Second Part. (continued 25)

“What more should our Lord God do for man, than he has done? Does not then men’s condemnation proceed from their unbelief, disobedience, neglect, abuse, guilt, sin, obduracy, and ingratitude, because they will not by faith unto repentance accept this grace and incomprehensible love of God? But they reject this repentance, and would still enjoy this grace and salvation in their sinful life, from which they do not turn.296 For since men have also the freedom to abuse themselves or their own life, and every creature of God, though this is not the will of God, only he permits it, therefore men, by their first birth, live contrary to the word and will of God, hence, unnaturally, disobediently, ungratefully, unreasonably, heedlessly, according to the will of the devil, are devilishly and carnally minded, covetous and ambitious, unmannerly, immodest, faithless, perjured, hateful, envious, unmerciful, without compassion, impatient, morose, cruel, and revengeful; in short, had men the power of wealth, and of their body, and were there no human authority which they fear and dread more than God, men might live in such an inhuman manner that we might almost have a hell upon earth; for though now men are feared more than God, still it is altogether too bad.297

“Many that are poor refrain from drunkenness because they have no money or pledge, while the rich may refrain from it on account of their honor or pride, or because they have no company according to their liking, or because they wish to preserve their health and mind; and for such reasons also lasciviousness is avoided. Men often refrain from stealing on account of the gallows, and from murder because of the wheel; in short, every sin is left uncommitted more on account of constraint, shame, and fear of men, than from voluntary goodness for the Lord’s sake. And though men are so devoid of shame and given up to evil that they openly keep brothels, and live far more detestably than beasts; they are nevertheless called Christians, and claim to be children and heirs of God by grace. How much more then those who manage it a little more decently and secretly, as they think, though they frequently are much worse? Can one do worse, than those who without shame live in adultery and other secret sins, when God the Lord knows every secret of the heart? Rev. 2:23; 16:7. O if men’s sins were written on their foreheads, how constantly would they keep in the house, and conceal themselves in corners, holes and dens, so as not to be seen by men.

“But they are not ashamed before God, nor afraid of him, from whom they cannot hide; and who can kill the body, and cast both it and the soul into the fire of hell. Intelligent and impartial reader or hearer, prove whether these false Christians in this their improper and unchristian life can be saved through God’s mercy and the death of Christ, or not? even as they presumptuously say, that the kingdom of heaven is for them, and not for the beasts, and besides utter so much nonsense, as though they were raving, as they also are, so that a true Christian may well be ashamed and afraid to see or hear their madness and their unrighteous works. 2 Pet. 2:8.

“O depraved and wanton men! Though the Jews, because they were called Abraham’s seed, claimed to be God’s children, Christ showed them that a thief, liar and murderer from the beginning, even the devil, was their father, because their works were evil. John 8:44. This may have seemed strange to them, even as it may seem strange to those who obey not the Gospel of Christ, that according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures they are called, and are servants of sin (Rom. 6:20), an evil and perverse generation of serpents, vipers and adders (Matt. 3:7), the seed of the devil, children and heirs of wrath (Eph. 2:3), accursed and of eternal damnation, seed of Cain, Ishmaelites, filthy swine, devouring dogs, ravening wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15), that is, under the cloak of sanctity, uncircumcised, gentiles, aliens and strangers from the covenants of the promise of eternal life, who have no part in the kingdom of God, though they entertain a vain hope of it; without God, without Christ, godless and idolatrous in the world. These evil works are the nets, snares, fetters, blocks, chains, bonds, and imprisonments, with which the prince of this world, the devil, who works in the children of disobedience holds men captive, blinded and bound at his will. Eph. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:26. And so long as the false Christians go or creep about bound by their sins, and entangled in their unrighteousness, they boast in vain and heap one great lie on top of another, when they boast that through Christ they are redeemed and freed from their sins, when they still live in their toils, and because of their unbelief and disobedience are predestinated unto eternal damnation, unless they turn from their sins to God, and by faith rightly receive his grace unto repentance; whereby they will not perish, but are predestinated to eternal life, and become vessels of honor prepared unto glory, according to my simple view. Rom. 9:23.

“Mark what Christians these are, because they say that there is a gracious God, which the devil also believes, and trembles; moreover, they say that they are sorry for their sins, and still they go on in them, the longer the more, the older the worse, and under the cloak of the grace of God commit all kinds of sin, the one in this, another in that, so that no wickedness is left undone. Let every one search the secrecy of his heart, and he will better understand and find what I, prisoner, here write. One man cannot alone commit all these sins, for his life is too short and insufficient. For it is generally seen that sins leave men when sickness or old age comes, which, however, does not tend to their repentance, amendment, or salvation, though many who are robust and healthy abandon and deceive themselves, saying: I shall repent when I am old, when I lie upon my death bed, or I care not longer to serve the world; if any one sorrows for his sins then, and the end is good, all is well.

“O vain consolation! for what kind of repentance can that be, when one is no longer able to commit sin and wickedness? it is nothing but mocking the Lord, sinning presumptuously, and rejecting his grace. O that all men captive in sin at the will of the devil (2 Tim. 2:26), would always consider this, and thus give the more diligence, so that through grace their souls might become disengaged and free from the snares of the devil, or sin; even as a prisoner according to the body gives diligence to obtain his liberty, so as to escape bodily death for a brief and uncertain time yet, though he ultimately cannot escape it. If men believed that God is just, and that he will not suffer any evil to go unpunished in impenitent sinners, they would be terrified, and through fear of God’s righteous judgment forsake their sins; but now they are comforted in their misfortune by their preachers, with flattering words and soothing sermons, with grace, peace, mercy and salvation; whereas they ought to be reproved for their sins, and threatened with the anger, wrath, fury and displeasure of God (Rom. 2:8), and eternal damnation, so that they might repent while the door of grace is open for a little while yet. 2 Cor. 6:2.

“I know of nothing that so securely and firmly holds men in the sleep of sin till the Lord comes as a thief in the night, as to call good evil (Isa. 5:20), the Gospel a sect (of which all manner of evil and falsehoods are spoken), and to change the truth into lies. The Christians are called heretics and deceivers; every good work, virtue and righteousness is so misnamed, perverted, painted in such abominable colors, and the worst construction put upon them, so that men are afraid of them, as though they would be led astray by the truth, and of God. The devil, on the other hand does not appear half so ugly as he is represented and I have here described him, but disguised by a beautiful semblance of love, and changed and transformed into an angel of light, as though he were sent of God, and were himself God. 2 Thess. 2:4. Then are his lies called nothing less than Gospel and truth; Babylon is called the church of God; idolaters are styled my lords; lying and cheating are termed prudence and cleverness; fighting is called valor, and murder, simply misfortune; and thus, many like shameful deeds, upon which an honorable construction is put, so that evil is called good. But woe unto such, as Isaiah says. Is. 5:20. Thus, the ministers and children of the devil know how to change, gloss over, name, and construe in the most favorable light into good works virtues, and all manner of righteousnesses, all their evil works, vices, sins, and manifold unrighteousnesses; as, avarice into industry and pride into neatness.

“Who can reprove them therein? And therewith the devil blinds them so artfully and firmly to his will, so that they think themselves to be pious Christians, and are not willing to be reproved by the truth for their sins, but claim to be unblamable children of God; moreover, they say, like Christ’s disciples: “Our Father, etc.” But let every one examine himself, whether he is born of God, because he knows how to palliate his sins; and whether he so sanctifies and adorns the name of God, and does his will, and whether he carries himself before God as an obedient child before his father; otherwise he joins lie upon lie in his prayer, which in that case is a curse and an abomination before God. In short, he that committeth sin is born of the devil, and knoweth not God, John 8:44; 1 John 3:8; and they that are carnally minded cannot please God. Hence, mark whom impenitent sinners call upon as their father. Blind indeed must he be who cannot perceive this, and hardened he that is not willing to repent.

