Chapter LXVI: Preface: To Second Part (9)

“My God, I will praise thee in my last hour, thee who art high above in heaven, I will praise thee with heart and mouth, for thou art worthy of it; strengthen my faith (Luke 17:5), now that I must go on this pilgrimage of suffering; remember me in mercy in this severe conflict. I commend my spirit into thy hands (Luke 23:46); in thee I rejoice. Christ, help me to stand in my sufferings. Heavenly Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Because I cannot forsake thy word, I am hated, and they seek to separate my body from the soul. Therefore I call upon thee, O God, for gracious help; I trust in thee, for I have no other comforter. That which is so clearly written, Mark 16:16: ‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved,’ can certainly not be contradicted by any one; hence it is to be heeded. O ye blind, why are you troubled and grieved because the command of Christ is observed? acquaint yourselves with the holy Scriptures, and you will find what Christ the Son of God has commanded us to do. I beseech you all, beloved brethren and sisters, that you would firmly trust in God, and let not my bitter death grieve you; for God will richly reward it; we must once take our leave of this vale of sorrow. The Scripture clearly declares, that he who would have laughing and joy here, shall hereafter mourn and weep. Luke 6:25; we must suffer here with patience; the Lord grant that it be done innocently. He that would here bring his gift to the altar, and remembers that his brother has aught against him, must leave his gift at the altar, and first go and be reconciled to his brother, and then come and offer his gift. Matt. 5:23,24. Therefore, I beseech thee, O God, graciously to forgive those who put me to death. I commend my spirit and soul into thy hand, O God; deliver me out of all my distresses, and never turn away from me; deprive my flesh of all its power, that I may overcome and be victorious in thee. Amen.” Rev. 2:11.

EIGHTEEN PERSONS BURNED AT SALZBURG, IN THE YEAR 1528.

These eighteen persons, besides many others, were kindled with zeal in the fear of God, and had turned to God from the world and its idolatry, and been baptized upon faith in Christ, entering upon obedience towards his holy Gospel. This the adversaries could not endure; these eighteen were therefore apprehended, and finally, as they, under many tortures, piously adhered to their faith, were all sentenced to the fire, and burned, on the same day, at Salzburg, about the year 1528. They left the following as a memorial:

“O God of heaven, watch over thy sheep; who are such a little flock, that they may not depart from thee, or be led astray. Keep them under thy protection, and deliver them from this lamentable distress; for the beast pursues them even unto death, which they must suffer, for they are thrown into severe prisons, where they, in the death of the dungeon, sing praises unto the Lord, and magnify him with heart and mouth. Acts 16:25. O Lord, have compassion therefore, and let this our complaint come before thee. Come quickly, and help us poor children, and sustain us in thy will. They would drive us from thee, and they beset us very hard with their great power and pomp. O God, grant us thy divine power; we have no other Lord in heaven and earth, than thee. 1 Cor. 8:6. Grant us what we desire of thee. The Lord Christ sends out his messengers, and through them offers us his heavenly kingdom, which is derided by the world: but we have accepted the Lord’s kingdom and his grace with great joy and satisfaction; therefore the priests roar and rage against us, and terribly hate us. They have greatly hid the truth for more than five hundred years, and seduced the multitude of men with false doctrine: they trample the word of God under their feet, and it is despised by them. O Lord, grant that they may amend their steps and do thy will.

And is that which has been witnessed at Salzburg not a lamentable matter; namely, that eighteen persons were burned together on the same day, only for the doctrine of Christ, whom they confessed to be the only Lord? They would not honor the image, nor worship the beast. They would not receive their words, nor the mark of antichrist into their hand or on their forehead. Therefore they could neither buy nor sell in the land; but they adhered to Christ, and received his mark, and their names are written in the book of life (Ps. 69:28); as Christian soldiers they, through grace, obtained the crown.” 2 Tim. 4:8.

Thus they were burned with fire, and are now awaiting everlasting joy.

WOLFGANG ULMAN, A. D. 1528.

Wolfgang Ulman, a celebrated and excellent man in matters of faith, after maintaining and practicing the faith for some time, was burned, together with his brother and ten other persons, all steadfastly testifying to their faith with death, at Walzen, about the year 1528.

HANS PRETLE, A. D. 1528.

Subsequently also Hans Pretle, who had been a preacher, but had afterwards become a minister of the church of Christ, having exercised his ministry for a time, and pointed many to the knowledge of the Gospel, was burned for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 6:9.

LITTLE HANS OF STOTZINGEN, A. D. 1528.

Little Hans of Stotzingen, having been in prison for a time, for the evangelical truth, at Zabern, Alsace, was finally condemned to death, about the year 1528. On his way to the place of execution, he addressed the following admonition to the people, and was then beheaded with the sword.

