloved friends, think it not strange, if you are tried by the fire of tribulation, as though some strange thing happened to you; but be partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that in the time of revelation, you may have hope and consolation. Let none of you suffer as a thief or murderer; yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Hence, Solomon says: If the righteous are recompensed, how much more the wicked and the sinner. 1 Pet. 4:12,13,15–18; Prov. 11:31.

Therefore, my dear friends, take heed and flee the shadow of this world, and seek not to escape the cross, so that you go into other countries, to obtain great liberty. O no, my dear friends, but always submit to the cross; for the children that are under the rod are therefore obedient, fearing lest their Lord should come, and find them sleeping; hence, they are always watchful, that they may not be found sleeping; for as soon as the flesh obtains a little freedom, it takes still more of its own accord. My dear friends, though I have written this thus boldly, accept it nevertheless in good part; for I am not your lord in this matter; but I write as my own flesh testifies. Hence, my dear friends, walk in wisdom toward them that are without; remain among the scattered flock of Israel; for where blood is shed, gain is to be had; there put your pounds out to usury, each according to the gift received from God; in honor preferring one another; and endeavoring to show yourselves tried ministers unto God. Col. 4:5; 1 Pet. 1:1; Matt. 25:15; Romans 12:10. Lay aside all malice and hypocrisy, and, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious, to whom ye have come, as unto a living stone; hence, build yourselves up a spiritual house, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye, as obedient children, should show forth the praises of him who hath called you. 1 Pet. 2:1–5,9.