Second Part. (continued 8)

This decree, when properly considered, indicates the extreme wickedness and tyranny of the West Friesian Regents of those times, against those who maintained or at least favored the true faith. All malefactors and murderers, who certainly, according to the laws of the country, were subject to very severe punishment, yea, to death, because of their crimes and murders, were here accounted better than a pious Christian, who injured no one; yea, their crimes were remitted them, and over and above this, a large sum of money, according to that time, was promised them, merely to deliver into the hands of the criminal judges, a single person, who maintained the true doctrine. How much may we suppose would they have promised them, had they been able to exterminate all orthodox believers, and, consequently, the entire church of God? We certainly have just cause for the belief, that this came down very severely upon the heads of the true witnesses of Jesus in general; that is, on those that resided in these regions; in regard to which we shall also show in the proper place, how very unmercifully the authorities there, through the instigation of some so-called spiritual persons, dealt with the innocent and defenseless sheep of the flock of Christ.

GEORGE LIBICH, AND URSULA HELLRIGLING, A. D. 1544.

About the year 1544, George Libich was imprisoned for the faith and the divine truth, at Filleburg, near Innsbruck, and as this is a place of particular danger because of evil spirits, as is well known, this brother therefore had much to resist, and was greatly tempted by the Evil One (1 Peter 5:9), who tempted him in visible form. He especially tried him in various ways during the first year. Once he came to him in the form of a maiden, and wanted to embrace him. When the brother knelt down and prayed, he put something into his way, to prevent his praying. He also tried to take him off with him, but was not able to effect it. He further came to him in the form of a youth, and also in that of a soldier; thus trying many and various means; but when he could not accomplish anything, he went out of the tower at the top. He also told him much what happened among the church in the country; that he had conversed with such brethren, and that they had told him such and such things. But when brother George reproved him, he finally let him be in peace, and attempted but little with him afterward. But the enemy tempted him not only himself, but also through his children. Thus once there came to him one wearing the garb of a brother, and acting as one. He saluted him, saying: “The Lord be with us, my brother,” and wished him peace, in order to seduce and deceive him by such craftiness. But George asked him whence and from whom he came. He answered: “From Moravia, from the church of God.” Then George asked him what message he brought, and how matters stood there. He told him that the church and the brethren were utterly driven away and dispersed; that each was separated from the rest, and that it was all over with them. Then George perceived that it was deception, reproved him for his craftiness, of which he was well aware, and drove him away by his earnest admonitions, which in all probability he did not soon forget. Over and above all this, when all temptation from Satan and his children was about to come to an end, a sister named Ursula Hellrigling, a beautiful young woman, who had also been apprehended for the faith, was put to him in prison, placed at the feet of George, and much of the time left with him. It is easy to imagine, what the devil and his seed would have liked to see. But they [these two pious witnesses of Christ] were valiant and godfearing, and could by no allurements be moved or caused to fall.

This George Libich knew beforehand the day and year when he was to be released. There were several others imprisoned near him, who were all liberated on the same day, returned to the church, and afterwards fell asleep in the Lord.

Sister Ursula, who was imprisoned with him, through the providence of God, also obtained release, and unharmed in her faith and conscience, returned to the church, and there fell asleep in the Lord.

MARIA VAN BECKUM, AND URSULA, HER BROTHER’S WIFE, A. D. 1544.

In the year 1544, there was a sister in the Lord, named Maria van Beckum, whom her mother had driven from home on account of her faith. This having become known in the Bishopric233 of Utrecht, and reported to the Stadtholder, he sent one Goossen van Raesveldt with many servants, to apprehend this maiden at her brother’s, John van Beckum, whither she had fled. She was compelled to rise from her bed, and accompany them; and when she saw the great number of people who had come on her account, she asked Ursula, her brother’s wife, whether she would go with her and keep her company. The latter answered: “If John van Beckum is satisfied, I will gladly go with you, and we will rejoice together in the Lord.” When Maria put this request to her brother, he consented, and Ursula went with her. Here love was stronger than death, and firmer than the grave. Cant. 8:6. Her mother and sister had come from Friesland to see her; but this could not move her; she took leave of them, for she chose to suffer affliction, rather than to have worldly joy; hence she went with her sister Maria. They were together brought to Deventer. There blind leaders came to them, who with subtlety sought to win them to human institutions. But they answered: “We hold to the word of God, and do not regard the dictates of the Pope, nor the errors of the whole world.” Friar Grouwel also sought to teach them much, but was not able to prove his assertions by the Scriptures.

Now as he could not overcome them, he said: “The devil speaks through your mouth, away with them to the fire.”

They greatly rejoiced that they were worthy to suffer for the name of Christ, and to help bear his reproach. Acts 5:41.

They were then brought to the house at Delden, where many efforts were made to cause them to apostatize, yet all in vain. A commissary came from the court of Burgundy, who greatly extolled the mass and all the institutions of the Pope; but he could not prevail against the Scriptures which they adduced. He then asked them whether they were rebaptized. They replied: “We have been baptized once according to the command of Christ and the practice of the apostles; for there is but one true baptism, and he who receives it, has put on Christ, and leads an unblamable life through the Holy Ghost, in the answer of a good conscience.” Ephesians 4:5; Gal. 3:27; 1 Pet 3:21. He also asked them, whether they believed that Christ was wholly present in the sacrament. This they considered a blind question, and said; “God will have no likeness or image, neither in heaven nor on earth (Exodus 20:4); for he says through the prophet: ‘I, even I am the Lord; and beside me there is no Savior.’ Is. 43:11. But as regards the Supper, we find that Christ left it as a memorial of his death, with bread and wine; as often as we commemorate it, we are to show forth his death till he come.” 1 Cor. 11:26.

Now as Maria and Ursula regarded all the institutions of the Pope as heresy, they were brought into open court at Delden, on the thirteenth of November, before the children of Pilate and Caiaphas, where they were sentenced to death, in which they rejoiced, praising God. When they were led to the stake, many of the people, seeing their steadfastness, wept. But they sang for joy, and said: “Weep not on account of what is inflicted upon us.” “We do not suffer,” said Maria, “as witches or other criminals, but because we adhere to Christ, and will not be separated from God; hence be converted, and it shall be well with you forever.”

When the time of suffering drew nigh, Maria said: “Dear sister, heaven is opened for us; for what we now suffer for a little while, we shall forever be happy with our bridegroom.” They then gave each other the kiss of peace. Thereupon they prayed together to God, that he would forgive the judges their sins, since they knew not what they were doing; and that as the world was sunk in blindness, God would have compassion on them, and receive their souls into his eternal kingdom. They first took Maria, who entreated the authorities not to shed any more innocent blood. Then she fervently prayed to God, and also prayed for those who put her to death; whereupon she joyfully arose, and went with such great gladness to the stake, that it cannot be told, saying: “To thee, O Christ, I have given myself; I know that I shall live with thee forever. Therefore, O God of heaven, into thy hands do I commend my spirit.” The executioner swore because the chain did not suit him; but she said: “Friend, consider what you are doing; my body is not worthy that you should blaspheme Christ on account of it; repent, lest you burn for it in hell.” The preacher, a teacher at Delden, turned Ursula around, but she turned back again, and urgently said: “Let me behold the end of my sister, for I also desire to receive the glory into which she shall enter.”

