though these envious men thirsted with such exceeding tyranny and great
bitterness for his blood, and sought and persecuted him unto death, yet
the Almighty God preserved him, and most miraculously protected him
from the designs of all his enemies, so that they could not execute
their tyrannical desires on him; for he died a natural death, as God
had appointed it to him, at Wuestefeld, near Luebeck, on the 13th of
January, in the year 1559, in his sixty-sixth year. Ps. 31:15; Job
14:5; Ps. 139:16.

He that desires, may read _Menno Simon, contra Gallius Faber, fol. 23_,
where the offering of Tjaert Reynerts is referred to.[232]

  [232] See Menno Simon’s Complete Works, English Edition, published by
  John F. Funk and Brother, Elkhart, Indiana, 1871, part first, page 8.

ARENT JACOBS, WITH HIS WIFE AND ELDEST SON, A. D. 1539.

Even as it was in the time of Esau and Jacob, that he that was born
after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit (Gen.
27:1; Galatians 4:29), so it was also abundantly witnessed in this
time; which, among others, appeared in the case of one godfearing
brother named Arent Jacobs, and his wife and eldest son. These resided
in the Rijp, and being born again from above of God, and seeking the
eternal inheritance which is reserved for such in heaven, they were
hated and persecuted unto death by the followers of Esau, who brought
them prisoners from the Rijp to Monickendam, in North Holland, where
they had to suffer much for the truth; but as they were built upon
Christ, and suffered themselves by no torments to be led away, they
were, at said place, A. D. 1539, sentenced to suffer death by drowning,
which was accordingly done. To this end heavy stones were used, which
the executioner was not able to lift, so that the prisoners were
obliged to assist him. Thus, like irrational beasts they were cast
into the water, with stones tied to their necks, and so departed this
life. Thus they did not love their lives, but surrendered them unto
death for the witness of Jesus, who at his glorious coming shall raise
their rejected bodies from the dead, and crown them with immortality in
heaven. Rev. 12:11; 20:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Phil. 3:21; 2 Timothy
4:8.

HANS SIMERAVER, A. D. 1540.

In the year 1540, Brother Hans Simeraver was imprisoned for the divine
truth, at Schwatz, in the valley of the Inn; but as they could not
draw him from his faith, nor convince him with the holy Scriptures,
they delivered him to their high priest, the executioner, who had to
lead him out and conquer him. Thus he was executed with the sword, and
sealed his faith in God with his blood, thus resisting unto blood, or
striving against sin and the abomination of desolation. Heb. 12:4;
Matt. 24:15. Therefore he shall also, on Mount Sion, among the great
number of those who testified to and confessed the name of God in the
world, receive a palm in his hands, and be crowned with the unfading
crown of life. 2 Esdr. 2:45; 2 Tim. 4:8.

WALTER OF STOELWIJK, A. D. 1541.

On the eleventh of February, A. D. 1538, another pious and faithful
brother, named Walter of Stoelwijk, at Vilvoorden, in Brabant, fell
into the hands of the ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15), and had to suffer
much for the truth, from these envious papists. But he, as a wise
builder, had founded his house upon the firm and immovable rock, Christ
Jesus; and therefore remained steadfast in all these great trials,
though he had to suffer cruel imprisonment for three years, and much
severe and tyrannous examining and torturing from these blood-thirsty
men. Finally, on the 24th of March, in the year 1541, he was sentenced
and burned at said place. Thus he remained faithful to his Lord and
Creator unto death, and steadfastly confirmed with his death and blood
the genuine faith of the truth, and his unwavering, living hope. He
shall therefore, as an obedient sheep, also hear the voice of the great
Shepherd of the sheep saying to him: “Come, ye blessed of my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
John 10:3; Heb. 13:20; Matt. 25:34.

A LETTER WRITTEN BY SAID WALTER OF STOELWIJK, TREATING OF THE SUFFERING
AND THE GLORY OF CHRISTIANS.

Grace, peace, and mercy from God our heavenly Father, and from Jesus
Christ our Lord and Savior, be with all those who live godly in Christ
Jesus, and therefore suffer persecution, to the glory and praise of the
true God, to the trial of their faith, and the eternal salvation of
their souls. Amen. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; 2 Tim.
3:12.

Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his
unfathomable grace and mercy hath called us out of darkness unto his
marvelous light, and still daily lets his face shine upon us, that we
may know his way on the earth, and his salvation among the Gentiles.
Yea, blessed, praised, and glorified be God our most blessed Lord and
most merciful Father, who, through his unspeakable goodness, and not
through the merits of our works, has chosen us, through Jesus Christ,
to be his children, that we should be heirs of his eternal kingdom,
and inherit all things as true children and heirs of God; children of
God and joint heirs with Christ, if we do the will of God our heavenly
Father, that we may be glorified with him, and enter into his glory.
Tit. 3:5; 2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 2:6; Rom. 8:17. For it is true what Christ
says: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is
in heaven.” Matt. 7:21. Now it is the will of our heavenly Father, that
we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus Christ.

In the first place, we must deny ourselves; that is, we must forsake
our own will, and surrender ourselves wholly to Jesus Christ, so that
according, to the words of the apostle, we live no more unto ourselves,
but unto Jesus Christ, who died for us, that he may be Lord both of the
dead and living, and that no one shall live unto himself, but unto him
who died for him, and rose again. O Lord God, how few there are who are
willing thus to deny themselves, and desire only to do the will of God;
yea, how many do not yet know which is the true will of God, but hold
to the doctrine and commandments of the Roman Pope and antichrist, and
are in such a condition, that they do not know Jesus Christ. To these,
the Almighty God, according to the pleasure of his will, must open the
eyes of their understanding, with the radiance of his grace, that they
may emerge from this blindness into the true light, and know with all
the saints, what is the delusion and sorcery of the Babylonian whore
(Rev. 18:2), and that the teachings and commandments of Christ Jesus
alone are to be kept, yea, that we must follow and preserve only the
teachings and commandments of Christ Jesus, and that we may in no wise
live according to our own will, but are to consider that Christ Jesus
himself did not his own will, but the will of his Father, who sent
him; which was done and written for our admonition and instruction,
that we should not fulfill our own will, which, because of the innate
wickedness of our cursed nature, is prone to evil; but the acceptable
and perfect will of God, so that we may pray aright, as Christ has
taught us, saying: Heavenly Father, thy will be done in earth, as it
is in heaven. Matt. 6:9,10. How many there are who do not say this
with a good heart, but with false lips, even as Judas said to Christ:
“Hail, Master” (Matt. 26:49; Mark 14:45; Luke 22:47), at the same time
betraying him; so they say with the mouth, that God’s will is to be
done; while at the same time all their thoughts and works are contrary
to the will of God. These are those real false Christians who say to
Christ Jesus: “Lord, Lord,” and yet do not what he has commanded them.
These are the true Pharisees, the hypocritical saints, who honor God
with their lips, while their heart is far from him. These are the true
unbelievers of whom St. Paul says that with their words they profess
to know God, but in works deny him, so that they are abominable to
the Lord, because they are disobedient to him, and reprobate unto
every good work. Yea, these are the true hypocrites, the disciples of
deceitful Satan, who have learned from their master, to disguise their
inward craftiness, and outwardly to adorn themselves with a beautiful
appearance. Such hypocrites the Lord will forever curse and cast out,
and say to them: “Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity; I know you
not.” Matt. 7:23; Ps. 6:8. But he will bless the pious Christians and
bless and glorify the good and true disciples of Jesus Christ, who deny
themselves, and have surrendered themselves unto the will of God, which
is the true beginning of the Christian life, and without which life can
not be begun.