“O dear reader or hearer, if I may pray you, it is my heartfelt desire of you, that you would always consider (and regulate yourself accordingly,) that men shall give an account of every idle word they have spoken; how much more then of their deeds. And every one shall receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad; namely, before the righteous judgment of God, where anger, hatred, envy, yea, not loving in deed and in truth, speaking scornfully or spitefully to one’s brother, Raca, thou fool, or offending him, will be deemed and judged murder, worthy of the council, of judgment, and of hell fire. Matthew 5:22; 1 John 3. In like manner, disobedience will be regarded as witchcraft; to look upon a woman to lust after her, as adultery; and any other evil which is desired with the heart, and consented to with the will (though the power for, and the commission of it be wanting), will be judged and punished as an accomplished evil work. 1 Sam. 15:23; Matt. 5:28. Not to keep his word, will be considered lying and perjury, and a good oath, so called, will be as severely recompensed as a bad oath; for Christ has prohibited all swearing; Matt. 5, as also to hate one’s enemies, and not to love them like one’s friends; and many like things. Now mark how adultery was punished under the law by the judges; for those who committed adultery were stoned to death. Lev. 20:10. And it is daily seen, how witchcraft, homicide or murder are punished by the secular lords with fire or the sword unto death. Mark, how Adam, for one sin, likewise Cain, then the whole world, with the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the adjacent cities, with fire and brimstone, Egypt, and afterwards the idolaters in Israel and murmurers against Moses, were punished according to the justice of God, for our example. Of how much sorer punishment then are they worthy who murmur against Christ, change his truth into lies, and do not receive his grace and redemption by faith, unto the amendment of their life, but reject the same, living presumptuously in their sins. Heb. 10:29; Rom. 1:25. God who did not spare the angels who had sinned, will also not spare those who through unbelief are unrighteous and false Christians, but punish them with a sorer punishment than Sodom and Gomorrah, which were turned into ashes and condemned and overthrown for an example unto all them that commit ungodliness, and do not repent. 2 Pet. 2:4,6; Jude 6; Matt. 11:24; 2 Pet. 3.

“If then we are to be saved through God’s mercy, we must repent, must be obedient children of God, born again of him, and must follow Christ in the regeneration and the footsteps of faith, through the narrow way unto eternal life; nor are we then saved through the merit of good works, but by the grace which came through Christ. Eph. 2:5. For though we lived holy, blameless, and perfect in all righteousness (as the Scriptures require), and suffered for the truth a death more bitter than that of Christ which with us men is impossible, yet we could not be saved through our own good works, but only by God’s mercy, and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone has wrought out our salvation. And if we sought or placed our salvation in our good works or our sufferings, we should commit idolatry, and we were our own idol, if we trusted in ourselves. But now our salvation depends only on the mercy of God, and not on our running and following after. Rom. 9:16. Though we should run and follow after ever so well (which is our bounden duty), so that we attained, and already had, the perfection (that for which we are apprehended of Christ), and had done all those things which are commanded us, and which it is our duty to do, we were yet only unprofitable servants. Philip. 3:12; Luke 17:10. How much more unprofitable then are we now, with our many defects, though we willingly strive after and should gladly perform that which is good, and are sorry that we are not perfect298. Hence we have great reason, and are in duty bound, to humble ourselves very low under the abundant grace of God, and to pray; for eternal life is a gift of God, and not a debt or reward proceeding from our labor, merit, or good works; for we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto good works, which God hath before prepared that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10), as is our duty to do, in the least as well as in the greatest. But the wages of sin is death; hence we must hate and fear sin, that we do not consent to or commit it, if we want to be saved by the grace and gift of God. Thus, we are delivered through Christ from the bonds of the devil, or sin; let therefore no one say or hope that he is saved by his good works, which are far too insufficient. That, also, no one say: “Should we not take thought, should we not gain a livelihood, else on what should we live? except to them who say that one is not to support himself by the labor of his hands, but to go idle.” Matt. 6:25; Luke 12:22; Eph. 4:28. And that, also, no one say: “No man knows the hour and the day of the Lord, except to those who have set the hour and the day, from doing which may the Lord keep me.” Mark 13:32; Matt. 24:42; Luke 12:40. Beware of frivolous babblers, for scorners will speedily come to an end. 1 Cor. 15:33. And if, when you speak your mind, or reprove with meekness that which does not meet your approbation, and one resist you in the good, be silent instantly, that you may retain your peace and the tranquillity of your conscience. If it vex you, do nevertheless not engage in contention, that you may be found in peace when the Lord comes. 2 Pet. 3:14. We must here at any rate suffer violence and wrong; but it will not last long; hence, let us possess our souls in patience. Luke 21:19.

“The fourteenth week of my imprisonment, the first day of January, so called, A. D. 1568. I trust that the present year will not pass like the former. Watch and pray, for you know neither the day nor hour; but the godfearing may consider whether this is the year in which the Lord will deliver his elect and believers; let every one take warning.”

JAN THIELEMANS AND JOB JANS, BURNT TO DEATH FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, IN THE HAGUE, IN HOLLAND, IN THE YEAR 1568.

Hands were now laid in the Hague, on the beloved friends of the Lord, so that they did not hesitate to deprive them of their lives with flaming fire.

This became apparent in the case of two very pious and godfearing men, one of whom was named Jan Thielemans, the other Job Jans. To both of them, at that place, because they faithfully adhered to the Lord their God, and could by no torture be moved from the steadfastness of their faith, their sentence of death was read in court, namely, that, in pursuance with the decrees of the Emperor, and the King of Spain (who called himself Count of Holland), they should be put to death with fire as heretics; which was executed on the 18th of December, A. D. 1568, on both of them, after they had committed their souls into the hands of God.

Further observation, concerning the death sentences of the aforementioned martyrs.

We have this year, 1659, on this occasion, through some of our friends in the Hague, requested by way of authenticated copy, the use of the proceedings of the court, from the criminal records of the year 1568, but especially of the death sentences of the aforementioned martyrs (as recorded by the papists), which, as appears, are still extant in the original; but as A. D. 1648 peace was made with Spain, with condition of forgiving each other all previous wrongs, and consequently, to mention them no more, the actuary was afraid to make out a copy of these particulars, as well as concerning others of our fellow believers that were put to death during the papistical reign, fearing it might tend to their reproach, and prove detrimental to the peace concluded.

This aim of the actuary was not bad, since it springs from carefulness in regard to a matter of great importance; but in the meantime these holy martyrs must suffer abridgment, since their matters, which otherwise necessarily (even out of the mouth of their adversaries, might be made known to every one), must thereby remain hid. This by way of notice.

The first letter which Jan Thielemans wrote in prison.

I wish you, my dear friends, grace and peace from God the heavenly father, through Jesus Christ his dear Son our Lord, as a friendly greeting. Amen.

Further, after all good and proper greetings that are Christian-like, I, in my unworthiness, have felt greatly prompted in my spirit, to write you something yet, since I cannot orally converse with you all; seeing I had laid the first foundation in some of you (1 Cor. 3:10), and, according to my humble gift, withheld nothing from you, and though I am now removed from you, I have nevertheless, because of the great love which we in great fellowship and peace have mutually had, remembered you in my last adieu with a little draught out of my rivulet, from which I have poured out for you; yet not I, but the grace of God through me. For thus it is written, Gen. 17, that God spake to our father Abraham, saying: “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and will multiply thee accordingly, so that kings shall come out of thee. And I will give unto thy seed the land of Canaan for an inheritance. And this is my covenant which I will make with you: Every man-child ye shall circumcise.” Thus Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. James 2:23. So God then gave Abraham a son, who was called Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. And the Patriarchs envied Joseph, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. The Ishmaelites sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, and he found favor in the sight of king Pharaoh, and became governor over the land of Egypt. And it happened that there came a dearth over Egypt, so that Jacob and his sons found no sustenance. And they heard that corn was sold in Egypt. Hence Jacob sent out his sons the first time; and the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. And Joseph sent for his father Jacob. And Jacob went down into Egypt, and with him threescore and fifteen souls; and he dwelt in Egypt, and he and his sons died there. Acts 7:4, etc.

