Chapter CXXIV: Preface: To Second Part (67)

Therefore always hearken to him, and you shall be his friends, yea, he shall be your brother; and if you follow him to the end, you shall possess what Christ possesses. Thither I will now go before, and wait for you there a short time, hoping that you will follow for your salvation’s sake. When then our beloved father, and our beloved mother, my dearest and beloved wife, and my dear, only child, my only brother, my dear, beloved sisters, and other familiar friends, when we shall meet together (as I hope) in God’s kingdom, what greater joy could we have? Hence take heed that this do not fail us, and that none of us be found to remain without. Love one another; set one another a good example; let each seek to be the first in good works and in the fruits of faith. Be diligent in reading, and warn one another against sin, for the other, crooked serpent[331] is very subtle in drawing off, and in exhibiting the lusts of the world, thereby to allure you, in order to keep you from God. He will lay his ambushes and manifold nets and snares; but continue always steadfastly in the fear of God, and do not listen to him, and he will flee from you; and think how he deceived Eve and Adam, and the whole first world, with the exception of eight persons. And it is still the same spirit; hence keep diligent watch, often resort to fasting and prayer, and always live soberly, that your flesh do not overcome you; for this is the worst enemy, for wherever we be, he is always with us, and is constantly advising us to evil. He ever strives against the Spirit; for it is very painful to the flesh, that it cannot fulfill its lust, and that it is subjugated by the Spirit. But, dearest sisters, if it should happen that Satan should take you unawares (since he never rests, but is always seeking whom he may devour) always rise again, and do not yield yourselves to become servants or handmaids of sin, but take better heed; it is for your warning. Hence humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, and seek henceforth to purify your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, and run henceforth in the conflict that is set before you and all the godfearing; that you may not be found as those who become weary and dissatisfied in the way of the Lord, as I have known many to do. For by conflict all the godfearing are tried; for how should they overcome, if there were no conflict? but to them that overcome the kingdom and an eternal crown are promised as a reward. And the holy Scriptures also teach you to honor father and mother; hence do not forget this, but help them in everything wherein they may need you, and always proffer your willing service; for this will be pleasing to the Lord, and our dear, beloved, venerable father, and our dear, beloved, venerable mother, can then rejoice, because their children have found delight in keeping God’s commandments, whereby one can escape the future wrath of God. And when their days are fulfilled, they can depart in peace and tranquillity, and commit the keeping of their souls in well doing unto a faithful Creator, and this because this good Lord has also called their dear children to the faith, and they have lived to see that they have found delight in the truth, to take it up, which has so long been trampled under foot, even as the whole world still does in its ignorance. Again, because they leave behind them believing children, for a child that fears God is better than a thousand that are ungodly; for children that do not fear God are to believing parents an affliction from the Lord, which cannot well be healed.

[331] Evidently an allusion to Isaiah 27:1, where (see German
version) two serpents seem to be indicated.

Thus, my dearest, beloved three sisters, I will commend and trust to you and my only brother, that you will fear and love God all your life, which will last but a short time when compared to the ages of eternity. The fear of God teaches to beware of evil; and to love God is to keep his commandments, as Christ says: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

The Scripture also says: The fear of the Lord driveth out sin; it is also the beginning of wisdom. Sir. 1:21,27. Hence I entreat you all, love the wisdom of God above gold, and it shall come and meet you; and when you have received much understanding and wisdom, do not exalt yourselves therein, as though you were somebody; but thank the Lord for it, that he gives it into your keeping, and always apply it for the purpose for which he has given it you, for he appoints you only stewards over it. And when the Lord then sees that you are faithful over his property, that you do not suffer it to lie idle, nor squander it, but that you are lights in the world, as pleasant olive twigs of Christ, pleasant branches, beautiful stones in the temple of the Lord, he can entrust to you much more still, so that you may bring forth fruit more abundantly, and come to Christ our bridegroom, as an adorned bride of Christ, as a people of God, as members, as sisters and brethren of Christ, yea, as a royal priesthood. But when the other, crooked serpent sees this, he will envy you most, and work against you through the children of unbelief, in whom he now works, and in whom he has always worked. But, my dear sisters, always be of good courage, and take faith for a shield, with which always to protect yourselves and you shall quench and resist his fiery darts; and be armed also with the other spiritual weapons of God, as the apostle teaches, Eph. 6, and you shall remain steadfast, and be saved. May the good, eternal, almighty God, who lives in eternity, who rejoices with his holy angels over one sinner that repents with all his heart, make you all, my beloved sisters and brother, meet and perfect for his heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ his only Son, and by the co-operation of his Holy Spirit, that you may always have your delight in the right way of the Lord as David says; for they [his judgments] are true and righteous, and more precious than fine gold, and sweeter than the honeycomb (Psalm 19:9,10); use all diligence to perform this, and this to the salvation of your souls. Amen.