“In our extremity we now begin to cry unto our God, to deliver us from all our distress, that our hearts may offer up to him a pure sacrifice acceptable in his sight. Rom. 12:1. The sacrifice which I mean is my whole body, life, skin and bones, and also wife and children. We are willing to offer up all our members, love impelling and constraining us. Pharaoh would fain prevent and alter this; but we care not for it, and have not the least desire to desist from it, but to bring the offering before the Lord, and to press our way through with his assistance (Matt. 11:12); he will aid and succor us. Come hither, beloved brethren, let us valiantly take hold of the matter: We are now members of Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:4,5); he is our Captain (Ephesians 1:22); he has prepared a glorious crown, with which he will crown those who shall persevere unto the end. Matt. 10:12. Be of good courage and undaunted, thou worm Jacob. Isa. 41:14. The Red Sea shall stand open; if Pharaoh will pursue thee, he will perish in it. Thou little flock, be not afraid, for it is but a little while here, and our flesh is of no consequence. But in the city which God has prepared us in the everlasting kingdom, we shall be as the angels of God. Heb. 11:10: Matthew 22:30. Who can estimate their value? This God has promised us; yea, through his child Jesus Christ he promises us much comfort and joy, and everlasting rest, if we continue steadfast in him. But we must also drink the cup of suffering, and suffer with his Son Christ Jesus (Matt. 20:23), and he will deliver and well succor us. Though the heathen slay us, he will not forsake us, but break their power in pieces, snatch us out of their hand, and through grace gloriously crown us. God is the Lord who can protect. He is also our shield (Genesis 15:1), since we have him for a Father, who is so good and gracious; that though men drive us away from them, yet will we always adhere to him. His great power is over us, and he does not suffer them to faint, who keep his covenant; therefore, though we be defamed and accused, rejoice over it in your hearts. Have confidence in God, and he shall help you. Therefore fear neither pain nor death. I give praise and thanks to my God, that I have become a sacrifice. I have long longed for it, for to die is gain for me. Phil. 1:21. O God, let me partake of the sacrifice of thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen.” Heb. 9:14.

Thus he offered his neck, and was beheaded for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8.

THOMAS, BALTHASAR, AND DOMINICUS, A. D. 1528.

In the same year 1528, Thomas and Balthasar, both ministers of the Gospel, and with them one Dominicus, were apprehended, condemned to death, and burned, suffering it very steadfastly, for the faith and the divine truth, in the city of Bruenn, in Moravia. But before they were apprehended, they advised the council, that they should take care and not shed innocent blood, for God would not let it go unpunished. Jer. 7:6. One of the council, named Thomas Pelzer arose and did as though he were washing his hands, saying: “Thus shall I wash my hands in their blood, and think to do God service.” John 16:2. But a few days after the judgment of God came upon him. He was found dead in his bed, beside his wife; and thus by his sudden death, was not permitted, to see the death of these pious persons, which struck terror into the hearts of many.

Brother Bastelwart well knew this Thomas Pelzer, who died so suddenly; and also Brother Andrew Gauper was acquainted with the circumstance.

HANS FEIERER, WITH FIVE BRETHREN AND THREE SISTERS, A. D. 1528.

About this time also Hans Feierer, a minister of the word, and five of his brethren or fellow believers were condemned and burned for the faith and divine truth, at Munich in Bavaria; there three sisters, wives of three of them, were drowned, and boldly, cheerfully, and gladly surrendered their lives, being willing much rather to lose this temporal life, than to desist from what God had given them to know. They gave up a miserable life, in due time to find another (Matt. 10:39; 24:13; Rev. 2:10), with Christ, and with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the saints and pious, in the kingdom of God, which is promised to all those who endure to the end.

THREE BRETHREN AND TWO SISTERS, A. D. 1528.

A. D. 1528, Three brethren and two sisters were put in prison at Znaym, in Moravia. There was a Judge at Znaym, called Sir Louis, who greatly hated the brethren, as was manifest in the imprisonment of these brethren and sisters. With stern words he asked the council what they intended to do with the Anabaptist heretics, since they had a royal command and mandate, and yet did not have them executed. He said he would himself go to the king, and inform him of their disobedience; but if they would have them executed, he would draw the wood to burn them, with his own horses. Thereupon the council answered and said: “Dear Sir Louis, we will commend them to thee; do with them as you please; it is committed to you. Then he had the wood drawn with his own wagon, and caused the three brethren and two sisters to be burned, who were thus speedily executed, paying unto God, who permitted this true burnt offering, the vow made in baptism, and fighting unto death for the divine truth confessed.

This Louis, actuated by the hatred and envy of the old serpent, was not yet satisfied with the blood of the pious and innocent sheep of the Lord, and had to fill up the measure of his judgment. He commanded money to be given to those who should tell him where the brethren assembled. A house having been pointed out to him, he took baliffs and watchmen, and went with them to the place. There Judge Louis stepped unawares into an opening before the house, used for letting down wine, and sprained his foot. He fell down and cried piteously that they should lift him up, and let the rascals go. The brethren heard the noise, and escaped from the house. After this Louis took sick unto death, and as he lay there in his agony and severe sickness, he suddenly began to exclaim: “O the Baptists, the Baptists!” He spoke nothing else, but repeated this cry innumerable times. Finally he roared like an ox, and like a wild beast and bit his own tongue, that foam and blood ran out of his mouth, so that his wife and children could not stay with him; only his servant woman, who was attached to him, remained with him until he was strangled in his own blood. This servant woman related the circumstances to Brother Bastelwart, who was a minister. All his kindred do not like to have it spoken of; and it was a common saying among the people that he had shed innocent blood. Prov. 6:17; Jer. 7:6; 22:3. And thus God has often (more than is shown in this book, or can be related) checked the wicked with like examples, that thereby his work might make the greater progress among his people, to his praise, and to the salvation of many who seek that which is right, and the amendment of life; for if God had not always sustained his work, the enemy would in the course of time, have extinguished it, and not have left one spark or germ of truth remain; but this God does not permit him to do.