Now when the people began to multiply, there arose another king, who oppressed the people of Israel, and commanded that the young children should be cast away. Mark well, my good friends, how did the children of Israel get into this distress, great misery and sorrow, on account of which they lamented and groaned to God? who had brought them into this? It was their father Jacob that had done it; yet with God Almighty the promise remained as firm as ever, which he had made to our father Abraham, namely, that his seed should inherit the land of Canaan; but now they were in great affliction. Now, what did all those inherit that were born there? the good and faithful land of promise? No, but they inherited bondage under the cruel King Pharaoh, and still found themselves in the land of Egypt; this is certainly the truth.

Consider now this age of the world, and those who are at the present day born unto the world; if they ascertain it from the Scriptures, who brought them into the world? Adam their father. So they now still find themselves in the spiritual dark Egypt, under Pharaoh, the devil. Mark now, my good friends, what they inherit, and how they boast in vain. They inherit a naked body when they are born, without raiment and food; for if they inherited raiment and food, there would not so many people go naked and suffer hunger. But now excellent and thankworthy gifts are proffered by the Lord. But if we will not use these excellent means according to the rule and truth of Christ, in order to get to the spiritual promised land, we must remain without; even as there are many who do not use the means for obtaining food and clothing, and must therefore go without them, suffer cold and hunger: thus, my good friends, it will also go with all those who here vainly boast of the kingdom of God.

I will now return to my previous theme. Consider now Israel, who were dwelling in Egypt; they began greatly to multiply, and wax mighty, and numbered six hundred thousand men. This great power was nevertheless beaten and compelled to labor by King Pharaoh. They groaned and complained, and though there was such a great multitude of them, yet it was not possible for them to get out of the country, and enter into the land of which they were to be heirs, as God had promised Abraham. Thus, also, my friends, it is impossible for man to get out of spiritual Egypt, and to be delivered from King Pharaoh, namely, the devil, in order to enter into the spiritual country, namely, the kingdom of God; for men universally inherit a depraved nature, and in accordance with it they act, and live after the flesh, wherefore they die, and do not inherit the kingdom of God. Now, my dear friends, when they were thus in Egypt, and had dwelt there four hundred and thirty years, and complained, groaned and sighed, it came before the Lord. And the Lord God Almighty remembered his covenant which he had firmly made with our Father Abraham, and God raised up and chose a man named Moses. Behold, my good friends, through this man God intended to deliver all the people, and he did many wonderful signs and mighty works before the king of Egypt, as we may read. Finally this Moses brought them out by the mighty hand of God; but before they left the country, Moses went many times to Pharaoh and said: Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may serve me. But Pharaoh said: Who is the Lord, that I should let the people go? I will not let the people go. Now, even as the people that were in Egypt could not serve the Lord, unless they left Egypt and journeyed towards the promised land, so can now those likewise not serve the Lord, who are in the spiritual Egypt; for one cannot serve two masters at once; one must leave Pharaoh and Egypt; for Pharaoh dwells in Egypt, but the Lord God dwells in the spiritual promised land. My kind friends can now easily perceive that it is the truth what I write, that one must leave the spiritual Egypt, even as Moses by the mighty hand of God delivered the people out of Egypt, from which they went out in one day, and came to the sea, whither Pharaoh with his servants pursued them, thinking that they could not escape out of the country. But little did they know that the Lord was with the children of Israel; for Pharaoh thought to smite them. But the Lord divided the sea, so that the waters stood like walls. And thus Moses and the people of God passed through, but Pharaoh with all his servants remained in the sea, so that not one of them escaped to go and tell the tale in Egypt. Thus also, my dearest, when men want to serve God, then they forsake Egypt and Pharaoh, and when Pharaoh sees this, he bestirs him with his servants. But the spiritual Moses has gone before his people, and helps them through the sea, namely, through the wilderness of this world, and Pharaoh and his servants diligently pursue to the end, which is death.

Furthermore, my friends, when Moses had now succeeded in bringing them across the sea, they saw their pursuers drown before their eyes. Then they rejoiced greatly, and with songs thanked God, who had so mightily helped them. They were, however, not yet in the promised land, but on the way to the same. And Moses their leader went before them, and brought them to Mount Sinai; and he, the faithful servant of the Lord, went up into the mount and there received the law of the Lord, which was written with the finger of God in two tables of stone. When Moses had received these two tables of stone from the hand of the Lord, to lay them before the people, that they should do according to them, for now the service of the Lord commenced; and as yet they had received no ordinance from God, save circumcision; hence, if they were now to serve God, they must also have the commandments, the Lord said to Moses: “Go, get thee down from the mount; for the people have corrupted themselves.” Ex. 32:7. Now when Moses went down from the mount, and saw the people dancing around the calf, rejoicing in the work of their hands, he cast down the two tables of stone and brake them beneath the mount, and with a grieved heart addressed Aaron, saying: What hast thou done, that thou has brought this people to so great a sin? Aaron excused himself before Moses, and said: My lord, thou knowest that this people is a stiffnecked people. They fell upon me and I demanded of them their golden earrings, and other gold; and I received it from their hands, and fashioned it with a graving tool, and hence this calf came. Moses took the calf, and ground it to powder, and strewed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it. And Moses addressed the Levites, and said to them: “Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.” And there fell three thousand men. Behold now, my dear kind friends, these three thousand had left Egypt and Pharaoh, and were gone out of it, in order that they should possess the goodly land; now if they had boasted themselves of the goodly land (promised by God to Abraham and his seed), would it not have been vain boasting? Certainly.

And Korah, Dathan and Abiram, with two hundred and fifty others, who offered incense before the Lord, perished from the multitude, together with fourteen thousand and seven hundred that murmured against Moses, and said: “Ye have killed the people of the Lord.” Num. 16.

See, my good friends, they claimed to be the people of God, though they were not it; and again, Moses the faithful servant of the Lord was said to have done it, though it was not he, but their own sins that did it. And if the truth had been told, it would also have been so said; but the truth is also now at the present day often perverted, and things are asserted to be true when they are not. Again, if the twenty-four thousand whoremongers (Numbers 25:1), together with three thousand more and many others, who all perished in the wilderness because of their sins and transgressions, had all greatly boasted themselves of the goodly land, would this not have been vain boasting? Certainly. Hence, it is vain to boast of one’s self; but to boast according to the truth is right. For Moses said to them: Hear, O Israel: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy might. These words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy doors; talk of them when thou walkest by the way with thy children; and let them be for a memorial in thine hand. Deut. 6:4, etc. Thus Moses strictly exhorted the people, and most diligently presented the law of the Lord to them; and the people said: Yea, but did not do it.

Hence, my good friends, take heed, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief [in departing from the living God]. But exhort one another daily while it is called to-day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For ye are made partakers of Christ, if ye hold the beginning of your confidence steadfast unto the end. Therefore, to-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, when he was grieved forty years with that generation, and sware in his wrath, that they should not enter into his rest. Heb. 3. Therefore, my good friends, let us give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? 2:1–3. Let us therefore fear the Lord, that we may enter into his rest, and that none of us remain without. For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them. 4:1,2. Thus, my good friends, it does not profit to hear the word of God, if it is not mixed with faith; for unto them that believe, as the Scripture says, the kingdom of God is promised by the mouth of Jesus. Hence let us not neglect the grace of God, who says: “I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation”—which is neglected by many. Hebrews 12:15; 2 Cor. 6:1,2.

Therefore let us in all things approve ourselves as the ministers of God, serving him all the days of our lives in holiness and righteousness, which are acceptable before him. Hence I say with Paul: Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; that ye stumble not, as do the lame; but make straight paths for your feet; for I fear that there are now many lame, and many hands which hang down. Therefore follow peace and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Hebrews 12:12,13. I beseech you therefore, my good friends, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Rom. 12:1,2. Hence, remember the words which were formerly spoken to you in the name of the Lord: Therefore abide in that which you have heard from the beginning. If you abide in that which you have heard from the beginning, you shall continue in the Father and in the Son. And this is his promise, even eternal life. 1 John 2:24,25. For we have a sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the daystar arise in your hearts. 2 Pet. 1:19.

My dear friends, what a dark place it was formerly with you, when the light was hid from you; and what dark places there are still; but you have obtained mercy. Hence Jesus Christ says in the Gospel: I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting. Jn. 12:46–50.