After Maria was burned, they asked Ursula, whether she would not yet apostatize. “No,” said she, “not for death; I will not thus forsake the eternal riches.” They would also honor her with the sword, but she said: “My flesh is not too good to be burned for the name of Christ.” To one of her relatives she said: “Bid John van Beckum good night, and tell him to serve God, to whom I am now about to be offered.” When she came to the wood, she clasped her hands, and said: “Our Father which art in heaven.” “Yea,” said the priest, “there you will find him.” “Because I seek him there,” she said, “I must die this temporal death. If I should confess him in the bread, I might live longer.” When she stepped upon the wood, her foot slipped. “I think I am falling off,” she said. “Stop,” cried the tyrant; “she means to apostatize.” “No,” said she, “the block slips from under me; I will not faint in the word of God, but constantly adhere to Christ.” Thus both remained steadfast unto the end, and sealed the word of God with their death, in great patience and boldness, leaving us a good example.

JOHN CLAESS, AND LUCAS LAMBERTS, AN OLD MAN, CALLED GRANDFATHER; TOGETHER WITH SEVERAL TESTAMENTS WRITTEN BY JOHN CLAESS, WHILE IN PRISON AT AMSTERDAM, TO HIS WIFE, CHILDREN, AND OTHER FRIENDS, IN THE YEAR 1544.

A testament to his wife.

An affectionate salutation in the Lord, to my beloved wife, whom I no longer love after the flesh, but after the soul. Hear my admonition: You know that as long as we enjoyed prosperity with Israel according to the flesh, we were ignorant of ourselves; but now that the good Father lays his hand upon us, we feel that we are sick, weak, miserable, poor and naked. Therefore, my dear wife, take Jesus Christ for an example, and behold the way in which he went before us, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of heaven. Jas. 5:10; 2 Tim. 3:12. Forget my flesh and all your sensuality and all your carnal desires, and pray to God for faith that you may overcome. And I will willingly give myself to the Lord in the same manner as he comforts my heart by his grace. You have yet time for amendment, but I am bound to his grace, in which I trust. Hence think not of what is past, but persevere with a firm confidence in the Lord; he will help you in everything for the best; give yourself up to this and always join yourself to those who fear the Lord, for this will be for your best interests. For “blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Ps. 1:1,2.

My beloved wife, the godfearing speak of it, and thereby men depart from evil; for by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil, and through love every good thing is accomplished. Prov. 16:6. Awake, for we have both been negligent. Let the word of the Lord incite you to all good. Ask him for his holy Spirit, who can comfort you; for the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18. For this is the trial which must be found in our faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire. 1 Peter 1:7.

My dear wife, if we might have entered into the kingdom of God as we began, and have so long been doing, the way would not have been narrow. But our Savior had to enter through suffering and anguish into his own glory,—how then will we enter by the broad way? For narrow is the way, says the Lord, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it, and still fewer who rightly walk in it. Matt. 7:14. The good Father did indeed show me this way, but my evil flesh was too powerful and forced me away from it. Nevertheless, I hope to be saved through the grace of the Lord; for Paul says: “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Eph. 2:4; 1 Cor. 13:3.

Consider what this charity is, and you shall be able to accept for the best whatever the Lord sends you. How should I be able to express it, love is the nature of God: may it be with you and us all. I give it to you as an affectionate salutation. May the good and merciful Father shed it abroad into all our hearts, through his beloved Son. Amen.

Salute all dear friends in the Lord. Pray the Lord for me; all that he gives me, I will impart again. 3 John 14; 1 Thess. 5:25.

Another testament of John Claess, to his wife, A. D. 1544.

Know, my dearly beloved wife, that it is my will and testament to you in no wise to depart from the word of the Lord, but always to comfort yourself with it; for the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us, if we continue in the faith. O let us thereby overcome, and not turn away, and we shall receive the crown which the good Lord has promised unto all that love his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:8. If we desire to remain here, we do not love his appearing; but if we ask him for the Holy Spirit, the same will teach us in all things, and comfort and strengthen us through his grace. O let us pray; for through prayer we must receive everything. Hence, my dear wife, take no thought for the things that concern the body; but seek the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Herewith I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to strengthen and keep you in all temptation. The grace of the Lord be with you and us all. Amen. Bring up my dear children in the admonition of the Lord, this is my will to you; and associate with the good, for they prosper. Care not for temporal things; for that which is visible must perish. What you can get take with you, and commit the rest to faithful friends; and remove with your little ones far enough to be out of danger, from men. Bring them up in the admonition of the Lord, and keep with those that fear the Lord. Deut. 6:20. My dear wife, be well contented; if the Lord had taken me away by a sudden sickness, it would have been your duty to thank him; do so now. I leave you this as a testament. Watch every day of your life for the appearing for our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Tim. 6:14. The grace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

A testament to his children, and then to his wife.

My dear little children, Claes Jans and Gertrude Jans, I leave you this as a testament when you come of age. Hear the instruction from your Father. Hate all that the world and your carnal nature love, and love the commandments of God. 1 John 2:16. Let this instruct you, for it teaches: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself;” that is, let him forego his own wisdom and earnestly pray: “Lord, thy will be done.” Luke 9:23; Prov. 3:5; Matt. 6:10. If you do this, the Holy Spirit will teach you all that you ought to believe. Believe not what men say, but obey the commands of the New Testament, and ask God to teach you his will. Trust not to your understanding, but trust in the Lord, and let all your counsel be in him, and ask him to direct your paths.

My children, how you are to love God the Lord, how you must honor and love your mother, and love your neighbor, and fulfill all other commandments required of you by the Lord, the New Testament will teach you. Matt. 22:37,39. Whatever is not contained therein, believe not; but obey everything that is embraced in it. Associate with those who fear the Lord, who depart from evil, and who do every good thing through love. O, look not to the multitude or the old custom, but to the little flock which is persecuted for the word of the Lord; for the good do not persecute, but are persecuted. When you have given yourselves to this, beware of all false doctrine; for John says: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 9. The doctrine of Christ is: Love, mercy, peace, chastity, faith, meekness, humility and perfect obedience to God. Gal. 5:22,23.

My dear children, surrender yourselves to that which is good, and the Lord will give you understanding in all things. I give you this as my last farewell. Regard the chastening of the Lord; for if you do evil, he will punish you in your souls. Job 5:17. Hence desist, and cry to the Lord for help, and hate that which is evil, and the Lord shall deliver you, and you shall prosper. May God the Father, through his beloved Son Jesus Christ, give you his Holy Spirit, that he may guide you into all truth. Amen. John 16:13.

I, John Clæss, your father, have written this while in prison for the word of the Lord. May the good Father grant you his grace. Amen.

My dear wife, I request you to bring up my children, in all good instruction, to have my testament read to them, and to bring them up in the Lord, according to your ability, as long as you remain with them. And I desire of you, that you love neither yourself nor your children more than the Lord and his testimony. Luke 14:26. Suffer not your flesh to overcome you. 1 Peter 2:11. If they do not tolerate you in this city, remove into another. Matt. 10:23. But this I earnestly request of you: always keep with the good; for blessed is he that associates with them. He who has always been the helper of the lowly, that is, the good Father, will help you. Luke 1:48. If you cannot stand alone, take a husband that fears the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:2); but whatever you do, forsake not the Lord for a little mess of pottage. Gen. 25:34. May your excuse be never so great, but not for all Amsterdam forsake the Lord. By his grace I will not forsake him for the whole world, and do you also likewise. Matt. 16:26. O let us press our way through by force; I must, through the grace of the Lord, lose my flesh; forsake yours also. Matthew 11:12; 16:25.