NINE BRETHREN AND THREE SISTERS, A. D. 1528.

In this year 1528, nine brethren and three sisters were apprehended at Bruck, on the Mur, in Steyermark. They were condemned for their faith, and taken in bonds out of the city, to the place of execution; but they were glad and of good cheer, and said: “This day we will suffer in this place for the word of God, and offer to him our sacrifice.” Rom. 12:1; 2 Tim. 4:6. They also earnestly admonished the lords of Bruck, that they should know that they rendered themselves guilty of innocent blood. A ring having been formed, they all knelt down (Acts 7:60; 20:36), and earnestly prayed to God; that they might now finish this their evening sacrifice. They then arose and submitted to the sword. The executioner was sad; for he did not like to do it. The youngest of them all entreated his brethren, that, since he felt of good cheer and bold, they should let him suffer the first pain; he then kissed them, and said: “God bless you, my beloved brethren; to-day we shall all be together in Paradise.” Acts 23:43. Thus these nine brethren were beheaded in a green field; they were so undaunted that it was astonishing to behold it. They knelt down; and thus poured out their blood through the smiting of the sword. The three sisters were drowned; they would in no wise depart from God and his truth. The youngest one laughed at the water; which was seen by many a one there. Some held that the devil had hardened them; but others were moved in their hearts, so that they confessed that God must have given this, since otherwise it could not be possible. Thus they valiantly testified to the holy and divine truth.

VILGARD AND CASPAR OF SCHOENECK, ABOUT THE YEAR 1528.

These two were beheaded for the truth, at Ries, in the Fluchtthal, near Brixen, and thus died as faithful witnesses of Christ, leaving the following admonition to their brethren:

“Hearken, all of you, and take to heart, that God will visit all sinners great and small, who now despise him and revile his name, and do not consider their sinful life. God shall speedily awaken, and deliver his children. If we consider the doctrine of the prophets, we see that this is the last time, and in this time God calls upon all men that they should turn unto him (Is. 45:22), live according to his will, and keep his commandments; and that if they do this, his wrath shall cease, and he will be their God and Father; for God, because of his great goodness, is longsuffering in his judgment; therefore beware of sin, and do not follow the devil; but free yourselves from unrighteousness, and your God will not forsake you in this last hour; for God is rich and gracious, and with him there is much grace; he willingly forgives the sinner who will forsake his sins, who believes in Christ, and calls upon his name; to such he will not only, through grace remit his sins, but also freely give him the eternal reward. Heed well these things, O! all of you who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, and have become children of God. Praise God with shouting, young and old, great and small; you who have believed his word, love God as his dear children, and walk before him with pure hearts, and you shall never be forsaken, but he will ever preserve you. O God, who art rich in grace, keep us thy children, that we may hold to thee, and that those who have come to thee, may not be confounded; lead them diligently with thy right hand into the promised land, the eternal heavenly kingdom. O God, honor be unto thee in thy high throne, who hast given us Christ thy Son, and imparted divine grace to us, by which we now confess thee with heart and mouth, and are not ashamed to call them our brethren who call upon thee in truth as their Father. Praised be thy holy name, Amen.”

NOTE.--Sebastian Franck relates that the Anabaptists in the beginning increased by many thousands, so that the world feared that they would cause an uproar; but of this, as I hear, he writes, they were found innocent and, were persecuted with great tyranny; first especially in popedom. They were forcibly imprisoned, and tormented with the sword, fire, water, and manifold imprisonments, so that within a few years very many were put to death. Some compute the number of those put to death far more than two thousand. They were put to death in many places; at Ensisheim alone about six hundred were slain, all of whom patiently and steadfastly suffered as martyrs.

Compare the account of _Seb. Franck, Chron., fol. 55, 109_, with the old _Offer-boeck, lib. 1. Leonh., lib. 7_; also _Chron. van den Ondergang, p. 1025_.

SIX PERSONS AT BASEL, A. D. 1529.

In the year 1529, those of Basel imprisoned nine of those who were baptized according to the command of Christ; six[227] of whom, as they write, were banished.

[227] After many disputations three of the nine apostatized; the rest
remaining steadfast, were banished.

They further write, that at Bomburg, a castle in the dominion of Basel, some of the chief Anabaptists were imprisoned by one Bartholomew Sincken who was castellan there. However, what they ultimately did with them, the record does not state. Compare this with the account in the preface to the _Offer-boeck der Doopsgesinde_, of the year 1615, letter Y, p. 2.

HANS LANGMANTEL WITH HIS MAN-SERVANT AND MAID-SERVANT, A. D. 1529.

Hans Langmantel, a wealthy citizen and of noble descent, during the re-establishment of the churches in Germany, received with his man-servant and maid-servant the truth of the Gospel, and, kindled with zeal, they believed the truth, forsook their sinful life, and were baptized upon their faith in Christ Jesus, for the remission and forgiveness of their sins; on which account all three were imprisoned, and, after enduring many assaults and torments, they were finally put to death for their faith, which they constantly confessed. Hans Langmantel and his man-servant were beheaded with the sword, while the maid-servant was drowned in the water. When they were still in severe confinement they sent the following, as a thank offering and prayer to God, which they made use of in prison, to their brethren, for consolation, admonition, and as a memorial, about A. D. 1529.