Herewith I will bid you my much beloved three sisters, adieu in this sorrowful, transient world, and I thank your love for all your friendship.

Written in my bonds, and finished on the sixth day of March, by your beloved brother, for a remembrance to you all. A. D. 1572.

J. V. K.

THE TENTH LETTER FROM JAN WOUTERSS, TO HIS OLDEST BROTHER-IN-LAW AND SISTER.

Grace and peace from God the heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord and Savior, and the co-operation of his Holy Spirit, always be multiplied to you both, for the conformation of your faith, and for consolation on your pilgrimage, that you may not weary in the only way of life, but may unwaveringly go on to your rest, so that you may together receive the end of your sure faith, namely, the salvation of your souls. Amen.

After this my cordial brotherly salutation and good wish, be pleased to know, my most cordially beloved oldest brother-in-law, and my most heartily beloved sister, that in this conflict I have constantly remained unchanged in the faith of the truth, once delivered to the saints; for which I now suffer vexation from mortal men, enduring it with a patient heart.

I cannot fully thank the Lord for this great grace that he has thus preserved us as the apple of his eye. Hence I beseech you both, be not dismayed on account of my transient tribulation, but be the bolder in the living faith, which worketh by love, knowing that your labor will not be in vain, but that it will follow you, clothing and adorning you in the day of Christ. Hereunto look constantly, and always follow his footsteps, in humility and meekness of heart; and be ever resolved the longer the more to live still more holy, remembering that we always fall short in many things, as I also experience in my own case; but my hope and refuge is Christ Jesus, who is our salvation, righteousness, perfection, eternal priest, propitiation, and intercessor. I would further inform you my specially beloved brother and sister in the Lord, that I your beloved brother-in-law and weak, unworthy brother, could not well refrain from writing your love a little, though I am conscious that my gift is simple and small, and you have such an abundance of Scripture, and also the anointing, which always teaches you what is right, so that I deem it unnecessary to write you much; but I feel nevertheless constrained thereto, in order that I may, in some measure, show you my unchanging love before I put off this tabernacle; it serves for your consolation and for the strengthening of your faith, and I am confident in my heart, that it will be acceptable to you, though it be little. Thus, my dearest, I present to you nothing new, but beseech and exhort you both, that you take diligent heed to keep the pearl of great price, and to preserve the precious treasure in your earthen vessels. For you know how much it cost you, before you found and obtained it; and in confirmation of it that it still is and remains in you, let your light shine before your enemies, who are terrified thereby, and vanquished before your eyes by the Lord, without your help, as we have an example in Gideon, and others, wherein it is fully shown to us, that the Lord fights his people’s battles. And since it is certain that the almighty Lord is with us, who can be against us? He that spared not his only Son, how should he not with him give us all things? Thus he is a shield to them that seek and trust him with all their hearts, and believe his word to be sure, that he will not forsake us, but [that] the Lord Almighty will be with us unto the end of the world.

But if we do not trust him, and forsake him, and are afraid of the manifold enemies of the truth, and flee on this account, as did the ten spies, he will also forsake us. But if we have a manful spirit, with Joshua, Caleb and David, and remember in our hearts, that God is true, that his hand is not shortened, that he is a faithful succorer of the miserable, who has delivered us from the hand of Pharaoh, from the specious deceptive and insinuating sedition of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, from the strange fire, and from other enemies and perils, and who, according to his promise, for his name’s sake, and for our salvation, will help us further; not only in the beginning, or in the middle, but unto the end will he bruise the head of our enemies, so that through the help of the Lord we shall overcome our enemies. Hence have good courage, and be of good cheer; he who through his great grace began the good work in you, the same is also able (this is certain) to perform it in you, and in all that believe in him and are of good purpose. And consider, do we not see our desire upon our enemies, that, however they stir, labor, strive, despise, beat, threaten, and slander, we through the grace of the Lord nevertheless remain unchanged and undisturbed? I certainly believe that steadfastness is the desire of Christians, for it has the promise of salvation. Thus I unworthy one, in a small degree hereby minister to you, that I may spread and magnify the name of the Lord, and his faithful daily help and power. I also counsel all Christians, when they go walking in their pleasure garden, namely, in the holy Scriptures, that they forget not the Psalms of David, which are left us by the Spirit of God; they serve us especially to righteousness, boldness, a firm confidence, a living hope, and for consolation in our pilgrimage. In short, all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. 3:16,17. Again: Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Rom. 15:4. Hence adhere thereto; you will therein find all that will be necessary to your salvation, as I trust from the heart that there will abide in you that which you have heard and accepted from the beginning, nothing strange, but as declared in the holy Scriptures. For you know what it has wrought in you, how through this heavenly trial you are delivered from your vain conversation, in which the whole world is still sunk; how you have turned from dumb idols to the living God, yea, are passed from death unto life, so that you are enlightened, and your hope made alive, and all this through Jesus Christ. And loving his appearing, we patiently wait for him in good works, which live in us, so that we love our neighbor as ourselves, seek his advantage more than our own, yea, when necessary lay down our lives for the brethren. This is a seal and sign that we love him whom we do not see, and that we yet believe in him, as though we saw him. Again, if we did not love the brethren, whom we see, how could we in truth love God, whom we do not see? But that we from the heart and fearlessly love the brethren and sisters, by this it is known that we are Christ’s disciples; and they that are Christ’s disciples are sometimes tried, as gold in the fire; yet not to destruction, but to purification and greater perfection, for he chastens every son whom he wants to receive and loves. Heb. 12:6. And it is nothing strange to us, that this now in these latter days happens to us unworthy ones; for it has always been so from the time of Abel--darkness has always hated the light, for they will not be reproved in their darkness, but resent it, and in order to defend themselves, and to continue in their own way, they say, “Judge not, that ye be not judged;” but what the apostle says: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11); this they passed by.