My dear wife, if we should consider suffering, we would never get out of it; but we must look beyond it to the eternal reward. I joyfully comfort myself in the Lord; do so also. The Lord might have taken me from my bed and you would have had to content yourself; how much more now, for you know not how long you will remain here? Therefore do as the Lord counsels you; be always ready for his appearing, and you shall be able to overcome all things, to those that overcome everlasting rest is promised. Rev. 21:7.

A firm faith, a sure hope of the eternal reward, and a burning love to God and our neighbor be with you and me, and us all. Amen. Matt. 21:21; 1 Peter 4:8.

Write to me immediately how you are, and I shall be the more comforted if you comply with my request. Pray; the Lord will be entreated; this I now experience. Pray together all of you, that the will of the Lord be done in me and in us all. Amen. Matt. 6:10; 7:11.

A testament of John Clæss to his brothers and sister after the flesh.

Know, my dear brothers, Cornelis Clæss, and Gerritt Clæss, and my dear sister Adriaentgen Clæss, that I affectionately desire of you, that you turn to the Lord, and forsake all your pride, covetousness, and all wickedness, as also all bad company, and be quiet, and associate with the good. Search the word of the Lord, and ask him for his Holy Spirit, and the same shall instruct you in everything which is needful for you. This will come to pass, if you deny yourselves and forego your own will; for the Lord says: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Therefore die unto all your lusts, and you shall never die, for the wages of sin is death. Col. 3:5; Rom. 6:23. But ask God for his Holy Spirit, who will so change your minds, that you will hate evil and shun it. O my most beloved, hate that which is evil, and love the good, and God, who alone is good, will be with you. But if you will continue in your wicked sensuality, I testify to you from the mouth of the Lord, that you will condemn yourselves. Rom. 8:13. But I am persuaded better things of you, though I thus speak. Heb. 6:9. O, keep what the Lord hath made known to you, namely: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” and it will be well with you, and you shall prosper in every good thing. To this end may the good God help you, through Jesus Christ his beloved Son. Amen.

Another Testament of John Claess, to all his Kindred.

Be it known to you, dear brothers and sisters, cousins and relatives, and all my kindred, that I do not suffer as a thief, murderer or evil-doer, but for the ordinance which the apostles of the Lord taught and instituted, namely the ordinance of the holy church, made fifteen hundred years ago, which Jesus Christ enjoined upon his dear disciples, and sealed with his blood, and which the apostles preached and taught, and confirmed with their blood. 1 Pet. 4:15; Mark 16:15; Heb. 9:14; Acts 2:14; 7:58; 12:2. My dear friends, do not be dejected or cast down on my account, because men say that I died as an Anabaptist and heretic. There is but one baptism given, and that upon faith; before faith God has not commanded baptism. Now some one might ask: What! ought infants not to be baptized? No; but they are nevertheless saved through the merits of Jesus Christ, and are baptized in his blood; for it is written: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Cor. 15:22. This is done through pure grace, without any sign. Acts 15:11. But my dear friends, the Lord has commanded to preach the Gospel, and they that believe it, are to be baptized. Mark 16:16. He also commanded that the believers should observe his Supper, in remembrance of him, in such a manner as he instituted, and the apostles practiced it. Matt. 26:26; Acts 2:42. Besides these, he did not command them anything; no mass, no infant baptism, no auricular confession, nor any other outward worship. But he commanded to love God alone, to obey his word, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Luke 10:27. O where are they to be found who do this? Search the word of God; there is no Christian who does not know this. You cannot maintain thereby, what they teach, namely, that you should continue in the holy church. You must know what the holy church is, namely, the assembly of believers born by the word of God (1 Pet. 1:23); for you well know that no one can come into this world without being born, so no one can come into the future world, unless he is born again as Peter declares: “not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” John 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:23. O well for him who is born of it! they that are thus regenerated, practice the true baptism and the true Supper. They also separate themselves from all who teach a scandalous doctrine, or live disorderly; they do not destroy their bodies, for this is not taught in the word of God; but they avoid their company until they repent (2 Thess. 3:6); for they are the Christian church, the community of the saints; they have forgiveness of sins; for there is none other name given in heaven or on earth whereby they can be saved, but the name of Jesus; that is, through his merits. Acts 4:12. They believe and live only according to his ordinances. He did not kill those who did not believe in him, neither did his holy church do this. But he and his own have been slain from the beginning, and thus it shall continue. Rev. 13:8. By this you shall know who are his own. Not those who boast of his name, and maintain their cause with the sword; but those that live according to the example of their Lord, and confirm their cause with the word of God, which is the sword of the true believers. 1 Pet. 2:21; Eph. 6:17. Now some might say: What has become of the forefathers, who did not know better? We leave this to God. It might also be said that the Lord promised to be with us even unto the end of the world. Matt. 28:20. He is always with believers—but never with unbelievers—namely, with his word and the right use of his signs, that is, baptism and the Supper, and will always be with those who walk aright, and live conformably to his word.

Dear friends, at the time of the apostles there arose seven different sects among them, but the true doctrine was therefore not to be rejected. Now, though many wicked miscreants have arisen under the Gospel, the word of God has not depreciated: he that would be saved must submit to it. Romans 9:6. In the time of the righteous Tobit all Israel worshiped golden calves, which king Jeroboam had caused to be made; he [Tobit] alone adhered to the Lord his God, and did what he had commanded him.

Friends, look not to the multitude, but to the word of God, which will not deceive you. “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm; but blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord.” Jer. 17:5,7. I trust in this, that he prays to his Father, not only for those who were with him, but also for all them who shall turn to him through the word. John 17:20. May the good Father, through his only Son Jesus Christ, give you a true understanding, that you may henceforth learn to know him. 2 Tim. 2:7.

ACCOUNT OF THE SENTENCE PASSED ON JOHN CLAESS, AND THE OLD MAN NAMED LUCAS LAMBERTS OF BEVOREN, ALSO CALLED GRANDFATHER; AND HOW THEY DIED.

When John Claess, and Lucas Lamberts, an old man of eighty-seven years, called grandfather, came into court, they greeted each other with a kiss.

John Claess said to the grandfather: “My dear brother, how do you feel?”

The grandfather replied pleasantly with a glad countenance: “Quite well, my dear brother.”

Then said John Claess: “Fear neither fire nor the sword; O what a joyful feast will be prepared for us before the clock strikes twelve!”

Upon this they were separated.

The bailiff then said: “You are rebaptized.”

John Claess answered: “I was baptized upon my faith, as all Christians ought to be, according to the Scriptures; read this.” Matt. 28:19.

They said to him again: “You belong to the accursed Anabaptists, who originate strange sects, opinions, errors and contention among the people.” Acts 16:20; 17:6.

John Claess: “We are not such people; we desire nothing else than the true word of God; if I am to suffer therefor, I demand the seven judges.”234

He was then asked whether he did not confess that he was rebaptized four years ago or thereabouts.

John Claess replied: “Three years ago or thereabouts I was baptized as all Christians ought to be.”

The court said: “You acknowledge it then?”

John Claess: “Yes.”

Court: “Well, since you confess it, we have full power from the seven judges.”

John Claess: “Can I not obtain the full court? it is granted even to thieves and murderers, why should it not be granted to me?”

The four judges then went out to pronounce the sentence.

Lifting up his voice, John Claess said: “O merciful Father, thou knowest that we do not desire revenge” (Rom. 12:19), and he wrung his hands, saying: “O merciful Father, grant them thy Spirit, that thou mayest not count this to them as wickedness.” Acts 7:60.