“O God, our heavenly Father, come with the power of thy Holy Spirit, that thou mayest rejoice our mind, heart and soul; give all three of us a manful heart, that in this anguish we fight and overcome. Rev. 2:7. Hold us with thy right hand, for thou art our strength; fight the battle for us (Ex. 14:14), and watch over us in distress, that we may stand in the conflict, and not go back when it is at its height. Therefore, O Lord, keep watch over us, and take care of us in this extremity, now that the wicked rise up against thy word, and would drive us from it. O God, preserve us in thy keeping, that we may not faint and abandon thy word. Let us enjoy the faithfulness which thou hast shown us through thy Son Jesus Christ; and in order that we may always earnestly contemplate this, send us thy Holy Spirit, and kindle in us the fire of thy divine love; lead us, thou who didst teach it in deed, that we may also exercise ourselves therein, and observe and practice it as thy dear children, that this gift may come upon us, and that, even as we are called, we may by it order our lives in this thy truth, maintain peace and unity, and love one another in truth with a pure heart. To this end, O God, let the light of thy divine glory illuminate us, that we may walk in it. O Lord, keep us in it as thy dear children, and let us never became obscured by the abominable darkness of this world, which has gained the upper hand with all unfaithfulness, and which will be followed by death. But thou, our Father, dost love equity. In thee there is no darkness (1 John 1:5); but the world is hardened with it. But thou art the eternal light, which penetrates the darkness; that we may no longer be children of the night, but children of the day. Watch over us with thy Holy Spirit, and teach us thus to go on in this light with delight and joy according to thy divine nature.

“O God, we beseech thee for one thing more: Send us to this end thy Holy Spirit, endue us with his power, renew our hearts, and make us strong in thee, that we may obediently hear thee in thy obedience, and praise thy name. When this world rises, and opposes thy words, so that our soul sighs to thee in all severe distresses by which they seek to tear us away, then, O Lord, grant us to look to thee for aid, and help us to overcome. Grant, Lord, that we may not stain ourselves by any sin or guilt, and take from our flesh the fear by which they would draw us away, and stop us in this work; that, when they shall lead us to death, we may not waver in the conflict, but may go to meet thee with all the pious in the true, adorned wedding garment, at the marriage feast, prepared for thy Son, when he shall receive his bride with everlasting joy and delight. Lord, assist us in every anguish and distress, and in the pain of death; give us the heavenly bread; send us thy Comforter, for God is the Comforter of the miserable. He makes the poor rich, and strengthens the feeble; he can refresh the weary and give strength to the faint, that they may come to thee. Through thee they overcome, who have now entered the conflict, to fight for the truth. In Christ, thy Son, help us to win the field on this earth, yea, in him alone. Be thou alone our Helper, protect us with thy sword, that we may together, as thy heroes, obtain the crown, and be forever with thee. Amen.”

GEORGE BLAUROCK, AND HANS VAN DER REVE, A. D. 1529.

About this time, George, of the house of Jacob, called Blaurock, having for about two or three years, in Switzerland, but particularly in the earldom of Tyrol, whither he had gone, spread and proclaimed the doctrine of the truth, that he might put his talent to use (Matt. 25:15), and by his zeal for the house of God be a means of salvation, was apprehended with his companions, at Gusodaum, condemned for the faith, and burnt alive not far from Clausen, for these articles, namely: That he had forsaken his office as priest, which he had formerly exercised in popery; that he disregarded infant baptism, and taught people a new baptism; that he rejected the mass; that he likewise rejected the confession of the priests as founded by them, and that the mother of Christ is not to be invoked or worshiped. For these reasons he was executed, and laid down his life, as behooves a soldier and hero of the faith. On the place of execution he earnestly spoke to the people, and pointed them to the Scriptures.

The love of the truth having begun to burn among the nations, and the fire of God having thus started, many were put to death for the testimony of the truth, in the earldom of Tyrol, especially in the following places: In the Gusodein district: at Clausen, Brixen, Stertzing, Balzen, Neumark, Katren, Terlen, Gundersweg; in the valley of the Inn; at Imst, Petersberg, Stejen in the Spruckthal, Schwatz, Rattenburg, Kufstein and Kitzbuehl. In these places a great multitude of believers constantly testified with their blood to the truth, through fire, water and the sword. Thus the people of God, as well as the great persecution increased daily. Jacob Huter became one of the overseers and teachers in the earldom of Tyrol, and not long after, with his people, united with the church which was in Moravia. After Jacob Huter removed with his people from the earldom to Moravia, partly compelled by great persecution, the tyranny in the earldom of Tyrol became daily more vehement; so that the pious had but few places where they could remain and many of them were apprehended, and put to death in various ways, for the faith. To this end the priests violently and furiously proclaimed from the pulpit, that care should be taken, to ferret them out, and to destroy them with fire and sword. Much money was also repeatedly offered and promised to those who should inform against them; by means of which they were several times betrayed. They were sought in every way, in forests and in houses, wherever their presence was suspected; in every place, also in closed gardens, which had to be opened, or they would be broken open, and searched. There was a Judas, called Prabeiger, who made use of his subtle artifice, thinking to obtain a large reward. He went to the authorities, and betrayed them all, bringing with him bailiffs and children of Pilate, with swords, spears, and staves, and went before them, just as Judas the traitor did, Matt. 26:47. They caught a great number, and dispersed the rest. Not long after, when they again assembled, another Iscariot, called George Frueder, manifested himself. He went to the priests, saying that if they would pay him, he would go, and none of the brethren should be able to conceal himself from him. Then the priests, the generation of the scribes and Pharisees, gave him money and good wages, and also a letter. This rogue then went out, assumed the form and semblance of an angel, and visited now and then such as he suspected of having knowledge of this matter. He inquired everywhere in the Pusterthal, where the brethren were, and how he could find them, desiring assistance to this end. With much weeping the rogue made this request, pretending that he could not rest until he were with them. Thus he deceived them, so that he finally came to them. He appeared before them very sad, humble and tender. As one who seeks to repent and to amend his way. He then very suddenly said: “My brethren, grant me this, and wait a little while, and I will go home and fetch my wife and child.” Many thoughts came to the minister and he said to him: “If you are false of heart, and your intention evil, God will certainly find you, and you shall speedily bring down his judgment upon you.” But he said: “O no, God preserve me from that; come with me into my house.” Thus he went away, and hastened to the judge, the magistrate, and the priests, who came with force, with swords and sticks, and apprehended the brethren and sisters.