Thus drunkards, idolaters, and the like, know how to help themselves with the Scriptures; but alas! with such fig-leaves they wrong themselves, and suffer themselves to be led by the learned like the ox to the slaughter. O dear Lord, I heartily pray thee, enlighten the eyes of our enemies, as thou didst to Paul, who also persecuted the church of God. Take this brief letter in good part, for I trust that you are yourselves taught and strengthened. Be manful therein, watch, stand fast in the faith, be strong in the faith, and let all your things be done in love, and as I sincerely trust concerning you both. Herewith I will commend you, my much beloved brother-in-law and brother in the Lord, and my greatly beloved sister in the Lord (and by marriage), to the Lord of lords, and to the rich word of his grace, which is able to keep you from all evil, and to make you zealous in that which is good, and meet for his eternal kingdom, to give it to you, the incorruptible inheritance among them that are sanctified. I also thank you both as much as I can, for your great friendship and affection to me unworthy one.

Herewith I bid you adieu; there in the presence of Christ Jesus I will await you, and my very dear wife, and all the godfearing left behind. Amen.

Written shortly before Easter, when I hourly expected to be notified that I was to offer up my sacrifice, to the praise of God, and to my salvation. Amen.

Herewith I bid my nephews and nieces adieu on this earth. O that they would also follow Christ, when they have attained to understanding; then they would also come where he, namely, Christ, is; and they that repent and keep his commandments, these are his friends and disciples who follow him.

Hence I beseech you, my dear, beloved niece, to shun evil, diligently to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and to work to satisfy her hunger with bread, and quench her thirst with drink. If you do this, my dear niece, you will be one who with Mary has chosen the good part; and I will then await you there with Christ Jesus, whither I will go a little beforehand; and all that love the truth will follow. To this end may the good Lord grant his grace, that this my heartfelt wish may be realized, to the salvation of my nieces and nephews. Amen.

Written in my bonds, by me,

JAN WOUTERSS VAN KUYCK.

THE ELEVENTH LETTER FROM JAN WOUTERSS, TO P. J., HIS YOUNGEST BROTHER-IN-LAW.

Grace and peace from God the Father through Jesus Christ, and the co-operation of the Holy Spirit, be multiplied to you, my much beloved brother, and to all that seek their salvation with all their heart, in the name of Jesus Christ; that we may be able to stand, by the help of the Lord, in this last conflict that is set before us, and may patiently finish it, for an example to our neighbor, for a light to the world, to the salvation of the soul, and to the praise of God. Amen.