The four judges now returned into the court, and sat down to declare the sentence, saying: “John Claess, a native of Alkmaar, who has taught the people false doctrines, errors and new opinions—”

Upon this John Claess answered: “It is not so.”

The lords of the court then forbade John Claess to speak, and good John Claess observed silence, that he might hear his sentence. They then proceeded with their sentence, and said to the clerk: “Read his crime.” He read that he had caused to be printed at Antwerp six hundred books, which he had concluded with Menno Simon, and scattered abroad in this country, containing strange opinions and sectarianisms, and had kept school and held meetings, to introduce errors among the people (Acts 17:6), which is contrary to the decree of the Emperor, and our mother the holy church, and which it is not proper for my lords of the court to tolerate, but to correct.

Here John Claess reproved them as before, saying: “They are not sectarianisms, but it is the word of God.” Acts 24:14.

Then the lords of the court said: “We sentence you to death, to be executed with the sword, the body to be placed on the wheel, and the head upon a stake; we do not sentence you, but the court does.”

As John Claess went out of the court, he said: “You citizens bear witness that we die for no other reason than for the true word of God.” This occurred in the court. Having ascended the scaffold, John Claess audibly addressed the people with these words: “Hear, ye citizens of Amsterdam: be it known unto you, that I suffer not as a thief or murderer, or because we have sought the property or life of others. However, do not understand me as justifying or exalting myself; but I come with the prodigal son, and depend only on the pure word of God.”

Upon this the executioner struck him on his breast. John Claess turned around, and exclaimed with a loud voice:

“O Lord, forsake me not, now or in eternity. Lord, thou Son of David, receive my soul.”

Thus the dear brother John Claess confirmed the word of God with his crimson blood, his head then being placed upon a stake, and his body on the wheel, as food for the birds and wild beasts. And the old grandfather of eighty-seven years, also willingly, for the truth of Christ Jesus, yielded his hoary head and beard to the sword of these tyrants. They now rest together under the altar.

A NUMBER OF BELIEVERS BAPTIZED ACCORDING TO THE COMMAND OF CHRIST, HAVING ASSEMBLED TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, ARE PUT TO DEATH AT ROTTERDAM, IN THE YEAR 1544.

As saint Paul, through the spirit of God, foretold that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution, so it was also verified in the city of Rotterdam, about A. D. 1544, where a number of the pious followers of Jesus Christ had assembled together in the name of the Lord, to converse with each other about the word of God, and thus to edify and strengthen one another in the accepted truth of the holy gospel; also to pray with an humble heart and with one accord to the great God of heaven and earth, for forgiveness and remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and thus to give praise and thanks with one mind to his most adorable name. Eph. 5:1; Heb. 10:24; 3:13; 1 Thess. 5:11; Rom. 15:16; Acts 1:14.

This good exercise in godliness the papists, who hate the truth, sought to prevent and stop as much as lay in their power, so that said godfearing assembly fell into their hands, having been betrayed by a woman who came to the house to borrow a kettle. The defenseless sheep having thus fallen into the claws of the wolves, these, according to their nature, treated them in the most cruel manner, in order to draw them away from the truth; all of which they willingly suffered and endured in patience for the name of Jesus, in the firm hope of his imperishable kingdom. Therefore, since they could by no tortures be brought to apostatize, they were sentenced to death, which sentence was executed in the following manner: The men were beheaded with the sword at the said place, while the women, in the most cruel manner were thrown into a boat, and thrust under the ice until death followed. Thus these two assemblies, or classes of people, that is the church of God, and the congregation of Satan clearly evinced of which spirit they were children (1 John 3:10; Luke 9:55); which can easily be seen by their fruits and nature. The anti-Christians by this, that, as ravening and devouring wolves, they were born by nature to seize and destroy. The congregation of Jesus Christ by this, that, as humble sheep and lambs, dumb, and with no desire for revenge, they were thus led to the slaughter, and willingly gave their bodies for the name of the Lord. Matt. 7:15; 10:16; Ps. 44:22; 1 Peter 4:13. Therefore, these sheep shall, at the reappearing of the great Shepherd, hear, together with all faithful servants, the joyful voice: “Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Heb. 13:20; Matt. 25:23.

Among those that were thus offered, there was also a young maiden of but fourteen years. She composed the hymn in the old hymn book, beginning thus:

Emanuel die is uytgetogen, uyt sijns Vaders rijck in’s werelts pleyn.‍235

FRANCIS OF BOLSWEERT, A. D. 1545.

At Bolsweert, in Friesland, there was a true lamb of Christ, named Francis, who lived uprightly in the fear of God. Job 1:1. He was therefore apprehended, and conveyed in a sleigh to Leeuwaerden, where he was asked before the council, why he would not swear, nor observe the Supper with them in the church. He answered: “My lords, Christ teaches us that we must not swear at all; and because you people are unbelieving and unclean, I will not keep fellowship with you.” At these words the lords were offended, and said: “We are neither thieves nor murderers; what uncleanness then have we? but it seems to us, that you hold a false doctrine, and of such heretics there are still more, all of whom we intend utterly to exterminate.” Francis said: “My lords, be not angry; but you high priests, show me the false doctrine which I hold, and this from the Bible, for I have brought one with me; come and instruct me from it.”

The lords then counseled with the priests of Jezebel, and said: “He has despised our mass; he contemns our customs, and we have a strict mandate, to which we must be obedient, and according to that he must die.” Thus he was sentenced to be burned to ashes on Palm Sunday eve, A. D. 1545. For this sentence he undauntedly thanked the Lords and said: “I will forgive you all this from my heart, wishing that the Spirit of God would enlighten you unto reformation, that you may repent and live according to the word of God; I now go to the holy city, and the inheritance of my Father.” He was then led to death, as a sheep to the slaughter. Many that saw it wept; but he said: “Weep not, but prepare yourselves to die unto your sins, for this is the true way to enter into life.” He also spoke many other comforting words.

After he had openly prayed: “Lord God, receive my soul and guide it into thy peace,” the executioner commenced his work. Having stripped him of his clothes, and fastened him to the stake, he was about to strangle him with a rope, when the rope broke, and he fell down. This frightened the executioner, and he endeavored quickly to burn him to ashes with much peat and wood; but God manifested his miraculous power, so that the fire lost its natural force, and the body could not be burned entirely; on which account the lords became angry at the executioner, and said that he had not brought enough wood; but it was the will of God that he should thus be received into the number of the martyrs.

OSWALD OF JAMNITS, A. D. 1545.

In this year, Brother Oswald of Jamnits, was imprisoned for the faith, at Vienna, in Austria, and various means were tried to cause him to apostatize. The citizens came to him in prison, and in a friendly manner earnestly admonished him to recant, or they would have to drown him in the Danube. But he said: “Though you drown me, I will not depart from God and his truth. Christ died for me, and him will I follow, and also die for his truth, far rather than forsake it.” No matter whatever they said, they could not make him apostatize. Two brethren then came to him, who comforted him; to them he commended his wife and child. They embraced each other, and thus took leave from one another, wishing him patience in his suffering, which he innocently had to endure. After having been confined for one year and six weeks, they took him from prison on a certain Wednesday night; took him out of the city, that the multitude of the people should neither see nor hear anything, and drowned him in the Danube. There was no trial held over him, nor was his crime made known.

Since he patiently and cheerfully persevered unto the end, God shall also confess him; and though they executed him secretly and at night, yet he shall appear in the open judgment of the Lord in the valley of Jehosaphat, where another judgment will be held. Joel 3:2. And that judgment will fall a hundred fold more heavily upon the heads of those who thus presumptuously condemn innocent blood on earth; yea, it shall be more tolerable for those of Sodom and Gomorrah in the last day, than for such. Matt. 10:15.