Several other villains of this class manifested themselves, especially one whose name was Peter Lantz, and one named Pranger. Some went about by night with much craftiness, acted in the same manner, and went to places and houses where they expected to find of these people; but God gave them the recompense which they deserved, so that they might have wished that they had never been born.

Besides the abovementioned George Blaurock, there was also one Hans van der Reve; both of whom belonged to the number of those who sincerely received the truth of the holy Gospel, and helped found and build the Christian church, in the time when the truth had long been obscured in popery and by other errors. And when they had thus for a time faithfully exercised their ministry, edified and instructed many, and put their talent effectually to usury (Matt. 25:15), they were finally apprehended by the envious children of Cain, and burned at Clausen, in Etzlandt, A. D. 1529.

And in order to show that in all this they rejoiced in God, and also sought to console and strengthen their brethren, they left them the following memorial.

“Lord God, I will praise thee now and until my end; because thou hast given me faith, by which I have learned to know thee. Thou sendest to me thy divine word, which I am able to find and perceive that it is from pure grace. From thee, O God, have I received it as thou knowest. I firmly hope that it will not return unto thee void. Is. 55:11. O Lord, strengthen my heart to this. My heart rejoices because I know thy will. When I felt the heavy load of sin in me, which exceedingly troubled me (Ps. 38:6), I would have had to perish and suffer everlasting pain, hadst thou, O God, not come to me with the word of thy divine grace. Acts 10:37. For this I will now magnify and praise thy glorious name forever, because thou dost always show thyself a merciful, dear Father. Cast me not off, but receive me as thy child. Therefore I cry unto thee, help, O Father, that I may be thy child and heir. O Lord, strengthen my faith (Luke 17:5), else, if thy help should not succor me, my building should soon fall. Do not forget me, O Lord, but be with me always; thy Holy Spirit protect and teach me, that in all my sufferings I may ever receive thy consolation, so that, valiantly fighting, in this conflict, I may gain the victory. 1 Cor. 9:25–27.

“The enemy fights a battle with me in the field in which I now am; he would fain drive me from the field. But thou, O Lord, givest me the victory. He ran against me with sharp weapons, so that all my limbs quaked before the false doctrine and their constraints. But thou, O Lord, hadst compassion upon me, and didst help me, thy son, poor man, with thy grace, and powerful hand, and madest me to overcome. O God, how soon didst thou hear me; thou speedily camest with thy help, and turnedst back mine enemies; therefore I will sing praises unto thy name in my heart, and forever spread abroad the grace which has come to me.

“Now, I pray thee, Father, for all thy children; preserve us all forever from all the enemies of our souls. I must not trust in the flesh (1 Peter 1:24), which perisheth and abideth not; but I will firmly trust in thy word (Ps. 115:9), this be my consolation, on which I rely; it shall deliver me, from all my distresses, to everlasting rest. The hour of the last day, to which we all must come, is at hand. Dear Lord, help us to bear the cross to the destined place, and turn thyself to us with all grace, that we may commend our spirit into thy hands. I sincerely pray thee for all our enemies, O Lord, however many there may be; do not lay their sins to their charge; Lord, I entreat this according to thy will. Acts 7:60. And thus we (I George Blaurock, and Hans von der Reve) will depart in peace. May the good God through grace lead us into his everlasting kingdom, as we firmly trust that he will, and finish his holy work in us and give us strength to the end, Amen.”

This evidently came to pass, when these two so steadfastly and boldly died and were burned, for the truth.

HERE FOLLOWS ANOTHER CONSOLATORY ADMONITION LEFT BY GEORGE BLAUROCK TO HIS DESCENDANTS.

God administers a righteous judgment (Ps. 7:11; Rom. 2:5), which no one can set aside, and him who does not his will, he will judge. But thou, O Lord, art good, and sufferest thyself to be found gracious, and all those who use diligence to do thy will, thou acceptest as thy children. We justly give praise and thanks to thee, through Jesus Christ, for all thy benefits and goodness, and beseech thee to preserve and guard us from sin. The sinner in this life brings a severe judgment upon himself, which he shall hereafter regret; for though God faithfully warns him, yet will he not forsake his sinful life; but when the Lord shall come in his glory to judge, then shall the sinner repent; for no excuse will then avail.