After this my heartfelt wish, I cannot forbear to write you a little, if peradventure I and you may be refreshed somewhat thereby. In the first place, know that I cannot fully thank our God for his grace, that he has called me, unworthy, poor, vile man to this state, whereby I perceive the great love which he has to me, unworthy one; he chastens me according to his mercy, thereby confirming that I am not a bastard. O what great grace is this, that the good God seeks my salvation, which salvation has been, and still is, the sole object of my seeking and praying, as I wrote to you before my imprisonment, to help me to pray, that the Lord would give and let come upon me what is for my salvation, which I trust his grace that he, out of great mercy, does, and will do according to his promise and goodness, and not according to my righteousness, for his grace knows better than I what I need. Hence his will be done for my salvation, to take me away from the evil, which frequently arises through the work of Satan, which he works in the children of unbelief; for I have found from my youth, that one trouble and difficulty follows upon the heels of another. And he that from the heart seeks his salvation and the welfare of the church, often has to suffer the pains of travail. Moreover, one has much to die unto and mortify in himself, and constantly to fight, so that one is seldom without conflict, even as Paul and also many pious witnesses of God; but all who do not become weary, and who overcome, shall inherit all things, and to them that overcome the crown is promised. Let therefore no one become faint or weary, knowing and believing that we have such a strong champion, who cannot be conquered, but from whom the wicked must flee. Paul says: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31. The Lord said to Abraham: “Fear not; I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Gen. 15:1. The Lord said, yea, commanded him, that he should be of good courage, and not be afraid or dismayed; he promised always to be with him, wherever he should go (thus he was also with his faithful servant Moses), and [told him] that he should meditate day and night on the law of God. (Oh! herein I fall far too short, which I heartily regret), that he should not depart therefrom either to the right or to the left, and his way should be prosperous and full of blessings, and he should trample his enemies under foot and devour them as bread. Yea, God sent his angel, as he had promised, as a champion, so that the Lord himself fought the battle. O is this not a faithful God! who should not trust in his powerful word? And though we do not see him externally, yet we daily behold his creation, which through the power of his word still stands in its strength, though it be but a little flower out of the earth.

Hence, though a storm come upon us occasionally, let us firmly rely upon the word and promise of the Lord; that we do not sink with Peter, but pass-over this raging sea to the Lord, always praying him, in faith, and with firm confidence in his word, for strength, as those that are never sated. I, unworthy servant, now, in this state, well experience his faithfulness, praise to him forever. He has promised to assist us, and not to forsake us, as he says by the prophet: Can a mother forget the son of her womb, that she should not have compassion on him? though she do this, yet will I not forsake thee. Isa. 49:15. He is also the strength of the poor, a sure refuge, and a true helper in time of need. Yea, he preserves his own as the apple of his eye, in water, in bonds, and in the fire; hence, he that afflicts his chosen afflicts him, as the Lord said to Saul: “Why persecutest thou me?” and he that does good to his chosen in his name, does good to him. Hence let every one persevere steadfastly, and do good cheerfully without wearying, for in due time we shall also reap without ceasing; and the good shall arise unto everlasting life. We are created unto good works through Christ. Hence let every one bring forth good fruit, unto which he is appointed; and God our heavenly Father will be honored, and purify us still more, that we may bring forth fruit still more abundantly, and grow up unto the [measure of the] stature of the fullness of Christ; and so doing we shall wait for the coming of our Lord and Bridegroom, and this with patience, for patience is the strength of the godfearing. Nothing special further for this time, but hold fast what you have, and be faithful unto death, for your and my faith is the unadulterated truth, which perform in the fear of God, by the help of the Lord, and you shall have peace with the Lord, according to his promise. Be of good cheer this short time of your pilgrimage; sorrow not for me; and though I am now baptized with the baptism of suffering, and drink the cup of affliction, it is for my salvation. Henceforth I expect through the grace of the Lord the crown of life. What does it signify? once we must part; if I had died of the pest, or of something else, all to whom my person is dear would certainly have to miss me; and it is manifest that I do not suffer as an evil doer, but because I have accepted Christ Jesus, and this I do not at all regret. I salute you, my dear wife, and yours, and all the godfearing, cordially in the Lord. Pray for me, and cause prayer to be made for me. Amen.

A CONFESSION OF FAITH, TO THE BAILIFF AND THE COUNCIL THEN RESIDING IN DORTRECHT, BY JAN WOUTERSS; TOGETHER WITH A BRIEF EXPLANATION EXHORTING THEM TO REPENTANCE.

To my honorable lord the Bailiff, and my honorable lords the burgomasters, aldermen and the council of the city of Dortrecht. I, Jan Wouterss, your prisoner, not for any crime, but for the sake of my faith, which is nevertheless right before my God, wish you, you ministers of God, that he would grant you all a prosperous, peaceful, healthy, long life, and understanding rightly to use your office, in punishing the evil (that is, evil-doers), and protecting the good. Rom. 13:3.

Further, the reason of my writing is, that I briefly confessed my faith, but did not add the explanation. Hence I put this in writing, in order not to summon my honorable lords again, and cause them trouble. I confess that I was a zealous papist in my youth, which I heartily regret, for then no good fruits proceeded from me. Afterwards God opened my blind eyes, to serve no longer dumb idols, but the living God alone, who created me. And he revealed to and gave me, poor, sinful man, the faith of the truth, by which we are saved. This faith is, as the Scripture says: This faith and the inward baptism constrained me to the obedience of his word, to fulfill his righteousness. Hence I confess, that I was baptized upon my faith, and this with desire, according to the command of Christ, renouncing the devil, the world, the pope, and his adherents.