Hence it is our concern that we through the cordial grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may receive the same at his hand; for the Lord also is concerned to have a people that fear and love him. And this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous, to them that love him. 1 John 5:3. Therefore, the law of commandments is good, and will abide forever; he that receives it, shall obtain life; but he that receives it not shall obtain death.

Hence, my friends, be mindful of the Lord our God all your days, and let not your will be set to sin, or to transgress the commandments of the Lord our God (Tob. 4:5); for he has commanded the people to come, charging them, when they came, what they should do, that they might live; and what they should observe, that they might not be tormented. But they have rejected his laws; therefore they shall also be in great misery, who have abused his ways. Though he gave them an appointed time, they understood it not, to show repentance; and must therefore know it after death in torment. 2 Esd. 9:9. For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 1 Pet. 4:6. Therefore, the hour is now come, that the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. And there shall an hour come, when the dead that are in the grave shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that have done good shall rise unto life eternal; and they that have done evil shall rise also, however, not unto life, but unto damnation. John 5:25, etc. Hence, my good friends, look to yourselves, that you lose not those things which you have wrought, but that you may receive a full reward. For whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. But he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 2 John 8:9. “Ye are of God, little children, [and have overcome them:] because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God; he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.” 1 John 4:4–6.

Thus, my good friends, I have written you a little, and now begin to draw to a close with my letter; for we have little time for writing, since there are so many people coming and going. Openly I dare not write; so that I sometimes can scarcely write a line in solitude. Hence excuse me, in case there be any blunders. Thus, my dear friends, I have written you a little, because I felt prompted in my mind to do this, and could find no rest.

Herewith I will commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. And remember me, your poor unworthy brother, in your prayers, that I may finish this to the praise of the Lord, and to your confirmation; so that my soul may find rest with the Lord; for I, in my insignificance and unworthiness, do not forget you here, where I also entreat the Lord. Furthermore, I greet you all especially much with the salutation of our dear Lord Jesus Christ when he, having been removed by wicked men from his disciples, for a little while, returned to them (as they sat with doors closed) and said: “Peace be unto you all.” John 20:19. Thus I also say: Have peace with one another, and the Lord will be with you. 2 Cor. 13:11.

ANOTHER LETTER WHICH JAN THIELEMANS WROTE FROM PRISON.

I wish you, my much beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, and all those who shall see my letters, or hear them read, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the communion of the Holy Ghost, for a friendly and worthy greeting. Accept it in love. Amen.

After good and proper greetings, I undertake to write a little to you, my beloved, dear friends. I beseech you all by the mercies of our dear Lord Jesus Christ, that you would all diligently take heed to yourselves299 in all love, peace and truth, according to the words of the Gospel, while, dear children, you still have time from the Lord, through his great love shown you; since the time is so precious, for when it is past, and one has not taken good heed, it is lamented with sorrow. Hence Paul says: Let us take heed to ourselves, to provoke to love in good works.300 Therefore let us be the least, meanest, and lowliest, to bear all that is consistent with love and truth. For thus said Christ Jesus, the eternal truth, himself; when the disciples asked who should be the greatest among them, he took a child, and set it in the midst of them, and said: Except ye become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3. Hence we may well perceive from the words of Christ, that we are to be, and must be, a prepared people; or we are not what we think ourselves to be, or, for what people take us.

Hence, my much beloved friends, we must approve ourselves in all things as the ministers of God. Now, no more is required in them, than that they be found faithful; for God is not unrighteous to forget your love, and your good and kind works. 1 Cor. 4:1,2; Heb. 6:10. Therefore be steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord, always knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord; hoping by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that it will yet be most richly rewarded to you, when he will say: Come, ye blessed, inherit the kingdom of my Father. 1 Cor. 15:58; Matt. 25:34. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Matt. 13:43. Then shall it be seen what difference there shall be between the righteous and the wicked, and between them that have served God, and them that have not served him. Mal. 3:18.

Therefore, my greatly beloved in the Lord, take diligent heed to yourselves. Rather suffer from another—even though it should be one friend from another—than that another should suffer from you. Rather bear from another—even though it should be a friend—if it be consistent with the truth, than that a friend should suffer from you. Hence it is written: If thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation. Sir. 2:1. For it will come very convenient even if one has put himself in the lowest place.

Hence, beloved friends in the Lord, abide in that which you have heard from the beginning. If you abide in it, you shall continue in the Father, and in the Son. And this is his promise, even eternal life. 1 John 2:24,25. What do we care for the world, or for what there is in it; for the world shall pass away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. And it is certainly our chief concern to be saved; as Peter says, Acts 15:11: “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.” Even as he says also in another place: I have briefly written to you, by our brother Silvanus, namely, that this is the grace of God wherein ye now stand. Therefore hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown. Rev. 3:11. If you overcome, you shall inherit all things. Hence add to your faith, virtue; to virtue, knowledge; to knowledge, temperance; to temperance, patience; to patience, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1:5–11. Having therefore such great and glorious promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness. 2 Cor. 7:1. As John also testifies, saying: Let us purify ourselves from sin, even as he is pure. For whosoever committeth sin doeth wrong; for sin is wrong. Therefore came he into the world, that he might take away sin; for in him is no sin. Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1 John 3:3–6. The same John further testifies, and says: “Ye are of God, little children, [and have overcome them:] because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; but he that knoweth not God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:4–6. With this Christ agrees, saying: “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” John 7:7. As he further says in another place: “Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me: thine they were, and thou gavest them me. Not, Father, that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil.” John 17:11. In another place Christ says: “Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” 3:20.

Thus, my much beloved friends, while we are yet in this sad world, and the Lord still grants us time, we must take most diligent heed to the word of the Lord, and do our very best to follow the same; for thus Paul teaches us, saying: As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy. Gal. 6:16. For thus we read in another place: This people doth not understand, neither lay they to heart, that the grace and mercy of God are over his chosen and over his saints; even as Moses says, that his mercy is shown to thousands of them that love him, and keep his commandments. Ex. 20:6. True, there are many in the world, who say that they love the Lord; but they do not show it by their works, for their works show well enough whom they love; for Christ says: He that loveth me will keep my word, or obey my commandments, These are they who can stand before him; for thus also says Christ: He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. John 14:21. But he that does not keep his commandments, does also not love him; for John in his epistle declares: “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:3–5. Therefore “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, namely, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 1 John 2:15–17. Hence, my much beloved friends, be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable will of God. Rom. 12:2. Even as Paul says also in another place: Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world. Galatians 1:3,4. Thus, my dear friends, this grace has been given you, namely, that you have tasted that the Lord is gracious, to whom you are come as unto a living stone, which was disallowed of men, but before God was chosen and precious. Therefore, be ye built up a spiritual house, and a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through our Lord Jesus Christ; that you may lift up holy hands to the Lord, without strife and discord (1 Tim. 2:8), and make intercession and give thanks for all men; and the Lord of peace shall be with you. 2 Cor. 13:11.

But if God be with you, who shall be against you, who spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all? Who shall lay anything to the charge of his elect? It is God that justifieth them. Who shall condemn them? It is Christ that died and is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, and also maketh intercession for us. Hence Paul says: Who shall be able to separate us from the love of God? tribulation, or persecution, or death, etc. Rom. 8:31.

Thus, my much beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, I will shorten my simple letter which I have written in bonds, in which we daily look for the redemption of our bodies. Hence receive this letter kindly, and think of what has in times past proceeded forth from my unworthy lips (not I, but the grace of God through me, 1 Cor. 15:10).

Herewith I bid you an eternal, Christian adieu, and expect you all in the second resurrection, that we may meet him in the air, and ever be with the Lord. Comfort one another with these words. 1 Thess. 4:17,18. Once more I bid you adieu, my dear friends. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Amen. Acts 20:32.

Written in bonds, by me, Jan Thielemans,

Your weak brother in Christ.

HEYNDRICK ARENTS, A. D. 1568.