In the second place, we must take up our cross, namely prepare
ourselves for suffering, according to the teaching of Jesus Syrach,
who says: “My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul
for temptation. Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make
not haste in time of trouble. Cleave unto him, and depart not away,
that thou mayest be increased at thy last end. Whatsoever is brought
upon thee, take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a
low estate. For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the
furnace of adversity.” Sir. 2:1–5; Wis. 3:6. With this accords also
what Paul says: “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.” 2 Tim. 3:12. Yea Christ himself says to his apostles: “Ye
shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” Mark 13:13. From all
these words it must incontrovertibly follow, that all servants of God,
all godly men, all disciples of Jesus Christ, must suffer persecution
for his name’s sake; and be tried through manifold temptations.

Therefore it is an awful blindness, that men boast of the Gospel and
Christianity, and know what belongs to a Christian life, but, alas!
they have the least thought of suffering anything for the name of
Christ Jesus; yea, though they know and confess that all the works
which take place in papal desolation are evil, and nothing but
blasphemy against God, yet have they fellowship therewith, and commit
the most shameful idolatry, in order that they may avoid and escape the
cross,--in which cross all pious Christians may glory (Gal. 6:14)--and
still they want to be considered good Christians. O what wicked
servants! O what wicked disciples! Wicked servants we say, because they
would be above their Lord Jesus Christ; wicked disciples we say, since
they reject and contemn the doctrine of their Master Jesus Christ. O
people, people, mockers of the living God! who think to deceive God
with your dissimulation, and to pay him with words, unmindful of the
words of Paul, namely: that the kingdom of God is not in word, but in
power! 1 Cor. 4:20. O people true hypocrites! who fancy that they serve
Christ, but how far are they from glorying with Paul, the pious and
faithful minister of Christ, only in the cross of Christ! Gal. 6:14.
O miserable people, who would rather now live for a little season in
peace and voluptuousness with the Babylonian whore, and afterwards be
tormented with her in everlasting pain, than suffer with Christ Jesus
for a little while, and thus enter into eternal glory!

Ah! the true saints and servants of God did differently; they would
rather suffer death, than transgress the commandment of God. Pious
Joseph would rather go to prison; yea, into death, than offend the Lord
his God, and commit adultery with the adulterous woman. Gen. 39:8.
Moses, the ardent and jealous lover of God, through his faith, chose
rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to live in
carnal and worldly lusts with the Egyptians; esteeming the reproach
of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt; for he had
respect unto the recompense of the reward. Ex. 2:11; Heb. 11:25.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego feared God the Lord more than all the
torments of the tyrannous King, and would rather die a temporal death,
and adhere to their God, than deny him. Dan. 3:16. Daniel who was rich
in spirit and strong in faith, did not shrink from the den of lions, in
which he would rather be cast, than worship any strange God. Dan. 6.
The pious Tobit would rather transgress the commandment of the King at
the peril of his life, than to forsake God his Lord; wherefore he also
commanded his son, to fear God all his life, and never to let his will
be set to sin, or to transgress the commandments of God his Lord. Tobit
1:18; 4:5. Eleazar, the pious Israelite would rather die for the law of
God, than act contrary to it; yea, than to dissimulate once, and thus
cause offense in Israel. The mother and her seven sons were so ardent
in the love of God, that they were not afraid of all the tyranny of the
wicked King, nor would they act contrary to the law of God, but much
rather suffer a severe death for it. 2 Mac. 7. Yea, how many saints
and witnesses of Jesus Christ are still hated, persecuted and slain by
the Babylonian whore, because they will not drink of the wine of her
fornication, or have fellowship with her idolatrous works.

Therefore all hypocritical saints, all wicked hypocrites, who boast of
being called Christians, yet will not suffer for the name of Christ,
may well be ashamed. Christ may justly say to them: If I be your Lord,
why do you not keep my commandments? if I be your Master, why do you
not hear and believe my words? Mal. 1:6; Luke 6:46. Well then, let
all hypocrites, and falsely prudent, unfaithful servants, and falsely
wise disciples of Jesus Christ, depart from their Lord and Master, we
nevertheless, through the grace of God, intend to adhere to Christ,
and are ready to suffer for his sake, even as he suffered for our
sakes. But he suffered as Lord, and we as disciples; hence we servants
and disciples must not bear the cross reluctantly seeing our Lord and
Master himself bore it.