I confess Christ Jesus alone as the way of the truth, and the life. And there is none other name given to men, whereby we can be saved, except through Christ alone. I further confess that it is certain that the customs of the priests and of all the “shaved” are the broad way to damnation. They are human institutions, an abomination to God, and plants which our heavenly Father has not planted; hence they are also cursed, for there can no other foundation be laid, than that is laid, which is Christ alone. Those of the pope’s adherents who undertake to be leader’s are blind leaders, and if the blind lead the blind, says Christ, both shall fall into the ditch. Every one that will not believe it, or cannot, because of his sins, the same must know it after death by pain (2 Esd. 9:12); hence repent truly now. Further, my honorable lord Bailiff thinks that I am in error, or that my faith is of no account. To this I reply: If this were true, then my fruits would be evil, which always prove more than mere confession; but now I have by the help of God walked therein for so many years, from my youth, even until now, according to my weakness, avoided all bad company, diligently and quietly earned my living, and eaten my own bread, from which I am now taken away, as though I were a murderer. O Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they do; I forgive them, O my dear lords, repent, for he who touches us touches the apple of the eye of my God.

I also confess that I have attended the assembly of the believers, so often that I cannot count it. For the supreme King has given us a promise therein, saying: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20. The apostle commands us in his name, not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but to exhort one another, and to provoke unto love and to good works. Heb. 10:25,24. I confess that I have never been in an assembly to harm any one (think on this). I confess that I have not for many years been to the priests’ confession and their sacrament, and this because I do not think anything of it; moreover, I confess, that I am a sinful man, and need every day to confess my sins before my God, and daily to die unto sin, more and more, which I regard as the best confession. But the sacrament I recognize as a little baked cake, and wine, till it is consumed by the aforementioned or by [other] men, and nothing else, but not as the flesh and blood of Christ; he comes no more into the hands of sinners. He dwelleth not in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48), but in heaven, whence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead, that is, believers and unbelievers. But I confess that I am well satisfied with Christ’s breaking of bread, the practice of the apostles among the believers, in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ, and this not with drunkards, proud, strikers, adulterers, murderers, idolaters, harlots, rogues, etc.

I also confess, that I did not marry my wife secretly, that no one should see it, but before the church of God; for marriage is honorable, but whoremongers and adulterers God will punish. Heb. 13:4. O my God, count it not sin to him who took me away; for it is a bitter cup to me to part from wife and child, because we love one another so much. I also confess that my child has not been baptized by the priest, neither by any one else, for thereby I would despise the holy blood of Christ.[332] But this is my firm belief that Christ has made atonement for infants, and that Christ’s baptism belongs to none but those who believe with all their heart, as Cornelius with his family, Paul, and others; of this aforementioned faith I am sure through the grace of God, and know certainly, that there is no other, nor ever will be. I have not founded myself upon the wind, but solely upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, to the wicked an offense, and to the good a defense and salvation. If I must innocently suffer for this unadulterated faith, I can think, that my Lord Jesus Christ, whose servant, I poor, sinful man am, fared no better at the hands of the authorities of that day, and this through the instigation of the learned. O my honorable lords, repent, amend your ways and your doings. Jer. 7:3. And I also proclaim repentance to all my lords still living, who are guilty of the innocent blood of Joris de Ve.,[333] who shall soon come forth, shining in God’s glory, with great joy. For the day of the Supreme Judge is at the door: this is apparent from the pestilence, dearth, rumors of wars, and many other signs. O my honorable lords, be cordially warned of the evil which is to come upon you, for it is done out of love and friendship, and not through bitterness, for beyond doubt, we must all appear before the Supreme Judge; there every one shall give account of himself, and receive according to that he hath done; there excuses or regrets will not avail. Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10. O, reflect; it will soon come to pass, and none can escape it.

[332] Then I should sacrifice my child to the devil, the author had
written, but this reads a little too harsh.

[333] Hereby is meant Joris Wippe, who was put to death at Dortrecht,
A. D. 1558.

Further, I did not reply to all the questions of my honorable lord the Bailiff, who demanded of me that I should tell the truth, which I have done in the confession of my faith, of this I am certain; but the other questions I dare not answer, for Christ has taught me: Do to men as you would have them do to you; love your neighbor as yourself; love your wife, honor your parents, etc. For this reason I have forborne, and I am sure that in this my Supreme Judge will justify me, when we shall together appear before his judgment seat; for I have not done it out of any disregard for my honorable lord the Bailiff. I also have refused your learned men the presentation, for I am so sure of my faith, that [I am convinced that] all those who speak against it are in error. Hence do not regard it as proceeding from obstinacy on my part, but from the assurance of my faith.