Among many other true believers baptized according to the command of Christ, who were everywhere persecuted, expelled and put to death, also one Heyndrick Arents of Briel, about the year 1568, fell into the hands of these persecutors. The circumstances that led to his imprisonment were as follows: A vessel having cast anchor in the roadstead off Briel on account of a leak which it had sprung, and said Heyndrick Arents being a ship-carpenter in Briel, those of the vessel requested him to calk the craft. While he was thus with them, the Lords of Rotterdam learned that said vessel was a pirate, and sent thither a detachment of soldiers. These captured the vessel and conducted said Heyndrick Arents and the pirates to Delft as prisoners. And as those of Delft refused to take them in, they were forthwith taken to Rotterdam, where they, on account of their misdeeds, were soon sentenced to be hanged. When Heyndrick Arents perceived this, he asked: Whether he had come into a city of justice, or of violence—why they wanted to condemn the innocent with the guilty? and said that he had not been apprehended on account of any crime. If they would inquire concerning him and his faith, they would find it to be so. Sus. 53; Ex. 23:7; 1 Peter 4:15.

Hearing this, the Governor asked: What does he say? what sort of a heretic is this? if he is one of the Anabaptists he shall not be hanged, but burned. Thus, he was examined concerning his faith, and freely confessed that he had been baptized upon his faith, according to the command of Christ; and, on the other hand, rejected usurping infant baptism and all papal errors, but confessed the ordinances of Christ and his apostles (which were observed by him and his fellow believers.) Thereupon they sentenced him, and, after an imprisonment of two weeks, he was burnt at said place, in great constancy, and confirming the faith of the truth with his death and blood.

CLAUDINE LE VETTRE, AND WITH HER A BROTHER, A. D. 1568.

Meenen is a beautiful little town in Flanders, three leagues from Rijssel, on the road to Bruges, built on the edge of the Leye. In this town there lived a godfearing man, Piersom des Muliers, with his wife, Claudine le Vettre, who through the preaching of Leenaert Bouwens, and by reading and studying the word of God, were turned from papal idolatry. Learning of this, Titelmannus, Dean of Ronse, and inquisitor of the faith, came thither with bailiffs, thinking to apprehend the aforesaid Piersom in his house. But a pious man of the council of Meenen had warned Piersom to flee from the inquisitor, which he did, betaking himself into a certain piece of woods not far from his house. But his wife Claudine being engaged with her four little children (one of whom is still living), tarried a little too long, and had just left the house, with a child on the arm, when the bailiffs entered, who tumultuously asked the children and the neighbors where the husband was; and when they could not learn it they prepared to leave. Perceiving this, one of the neighbors, kindled with an evil and perverse zeal, said: “Men, there goes the wife with a child on her arm.” They therefore forthwith caught her, and delivered her into the hands of the aforesaid inquisitor. This happened in the year 1567, a few months before the Duke of Alva’s arrival in the Netherlands. She was taken from Meenen to Ypres, where many lay in prison for the faith, that is, because they could not understand that there was another Mediator and Savior than Jesus Christ alone, who was offered up for our sins on the tree of the cross (1 Tim. 2:5; Rom. 4:25); and could not believe that God had any pleasure in images of wood and stone, or silver and gold, but believed rather that such worship was prohibited in the word of God (Ex. 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:16.) And because they also did not believe that dead men can hear our prayers and help us; but much rather that we are to call upon no one but God alone, who alone is the discerner of our hearts and thoughts, and knows what we shall pray for, even before we have poured out our prayer; who exclaimed with a loud voice: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, etc.; to whom all the prophets and apostles point us, and not to one of the departed saints.” Matt. 4:10; Rev. 2:13; Heb. 4:12; Matt. 6:8; Rom. 8:26; Matt. 11:28; Acts 10:43; 4:12; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15.

All who held such faith were by Titelmannus declared heretics, and delivered to the secular authorities, to be dealt with according to the decrees, namely, the men to be burnt alive, and the women to be buried alive. This severe death greatly terrified some, so that many apostatized, in order to save their lives. For at one time a large number broke out of prison and escaped, so that Claudine also could have made her escape, but she would not leave her child; so also a pious brother, who remained with her in prison unto the end, and would not leave her, dying with her for the truth, at said place. But Claudine did not apostatize, notwithstanding manifold assaults, continuing one year, but remained steadfast in the faith, refuting, from the word of God, all that the priests and monks were able to bring forward against her, as appeared from divers letters which she wrote to her husband from prison.301 Finally, when they could not prevail upon her, they endeavored to move her by her maternal love for her infant, which hitherto had been nourished at its mother’s breast in prison. The child therefore was taken from her and put out to a wet-nurse, which was the greatest affliction she suffered during her imprisonment, and on account of which she wept many a tear, constantly praying God for power and strength against such temptation and assault of the flesh, in order that she might not fall, even as many of her fellow believers fell in her presence. God Almighty heard her prayer, for the Duke of Alva, having in the meantime entered the country, and commanded to clear all prisons from heretics, she also was crowned with the crown of the godly, without Ypres, A. D. 1568; and with her a brother, who was also burnt for the truth, at said place.

Her husband, Piersom, often said of his aforesaid wife that it was astonishing how well she was versed in the Scriptures. For whenever he could not find a passage, he would ask his wife Claudine, who would at once clearly indicate to him what he sought.302

It is understood that the child which was taken from her in prison was from that time on seen no more, without the father and the friends ever knowing what became of it.

Piersom had formerly lived with his wife Claudine, in Bruges, where the same thing had happened to him, namely, that he with his wife escaped from the inquisitor, through the friendly warning of a councillor of the city. However he had to leave behind everything he had, as was also the case at Meenen. But the pious man of Meenen who had warned him, concealed Piersom’s books and part of his household goods, and saw that they were again taken to the place where the books belonged. But the bad neighbor, who had betrayed Claudine, fell into such detestation with the town’s people that he had to leave the place, after the rabble of the town had demolished and ruined his shop, calling after him, Judas! Judas, the traitor!

Meenen was at that time an open city, without walls and gates, and hence Titelmannus did not dare trust his prisoners there: it would have gone with them as it did in another small town of Flanders, where on a set day the peasants came in great numbers, broke open the prison, and liberated about four hundred persons who had been imprisoned for the same cause.

The friends had Piersom’s children baptized by the pastor of Meenen, as Margriete, the oldest of the children, who subsequently died, at the age of sixteen, in Calais, was wont to relate.

The remainder were three sons, named Pieter, Nicolaes and Jan, the last mentioned being the infant which was nourished at the mother’s breasts in prison. Pieter died during his mother’s imprisonment.

Piersom subsequently married a woman by the name of Peronne Hennebo, who died at Leyden, A. D. 1589, leaving two daughters, Maria and Martha, both born at Hoorn. This Martha was the wife of Doctor Dirk Volkertsz Velius, who wrote the Chronicles of Hoorn, and the mother of Pieter Velius of Hoorn.

Piersom’s third wife was Habeau de la Motte, mother of Margriete des Muliers, who resided at Gonda.

Piersom fell asleep in the Lord in Leyden, in the year 1591, leaving a son by his first wife Claudine, two daughters by his second wife Peronne, and a daughter by his last wife, as already said.

Claudine was beautiful of person, and a good singer, so that she moved the bystanders by her singing. Especially on the last day of her life, people stood before the prison, to hear her sing with a joyful heart, when death was announced to her. One who related it to me had heard her sing with a clear, strong voice the 27th psalm of David:

Le Seigneur est la clarte qui m’addresse.

And the people firmly believed that if they had not gagged her when they brought her to the place of execution, she would have departed life singing and praising God.

This account we received from D. N. M., the son of Piersom and Claudine, by the help of D. D. V., Claudine’s brother-in-law.

FURTHER ACCOUNT OF THE AFORESAID CLAUDINE LE VETTRE.

The descendants of Piersom, the husband of Claudine le Vettre, claimed to have received, by way of tradition, that this Piersom at the time of the imprisonment of his aforementioned wife betook himself to a miller who lived in or near his mill, which stood close under the walls of Ypres, in order to be able there daily to get tidings from his beloved wife, which, gleaned from street rumors, were brought to him by the miller’s wife, as often as she returned from town, though without knowing that it was his wife, or that he was an Anabaptist.