In the third place, we must follow Jesus, but not as did many Jews, who
followed him, because they had eaten of the loaves; which, alas! many
false Christians still do, who join the Christian church, not because
they truly seek Christ Jesus, not because they love the truth, but that
they may be aided and fed by the Christian church (whom they perceive
to be the most charitable). But to follow Christ in this manner is
nothing but a mockery of God, and Christ will not have such followers,
as we may clearly understand from the case of the scribe whom Christ
condemned, because he wanted to follow him from covetousness; for the
Lord beheld the heart of the scribe, and therefore did not answer him
according to his words, but according to his thoughts, saying: “The
foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of
man hath not where to lay his head.” Matt. 8:20; Luke 9:58. Just as
if Jesus had intended to say: If you will follow me, follow me in the
manner in which I go before you. For Christ well knew his intention,
namely, that he wanted to follow him for gain, and thought that Christ
should give him power to perform wonderful signs and miracles, as he
had given to his apostles, by which he might have sought gain. But such
designs are not good, and cannot succeed; for the Lord himself was poor
(Zech. 9:9), as he declares: If I the Lord and Master am poor, it is
evident that my servants are poor, and that my disciples do not seek or
desire riches. As though the good Lord had meant to say: He that would
follow me, must follow me in the poverty in which I walk before him.
But, alas! many people at the present day think that gain is godliness,
as Paul says (1 Tim. 6:5), and, under the semblance of the Gospel and
the Christian name, seek their own profit. O what perverted men! who
will not go in the right way, but follow the way of the traitor and
thief Judas, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, when he received
the awful punishment of his wickedness, as every one knows. Matt. 27:6;
Mark 14:18; John 12:4. O what blinded men, who can not take to heart
that Ananias and Sapphira were put to such great shame, and punished,
for their equivocation, by which the Almighty Lord God has undoubtedly
given us an example, that all hypocritical and double minded men shall
be thus put to shame and punished; as we find in Jesus Sirach: Woe unto
those that are of a double heart, to those of wicked lips that enter
the land by two ways. Therefore the wise man also teaches us, that our
hearts should be without any deceit and dissimulation, saying: “Be not
obstinate, and distrust not the fear of the Lord ... and come not unto
him with a double heart. Be not a hypocrite in the sight of men, and
take good heed what thou speakest. Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall,
and bring dishonor upon thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and
cast thee down in the midst of the congregation, because thou camest
not in truth to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.”
Sir. 1:28–30.

O that all hypocrites would earnestly consider the words of Jesus
Sirach, and reform, before they be confounded and punished by God,
which shall be done to all the double minded, if not now, yet in the
day of judgment, when the ungodly shall not stand, nor sinners remain
in the congregation of the righteous. Ps. 1:5. Then Christ will bring
to light what is now in darkness, and make manifest the counsels of
the hearts; yea, he will take the fan into his hand, and purge his
floor, and gather the wheat into the garner, but the chaff will he burn
up with unquenchable fire. Matt. 3:12; Luke 3:17. Hence, let every
one beware of hypocrisy, and let him truly follow Christ Jesus, as is
proper, not with the Jews, for the sake of the loaves, nor with the
scribe, from covetousness. But, O ye Christians, follow Christ, your
Lord and Master with a pure heart, a clean conscience, unfeigned faith,
and ardent love, without turning to the right or to the left. But those
who follow Christ Jesus differently, are among good Christians what
chaff is among the wheat, and their end will be everlasting fire, from
which the Almighty Father preserve us through Jesus Christ.

Moreover, we must, from ardent love, follow Jesus Christ even unto
the end, and not do as did some of his disciples, who forsook him,
and became offended at his words, saying: “This is a hard saying; who
can hear it?” John 6:60. O how many are unwilling to hear the divine
words of our Lord Jesus Christ, yea, rave, when told that Christ Jesus
promises tribulation and suffering to all his servants and disciples.
From a stony heart and an embittered mind they say: Must one always
suffer? Must one always be persecuted? This is a hard saying; who
can hear it? O God, how is the sweet honey changed into gall, and
the clear wine into bitter water! Alas! how have they come to loathe
that precious, heavenly bread, and how has the eternal medicine, by
which every soul must be healed, become a deadly poison to them! And
how do men who will not believe the word of God, nor receive the holy
doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, contemn the comforting Gospel,
which has been sent us from heaven through the Holy Ghost, and sealed
by Christ with his own precious blood; but if a lying prophet comes,
a messenger prophesying of temporal peace and happiness, though it
never comes to pass, he is heard, while the good Lord Jesus Christ,
who has promised us the eternal peace of his heavenly kingdom, can not
obtain a hearing; so that it is as Christ said to the Pharisees: “I
am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall
come in his own name, him ye will receive.” John 5:43. Yea, many now
do as did the rebellious and unbelieving Israelites, who forsook God
the Lord, who had delivered them out of Egypt, and desired other gods
for leaders and protectors. Num. 14:2; Ex. 32:1; Acts 7:39. Thus also
now many Christians forsake Jesus, who has freed them from the power
and tyranny of Satan, and delivered them from the jaws of the lions,
who devoured them, yea, had hastened with them in the way to eternal
damnation, utterly to destroy them.--Then Christ delivered them, and
placed them again in the way of eternal salvation. John 1:29. Many
now forsake the good Shepherd, who spared not his life for our sakes,
but delivered it unto death, because of the great love which he had to
us; and trust in men, of whom the prophet says that their assistance
availeth not, and they cannot help; for their breath must go forth and
return to the earth, and the thoughts of all them that put their trust
in men and follow false prophets, who delight in unrighteousness shall
perish. Hence all pious Christians must follow no other than Christ
Jesus, who, as Peter says, suffered for us, leaving us an example, that
we should follow his steps, 1 Peter 2:21. The same is declared also by
Paul, with these words: “Let us lay aside all guile and hypocrisy, and
the besetting sin, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who
for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb.
12:1,2; Mark 16:19. In these words of the apostles we may perceive,
that we are to follow Jesus Christ, and look to him as the Captain of
the faith, the Bishop and Shepherd of our souls, yea, the good Lord and
Master, who has given an example to all his servants and disciples,
that they must suffer even as he suffered. Heb. 2:10; John 10:11; 1
Peter 2:25. But, O God, how much Christ had to suffer! he who was Lord
of heaven and earth became so poor for our sakes, that he had not where
to rest or lay his head: when he was in the form of God, he humbled
himself, and took upon him the form of a servant (Phil. 2:6,7; John
13:5), that he might serve us, and gave his life for our redemption;
yea, though he was the eternal wisdom of the Father, who upholds all
things by the word of his power, he had nevertheless to hear the
Pharisees call him a flatterer and deceiver of the people, a sinner,
yea, a demoniac and madman, and many other abominable blasphemies,
reproaches and mockeries; in short, though he was the only begotten Son
of God, the Almighty Father, yet he was counted a malefactor, and had
to die the most bitter death, so that Isaiah could well say of him: “He
hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no
beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our
faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he
hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him
stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.” Is. 53:2–5. Hence
he could justly say: “I restored that which I took not away. For, for
my friends’ sake I have suffered pain; shame hath covered my face. I
am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s
children. And I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and
for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my meat;
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. All they that see me,
laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head. They
gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and roaring lion. I am
poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart
is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is
dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou
hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me:
the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands
and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” Ps.
69:4,7,8,20,21; 22:7,13–18; Matthew 27:34; Matt. 15:23; John 19:23.
Yea, as he says through the prophet: “I am a worm, and no man; a
reproach of men, and despised of the people.” Ps. 22:6. Yea, my beloved
brethren, God the heavenly Father laid the chastisement of our peace
upon him; for by his stripes we are healed. All we went astray, as
sheep that have no shepherd; we have turned every one to his own way;
but the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all. “He was oppressed, and
he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb
to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he
opened not his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:24,25; Isaiah 53:5–7; Acts 8:32.