Finally, deal mercifully with me innocent one, and think that I too am a man; for hereafter he “shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.” Jas. 2:13. I confess one Lord, one faith, one God, one Father of all, who is above all, and in all believers. I believe only what the holy Scriptures say; and not what men say. Farewell. Written in my bonds.

A LETTER FROM ADRIAENKEN, JAN’S DAUGHTER, OF MOLENAERSGRAEF, WRITTEN TO HER HUSBAND, WHILE SHE WAS IN PRISON, IN THE VUYLPOORT AT DORTRECHT, WHERE SHE WAS BURNT WITH JOHN WOUTERSS VAN KUYCK, THE 28TH OF MARCH, AS PREVIOUSLY SHOWN.

Grace and peace from God our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord and Savior, and the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, be multiplied to your love, and to all the godfearing, for consolation in your pilgrimage, to the praise of the Lord, and to the salvation of all your souls. Amen.

After this my cordial salutation and good wish, please know, my dearest and cordially beloved husband and brother in the Lord, that I your dearly beloved wife and sister in the Lord, called Adriaenken Jan’s daughter, am still of good cheer in the Lord, and I can never thank the Lord of lords enough for his daily greatness in showing his grace, is to me unworthy one. Eternal praise and glory be to him, for ever and ever. Amen.

Please know further, J. A., my cordially beloved husband, that I your dearest, beloved wife and sister in the Lord, could not well forbear, but must leave your love, a few lines in remembrance of me, on account of the great love which we have had to each other, and which I hope will abide forever, and that no one shall separate us from it, and though we are separated from each other according to the eternal body, yet love remains. And, in the second place, to comfort you a little, that you would moderate your grief, as one that well knows, that these are the costs of our house which we have founded upon the rock Christ, which house will now certainly continue to stand, through the grace and power of the Lord, though many a storm beat upon it, wherein we rejoice that we have such a faithful helper in distress. But it is not expedient, that we keep this joy to ourselves alone, but that we spread the same, so that you, my dearest on this earth, and all the godfearing, if it were possible, might also rejoice, in order that you, my especially beloved husband, and all the godfearing, may steadfastly persevere, and not be afraid. Though our enemies are so many, we say with the prophet Elisha: There are more with us than against us, 2 Kings 6:16. As also Paul says: If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Rom. 8:31,32. And the prophet David says: The Lord is an invincible shield to all that trust in him; and a faithful helper in distress, for he hears the cry of the afflicted. Hence, my dearest, go on in the confidence in the promises of the Lord, for he is a faithful, true God: there is none like him; all his promises are yea in him, and not nay, as well to help us in distress in this present time, as to give eternal life hereafter to them that believe in Christ. We two unworthy lambs of Jesus Christ go now quite near the city full of all good things, which has become our inheritance through the merits of Christ; yea, we are going out from tribulation, out from all difficulty and peril, and leave you and all the other dearest brethren, sisters and friends, in this dismal wilderness, even in this wicked world full of all unrighteousness where on every hand are evil examples, to the detriment and sorrow of our soul, for one cannot well touch pitch and remain undefiled therewith. Hence it is our conviction that it is the Lord’s pleasure to take us two weak lambs away speedily, that we may not be deceived, like Eve, but saved in and through faith in Jesus Christ. And that the only-wise, good and merciful God first tries us somewhat in this one chastisement; this is a token of grace and of special love, for he now deals with us unworthy ones, as a dear father deals with and bears affection to his children, whereby he confirms, according to his great mercy, that he does not know us as bastards, but as true heirs. Heb. 12:8.

Hence we are of good cheer; whatever the Lord suffers to come upon us, is all for our good, for in tribulation he forgives sin; therefore his holy will be done for our profit, that is, for our salvation, which is our greatest desire, wherefore we endure everything, and are patient, according to the example of Job, the prophets, the apostles, and the end of our Lord, and other martyrs after them. We now go steadfastly forward, to finish our conflict by the help of the Lord with a faithful heart, even unto death, for we know and believe that the crown of eternal life is prepared for us. Amen. Thus, my cordially beloved husband and dearest brother in the Lord, I your specially, cordially beloved wife, Adriaenken Jans, your dearest sister in the Lord, who have married each other before the Lord and his church, I will herewith bid your love adieu, and await you there with your and our dearest bridegroom, Christ Jesus. Therefore hold fast that which you have, for it is the only and unadulterated truth, that no one take your crown, for Satan works wonderfully in his own.