She judged Claudine not to be in her right mind, because she had allowed herself to be rebaptized, and let so many sufferings be inflicted upon her on this account, and would rather die, than do what the priests said. This every time pierced Piersom’s heart like a dagger, and often compelled him to step aside to give vent to the deep feelings of his heart.

The day when Claudine was to be offered up, the miller’s wife, desirous of seeing her being executed, asked Piersom whether he did not wish to go along and behold the scene, which he declined, requesting her kindly to pay strict attention to everything, in order to give him an account of it afterwards. When she returned home she related to Piersom how valiantly and undauntedly Claudine went to death, what she said, and how she conducted herself; everything, however, with the idea, that Claudine had not acted rationally. Thereupon Piersom, having warmed up, took heart and discovered himself to the miller and his wife, saying that he was of the same belief, and that the one put to death was his beloved and very rational wife, and upon what foundations of truth they founded their doctrine and life. This so deeply affected the miller and his wife, that they also resolved to amend their life. They were baptized upon their faith, and shortly after sealed the truth with their blood.

PIETER PIETERS BECKJEN, BURNT ALIVE AT AMSTERDAM, FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, ON THE 26TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, A. D. 1569.

The dreadful murdering, burning and killing of the innocent and upright followers of Jesus Christ were not sufficient at this time to deter from the true confession and practice of the Christian faith a certain pious brother and faithful witness of the Lord, named Pieter Peters Beckjen, by trade a boatman on the Amstel, and so zealous, that at divers times he gathered the little flock of the oppressed pious who lived about Amsterdam, into his boat, in order to edify one another with the word of God, and to strengthen one another in the accepted faith.

And when it came to pass that his dear wife bore him a child, he, from Christian carefulness, took said infant with him to a place where it might be secure from the superstition of the papists, and from being baptized.

In short, he manifested his zeal in every respect, notwithstanding the cruelty of the rulers of darkness, and this with a sincere and good intention, till finally he was, on that account, denounced to the magistrates of the city of Amsterdam, apprehended, dreadfully tortured, and, at last, when he would not apostatize, sentenced to death, and burnt alive, as appears from the sentence, which, for confirmation of said matter, was faithfully and correctly sent to us from the hands of the Secretary there. In it can be seen, on the one hand, the steadfast confession of this martyr, and on the other hand, how awfully the rulers of darkness misinterpreted the same, and construed it to an evil, shameful and terrible end.

SENTENCE OF DEATH OF PIETER PIETERS BECKJEN.

Whereas Pieter Pieters, alias Beckjen, boatman, prisoner, unmindful of his soul and salvation, and of the obedience which he owed to the Lord God, and to His Imperial Majesty, forsaking our mother, the holy church, and this from the time that he attained to understanding, even until now, has refused to go to the holy, worthy sacrament, despising and disregarding the same, and has in twenty years been to confession only once, contrary to the ordinance of our mother, the holy church, and, moreover, has attended the reprobated and prohibited assemblies, or conventicles, of the Mennonists, etc., and has himself, in his own boat, twice held conventicles of the aforesaid Mennonists, in which abominable and reprobated sect he so obstinately persists, that still recently before his apprehension, his wife lying in childbed, he took said child and conveyed it away, not willing to tolerate or permit that said child should be baptized according to the ceremonies of the ancient Roman Catholic and Apostolical church; in which he is still captive, persisting therein, and not willing to return to our mother, the holy church, notwithstanding he has at divers times, by various ecclesiastical persons, and also by the aldermen of this city, been admonished and urged to return and to leave this accursed sect,—all of which are crimes against the divine and the secular majesty, as said before, which disturb the peace and the common weal, and which ought therefore, for an example to others, not to go unpunished; therefore, my lords of the court, having seen the demand of my lord the bailiff, also his information, the confession of the prisoner, together with the poor defense of said prisoner, and having duly considered all, have condemned the aforesaid prisoner, as they by these presents do condemn him, to be executed with fire, according to the decrees of His Majesty; and declare his entire property confiscated for the benefit of His Majesty aforesaid, without prejudice to the privileges and all other interests of this city.

Done in court this 26th of February, A. D. 1569, in the presence of all the judges, by the advice of all the burgomasters.

How said person was condemned to the rack, and when this happened.

He was condemned to the torture, the 17th of January, A. D. 1569, and examined and threatened with torture on the same day, and in the same place, as appears from the records of the confession.

Thus extracted from the book of criminal sentences, preserved in the archives of the city of Amsterdam.

N. N.

LAUWERENS VERKAMER, A. D. 1569,

In the year 1569 there was apprehended in ’s-Hertogenbosch, in Brabant, a pious follower of Christ, named Lauwerens Verkamer, for the single reason that he could not follow the Romish priests and monks in their self-invented idolatry, but separated therefrom, and united with the true members of our Lord Jesus, seeking to observe and practice with them in true obedience, his holy commandments For this reason he was persecuted in a very hostile manner by the papistical and anti-Christ-minded, so that he, with many others, in the beginning of January, left Antwerp, with the intention of taking up residence at Nimeguen. But though the rest went to Holland, he, while on the journey to Nimeguen, was apprehended by the sheriff of ’s-Hertogenbosch, and brought to that place a prisoner on the 5th of January, and suffered very severe and tyrannical imprisonment, none of his good friends being allowed to visit him, nor might he indicate by letter his distress and severe imprisonment to any one—thus unmercifully and malignantly was he kept. For as he was a man of distinguished family and large means, and had with him many books of his temporal affairs, these blood-thirsty men could ascertain his circumstances, which tended to aggravate his situation. But his firm unwavering steadfastness in the true saving faith was manifested in him; for in the year 1569, about the end of June, he was burnt by the enemies of the truth, in great constancy, and sealed the faith of the eternal truth with his death and blood, and put off this mortal clothing of the flesh in true obedience, for which, at the last day, he shall be clothed by the true Bridegroom Christ Jesus with the immortal clothing, and be rewarded with the crown of eternal glory. 2 Esdr. 2:45; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Tim. 4:8.

SIJNTGEN VERCOILGEN, A. D. 1569.

As in the time of Ishmael and Isaac, he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit (Gal. 4:29), so it still goes in these latter days. For the ministers of the Roman antichrist imprisoned at Kortrijck, in Flanders, a godfearing lamb of Christ named Sijntgen Vercoilgen, the mother of Jan Vercoilgen, and after many temptations, she was put to death at said place, in great steadfastness, for the testimony of Jesus, in the year 1569, on the 9th of March, having put off her womanly weakness, and in place of it, by the grace of God, received through the illumination of the Holy Spirit in her heart a manly courage; and testified and sealed the belief of the truth with her death, and blood, as a memorable example to all followers of Christ.

LIPPIJNTGEN STAYERTS, A. D. 1569.

In the year 1569 there was put to death, at Ghent, in Flanders, by the maintainers of the Roman antichrist, for the genuine truth and the practice of it, a woman by the name of Lippijntgen Stayerts, the wife of Pieter Stayerts, about St. Peter’s day, not on account of any crime, but only for the sure truth, as she had renounced the world and all its false, invented lies, and submitted herself to the prince of truth, Christ Jesus, hearkening with obedient ears to the blessed voice of truth, and shunning all strangers contrary to it, wherefore she shall also, with all the obedient sheep that have heard and followed this voice, at the revelation of his glory, hear the words: Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning. Matthew 25:34.

MAERTEN PIETERS AND GRITGEN JANS, A. D. 1569.

In the year 1569, the 25th of June, there was put to death for the testimony of the truth, in Briel, reckoned to Holland, on the Maese, Maerten Pieters of Maesland, a village situated near Delft in Holland and with him Grietgen Jans, wife of Adriaen Heynsen, a weaver of Swartewael. Maerten Pieters was beheaded with the sword, and Grietgen Jans was burnt at the stake, in the town, whereupon their dead bodies were taken down, and conveyed out of the town, to the place of execution, called the Nieuwe Noordt. Here Maerten Pieters was laid upon a wheel, and his head upon a stake. And Grietgen Jans was again tied to a stake, and thus given for food to the fowls of the heaven. Ps. 79:2. And all this they suffered for the testimony of the truth, were in no manner charged with any evil works, but accused simply on account of having united with those called Mennists, and having, according to the doctrine of Christ, been baptized upon their faith, seeking thus to please their Creator, according to all their ability. Therefore they have a firm and sure promise from God: that all who have been put to death by men, for the testimony of Jesus, shall receive again in great glory at the resurrection of the dead these their members, which are here sown in dishonor, being made like unto the glorious body of Christ, and shall live with him in unspeakable joy forever and ever. 2 Maccabees 7:11; Philip. 3:21; 1 Cor. 2:9.