Are you pious Christians? Then consider what Christ Jesus suffered
for us poor sinners; the Lord for his servants, the Master for his
disciples, the Shepherd for his sheep, yea, God for men. 1 Peter
4:1; John 10:11; Ezek. 34:23. O deep humility of the Master, that
he would serve his disciples, and give himself unto death for them!
John 13:5. O great grace of the Lord, that he would suffer so much
for his servants! O infinite righteousness of the Shepherd, who would
give his life for his sheep! John 10:11; 17:9. O unspeakable love of
God to us poor mortals, that he would redeem us by his own precious
blood! This every Christian should at all times remember, and feel
grateful to Jesus Christ for these benefits, not only with words but
also with works. But, alas! some have gone so far, that they can indeed
talk of Christ, that he suffered and atoned for us, and are desirous
also of partaking of the redemption purchased for us with the blood
of Christ; but they never once think of suffering with Christ Jesus,
though they nevertheless hope to be glorified with him. But it is a
faithful saying, says Paul, that if we are dead with Christ, we shall
also live with him; if we suffer with him, we shall also rejoice with
him forever; if we deny him, he also will deny us. 2 Tim. 2:11,12; Rom.
6:23; Luke 12:9. Let all apostate Christians, who return to the Roman
Babylon, from which they had separated, and make friendship with the
whore whom they had hated bear this in mind. What shall we say to such
unstable persons? How can men who once knew the truth be so blinded
as to depart from Christ Jesus their only Savior, and return to the
infamous accursed whore of Babylon, the mother of all unrighteousness,
and queen of all the children of unbelief and cursing, who has become
their comfort and protection, yea, their idol. Woe unto such perverse
men, who depart from righteousness, from light to darkness, from life
to death, and go from Jesus Christ to antichrist, seeking consolation
from Satan, and not in God. Woe unto such fearful ones, who fear those
who can kill only the body, more than God, the Almighty Lord, who can
cast both body and soul into eternal damnation. Revelation 21:8; Matt.
10:28; Luke 12:4,5. Woe unto such, that they were ever born unless they
remarkably amend their ways and go out of Babylon; for the Scripture
says not in vain: “Go ye out of the midst of Babylon, my people, and
touch not the unclean thing, that ye be not partakers of her plagues,
or sins.” Is. 52:11; 2 Cor. 6:17; Revelation 18:4. These are the clear
words of the Lord; Who can blot them out? Who can endure the stings of
a guilty conscience? Let him begin as he may, he will find it a hard
undertaking, and shall not be successful in it. Acts 9:5; 5:5.

Here also no excuse will avail, as is clearly shown in the parable of
the wicked servant, who, out of fear, had buried his Lord’s pound into
the earth, but was not heard when he wanted to excuse himself to his
lord. Matt. 25:26; Luke 19:22. By this wicked servant we understand
all the fearful, who are not fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and relish and seek all earthly things more than heavenly
things. They may excuse themselves as ever they will, their excuse
shall not avail, but eternal damnation will be their recompense; for
every tree which does not bring forth good fruit, shall be hewn down,
and cast into the fire. There must be fruits; leaves alone will not
avail. Matt. 21:19. Christ is our example; he practiced and taught.
He taught his disciples to suffer and endure, for he himself suffered
and endured; hence Paul teaches us to look unto Christ Jesus, saying:
“Consider him (Christ Jesus), ye Christians, that endured such
contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied, and faint
in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against
sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as
unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he
chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure
chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom
the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof
all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we
have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them
reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of
spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after
their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers
of his holiness.” Heb. 12:3–10; Prov. 3:11; Revelation 3:19.

By these words the apostle indicates to us, how necessary and
profitable chastisement is for us, yea, so necessary and profitable
that we can not be children of God unless we are chastened by our
God and heavenly Father, as is clearly declared in these words: “For
what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if he be without
chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not
sons.” With this accord the words of Judith, namely: that Abraham was
tried by many tribulations, and became the friend of God; so also
Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all that pleased God were found faithful
through many tribulations. Judith 8:26. But those who did not receive
their trial in the fear of the Lord, and showed their impatience and
the evil of their murmurings against the Lord, were destroyed by
the destroyer, and killed by the serpents. 1 Cor. 10:6; Num. 21:6.
Therefore, as gladly as we have God for our Father, so readily must we
receive the chastisement of our heavenly Father; and as unwillingly
as we would be counted bastards by God, so unwillingly must we also
be to be without chastisement and correction, and so willing must we
also be to be tried by tribulation. In short, as much as we love God
and the salvation of our souls, and as much as we fear the punishment
of God, so cheerfully must we receive all sufferings imposed upon us
by God, and remember that Christ says: “He that taketh not his cross,
and followeth after me, cannot be my disciple.” Matt. 10:38; 16:24;
Mark 8:54; Luke 9:23. Also: Whosoever will save his life shall lose
it; but whosoever loses his life in this world, for the Gospel’s sake,
shall save it forever. Where now are the false Christians, who do
not lose their life for Christ’s sake, and still think to keep it in
eternity? Yea, so Saul thought that he could please the Israelites,
and still remain the friend of God; but God rejected him for his
double-mindedness. 1 Sam. 15:26. Thus they may also think to save their
temporal life, and still obtain eternal life; but they shall find
themselves disappointed in their hope. O Lord God, how can men be so
blinded as to so love this transient life, seeing they know neither the
day nor hour when they must die; even as the apostle James says that
this life is but a vapor, which appears for a little time, and then
vanishes away. Jesus Sirach also says that our life, compared with the
days of eternity, is as dust or as a grain of sand to all the sand of
the sea, or as a drop of water unto all the water of the sea. What then
is man! and what is his beauty? or what are his possessions on which he
would rely?

Since then our life is so uncertain and brief, it is a lamentable
matter, that men take so much care for it, and bestow so little thought
upon the eternal life. This is partly owing to false teachers and
deceitful laborers, the adversaries of Christ and his apostles, who
openly teach that Christians are not to suffer any more.