ANDREW KOFLER, A. D. 1545.

In the year 1545, one Andrew Kofler from Etschland was also apprehended for the faith and the divine truth, at Ips, on the Danube. As he would not renounce, and could not be made to apostatize by the priests and false prophets, he was sentenced to death by the children of Pilate, and delivered to the executioner, who executed him with the sword, thus satisfying the ungodly. Thus he valiantly confessed and testified to the truth of God even unto death, and is now gone before into eternal light and life, and rests in Abraham’s bosom, yea, under the altar, under which those lie, who have been beheaded and slain for the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, until the number of their fellow brethren who shall also be killed as they were, shall be fulfilled.

HANS BLIETEL, A. D. 1545.

In this year, also Brother Hans Blietel, who had been sent by the church, was apprehended at Ried, in Bavaria; for those of Ried had offered a sum of money to the one who should apprehend him. Hence, there was a traitor, who addressed him with fair words, pretending to be very zealous, and under a desire to be with him, decoyed him into his house. The brother supposed that he was concerned for the salvation of his soul, and went with him. He then locked him into his house, and said: “Hans, you are a prisoner.” But Hans replied: “God forbid that you should do this; have I not come to thee for good?”

The traitor demanded money of him, and he would release him; but when the brother refused to accede to this demand, he went to the authorities and betrayed him. While he went, the wife of the traitor also demanded money of him; for, said she, the authorities would take him along any way; she wanted fifteen guilders, and they would let him go away from the house. But Brother Hans Blietel would not consent to give her one farthing; but would with the help of God await all tribulation. In the meantime, the authorities came with a great number of armed men, and apprehended the brother, together with the traitor and his wife, securing them well with ropes, bonds and straps.

Having arrived in the market town of Ried, they took them, and tormented them dreadfully, the traitor as well as the brother; for the authorities thought that he had taken money from the brother, because they found so little on him. The traitor’s wife also had her hand squeezed until the blood flowed from it; for they wanted her to tell it. And though they had not received anything, their treachery became a source of sore grief to them.

When Brother Hans had lain in prison for four or five weeks, he was sentenced to death, about St. John’s day, to be burnt alive. He was led out to the place of execution, where the priests attempted to induce him to desist from and forsake his faith; but he said to them: “You may well desist from your wicked deception; I will not hear or embrace your false doctrine; I have at this day something else to do, than to listen to you false prophets; I must follow the Lord my God in Christ, and fulfill what I have promised.” The priests, therefore, stood back, and left him be in peace. On his way to the place of execution he met one of his acquaintances, named Michael Dirks, or Kramer. Hans Blietel looked at Michael with a smiling countenance, and pointed him to heaven. The latter was astonished that he could smile, going as he was to death and the fire. This produced a complete contrition of heart in Michael, as also in his wife, who did not eat anything for three days, but sought to join the church, and become pious, and others with them.

When the dear brother Hans arrived at the place of execution, he thought of the church, and cried with a loud voice unto the multitude of the people assembled: “Is there any one here, who has courage to tell the church of God in Moravia, that I, Hans Blietel, was burned for the Gospel, at Ried, in Bavaria?” Thereupon a zealous man, full of piety, kindled thereby, revealed himself, and though he could not get to him, he called to him, that he would inform the church in Moravia, that he was burned at Ried, for the faith; which encouraged brother Hans, so that he again cried out to the people: “This my faith is the divine truth, which I will show to you; and I say unto you, repent, reform, and desist from your unrighteous, wicked, and vicious life; for if you do not do this, the eternal God shall visit you for your sins, and punish you with the everlasting pain which is prepared for all sinners, and he shall require the innocent blood at your hands, and punish you for it.”

The fire having been kindled and prepared, he was tied upon a ladder. In the meantime, he testified again that this was the truth and the way to eternal life, and the true church of God, appealing to heaven and earth as his witnesses. “And to-day,” said he, “shall God give a sign in heaven, to testify that this is the way to eternal life.” This also occurred; for the sun in the sky was darkened and became full of spots, so that he gave forth no shadow. Though the sky was quite clear and bright, yet the sun emitted a very pale and yellow light upon the earth; for God intended to confirm it by this sign. This lover of God also sang in the fire, in which he lived for some time, praising God by his singing, and praying for all men who were worthy, that God would enlighten them. And thus he was found constant and steadfast in the faith, in the trial of the fire, even as the precious and pure gold. He had also foretold as a sign, that his smoke would quickly rise on high over him, and his soul ascend in it unto heaven; which came to pass, the smoke ascending straight up to heaven. Some said that a beautiful white dove flitted in the fire, and flew over him to heaven. Thus God assisted him very powerfully.

MICHAEL MATSCHILDER, ELIZABETH HIS WIFE, AND HANS GURTZHAM, A. D. 1546.

In the year 1546, brother Michael Matschilder, also called Little Michael, a minister of Jesus Christ and his church, and two others, namely, his wife Elizabeth, and Hans Gurtzham, a shoemaker, were apprehended and examined at Altenburg, in Upper Kærnthen. A doctor and a learned man of Villach disputed with them; but this brother gave them such answers, that they had to withdraw in confusion, unable to accomplish anything.

They were then led in iron chains through Styria, and delivered into the bailey, at Vienna, to the jailer, who said: “Come, I will bring you into a vault, where others of your brethren are. In there were Hans Stautdach and three fellow-prisoners.

When they met, they embraced and kissed each other, and praised God, who had brought them together for the glory of his name. Hans Stautdach and his three fellow-prisoners were then executed; but these others were kept in prison longer; that is, about three years, namely, until the year 1549, when a conflagration occurred in the city. Then, as is customary in that city when a conflagration occurs, the gates of the city were closed, and the prisoners released. After the fire was extinguished, brother Michael and his wife, through the providence of God and the assistance of a citizen, escaped from the city, and came to the church. Thus God delivered them unharmed and in peace. But Hans Gurtzham went back to prison, and was confined there one year longer, namely, until the year 1550, when he was executed, about June, being drowned in the Danube, early on a certain Friday morning.

QUIRINUS PIETERS OF GRŒNINGEN, BURNT ALIVE FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, AT AMSTERDAM, IN HOLLAND, ON THE 16TH OF APRIL, A. D. 1545.

When the constraint of conscience and faith did not cease, but increased and broke forth more and more through the adherents of popery, against the pious Christians, who, according to the command of Christ had been baptized upon their faith, it occurred, that a certain pious brother, named Quirinus Pieters, a native of Grœningen, also separated from popery, and joined the cross-bearing church of Jesus Christ, called Baptists, or, contemptuously, Anabaptists, having been received into the church through baptism upon confession of his faith, by Menno Simon, who was at that time one of the most eminent teachers in Friesland.

But when he, about six years ago, went to Holland, and settled down at Amsterdam, there to live in quiet according to his faith and conscience, he was very speedily discovered by the authorities, apprehended, and finally, as he would not apostatize, sentenced to death, on the sixteenth of April, A. D. 1545, namely, to be burned to death; which dreadful and severe punishment this pious hero of Christ steadfastly endured, having commended his soul into the hands of God.

All of this we have taken from the following sentence, which was publicly read to him, on the day of his death, by the rulers of darkness, and a true copy of which, extracted from the book of criminal sentences, has now been transmitted to us through the secretary there. The contents of the same, with the exception of the title, are as follows:

Sentence of death pronounced upon Quirinus Pieters of Groeningen.