The superior of the Franciscan convent said to me: “Give me Jan Wouterss, he at least said that he is sorry for it.” O villain, thought I; I well know your trickery, Thus the Lord kept me, that we may always triumph in Christ: he will still, according to his promise, help us on further in the way to the promised land of our rest.

Herewith I will commend you my dearest husband and beloved brother in the Lord, to the almighty God, and to the rich word of his grace, which is able to build you up, to keep you from evil and to bring you to the eternal inheritance; there I hope to see you with eternal joy, to which end the good God grant his grace. Amen. Take this, my brief letter, in good part. To write much I do not deem necessary, for the godfearing have left us, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, an abundance of writings, for correction, for doctrine, for consolation and strengthening.

I Adriaenken Jan’s daughter, your cordial and dearest wife and sister in the Lord, greet you my most beloved husband and dearest brother in the Lord, affectionately with the kiss of eternal love and peace of Christ, with the mouth of my heart, present with you in spirit

Finally, I herewith bid you adieu once more, and thank you as much as lies in me, for your good company and faithfulness.

Written by me your beloved wife Adriaenken Jans, imprisoned for the testimony of the gospel of Christ, to the praise of the Lord, to the comfort and joy of our neighbor, for a light to them that are yet in darkness, to the confusion of those who have condemned us as apostates, and to the salvation of our souls. Amen.

I and my fellow prisoner greet you and all the godfearing much.

We had hoped to offer up our sacrifice on Monday before Mary, and thus to enter into rest; but we were not so fortunate. Hence we hope that it will soon come to pass, if the Lord has so ordered it; but if our tribulation is to last a little longer yet, the will of the Lord be done for our salvation. Amen.

Written in my bonds, the day after Mary in Lent A. D. 1572, by me,

ADRIAENKEN JANS.

A LETTER TO SAID ADRIAENKEN JANS IN HER BONDS. SENT BY HER HUSBAND.

To the dear wife of my heart, Adriaenken Jan’s daughter, out of love, to strengthen your heart Amen.

We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29.

Grace and peace, wisdom and comfort, be with you, my much beloved dear wife and sister in the Lord, from God our heavenly Father; through the great love of his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and through the power of the Holy Ghost, and patience in your bonds; this I wish you, my beloved wife and sister in the Lord, as an affectionate salutation, to the praise of the Lord, and to your soul’s salvation. Amen. Possess your soul in patience.

After all cordial salutation, my much beloved wife and sister in the Lord, I affectionately pray you, that you will prove valiant in your tribulation and distress, and ever look unto Jesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith, who, when the joy was set before him, endured the cross, _despising the shame_. Heb. 12:2. Mark, he says, despising the shame. Hence go forth without the camp, and help bear his reproach. 13:13. For when Christ suffered, he had to suffer without Jerusalem, and there took upon him our sins, and became as a worm, greatly despised, says the prophet Isaiah. 53:3. And Paul says: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but delivered himself unto death, even the death of the cross. Philip. 2:6,8. And Peter says: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin: that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Pet. 4:1,2. Paul also says: All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12); as he also tells the Hebrews (chap. 11) of so many pious witnesses, who through their faith suffered so much, having respect unto the recompense of the reward; they were stoned, cut asunder, tempted, slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; of whom the world was not worthy; and thus they took the kingdom of God by force, hoping only from afar for the promise, which they did not yet possess, as Christ says: Blessed are the eyes which see what ye now see; and the ears which hear what ye now hear: for many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye now see, and it could not be. Luke 10:23,24; Matt. 13:16,17. Paul also says: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power. Heb. 1:1–3. See now, my dear lamb, how many pious witnesses we have; hence let us not become weary, but see that we may with Caleb and Joshua enter the promised land. For you have already passed through the wilderness, and stand now before the Jordan, which though it is terrible to behold, you will pass over; only waver not, all you need do is to pass over. Be valiant, my lamb; the Lord will help you; put your trust in him, for he is our captain, our strong fortress and castle. My dear lamb, be of good cheer in the Lord; such a glorious crown is awaiting you, for the Lord says; Blessed are they who are persecuted for the truth; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:10.

See, my fair one, you will be one of that number whom John saw under the altar, who were clothed in white robes; and will help fulfill their number, and the great multitude of whom the angel told Esdras, 2 Esd. 2:45. For when the number, or the company of the righteous is fulfilled, the rewarding will soon take place. Then shall all your tears be wiped away; the heat of the sun will hurt you no more, for you shall with all the chosen children of God rest under his shadow. My dear lamb, if you now only strive manfully for the truth, it is but for this life; after this time there is no more time. No man is crowned, except he strive lawfully. 2 Tim. 2:5. And James says: Dear brethren, we count them happy that have endured. Jas. 5:11. And Solomon says, that his [God’s] people are tried as gold in the furnace, and when he finds them acceptable, he receives them as a burnt offering. Wis. 3:6. Confess now the word of the Lord before this evil generation; for if we confess him, he also will confess us before his heavenly Father, and before his angels; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Matt. 10:32. 2 Tim. 2:12,13. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity, v. 19.