They shall be confounded with their people, who prophesy lies in the
name of the Lord; they shall be punished with Zedekiah and Ahab who
shamefully sin, and seduce the Israel of God, causing them to trust in
vain things. They shall be put to shame with the Egyptian magicians,
who now resist the truth, even as they resisted Moses. They shall be
accursed with Balaam the son of Bosor, who with him forsake the right
way, and go in crooked paths; yea, they shall sink into hell with
Dathan, Korah, and Abiram, who with them caused contention and offense
in the church of God, and despise the godly doctrine of Jesus Christ,
by which they awaken, the wrath of the Almighty God, and treasure up
unto themselves the wrath of God against the day when Christ Jesus
shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming
fire, taking vengeance on them that knew not God, and obeyed not
the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 2:5; Matt. 25:31; 2 Peter
3:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10); who shall suffer pain and everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord, when he shall come to be
glorified in his glory, and glorified in all them that believe in him.
Is. 2:10; Wis. 5:2.

Now, who are these unbelievers, who do not believe the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, and shall therefore suffer everlasting pain? They are those
who now do not observe the commandments of Jesus Christ, and will not
suffer for the name of God, or confess the truth according to the
instruction of the Gospel; hence Christ shall also not confess them,
or know them before his Father, and before his angels, with whom he
shall come from heaven, to punish such unfaithful and fearful servants,
and to glorify the faithful and valiant soldiers, who have come out
of great tribulation, and have washed and purified their robes in the
blood of the Lamb. Matt. 10:33; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; 2 Tim. 2:12;
Matthew 25:31; Rev. 7:14. Therefore are they before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the
throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither
thirst any more; neither shall the sun lighten them, nor any heat.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and
shall lead them unto living fountains of water; and God shall wipe
away all tears from their eyes. Rev. 7:15–17; Is. 49:10. The prophet
Esdras says: “I Esdras saw upon the mount Sion a great people, whom I
could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. And in the
midst of them there was a young man of high stature, taller than all
the rest, and upon every one of their heads he set crowns, and was more
exalted; which I marveled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said,
Sir, What are these? He answered and said unto me, These be they that
have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, and have
confessed the name of God: now are they crowned, and receive palms.
Then said I unto the angels, What young person is it that crowneth
them, and giveth them palms into their hands? So he answered and said
unto me, It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world.
Then began I greatly to commend them that stood so stiffly for the name
of the Lord.” 2 Esdras 2:42–47; Matt. 16:16; 10:32; Mark 8:29.

O what joy and glory are prepared for all pious Christians! Who now
is so faint hearted and fearful, as to be unwilling to suffer a
little for such joy and glory? It is indeed true, that suffering and
tribulation are hard for the flesh; but we must remember the words of
Paul: “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but
grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Heb. 12:11.
Christ says the same to his apostles: “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 unto 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 16:22–24; Is. 26:17.

Behold, all ye believers, who now suffer tribulation, anguish and
persecution for the truth, for a little season, consider these words,
and take comfort: do not let it terrify or grieve you, and though
tribulation is not pleasing to the flesh, remember that for a little
sorrow you shall receive eternal joy; yea, remember that it is written:
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall
no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seem to die;
and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be
utter destruction: but they are in peace. For though they be punished
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 proved
them, and found them worthy for himself. As gold in the furnace hath
he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time
of their visitation, they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks
among the stubble. They shall judge the nations and have dominion over
the people, and their lord shall reign forever. They that put their
trust in him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in
love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints.” Wis.
3:1–9; Deuteronomy 33:3; Phil. 1:21; Wis. 5:1; 1 Peter 1:7; Matt.
13:43; 1 Cor. 6:2. O what beautiful promises are these for all that
are persecuted for the truth; and how comforting are the promises made
to us by Christ in the Gospel, namely that we are blessed when we
mourn, for we shall be comforted; and that we are blessed when we are
persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for the kingdom of heaven is ours;
in short, that we are blessed when men shall despise and revile us,
and say all manner of evil against us falsely, for Christ Jesus’ sake;
then shall we rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is our reward
in heaven. Matt. 5:4,10–12; Luke 6:22; 1 Peter 2:20. Yea, great is our
reward, as Isaiah tells us: “that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath
prepared for them that love him.” Is. 64:4; 1 Cor. 2:9. And the prophet
David says: “O Lord, how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up
for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in
thee before the sons of men!” Ps. 31:19.

But how few now labor for this great glory? It is as represented in the
parable of the Lord, where it is said that the householder prepared a
supper to which he invited many, for all things were ready. But one had
bought a farm, and had to go and see it. Another had bought five yoke
of oxen, which he must needs go to prove. Another had married a wife,
and therefore could not come. But when the householder heard of this,
he was wroth, and said that none of those who would not come should
taste of his supper. Matt. 22:2; Luke 14;16; Revelation 19:7. O, what
severe judgment and sentence is uttered against all those who will
not come, despising the call of the Lord, and loving anything rather
than God; that is, those who for father, mother, brother, sister,
wife, child, wealth, poverty, praise, or reproach, forsake God, and
do not obey his voice; yea, who do not count all earthly things and
excellence, but dung, that they may win Jesus Christ, even as Paul did,
and also the Hebrews of whom the apostle says that they took joyfully
the spoiling of their goods, knowing that they had in heaven a better
and enduring substance. Matthew 10:37; Phil. 3:8; Heb. 10:35. But, O
God, how little do men now regard heavenly things. O, how little do
they think, what difference there will be between the righteous and the
wicked. Yea, there will be such a difference as the Lord has declared
through Isaiah. “Behold, my servants shall eat but ye shall be hungry;
behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold, my
servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed; behold, my servants
shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart,
and shall howl for vexation of spirit.” Is. 65:13,14. Hence Christ
says in the Gospel: “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth,
when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets,
in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” Luke 13:28. O
how glad shall the pious Christians then be, who fight valiantly for
the name of Christ, and through him overcome: Yea, how glad, say we,
will they be, when they shall receive the beautiful promise of which
the Spirit of God says: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of
the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Fear
none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall
cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give
thee a crown of life. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of
the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a
new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
And he that overcometh and keepeth my words unto the end, to him will
I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of
iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even
as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. 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. Because thou has kept the
word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation,
which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the
earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that
no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in
the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write
upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which
is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I
will write upon him my new name. As many as I love, I will rebuke and
chasten; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth: be zealous
therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any
man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will
sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to
sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with
my Father in his throne.” Rev. 2:7,10,17,26–28; 3:5,10–12,19–21; Prov
3:12. Yea, my beloved brethren, that they shall shine as the sun in the
kingdom of their Father, and possess all things.