He now causes his divine word to be published, and instructs men, that they should turn from their sinful life, believe in Christ, be baptized upon faith, and obey the Gospel. Therefore, ye children of men, forsake your sins, and remain no longer hardened, sick, wicked and blind; now that you can find the physician, who can heal all infirmities, and avail yourselves of his help without money. Matt. 9:12. O, how awful will it be with the sinner who now refuses help and counsel, when he shall be sentenced by God into everlasting pain, where he will have to remain and suffer forever and ever. Matt. 25:46. But thou, O Lord, art a righteous God. Thou wilt deceive no one, but wilt preserve those that sincerely love thee, from the second death.

Thou, O Lord, art a strong God, who will cast into hell, which has now opened wide her mouth, all the wicked and those who hate and afflict thy children. But thy mercy is great over those who repent, and thou, through Jesus Christ, forgivest their sins. This is what God requires: that the whole human race should fear and love him, that they should follow his Son Jesus Christ, and observe his divine doctrine. But when the sinner is exhorted to the love of God, he shows by the deed that he considers it a mockery; for this however he shall pay dearly, for God can not be deceived by appearance.

Antichrist threatens those who fear God with great severity and ignominy. Therefore we beseech thee, O Lord, strengthen thy feeble vessels: but we know, that if we patiently endure all this for thy namesake, thou, in thy faithfulness, wilt not forsake us; but dost renew and strengthen us daily, that we may continue on thy narrow way. Matt. 7:14. We cry to thee through Christ, for the sake of his bitter suffering (Is. 53), in which we recognize thy faithfulness and love; and this consoles us on our pilgrimage. Do not forsake us, thy children, henceforth unto the end; but constantly offer us thy Fatherly hand that we may finish our course; for when we have finished our course, the crown is prepared by the young man (2 Esd. 2:43) who hung on the cross for us, on which he suffered greatly for our sakes. Grant, O Lord, that we may be thankful, so that we may joyfully behold thee, our Father. O Father, through grace thou didst choose us, and didst not despise to put us into thy work; grant that, when the evening comes, that we may receive the hire with rejoicing. Matt. 20:1,8.

Through Christ thy Son make us ready for the heavenly supper, and clothe us with thy Holy Spirit. In that supper, thy Son, our Redeemer, shall serve us at the table. Luke 12:37. O, how blessed are they which are called to this supper (Rev. 19:9), and who in all sorrow adhere to Christ unto the end, even as he steadfastly suffered for us on the cross; and thus it is with all his followers on the earth; and all who shall keep their wedding garment undefiled to the end. Upon their heads the young man shall set crowns. But he who is not clothed with this garment, when the King will inspect his guests, shall be sternly reproved, bound hand and foot, and cast into outer darkness. O Lord, give us true love so to walk, that when we come we will not find the door closed, as was the case with the foolish virgins, who had no oil in their lamps, and said: “Lord, open to us,” but could not go in: but that we may happily watch with the five wise virgins, and may also enter into the glorious marriage feast of eternal heavenly joy, when the King, with his trumpets, shall call and assemble his elect. Therefore, O Zion, thou holy church of God, see that thou hold fast unto the end that which thou hast received, and keep thyself unspotted from sin, and thou shalt, through grace, receive the eternal crown. 1 Cor. 9:25: 2 Tim. 4:8.

VIGIL PLAITNER, A. D. 1529.

In the year 1529, Brother Vigil Plaitner, a minister of Jesus Christ, at Scharding, in Bavaria, was condemned and executed, after great steadfastness (Matt. 24:13), for the faith and the divine truth. He would depart neither to the right hand nor to the left, and did not love his life unto death (John 12:25), but surrendered it for Christ, in order that in the abode of the righteous above he might receive it again forever with all the saints and pious. 2 Peter 3:13.

LOUIS, AND TWO OTHERS, A. D. 1529.

In this year also a brother named Louis[228], a minister of Jesus Christ, learned and well versed in the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages, and experienced in the holy Scriptures, was executed with the sword, at Constance, on the lake of the same name, after being long imprisoned there. At his departure he gave many excellent instructions, so that many were astonished, and were moved to weep with him.

[228] Louis belonged to the church of the Waldenses, whose sound
faith we have shown elsewhere. See the author cited below, in the
same place.

JOHN HUT, A. D. 1529.

In this year, John Hut[229], a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, was apprehended for the divine testimony, at Augsburg, in Swabia, where he was brought into a tower. Finally they ceased their severe questions and tortures, and he was left lie as one dead. Then they went away, leaving a light in the prison, near the straw, by which the straw was set on fire. When they returned to the tower they found him dead. They then carried him, dead as he was, in a chair on a wagon, before the court, where he was condemned to be burned. His son, Philip Hut, fell asleep in the Lord, in the church at Heim. This John Hut composed a hymn of thanksgiving, which we sing at the memorial or supper of the Lord; besides this he composed one or two other hymns.

[229] This John Hut was also one of the old Waldensian Brethren, See
_Bapt. Hist. p. 748_.