Whereas Quirinus Pieters, a native of Grœningen, has embraced the unbelief and heresy of the Anabaptists, having been rebaptized about six years ago, by Menno Simon, a teacher of the aforesaid sect, and whereas he holds pernicious views concerning the sacraments of the holy church, and, moreover, has induced others, into such unbelief and errors, persuading them into it, directly contrary to the holy Christian faith, the ordinances of the holy church, and the decrees of his Imperial Majesty, our gracious lord; and whereas he obstinately continues in the aforesaid unbelief, therefore, my lords the Judges, having heard the demand made by my lord the Bailiff concerning the aforesaid Quirinus Pieters, as also his answer and confession, and having fully considered the circumstances of said matters, sentence the aforesaid Quirinus Pieters to be burnt by the executioner; and furthermore, declare his property confiscated for the benefit of the exchequer of his Imperial Majesty. Pronounced this sixteenth of April, A. D. 1545, in the presence of the entire bench of Judges, except Sir Henry Dirks, Burgomaster.

Pursuant to this sentence, Quirinus Pieters was executed by the executioner on the same day.

The whole of this was extracted from the book of criminal sentences, in the keeping of the secretary of the city of Amsterdam.

N. N.

HANS STAUDTACH, ANTHONY KEYN, BLASIUS BECK, AND LEONHARD SCHNEIDER, A. D. 1546.

In the year 1546, four brethren, namely, Hans Staudtach of Kaufbeuren, Anthony Keyn, a tailor of Gunzenhausen, Blasius Beck and Leonhard Schneider, both of them also of Kaufbeuren, while on their way, with their wives and children, to the church in Moravia, were apprehended in Austria. On the third of August they were brought to Vienna, two and two fettered together, with great chains on their feet, and led through the city like criminals, with their wives and children following after them. They were brought into prison, with their wives and children, and left for four days. In these four days they were examined, and sorely assailed, whether they would continue in this faith; this they confessed, with the help and power of God they would do. Thereupon the four brethren were put into another prison. Afterwards they examined them again, and brought their wives and children into the house of the Judge, but prevented the brethren from talking much with them.

On Sunday, the sixteenth of August, much people came to them in prison, and talked with the brethren, and concerning their wives. But however hard they were pressed to recant, they remained valiant and steadfast, though they threatened to take away their children from them. In the meantime, however, their wives were released, and came to the church. Subsequently much craftiness was resorted to, to intimidate them, and cause them to apostatize. Four times they were brought before the authorities at Vienna, also before monks, priests and doctors, whom Christ does not in vain designate ravening wolves, of whom we are to beware; for their priests are like wolves, and indeed come under a fair appearance, to devour them; yea, would have them all killed and destroyed. Hence, it grieves the false prophets to leave any one pious and unseduced, and therefore they labor much and in many various ways. They have enough who follow the doctrine of their false prophets, and walk after their ungodly and vicious life; they might well leave the pious in peace.

Thus they also tempted these lovers of God, yet could not gain them, but were put to shame and reproach: for no one can pluck Christ’s own out of his hand. John 10:28. They also read to them the mandate of the King, and threatened them with fire, water and the sword, or that they should be kept on bread and water, and separated, or drowned in the night, like Brother Oswald of Jamnits, as related previously. By these things they endeavored to intimidate them; but there was no intimidating these soldiers and heroes of the truth of God.

On the fifth day after St. Michæl’s, they were subjected to another hearing, whether they would renounce their faith; if not, they had orders to put them to death by fire, water or the sword. This was the last warning. But when they could accomplish nothing by their threats, they brought all four of them back into the Joppen (a prison). Hans Staudtach was left in prison. Blasius in the wood-room, and Leonhard, with another, in a vacant apartment; but afterwards, about All-souls Day, they were put together again.

After all this, as they remained constant and steadfast, and continued to confess that they were going in the true way of the divine truth, which they were willing to seal with their blood, they were condemned to death, a little after St. Martin’s day, on the 22d of November, and delivered to the executioner, who bound them, and, in order to avoid too great a sensation, and not to have a large concourse of people come together he led them out to the place of execution, in the morning, at daybreak.

When they were being led out to the slaughter, they boldly and joyfully sang. A ring was then made, as the executioners usually do. The brethren knelt down and fervently prayed, offering up this burnt offering as their final farewell to the world.

The executioner became sad, acted with reluctance, and was grieved in his heart that he had to perform this execution. The other children of Pilate also wished to be innocent, yet they had to do it because of their superiors in authority, and by virtue of their office; but they would much rather have been excused.

They then blessed each other, and exhorted one another to steadfastness, to be strong and of good cheer, saying; “To-day we shall be together in the kingdom of our heavenly Father,” etc.

Thus all four were beheaded with the same sword, and undauntedly and boldly surrendered their necks for the name of Christ.

DIRK PIETERS SMUEL AND JACOB DEN GELDERSMAN, BURNT ALIVE AT AMSTERDAM, ON THE 24TH OF MAY, A. D. 1546.

After manifold tribulations and afflictions upon the pious followers of Jesus Christ, it came to pass, that the Procurator from the Hague, and the Bailiff of Amsterdam, Waterlandt and Zeevanck, came to Edam with a whole troop of beadles. These came on the 12th of March, that is on the Friday preceding Shrove Tuesday, A. D. 1546, at night, with torches, and lanterns, to the house of Dirk Pieters Smuel and Jacob den Geldersman, both of them citizens of Edam, of one faith, and seekers of the truth. They took them out of their own houses from their beds, and led them from the east end out of the stone portal to the west end, where they were put into a boat, and thus brought prisoners to Amsterdam, whence, after a certain time, they were brought to the Hague, where, on the 16th of May of the same year, they were examined concerning their faith, and as they would steadfastly adhere to the accepted truth, were sentenced, on the 22d of May, in the high court of the lords of this world, to be burnt alive. Thereupon they were again brought to Amsterdam, where, after suffering many trials, they were bound on ladders, and burned alive, enduring it with great steadfastness. They joyfully surrendered and forsook their earthly habitations, and are now awaiting a building of God, which shall endure forever in heaven. 2 Cor. 5:1.

ANDREW SMUEL AND DIRK PIETERS. THE DEFENSE AND CONFESSION OF FAITH WHICH THEY MADE AT AMSTERDAM BEFORE THE COMMISSARIES, AND CONFIRMED WITH THEIR DEATH, IN THE YEAR 1546.

Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever, Amen. Hear my confession to the princes of this world. In the first place, they inquired concerning my faith. I therefore said to them: “A scribe came to the Lord, and asked him, saying: Master, which is the great commandment? The Lord said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself; this is the greatest commandment, and there is no other. The scribe answered and said: Thou hast answered well, that there is one God, and to love him with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love our neighbor as ourself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

To this they replied: “We know that there is one God; but do you believe, that when the priest stands at the altar, God is in his hands?”

I said, “No. Stephen said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of the Almighty Father.” Acts 7:56.

They again said: “Then you do not believe that he is there?”

I said, “No.”

Question: “We have been told, that when your pastor went on one side of the street, and you and two others on the other, you gave no honor either to him or to the sacrament; is this true?”

Answer: “Yes.”

Ques. “Why did you do this?”

Ans. “I will tell you, my lords: the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah, chapter 2, verse 8: They worship the work of their own hands: that which their own fingers have made: and the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.”

Ques. “Did you do it for the reason that it was made by the hands of men?”

Ans. “Yea, my lords, because I would not offend my Lord and my God with it.”