O how sorrowful will the persecutors of the Christians be, when the
righteous God will mete to them with the same measure with which they
measured to the Christians. Where shall murderous Cain then hide
himself, when the sorrowful and innocent blood of righteous Abel shall
cry unto God for vengeance against him? Where shall the Babylonian
whore, who now sits in her pleasure-house and pomp, and has become
drunken with the blood of his saints, and of the martyrs of Christ
Jesus, escape the punishment of God, when the Lord will avenge the
blood of his saints and witnesses, and require it at her hands? Which
shall undoubtedly come to pass, as has been said through the prophet:
“Behold, the innocent and righteous blood crieth unto me, and the souls
of the just complain continually. And therefore, saith the Lord, I will
surely avenge them, and receive unto me all the innocent blood from
among them.” 2 Esd. 15:8,9. Christ says: “Shall not the God avenge his
own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with
them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” Luke 18:7,8. O
how fearful will the punishment be, with which the Almighty God will
avenge all the blood of his saints! How dearly had tyrannous Pharaoh
to pay for the blood, of the innocent children, which he had shed! Ex.
1:22; 14:28. How severely was Amalek punished, because he had shed
the innocent blood of the Israelites! 1 Sam. 15:33. The bloodthirsty
Jezebel was thrown into the field, so that the dogs licked her blood,
because she had shed innocent blood. 2 Kings 9:33. O Jerusalem, thou
that killest the prophets that are sent to thee, and stonest the
Levites, thou are therefore trodden down by the Gentiles, and art
become a sport unto all nations! Thus shall God punish those who now
shed innocent blood, and it shall come to pass as is written in the
book of Wisdom: “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. When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible
fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far
beyond all that they looked for. And they repenting and groaning for
anguish of spirit shall say within themselves. This was he, whom we had
sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach: we fools accounted
his life madness, and his end to be without honor: How is he numbered
among the children of God, and his lot is among the saints! Therefore
have we erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness
hath not shined unto us, and the sun of righteousness rose not upon
us. We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction: yea,
we have gone through deserts, where they lay no way, but as for the way
of the Lord, we have not known it. What hath pride profited us? or what
good hath riches with our vaunting brought us?” Wis. 5:1–8.

All these things shall they say; who are in hell, having sinned: “For
the hope of the ungodly is like dust that is blown away with the wind;
like a thin froth that is driven away with the storm; like as the smoke
which is dispersed here and there with the tempest, and passeth away as
the remembrance of a guest that tarrieth but a day. But the righteous
live forever more; 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: for with his right
hand shall he sever them, and with his arm shall he protect them.” Wis.
5:14–16. O unfathomable grace of the Almighty God! O unspeakable love
of the heavenly father, how abounding is thy grace, and how infinite is
thy goodness, that thou hast prepared such glory for thine elect? Who
can thank thee aright for all the benefits which thou hast so richly
shown us, and dost still daily show? Blessed be thy name forever.
Therefore we pray and admonish all pious Christians, all who love their
salvation, to deny themselves, to take up their cross, and to follow
Christ Jesus, and thus to do the will of God, that we may receive the
promise. Let no one be afraid of or terrified by the ungodly tyrants;
but let each do as Matthias taught his sons, saying: “Now, therefore,
my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the
covenant of your fathers. Call to remembrance what acts our fathers
did in their time; so shall ye receive great honor and an everlasting
name. Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be
dung and worms. To-day he shall be lifted up, and to-morrow he shall
not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is
come to nothing. Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant, and show yourselves
men in behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.” 1 Macc.
2:50,51,62–64.

O ye pious Christians, take these words of God to heart, and arm
yourselves therewith, to do battle for righteousness, even unto death,
and God shall fight for you and subdue your enemies. “And fear not them
who are able to kill the body, and after that, have no more than they
can do; but fear the Almighty God, the righteous Lord and Judge, who
is able to cast soul and body into eternal perdition.” Matt. 10:28;
Luke 12:4,5. Him alone let us fear, and walk in his ways, serving him
in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life; yea, suffering
death for his name, that we may say with Paul: “I have fought a good
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord Christ
shall give me.” 2 Tim. 4:7,8. May God, the Father of mercy, and the God
of all comfort, by whom it is given unto us, not only to believe on
him, but also to suffer for his name, strengthen, confirm and establish
us with his holy spirit, that we may not become weary of suffering for
the truth, but continue steadfast unto the end, and rejoice with all
the pious and true saints, when we are reviled and persecuted for the
name of Christ Jesus. This grant us the Almighty Father, through Jesus
Christ his only begotten Son, our Savior, unto whom be glory, majesty,
blessing, the kingdom, and everlasting dominion, Amen.

Be manful, strong, and very courageous, to keep and do all things,
even the words and the law of God. Depart not thesefrom, neither to
the right nor to the left; add not thereto, nor take away therefrom,
that you may act wisely. Whithersoever you go, be not terrified, and
fear not, for the Lord your God is with you, when you pass through the
waters, or into the fire; and though through hypocrisy or dissimulation
you may now evade pain and punishment, you can neither alive nor dead
escape the power of Almighty God. 1 Pet. 3:14; 2 Macc. 6:26.

Therefore let us forsake all that is in this world, for it lieth in
wickedness; and let each take up his cross, and follow Jesus Christ;
for he is nigh unto and with all those who are in distress, and
will deliver them, and bring them to honor, if they are of a broken
heart, and contrite spirit. O what great comfort is it, to have such
a powerful and faithful companion, and what great honor is it, that
he himself will so kindly aid us! But we must know that our Lord
Christ Jesus is our Companion and Helper only at his own proper time,
according to the counsel of the divine will and pleasure, in which he
has ordered everything after one measure and weight; for even as he is
the head of the holy church, and beholds her sufferings, so he has also
appointed the number, measure, and weight, how far he will permit the
wicked to go, how far they shall reach, and not longer nor farther,
even as the Babylonian captivity should continue seventy years. Jer.
29:10. Yea, when the distress is at its height, and men think that God
has utterly forsaken and forgotten them, at this very time the help of
God is nearest them; yea, properly speaking, the Lord comforts before
and in the midst of all affliction, for the Christian has in his heart
the Spirit of God, the fountain of living water, by which he is always
refreshed, comforted, rejoiced, and made glad. John 4:10; 7:37; 2 Cor.
7:7. Yea, the more sufferings increase, the greater the help and aid we
receive; “for God will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are
able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that we
may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. Behold, in these words
Paul tells us for our great consolation, that God will not suffer us
to be assailed or tempted above that we are able to bear; “for if the
sufferings of Christ abound in us, our consolation also abounds by
Jesus Christ our Lord.” 2 Cor. 1:5.