WOLFGANG BRANDHUBER, HANS NIEDERMAIR, AND MANY OTHERS, ABOUT SEVENTY IN ALL, A. D. 1529.

In this year, also Brother Wolfgang Brandhuber of Passau, and Hans Niedermair, both ministers of the word and Gospel of Christ, were apprehended, together with many of the pious at Lintz, in the country above the Enns, for the divine truth; they were condemned to fire, water and the sword, and were immediately executed, in all over seventy persons. Among these also Peter Niedermair of Hirschberg, at Gminden, was apprehended, on St. Andrew’s eve, A. D. 1529, and though, in the extreme fear of death, he was tempted in various ways, yet he remained faithful and constant. Rev. 2:10; Matt. 10:22. Ultimately, through the providence of God, he was set free, after being imprisoned there for over three years.

Concerning said Wolfgang Brandhuber, writings are still extant in the church, how faithfully he taught the Christian church, and also said, that in everything which is not contrary to God, we should be obedient and subject to the authorities, and that he strictly held to the true baptism of Christ, and to the true Lord’s Supper, rejecting infant baptism, the sacrament, and other antichristian abominations and anathemas, as is shown by his writings, which are still extant.

CARIUS PRADER, WITH SEVERAL OTHER PERSONS, A. D. 1529.

About this time also Carius Prader, a minister of the church of God, in the country of Salzburg, and several other persons were shut up together in a house and burned. A hymn is still extant in the church which this Carius composed.

SEVEN BRETHREN, A. D. 1529.

These seven brethren were executed together on the same day, with the sword, for the evangelical truth, at Gmuend, in Swabia, and thus steadfastly testified with their blood to the name of Christ, A. D. 1529. The account of it is as follows:

“I could not forbear to acquaint my brethren with what is taking place here in Germany, even as it is known to many how the world rages and storms against the true believers, and how she robs the servants of God of life and property. For God, graciously looking down upon the children of men, gave them, in the midst of their blindness, his brightly shining word for a light, that believing it, we should avoid all sin and shame. Many recognized this word as the truth, accepted it with the mouth, and were called Christians, but continued nevertheless in their sinful life, supposing that the bare name was sufficient, if only the semblance existed. Afterwards the Lord so ordered it that his word did effectually work in some, so that, in the language of the prophet Isaiah (Is. 55:11), it accomplished that whereunto God sent it, and did not return unto him void, but guided many into the right way. And thus, those who sought to live faithfully, were hated, and despised as anabaptists by the rest, just as though they had apostatized from God, and turned to Belial; while they earnestly sought and desired nothing else, than to keep God’s commandments with his assistance, according to all their ability (1 Cor. 7:19); and yet they were reproachfully stigmatized as anabaptists,--they who sincerely forgave every one, assisted their neighbors by lending to them without usury, and prayed for their persecutors and enemies (Matt. 5:44), as was seen at the hour of their death, and who thus attested their faith with the deed, as was publicly witnessed, A. D. 1529, in the town of Gmuend, where the enemy employed manifold wiles with some of them, to terrify them, without being successful however. There they had apprehended a lad only fourteen years old, whom they put into the tower, where he lay very severely confined almost a year, suffering many an assault, but always remaining immovable, however frequently they came to him, to induce him to forsake his faith. With him six other brethren, pious men, were apprehended and imprisoned in the tower for life. There they together praised God (Act 16:25), and comforted one another; and God assisted them with his grace, so that they faithfully adhered to the faith, and did not allow themselves to be moved either by threats or terrors. When the time of their departure from this world drew near, their death sentence was read to them, and it was added, that if they would desist from their faith, they need have no fear, but might return home to their wives and children. The prisoners turned to their enemies, and replied: “We have committed our wives and children to God, who is well able to preserve them; hence cease these words; for we are willing and ready to die.” A ring was then drawn on the spot, as is customarily done at executions, with the sword. As this lad stood in the ring, to be beheaded, a count rode up to him into the ring, and thus addressed him: “My dear child, desist from this error, and I will give you a prebend, and always keep you with me.” The youth replied: “Should I love my life (John 12:25), and therefore forsake my God, and thus seek to escape the cross? this I must certainly not do; thy wealth can be of no help to either of us, but I expect a better in heaven”--Thus the youth fearlessly replied, adding--“in the kingdom of my Father, who has chosen me, and who can order and equalize all things as is best. Hence cease these entreaties; to him who has always fed and sustained me, I desire to show obedience also in this my last distress. To him we must call from the bottom of our heart, when the hour is at hand, that we may depart with good cheer out of this world. If we do not depart from him, he will give us the everlasting, glorious crown.”

At this, a great tumult arose among the people, with spears and other weapons, and each spoke of the matter as he understood it. And thus they died through the sword, as pious heroes, and became a sacrifice unto the Lord, as faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ, A. D. 1529.

While these seven brethren were still in prison, they together, each giving his own mind, wrote and practiced the following, and sent it to their brethren.

The first made the following prayer: “Out of the depths of my soul I cry unto thee, O God; hear my cry. Send thy Holy Spirit, even as thou, O Christ, hast until now not withdrawn, but graciously imparted him to me. We rely on what thou hast commanded us; but the heathen seek to kill us.” Ps. 130:1.