This account of the sacrifice of these pious witnesses of God is taken from the book of criminal sentences of the town of Briel, commenced on Bamis,303 in the year 1564, and now, the 3d of June 1616, extracted from it by the clerk of said town.

DIRK WILLEMS, A. D. 1569.

DIRK WILLEMS SAVING HIS CAPTOR’S LIFE.

In the year 1569 a pious, faithful brother and follower of Jesus Christ, named Dirk Willems, was apprehended at Asperen, in Holland, and had to endure severe tyranny from the papists. But as he had founded his faith not upon the drifting sand of human commandments, but upon the firm foundation stone, Christ Jesus, he, notwithstanding all evil winds of human doctrine, and heavy showers of tyrannical and severe persecution, remained immovable and steadfast unto the end; wherefore, when the chief Shepherd shall appear in the clouds of heaven and gather together his elect from all the ends of the earth, he shall also through grace hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” 1 Pet. 5:4; Matt. 24:31; 25:23.

Concerning his apprehension, it is stated by trustworthy persons, that when he fled he was hotly pursued by a thief-catcher, and as there had been some frost, said Dirk Willems ran before over the ice, getting across with considerable peril. The thief-catcher following him broke through, when Dirk Willems, perceiving that the former was in danger of his life, quickly returned and aided him in getting out, and thus saved his life. The thief-catcher wanted to let him go, but the burgomaster, very sternly called to him to consider his oath, and thus he was again seized by the thief-catcher, and, at said place, after severe imprisonment and great trials proceeding from the deceitful papists, put to death at a lingering fire by these bloodthirsty, ravening wolves, enduring it with great steadfastness, and confirming the genuine faith of the truth with his death and blood, as an instructive example to all pious Christians of this time, and to the everlasting disgrace of the tyrannous papists.

Note.—In this connection, it is related as true from the trustworthy memoirs of those who were present at the death of this pious witness of Jesus Christ, that the place where this offering occurred was without Asperen, on the side of Leerdam, and that, a strong east wind blowing that day, the kindled fire was much driven away from the upper part of his body, as he stood at the stake; in consequence of which this good man suffered a lingering death, insomuch that in the town of Leerdam, towards which the wind was blowing, he was heard to exclaim over seventy times: “O my Lord; my God,” etc., for which cause the judge or bailiff, who was present on horseback, filled with sorrow and regret at the man’s sufferings, wheeled about his horse, turning his back toward the place of execution, and said to the executioner; “Dispatch the man with a quick death.” But how or in what manner the executioner then dealt with this pious witness of Jesus, I have not been able to learn, except only, that his life was consumed by the fire, and that he passed through the conflict with great steadfastness, having commended his soul into the hands of God.

As we have come into possession of the sentence which these rulers of darkness passed upon this friend of God, we have deemed it well, to add it here for the benefit of the readers, in order that reading the same, they may be able to perceive the truth of this matter.

Copy.—Whereas, Dirk Willems, born at Asperen, at present a prisoner, has, without torture and iron bonds (or otherwise) before the bailiff and us judges, confessed, that at the age of fifteen, eighteen or twenty years, he was rebaptized in Rotterdam, at the house of one Pieter Willems, and that he, further, in Asperen, at his house, at divers hours, harbored and admitted secret conventicles and prohibited doctrines, and that he also has permitted several persons to be rebaptized in his aforesaid house; all of which is contrary to our holy Christian faith, and to the decrees of His Royal Majesty, and ought not to be tolerated, but severely punished, for an example to others; therefore, we the aforesaid judges, having, with mature deliberation of council, examined and considered all that was to be considered in this matter, have condemned and do condemn by these presents in the name, and in the behalf, of His Royal Majesty, as Count of Holland, the aforesaid Dirk Willems, prisoner, persisting obstinately in his opinion, that he shall be executed with fire, until death ensues; and declare all his property confiscated, for the benefit of His Royal Majesty. So done this 16th of May, in presence of the Judges, Cornelis Goverts, Jan van Stege Jans, Adriaen Gerritts, Adriaen Jans, Lucas Rutgers, Jan Jans, and Jan Roelofs, A. D. 1569.

Extracted from the records of the town of Asperen, and after collation this copy was found to agree [with the original], the 15th of October 1606. Acknowledged by me, the town clerk of Asperen.

T’ Sheerenbergh.

HENDRICK ALEWIJNS, HANS MARIJNS VAN OOSTEN, AND GERRIT DUYNHERDER, A. D. 1569.

In the year 1569 there were imprisoned for the testimony of Jesus, at Middleburgh, in Zealand, the following pious sheep and followers of Christ: Hendrick Alewijns, a purse-maker by trade, and Hans Marijns van Oosten, with Gerrit Duynherder. These suffered from the ministers of antichrist manifold assaults, and threats and tortures terrible to the flesh, all of which they, through faith and the power of God (which was in them) patiently and valiantly resisted. And after they had suffered all this for Christ’s sake, they were together burnt alive at said place, on the 9th of February 1569, confirming the belief of the ever-abiding truth with their death and blood, and now serve as a beacon to all true believers, that they may follow their unfeigned faith. Phil. 3:17.

The Hendrick Alewijns mentioned here was in his time a very zealous follower of Christ, and was elected and chosen by the brethren to serve the church of God with the word of the holy Gospel, in which he was very diligent, and, though young in the service, he exceedingly abounded and increased in the work of God. 2 Cor. 8:19; Luke 1:2; 1 Tim. 4:15. And though he had neither silver nor gold, nor temporal means, yet his hands gained him and his wife and children a livelihood, and he sought to minister to the flock of Christ not for the milk and wool, but this hero followed the good, true and faithful Shepherd Jesus, and willingly, of a ready mind, ministered to the work of God, wherefore, at the appearance of the chief Shepherd, he shall receive the imperishable crown of honor. Acts 3:6; 20:34; Matt. 10:16; Ezek. 34:3; 1 Pet. 5:2,4.

During the time of his imprisonment he also did not forget his brethren and sisters, but wrote beautiful letters, descriptions and hymns, worthy of being read, to them, as also to his three little orphans; some of which have previously already appeared in print. We pray the reader attentively to read those adduced here, the first of which was sent to the beloved children of God in Zealand, and reads as follows:

An epistle from Hendrick Alewijns, sent to the beloved children of God in Zealand, written in his prison at Middleburgh, where he steadfastly testified to the truth of God with his death, on the 9th of February, A. D. 1569.

A most Christian greeting and salutation in the Lord! Hendrick Alewijns, unworthy, a weak brother and simple companion in the faith in God, a partaker of his sufferings, also of patience, and of the hope of eternal life, with all the saints, all through the grace of God, unmerited. Grace, peace, the mercy of God, salvation, prosperity, and everything good from above, through Christ Jesus, constantly to be kept stirred up, and the ardent impelling of the Holy Spirit, even unto the blessed end, these things I wish all my beloved friends, brethren, sisters, and companions, from God the Father, through Jesus Christ our dear Lord, Redeemer and Savior. Amen. This I send as a greeting, in a good intention, from the very depths of my love, to you, as my special acquaintances and friends, to exhort and stir up one another to good devotion, while absent, yet in one hope of the kingdom and glory of God, though I am now confined at a distance from you.

My very kind, especially peaceable and ever well-meaning friends, seeing before me my departure from this life, and having time to write, I gladly turn to your love for a little while, to give you intelligence and glad tidings, which, I presume, is according to your wish and desire. Behold, be it known to you all, that I, your friend, am still prospering in the Lord, in both respects, that is, in body and soul, in the unchanging determination, to endeavor with a good resolution, to keep body and soul surrendered to and in God, pleasing to you to hear, and to my salvation. May God grant this to the blessed end of my faith, O dear Lord. Amen.