As a captain makes his soldiers valiant by encouraging words and
promises, how then should not the true and faithful God make us manful
and strong by his divine word of the Gospel, which is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Rom. 1:16. Yea, the
righteous God does not stop at mere words, but is present with us with
his Spirit, who, as an earnest, assures our hearts of his divine grace
and help, and strengthens our weakness. Eph. 1:13; Gal. 4:6; Rom.
8:23; 2 Cor. 1:22. For if the devil, by his lying spirit, so animates
men, that they are perfectly willing to commit wickedness, though it
cost their life; why should not the grace of God, by his true Spirit,
make us equally ready unto every good work, in all distresses and
tribulations? This the gracious God also does, not only through his
Spirit, but also through angels, stars, elements, beasts, men, and all
manner of creatures. For instance, Elisha said to his servant: “Fear
not: for they that be with us are more than they that come against us.”
2 Kings 6:16. The Red Sea and Jordan divided, so that the children of
Israel passed through them dry-shod. The sun and the moon stood still
for Joshua at the time when he defeated the five kings. Elijah was
miraculously fed by the ravens. The children of Israel were delivered
by the hand of a woman from their wicked enemies. Judith 14:18. God the
Lord generally comforts men through their fellows: for all the saints
and Christians on earth have fellowship with one another, in adversity
as well as in prosperity; for when one suffers pain and grief, he
suffers it not alone, but Christ and all Christians suffer it with
him. For he says in the Gospel: Ye have fed, clothed, entertained, and
comforted me. And all Christians are one body, one bread, one drink in
the Lord Christ Jesus. Acts 9:4; Matt. 25:35; 1 Cor. 10:17.

Now if Christ Jesus our Lord frequently spent whole nights in prayer,
and also prayed in the garden before his death, we should also pray
without ceasing, especially in our distress, to the Father of lights,
from whom alone is every good and perfect gift, that he may forgive
our sins, for the death of his dear Son, who was delivered for our
offenses, and was raised for our justification. Matt. 14:23; Luke 6:12;
Matt. 26:36; Mark 14:32; Luke 22:41; 1 Thess. 5:17; Jas. 1:17; Rom.
4:25.

Hence we are to pray that he would deliver, or punish us, not according
to our judgment, but according to his divine wisdom, lest we utterly
perish. Yea, we must give praise and thanks to God also in our
tribulation, that he do not forget us, but chasten us according to his
fatherly mercy, and graciously help us to bear every burden, even as
Paul thanked God in his affliction, saying: “Blessed be God, the Father
of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our
tribulation. Amen.” 1 Corinthians 1:3,4.

PRAYER.

Merciful Father, look upon me with eyes of compassion, as thou didst
look upon the prodigal son; for to thee only, O Father, belongs praise
and honor, but unto us nothing but shame before thy face; hence, good
Father, I commit soul and body into thy divine and gracious keeping:
guide me, through Jesus Christ thy dear Son, into all things that are
well pleasing to thy divine Spirit; and bring to folly and madness the
counsel of the ungodly, and preserve us by thy divine word now and
forever. Amen.

  Composed by WALTER OF STOELWIJCK.

DIRK PIETERS KROOD, PIETER TRIJNES, CLAES RODERS, PIETER CLAES JANS, OF
WORMER, IN WATERLANDT.

The word of God having, according to his will, been proclaimed in many
and various countries, and attested and confirmed by the blood of
many Christians, it came to and was accepted also at Wormer, in North
Holland, where, among others, there were Dirk Pieters Krood, Pieter
Trijnes, Claes Roders, Pieter Claes Jans. These turned their ears
away from the papistic fables, amended their corrupt life, and, in
place thereof, through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, willingly
received the word of God into their hearts, and regulated their whole
conduct according to it. 1 Thess. 2:13. And even as Christ predicted:
“The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth
God service” (Jn. 16:2), so it was also very clearly manifested in the
case of the aforesaid persons; for because they lived according to the
word of God, they were brought prisoners to Enchuysen, and being built
upon Christ, they all remained steadfast and faithful in all this trial
and severe temptation; for which reason they were sentenced to death at
said place, and offered up their bodies as a sweet savor to the Lord,
thus obtaining a glorious crown.

With regard to this offering, we have not been able to ascertain the
year in which it took place.

JACOB AND SELI HIS WIFE, OF WORMER, A. D. 1542.

Among many others who voluntarily forsook and delivered up their
property and life for the truth of the holy Gospel, there were also
a brother at Wormer, in Waterlandt, named Jacob, and his wife Seli.
These sought and also found the pearl of great price, which was hid in
a field and for joy thereof renounced all earthly riches, the lusts of
this world, and the papal superstitions, which militate against God,
and sought to order and regulate their whole life according to this
precious treasure of the divine word. Thus it came to pass, that the
envious papists, in order to stop this, apprehended them, and brought
them to Amsterdam, where they had to suffer much for the truth. And as
they could by no temptation be moved from it, but unto death adhered to
Christ and his holy word, they were condemned to death at said place,
and burned, suffering it with great steadfastness. Thus they delivered
their bodies up to the fire, and commended their souls into the hands
of God, and are now waiting under the altar, until the number of their
fellow brethren will be fulfilled.

JAN EGTWERCKEN, CLAES MELISS, AECHT MELISS, WILLIAM HER HUSBAND, HEYNE
WALINGS, TRIJN AMKERS, CORNELIS LUYTS, CLAES DIRKS, CLAES CLAESS, AND
JONKER DIRK GERRITS VAN DEN BUSCH, NEAR KROMMENIERSDIJCK, A. D. 1542.

As the word of God was proclaimed in many places, and received with
great thankfulness by many, it was also heard, believed and accepted
in Waterlandt, on Krommeniersdijck. It wrought so effectually, that
some were by it drawn away from their sinful life and dumb idols, and
converted to the true and living God; which, among others, appeared in
the case of Jan Egtwercken, Claes Meliss, Aecht Meliss, William her
husband, Heyne Walings, Trijn Amkers, Cornelis Luyts, Claes Dirks,
Claes Claess, and Jonker Dirk Gerrits van den Busch. These together
separated from the Pope and his adherents, and put themselves under
the faithful Shepherd Christ Jesus, inclining their ears to his
heavenly voice, and preparing their bodies for his service. Rev. 18:4;
2 Cor. 6:17; John 10:4; 15:20. And as Christ predicted the cross and
persecution to his faithful followers, so the above mentioned persons
also richly experienced it; for they were apprehended and tormented
by the bloodthirsty papists, and, after suffering many assaults, put
to death, all of which they suffered in patience for the name of
Jesus, thus obtaining the crown of life; and are now waiting for the
revelation of Jesus, their Savior for their full and eternal reward.