Behold, my dear lamb, here the sentence is already pronounced. Take heed now, that in your bonds, as you have begun, you remain faithful for the word of the Lord; that you may receive a full reward, and lose not that for which you have so long labored by faith; for 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 8,9.

Dear Jan’s daughter, we expect such a glorious crown, if we abide in the truth; how we will rejoice when we get into the new heavenly Jerusalem, where the streets are of pure gold; and her gates are not closed against the penitent, but they are not open unto the ungodly, for without are dogs and sorcerers. Rev. 21:21; 22:15. See, my dearest lamb, for none but the godfearing; for them his grace is always ready, and he will give them to drink of the beautiful river, which flows through the fair city; these are the living waters of which the Lord told the Samaritan woman, that if she should drink of them, she should never thirst. John 4:14. Behold, my dear rib, of these waters did all the righteous drink. They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 1 Cor. 10:4,5.

Behold, dear Adriaenken Jans, what virtues the Lord has shown us, and how richly he has bestowed gifts upon his children, and how he shall endow them when he shall come to judge all the nations of the earth. Then shall we tread down all our enemies, and shall sit with all the elect of God upon twelve thrones, and judge the twelve tribes of Israel; and shall stand in great boldness before the face of those that have afflicted us; and we shall shine as sparks among the stubble, and leap as calves of the stall, in that day which the Lord has appointed. Matt. 19:28; Wis. 5:1; 3:7; Mal. 4:2,3. We also read that Esdras saw in the spirit, upon mount Sion, how the Lord went and gave palms into the hands, and set crowns upon the heads, of those who had confessed him in the world. 2 Esd. 2:42. Peter also says that we shall be made kings and priests, that we should shew forth the virtues of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Rev. 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:9.

Ah! Jan’s daughter, my dear wife and sister in the Lord, if we were to recount all the glorious promises which the Lord has promised them that continue faithful in their temptation, it would take too much time to write it all.

Herewith I commend you my dear wife and sister in the Lord, to God, and to the rich word of his grace, which is able to keep us from all the subtle wiles with which our adversary the devil walks about us as a roaring lion, as Peter says. 1 Pet. 5:8. He could assail the Lord; should he then not assault his people? for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11), for he works also through his emissaries, that is, the children of unbelief, who will possibly come to assail you; but we can well overcome them, we can do all things through the grace of the Lord, which grace may God grant you and me, and us all. Amen.

Farewell, and pray the Lord for me, that he may keep me in this evil time, that I may always walk in the way of the Lord. I also pray for you, that the Lord will grant you strength, that you may be an acceptable offering unto him, and that through your bonds and through the voluntary surrender of your body into the tyrants’ hands, many may come to the truth. Though it is somewhat hard for the flesh, the Lord can give strength to them that trust in him. Yes, dear Jan’s daughter, my dearest, beloved sister in the Lord, let us take heed and pray the Lord, that we may well guard ourselves, that we do not dishonor the temple of God; for thus says Paul (mark well): “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:16,17. If we guard ourselves well, it will be well with us, for we have a precious treasure in earthen vessels, the Spirit of the Lord, the Comforter, which will not be taken from us, if we fear God, depart from all sin, and do good.

O my dearest, dismiss from your mind that you went there to get the bed, for possibly the Lord wants thus to prove you; and let us not tempt the Lord; he does all for the best; I would not give you for all the treasures of the world; this the Lord knows, for he knows every heart. Now that it is so, let it be so in the name of the Lord. You may readily suppose that Abraham was sorrowful that he had to offer up his beloved son; for he was dear to him, and the Lord had told him that his seed should be as numerous as the dust of the earth and the stars of heaven. But, my dear lamb, he feared the Lord, and dared not disobey his command. Thus we too; have courage, my dear wife; think, it is only for one evil hour, or half an hour, and all is over, for much may be done in half an hour. See, my dear, he that overcometh shall inherit all things; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Rev. 21:7; 2:11. Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Pet. 4:19. Let us pray for them that afflict us (that is, the Pope and his adherents), that they may see how blind they are; and also for the magistrates, that they may no longer seek innocent blood, but be satisfied, and see wherein they are sinning before God.

Adieu, be resigned in the Lord, my dear wife and sister in the Lord; take my simple letter in good part, for it has been written from a good intention.

Written with much sorrow and labor. Nothing more for this time, only the Lord keep you in a godly life, and preserve you from the second death. Amen.