Ques. “How long ago is it since you went to confession the last time?”

Ans. “About two or three years.”

Ques. “Why so?”

Ans. “Because the Lord has said: Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

Ques. “Did you do it on this account?”

Ans. “Yes.”

Ques. “How long is it since you attended the sacrament?”

Ans. “Also about two or three years.”

Ques. “Why so?”

Ans. “Because Paul says: Christ presented to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:27.

Ques. “Did you do it because you were not worthy of it?”

Ans. “Yes, because I have spots and wrinkles.”

Ques. “What do you believe concerning the holy church?”

Ans. “I know of no holy church, except the congregation of the apostles, of which Christ is the corner stone.”

Ques. “We well know this, that there was a holy church then.”

Ans. “Can another foundation be laid, than that is laid? 1 Cor. 3:11. Paul says to the Galatians, in the first chapter: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another Gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other Gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it. Gal. 1:6–12. He further says, to the Corinthians: For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Cor. 2:2.

Ques. “Well, what do you hold concerning Mary the mother of God?”

Ans. “Much, for she humbled herself before the Lord, and was exalted through her humility.”

Ques. “You have answered well. What do you hold with regard to purgatory?”

Ans. “I know of only two ways.” Matt. 7:13.

Ques. “Do you know your pastor well?”

Ans. “I know him well by sight; but I have never spoken to him, nor he to me.”

Ques. “Why did you not hear him?”

Ans. “Because James says in his first chapter: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Ques. “Well, what did he say?”

Ans. “I have heard say that he said that man can not be saved through the death of Christ alone.”

Ques. “Did he say amiss in this?”

Ans. “Yes; Paul says: By him all that believe are justified from all things, from which we could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:39.

Ques. “It is well known that we can not be saved through the law.”

Ans. “Peter says, that there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby they can be saved, than through the name of Jesus Christ.”

Ques. “How long is it since you were baptized?”

Ans. “Ever since I was born.”

Ques. “Are you satisfied, that you can be saved by baptism?”

Ans. “I believe to be saved through the death of Christ.”

Ques. “We nevertheless must know whether you believe that you will be saved by it?”

Ans. “I believe to be saved through the death of Christ.”

Ques. “If you had the opportunity, would you not be baptized again?”

Ans. “I know not; for God knows both to will and to do.”

Ques. “Still, we want to know whether you regard the baptism which you received in your infancy as the true baptism, or that which is administered on faith?”

Ans. “If this is all you want to know, it is written that the Lord said to his apostles: ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.’ Mark 16:15,16. Further, the men said to Peter and the other apostles: ‘What shall we do to be saved? Repent, he said, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.’ ” Acts 2:37–47.

Ques. “There you say yourself, that the apostles went into the temple?”

Ans. “Yes, this is true; that was a temple which God had commanded to be built.”

Ques. “The apostles certainly went forth to teach; where did they go to teach?”

Ans. “Whithersoever they came, they went into the synagogues, and preached the Gospel of Christ.” Acts 13:14.

Ques. “We have heard, that you also teach wherever you go?”

Ans. “O Lord, what should I preach; we may have read the gospel together.”

Ques. “Where did you read it together?”

Ans. “At the dyke.”

Ques. “With whom did you read it?”

Ans. “This I do not know.”

Ques. “How should you not know with whom you read it?”

Ans. “How should I know it, sometimes with this one, and sometimes with another.”

They therefore mentioned the names of a good many, and said: “Do you know this and that one?”

Ans. “Yes, I know them well.”

Ques. “Have you any books of Menno Simon and of David Joris?”

Ans. “No, I have no books in the house, except a Bible and a Testament, and a little book on the faith.”

Thus they asked me many questions, and said, that so much had been reported, how we had preached in this and that place, and that there was no town where he had been, but they knew it better than myself.

Now, my dear brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to strengthen and keep you, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:32. Hence, let every one see to it, that no one be so presumptuous as to pour water into the living fountain; for the Lord says, John 6:44–46: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father.” Is. 54:13. Therefore dear brethren and sisters, let us with one accord pray to God for wisdom, as the apostle James teaches us, and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which is hypocrisy; hence let us follow our supreme Lord and Shepherd Christ, and praise him through God the Father, unto whom be praise forever and ever, Amen.

TESTAMENT WRITTEN BY DIRK PIETERS SMUEL, DECEASED IN PRISON, TO HIS WIFE, WHEN HE WAS PREPARING TO DIE FOR THE NAME AND TESTIMONY OF JESUS; IN WHICH HE COMFORTED AND ADMONISHED HER DILIGENTLY TO PROVIDE FOR THE BRINGING UP OF HER CHILDREN THAT THEY MIGHT LEARN TO FEAR GOD FROM THEIR YOUTH.

Grace and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. I beseech you, therefore, my most beloved sister and wife Wellemoet Claes, that you present your body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, and be not conformed to this world. 1 Corinthians 1:3; Rom. 12:1,2. James says: “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4 For the Lord Jesus says: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” John 16:20–22. Therefore let us say with St. Paul: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Rom. 8:35–37. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.” Rev. 3:5,6. Hence, I beseech you, my most beloved, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is;” “for the time past of your life may suffice you to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when you walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries.” “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you maybe able to bear it.” Eph. 5:15–17; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Cor. 10:12,13.

“Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14), and “Know, that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” 1 Peter 1:18–21. “Now, the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” 1 Tim. 1:5. “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come, glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:1–3. “For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” Hebrews 7:26–28.

Therefore I admonish you, my most beloved, seeing we have such “a high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Heb. 10:21,22. John says: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 2:1,2. “And now . . . I commend you to God, 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.”236 Acts 20:32.

The grace of our Lord be with you now and forever, Amen.

So I admonish you, my most beloved mother [wife], diligently to see to it, that you teach the children from their youth to fear God.

A LETTER OF CONSOLATION AND ADMONITION, WRITTEN IN PRISON BY DIRK PIETERS SMUEL, DECEASED, WHO WAS BURNT ALIVE AT AMSTERDAM, IN HOLLAND, FOR THE NAME AND TESTIMONY OF JESUS; TO ALL LOVERS OF THE EVANGELICAL TRUTH, A. D. 1546.

“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.”237 2 Cor. 1:3–5. Hence Paul says: “I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Eph. 3:13–15. He himself says: “I thank thee, O Father Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. . . . And no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” Matt. 11:25,26,27.

He therefore says: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”238 Matt. 11:28–30.

Therefore, my dear brethren, seeing we have such “a high priest, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised: and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching . . . For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Heb. 10:21–25,30,31. For he says: “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose it for the Gospel’s sake, shall save it.”239 Mark 8:34,35.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I give you a new commandment, says Christ: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans so?” Matt. 5:43–47.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.”240 Ephesians 5:1,2.

“Flee youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”241 2 Tim. 2:22–26.

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”242 Jas. 3:13–18.

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” 2 John 9–11. “Beware of false prophets,243 which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matt. 7:15–19. “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them; Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” Luke 6:36–40. “He that overcometh the world, shall inherit all things; all things are in God, and God works all in all.” 1 John 5:4.

Therefore, my dear brethren, “Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation. . . . For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”244 Philip. 1:27–30.

“Therefore, my most beloved brethren, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice,245 inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil doer, or as a busy-body in other men’s matters. Yet if any 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? Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:12–19.

It is 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: if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”246 2 Tim. 2:11–13.

Therefore, my dear brethren, let us “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Eph. 5:15–17.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Gal. 5:19–24. Yea, say the wise of this world, the heretics do not believe that God is in the sacrament. Indeed, they are right in not believing it, for Paul says: “He dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men’s hands.” Acts 17:24,25. “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.”247 1 Tim. 6:13–16.