BALTHASAR HUBMOR, AND HIS WIFE.

At the time of Zwinglius there was also one Balthasar Hubmor of
Friedberg, whom the papists called a doctor of the Holy Scriptures,
a learned and eloquent man. He was first a teacher and preacher at
Ingolstadt, and subsequently came to Reinsburg, where he preached
mightily against the Jews and their usury. Through the enlightenment of
the holy Spirit, the abomination of popery was made manifest to him,
in consequence of which he, according to the counsel of God, separated
therefrom. Subsequently he rejected, together with other errors, the
self-invented infant baptism, and taught with all his might the baptism
of believers, as commanded by Christ. But as the eyes of this dark
world can not bear the clear light of the holy gospel, and since in
this way their false faith and evil works are testified against, the
above-mentioned Balthasar Hubmor, together with many others, was hated
and persecuted by the world. After many temptations, expulsions and
imprisonments, he came to Nichlasburg, in Moravia. Afterwards they
apprehended him and his wife, and brought them to Vienna, in Austria,
where, after manifold trials and long imprisonment, he was burned to
ashes, suffering it with great steadfastness, and his wife drowned; and
thus both steadfastly confirmed with their death the faith which they
had received from God. Eph. 2:8.

Read also Sebastian Franck, on the Roman Heretics, letter B.

NOTE.--This Balthasar Hubmor published a small book, in which he
complains of Zwinglius and his followers. He writes that they brought
about, that at one time twenty persons, men, pregnant women, widows,
and young girls were miserably cast into a dark tower, and this
sentence passed upon them, that they should never more, in their
lifetime, see either sun or moon, and conclude their last days on bread
and water; so that they all, dead and alive, should remain and decay
together in the dark tower, until none should be left alive.

Thus some did not taste a morsel of bread for three days in order that
the others might have something wherewith to sustain their lives.

“O God,” he further writes, “what a terrible, severe, and rigorous
sentence against pious Christian people, of whom none could say any
evil thing, only that they, according to the command of Christ, had
received water baptism!

O sad _deformation_, we say, of the so-called Reformed! May the Lord
forgive them and be gracious to their blindly zealous souls.” See
_complaint of Balthasar Hubmor, against Zwinglius_, throughout; also,
the _Preface to the Offerboeck, A. D. 1615, letter I., etc._; also,
_Chron. van den Ondergang, etc., p. 1031, col. 2_.

LEONARD BERNKOP, A. D. 1542.

In the year 1542, Brother Leonard Bernkop was apprehended for the
faith, at Salzburg. Much was tried to induce him to apostatize, but
as he steadfastly persevered in the narrow way of the truth of God,
and there was no hope that he would apostatize, they condemned him to
death, led him out to the place of execution, and built a fire close
to him, at which they immediately roasted him; but he adhered firmly
to the Lord, and said to the bloodhounds and executioners: “This side
is roasted enough; turn me around, and scorch and roast also the
other; for through the power of God this suffering is insignificant in
comparison with the eternal.” Rom. 8:18. Thus he gained the victory
over the beast and his image, over the abomination of desolation and
his mark. Rev. 15:2. Rather than receive his mark, or do aught which
was contrary to God his heavenly Father, he, like the seven valiant and
Godfearing sons (2 Macc. 7), gave his body to be roasted and executed
by fire, which could in no wise separate him from the love of God (Rom.
8:39), hence he shall also have in his hands the harp of God, and,
together with all conquerors in the faith, who have come out of great
tribulation, shall have his mouth filled with laughter, and his tongue
with praise, and shall sing the new song with the servants of God, and
the song of the Lamb, yea, he shall forever behold the Almighty God.
Rev. 15:2; 7:14; 14:3. 1 Cor. 13:12.

HANS HUBER, A. D. 1542.

In this year, Brother Hans Huber, or Schumacher, was imprisoned at
Waserburg, in Bavaria, under the Count of Oting. Much having been
resorted to, to draw him from the faith, but he remaining quite
steadfast, constantly confessing and testifying, that this wherein he
stood was the true ground of truth, and the true faith in Christ Jesus
our Savior wherefore he also said that it was not hard for him to
suffer this for Christ’s sake, and was sentenced to death, and led out
to the place of execution. The fire having reached his face, so that
his hair and beard were singed off, they asked him whether he would
recant, and they would let him live. He however would not recant, but
remained steadfast in Christ. Hence he was immediately burnt alive,
and thus faithfully paid his baptismal vow unto the Lord Christ, and
delivered up his life as a true burnt-offering for the word of God; for
he would rather lose this temporal life, than become unfaithful to the
Lord, thus showing himself to be a steadfast lover of God.

DAMIAN OF ALGAU, A. D. 1543.

About this time, a brother named Damian, from Algau, was apprehended at
Ingolstadt, in order to draw him away from the faith; but when he could
in no wise be turned from it, he was condemned to death. On his way
to the place of execution, he admonished the people, and gave answer
concerning his faith, so that a student said that one of two things was
certain: that this man had his faith either from the wicked devil, or
from the Spirit of God, since his knowledge was so extensive, because
to all appearance he was a simple man. Some one also admonished him,
and asked him whether he would die as a pious Christian.

He replied: “Yes.”

He again asked him: “What sign will you give us by which we may know
this?”

The brother said: “Pay attention, when they burn me; the smoke shall
ascend straight to heaven.”

This also came to pass.

When he was executed, the executioner inquired the direction of the
smoke, whether he had justly executed him. The judge answered: “You
have executed him according to your pleasure; I did not judge.” Thus
this witness of God and Christ obtained the martyrs’ crown.

OF A CERTAIN DECREE PUBLISHED IN ALL WEST FRIESLAND AGAINST MENNO
SIMON, AND, CONSEQUENTLY, AGAINST ALL ADHERENTS OF HIS DOCTRINE, ABOUT
A. D. 1543.

In _Chronijk van den Ondergang, page 1104, col._ 2 and 3. we find these
words:

“About this time the servants of antichrist caused a dreadful decree to
be proclaimed throughout all West Friesland, in which all malefactors
and murderers were promised pardon for their crimes, the favor of the
Emperor, freedom of the country, and one hundred carl-guilders, if
they would deliver Menno Simon into the hands of the tormentors and
executioners.

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 Bishopric[233] 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.

  [233] Province.

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]

  [234] We have in our possession the original sentence of these
  two persons; but as the gist of the same is given here, it is not
  necessary to adduce it verbatum.

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]

  [235] Emanuel went forth from his Father’s kingdom into this world.

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?”