Further, the cause of my writing to you, and to your love, is also to ask you to help me pray in my behalf, for steadfastness in God’s truth, and that I may live in his grace, and for God’s faithful assistance towards me. I inform you that I am of very good cheer in my imprisonment, tribulation, sorrow, reproach, and suffering for righteousness’ sake; and also I have, with all the saints, in my tribulation, a bright prospect, the hope and consolation of the Spirit, and the rich promises of God to succor us in this present time, who also assures us of eternal life hereafter, of which so abundantly mention is made in the Scriptures.

In the first place, I know, consider, and firmly believe with many saints, according to the abundant testimony of the Scriptures, that God is faithful in keeping his promises. Read Deut. 32:4; Numbers 23:19; 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Tim. 2:13. He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape. He does not leave his children comfortless. He will with his Spirit defend us before kings and princes, as much as will be needful at the time. He will, and knows how to, deliver the godly out of temptation. He says: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Therefore I will trust in the Lord, and not fear what man shall do unto me. Heb. 13:5,6. What can flesh do? says Paul.

Again: If God be with us, who can be against us? and God is with us, if we are with him, mark. Romans 8:31; 2 Chron. 15:2. Again: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

Again: Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 2:14. Again: Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world. 1 John 5:4. For which cause we faint not (because of God’s consolation); but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Cor. 4:16. Again: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philip. 4:13. O how blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which God has promised to them (he says, to them) that love him. James 1:12.

And since God is so faithful in all his promises, as said, we press straight on with righteousness, as though we beheld God, and saw no adversaries; as though we saw no decree, fire, water, or sword. For who is he that will harm us, if we be followers of that which is good? as Peter assures us. 1 Peter 3:13. Also Paul says: Who shall separate us from the love of God? etc. Rom. 8:35. Who will pluck our Shepherd’s sheep out of his hand? No one. John 10:28. But one can and may indeed himself stray out of his hand. Again it is written: No evil shall happen to him that feareth God; for when he is tempted, he shall be delivered again. Mark, John says: There is no fear in love (1 John 4:18); understand, such fear as departs from the way of rectitude. Yea, such fearless ones run through patience (mark, through), not out of, but into, the conflict that is set before us, and look not at the dreadful tyranny, but unto Jesus, the Captain, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2.

And these comforting promises of God, here partly mentioned and touched upon, behold, speak, and treat chiefly only of God’s keeping, assisting and strengthening us, in this time, and in the sufferings of this present time.

But, friends, how much greater and more valuable must be the consolation, reward, and the crown of eternal life, of which so much is said in other places, of God’s eternal life, kingdom and glory, which are promised to those that overcome and patiently endure, as will here in part follow.

In the first place, observe in the Book of Wisdom, concerning the day of judgment, and the glory of God’s elect: Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labors. Wis. 5:1. Again: The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the Most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand. Verses 15, 16. Mark well, an eternal reward. Again: The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seem to die, and their departure and going from us are taken for destruction; but they are in peace. For though they have much suffering (he says, much suffering) in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality, and having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded; for God proves them, and finds them worthy for himself. Wis. 3:1–5. Yea, here they shall suffer strait things, but hope for the wide: but they that have lived wickedly, and yet have suffered the strait things, shall not see the wide, alas, no. 2 Esdr. 7:18. Again, 2 Macc. 7:36: My brethren, who now have suffered themselves to be martyred for a short time, now wait for everlasting life, according to God’s promise (he says, everlasting life according to God’s promise). Again, also the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ himself: That all who have followed him in the regeneration (he says, in the regeneration) and have forsaken everything dear to them, house, home, wife, children, etc., and their own life, shall receive a hundred fold in this time, and hereafter everlasting life; and shall also sit with him upon thrones, and help judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Matt. 19:28.

Again: Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven (he says, in heaven). Luke 6:21. Mark, heavenly consolation. Again, Paul says: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” 2 Cor. 1:3–5. Again: He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life and peace. O friends, let us therefore not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap without ceasing (he says, without ceasing). Gal. 6:8,9. O friends, let this claim your joyful consideration and attention. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward (he says, afterward) it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them (he says, them) which are exercised thereby. Heb. 12:11. Again, in Paul we further find: It is a faithful saying (he says, a faithful saying): For 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. 2 Timothy 2:11,12.

Again, in Peter, also we read: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you (he says, as though some strange thing happened unto you): but be partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that, when he shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Pet. 4:12,13.

Behold, such and similar beautiful promises, and heavenly consolations for the hereafter, yea, such in great abundance, make tribulation sweet, precious and light. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; which are nevertheless true. 2 Corinthians 4:17. Hence it is impossible for these to be plucked out of the hand of our Shepherd. Yea, God is faithful, and not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 1 Cor. 10:13; Hebrews 6:10.

Now, mark well, the beautiful promises of God mentioned here, and many similar ones, point and reach farther than God’s help in the distress of this present time; the promises for the present time being essentially different ones, as said above. But these are full promises and a reward for the hereafter, in eternal, imperishable, yea, unspeakable or inexpressible glory, even as Peter says of these unspeakable things: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (mark, in the last time). Wherein ye shall rejoice with joy unspeakable (mark, unspeakable) and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (Mark who). He says: Ye who now for a season, if need be, are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, as already quoted. 1 Pet. 1:3. Justly does Esdras say of the incomprehensible and unspeakable recompense of God: Thou canst not find out my judgment, or in the end the love that I have promised unto my people. 2 Esdr. 5:40.

Happy those venturesome ones who now sow liberally to the Spirit in every manner, without becoming weary (Gal. 6:9); for it will not be lost, will not spoil, rot, rust, or become moth-eaten.

Observe and read Matt. 6:19; Luke 12:33; 1 Timothy 6:19. O brethren, our faithful God is surely faithful. The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of a man as the apple of the eye; and afterward he will rise up and reward them, and render their recompense upon their heads. Sir. 17:22,23. Observe: Thus we may well say with Sirach: “We have had labor for a little season, and have found great comfort.” 51:27.

O friends, let us not be weary in sowing and well-doing, for our reward, according to the promises of God, is great in the time to come, as has been heard, and is unfathomable, incomprehensible and unspeakable. Nevertheless, it is now revealed to his saints, by his Spirit, 1 Cor. 2:10. It is an eternal and exceeding weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4:17.

Now, all attentive [readers], who firmly believe, know and hope this with all their heart and from the depths of their soul, and also understand, on what conditions, and to whom, and to whom not, this glorious kingdom is promised and sure. Such an intelligent and far-seeing Christian is so rich in hope toward God, so firmly anchored in his soul, that he completely and humbly surrenders himself soul and body to a faithful Creator, however, in well doing without boasting. 1 Pet. 4:19.

Yea, we confess and declare with all saints rich in hope, that this present time is short, and that the sufferings of this time, for righteousness, are small, and, hence, not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18), as will here follow.

Believers lightly esteem the sufferings of this present time, because of the hope, promise, and reward.

In the first place, the youngest of the seven brothers in Maccabees spoke thus out of his joyful hope: “My brethren, who now have suffered themselves to be martyred for a little while, now wait for eternal life according to God’s promise.” 2 Macc. 7:36. Again, in Solomon we read: Having been a little chastised (mark, a little), they shall be greatly rewarded. Wis. 3:5. Again, in Peter, also: Ye who now for a season (he says, for a season), if need be, are in heaviness through manifold temptations, etc. 1 Pet. 1:6. Again: The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while (he says, a while), make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Pet. 5:10.

These and other like passages esteem the sufferings of this present time short, small and light, and the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of this world. Heb. 11:26. The fearful woman in travail, of whom Christ speaks, has anguish in her hour of travail, but afterwards she rejoices, and forgets the anguish. John 16:21. And these, who are thus strong in God, though weak and nothing of themselves, who are thus surely fixed in faith, hope, and the love of God, these (I say these) say with Paul: “Who shall separate us from the love of God.” “For I am persuaded,” he says, “that neither death, nor life . . . shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:35. For if God be with them, who can be against them? Verse 31.