“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son . . . he hath declared him.” John 1:18. Stephen said: “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56. “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 and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Pet. 1:7–9. I say that it is great presumption for men to undertake to say that they handle God. For John, concerning whom the Lord himself declared, that a greater was not born of women, than John the Baptist, did not consider himself worthy to unloose the latchet of his shoes.248

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. But this is my belief: That to those who through faith in Christ Jesus are dead from the rudiments of the world (Col. 2:20), and have crucified the flesh with its evil affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24). Christ left the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of his death, that they should show the Lord’s death till he come (1 Cor. 11:25,26), as Paul says: “I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? But I say, that the things which the gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”249 1 Cor. 10:15–21.

End of these letters, translated and finished the 12th of January A. D. 1614.

RICHST HEYNES, A. D. 1547.

About the year 1547, there was a godfearing woman, whose name was Richst Heynes (so named after her husband, according to the custom of the country), and who lived in the Ilst, not far from Sneeck, in Friesland. She also bowed her shoulders under the easy yoke of the Lord Jesus, hearing and following his blessed voice, avoiding that of strangers opposed to him. The enemies of God perceiving this, very speedily sought to hinder and stop it; to which end, they sent forth tyrannical servants, who came as ravening wolves, and apprehended this defenseless sheep. Her husband perceiving it, escaped with great peril of life. She was very roughly handled, and cruelly bound, without the least mercy or compassion, though she was pregnant, and very near the time of her delivery, so that the midwife had already been with her. But notwithstanding all this, they took her with them, though her little children cried and wept piteously. They brought her to Leeuwaerden in prison, where after three weeks imprisonment, she gave birth to a son. The child, to the great astonishment of all who beheld it, very plainly showed on his arms the marks which his mother had received from the cruel fetters. They afterwards tortured her so cruelly, that she could not lay her hands upon her head. Thus she was maltreated with inhuman tortures, mainly for the reason that she would not betray her brethren, for these wolves were as yet by no means satisfied, but thirsted greatly after more innocent blood. The faithful God, however, who is a fortress in time of need, and a shield to all them that trust in him, guarded her lips, so that none were betrayed by her. Hence, as nothing could move her to separate from Christ, she was sentenced at said place, thrust into a bag, like an irrational brute, and cast into the water and drowned. All this she as an innocent lamb of Jesus Christ patiently and steadfastly endured for the name of the Lord, remaining faithful unto death; hence she is worthy ultimately to receive the crown of everlasting life from God, and to enjoy it forever and ever.

CLAES LECKS, A. D. 1548.

Claes Leeks, a native of Ostende, was summoned to the town-house, in the year 1548, on account of certain reports that were circulating about him. Having arrived there, he was examined respecting his faith, and, making a good confession, he was committed to prison. He was a man of very good reputation, on account of the many alms which he gave to the poor. When he was examined, he renounced the papistic, Roman church, and also infant baptism, which he refuted with the holy Scriptures. Thereupon, as he steadfastly adhered to his faith in God, he was sentenced to be strangled and burned. As he was being led out to death, the priest presented the crucifix to him to kiss it, which he refused to do. The priest also said to the people: “Pray for this deceiver; for he is going from this fire into the eternal fire.” To this he simply replied: “This is what you say, but I have a better assurance.” Thus he offered up his sacrifice as a true child of God.

ELIZABETH, A. D. 1549.

Elizabeth was apprehended on the 15th of January, 1549. When those who had come to apprehend her entered the house in which she lived, they found a Latin Testament. Having secured Elizabeth, they said: “We have got the right man; we have now the teacheress;” adding: “Where is your husband, Menno Simon, the teacher?”

They then brought her to the town-house. The following day two beadles took her between them to prison.

She was then arraigned before the council, and asked upon oath, whether she had a husband.

Elizabeth answered: “We ought not to swear, but our words should be Yea, yea, and Nay, nay; I have no husband.”

Lords: “We say that you are a teacher, and that you seduce many. We have been told this, and we want to know who your friends are.”

Elizabeth: “My God has commanded me to love my Lord and my God, and to honor my parents; hence I will not tell you who my parents are; for what I suffer for the name of Christ is a reproach to my friends.”

Lords: “We will let you alone in regard to this, but we want to know whom you have taught.”

Elizabeth: “Oh no, my lords, let me in peace with this, but interrogate me concerning my faith, which I will gladly tell you.”

Lords: “We shall make you so afraid, that you will tell us.”

Elizabeth: “I hope through the grace of God, that he will keep my tongue, so that I shall not become a traitoress, and deliver my brother into death.”

Lords: “What persons were present when you were baptized?”

Elizabeth: “Christ said: Ask them that were present, or who heard it.” John 18:21.

Lords: “Now we perceive that you are a teacher; for you compare yourself to Christ.”

Elisabeth: “No, my lords, far be it from me; for I do not esteem myself above the offscourings which are swept out from the house of the Lord.”

Lords: “What then do you hold concerning the house of God? do you not regard our church as the house of God?”

Elizabeth: “No, my lords, for it is written: Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them.” 2 Corinthians 6:16.

Lords: “What do you hold concerning our mass?”

Elizabeth: “My lords, of your mass I think nothing at all; but I highly esteem all that accords with the word of God.”

Lords: “What are your views with regard to the most adorable, holy sacrament?”

Elizabeth: “I have never in my life read in the holy Scriptures of a holy sacrament, but of the Lord’s Supper.” (She also quoted the Scripture relating to this.)

Lords: “Be silent, for the devil speaks through your mouth.”

Elizabeth: “Yea, my lords, this is a small matter, for the servant is not better than his lord.”

Lords: “You speak from a spirit of pride.”

Elizabeth: “No, my lords, I speak with frankness.”

Lords: “What did the Lord say, when he gave his disciples the Supper?”

Elizabeth: “What did he give them, flesh or bread?”

Lords: “He gave them bread.”

Elizabeth: “Did not the Lord remain sitting there? Who then would eat the flesh of the Lord?”

Lords: “What are your views concerning infant baptism, seeing you have been rebaptized?”

Elizabeth: “No, my lords, I have not been rebaptized. I have been baptized once upon my faith; for it is written that baptism belongs to believers.”

Lords: “Are our children damned then, because they are baptized?”

Elizabeth: “No, my lords, God forbid, that I should judge the children.”

Lords: “Do you not seek your salvation in baptism?”

Elizabeth: “No, my lords, all the water in the sea could not save me; but salvation is in Christ (Acts 4:10), and he has commanded me to love God my Lord above all things, and my neighbor as myself.”

Lords: “Have the priests power to forgive sins?”

Elizabeth: “No, my lords; how should I believe this? I say that Christ is the only priest through whom sins are forgiven.” Heb. 7:21.

Lords: “You say that you believe everything that accords with the holy Scriptures; do you not believe the words of James?”

Elizabeth: “Yea, my lords, why should I not believe them?”

Lords: “Does he not say: Go to the elder of the church, that he may anoint you, and pray over you?” James 5:14.

Elizabeth: “Yea, my lords; but do you mean to say that you are of this church?”

Lords: “The Holy Ghost has saved you already; you need neither confession nor sacrament?”

Elizabeth: “No, my lords, I acknowledge that I have transgressed the ordinance of the Pope, which the Emperor has confirmed by decrees. But prove to me that I have transgressed in any article against my Lord and my God, and I will cry woe over me, miserable being.”