The second prayed: “The flesh is weak, O Lord; Thou well knowest that it fears the least pain; hence, fill us with thy Holy Spirit, which we entreat of thee from the bottom of our hearts; so that we may continue steadfast unto the end, and cheerfully and valiantly enter upon the suffering which now awaits us, and that we may fear no agony or pain.” Matthew 26:41; 10:22.

The third prayed: The spirit is willing and ready to desire the suffering. O Lord, hear our prayers, through Jesus Christ thy Son. We also pray for our enemies, who, alas! are so ignorant, that they do not know what they are doing, and are not mindful of thy wrath.” John 15:16; Matt. 5:44; Luke 23:34.

The fourth prayed: “We beseech thee, O Father, and dear Lord, through Christ thy Son, increase thy little flock. Kindle in them and also in us thy divine life, and our hearts will rejoice; for after this our hearts do hunger and thirst.” Matt. 6:9; Luke 12:32; 2 Cor. 3:18; Matt. 5:6.

The fifth prayed: “O God, thou hast received us in grace, and made us thy ministers. Through thy divine assistance we have also willingly fullfilled thy ministry, in our weakness. Preserve us still further firm in thy word; we desire to obey thee also henceforth; come to our aid, and be our Comforter.” 1 Cor. 1:4.

The sixth prayed: “Thou Lord God art my Protector; we will cleave to thee, and then pain will not seem severe to us; though they deprive us of our life, thou hast prepared it for us forever in heaven, and though here we suffer reproach and pain, it shall not be in vain.”

The seventh said: “The body, life, soul, and all members we have received from thee, O God; these we will now offer up to thee, to the praise of thy holy name. It is only dust and ashes. We commend our spirits into thy hands. Amen.” Romans 12:1; Gen. I:7; Luke 23:46.

ANNA OF FREIBURG, A. D. 1529.

This Anna of Freiburg was zealous in the fear of the Lord and as she believed in Christ, and was baptized upon faith in him, and thus sought to arise with Christ; and walk in newness of life, the adversary could not endure it; therefore Anna was envied, accused, apprehended by his ministers, and after steadfastly suffering many torments, sentenced to death, and drowned in the water, and afterwards burned with fire. This happened at Freiburg, in the year 1529. When she was about to die, she spoke the following prayer to God, and left these admonitions to all descendants.

“Dear, Eternal, heavenly Father, I call upon thee, from the depths of my heart; do not let me turn from thee, but keep me in thy truth unto my end. O God, keep my heart and mouth; guard me, that I may never separate from thee, on account of impending sorrow and anguish, or any manner of distress; keep me cheerful and glad in my sufferings. Eternal God, my dear Father instruct and teach me, thy poor, unworthy child, that I may heed thy ways and paths. O Father, this is my sincere desire, that through thy power I may press even unto death, through all sorrows, sufferings, anguish and pain, and in this let me persevere, O God, that I may not be separated from thy love. There are many who now walk in this way; but the cup of suffering is given them to drink. We are also accused of false doctrine, in order to draw us from Christ our Lord. But O God, I lift up my soul unto thee and trust in thee in every adversity; do not let me be confounded, lest my enemy exalt himself over me in this earth. I am now imprisoned here by him, but, O God, I sincerely wait for thee with great desire, until thou wilt awaken, and deliver thy prisoners. O dear heavenly Father, make us prepared with the five wise virgins (Matt. 25:2), that we may prudently wait for the bridegroom with his heavenly hosts. O heavenly King, feed and refresh us according to the spirit with thy heavenly meats, which never perish but abide in life eternal; for if thou shouldest withdraw thy food from us, all that we do, would with ourselves be in vain and perish. But, through thy grace, we trust in thee, that we shall not fail. I do not doubt in the least, the power of God; for his judgments are honored. He will forsake no one who firmly holds to him in faith, and seeks to walk in his true ways. Heb. 13:5; Matt. 7:14. O ye Christians, rejoice (Phil. 3:1), and always be of good cheer in the Lord Jesus Christ; may he increase love and faith in us. God comfort us by his holy word, in which we may firmly trust. I commend myself to God and his church; may he be my Protector to-day, for his holy name’s sake. O my Father, let it be done through Jesus Christ, Amen.”

Thereupon she voluntarily submitted to death, and was drowned in the water, as mentioned above.

DANIEL KOPF, WITH TWO BRETHREN AND FOUR SISTERS, A. D. 1529.

Daniel Kopf, a minister of the word, was apprehended with six other persons, at Bairisch-Graitz, in Steyermark; he and two brethren were sentenced to the sword, while the four sisters were drowned. They testified with their body and life, that this is the true way (Matt. 7:14; John 14:6) to eternal life in Christ Jesus, and though the executioner, fire, water and the sword sought to turn them away, they would nevertheless adhere to it as long as breath remained in them. Of this Daniel, writings are also extant in the church, concerning baptism and other points; as well as four hymns composed by him.

FOUR BRETHREN AND FOUR SISTERS.

In the year 1529, four brethren, named Wolfgang of Mos, Thomas Imwald of Aldein, George Frick of Wirzberg, and Mankager of Fuessen; also four sisters, Christina Tolinger of Penon, a widow, Barbara of Thiers, Agatha Kampner of Breitenberg, and her sister Elizabeth, were apprehended in the Ful, in Elschland, and led up to the castle, where they died on the sixteenth of November. Each was separately examined concerning their faith in the following articles: