Chapter LXX: Preface: To Second Part (13)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYER.

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

Composed by WALTER OF STOELWIJCK.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BALTHASAR HUBMOR, AND HIS WIFE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEONARD BERNKOP, A. D. 1542.

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

HANS HUBER, A. D. 1542.

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

DAMIAN OF ALGAU, A. D. 1543.

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

He replied: “Yes.”

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

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

This also came to pass.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the year 1544, there was a sister in the Lord, named Maria van Beckum, whom her mother had driven from home on account of her faith. This having become known in the Bishopric[233] of Utrecht, and reported to the Stadtholder, he sent one Goossen van Raesveldt with many servants, to apprehend this maiden at her brother’s, John van Beckum, whither she had fled. She was compelled to rise from her bed, and accompany them; and when she saw the great number of people who had come on her account, she asked Ursula, her brother’s wife, whether she would go with her and keep her company. The latter answered: “If John van Beckum is satisfied, I will gladly go with you, and we will rejoice together in the Lord.” When Maria put this request to her brother, he consented, and Ursula went with her. Here love was stronger than death, and firmer than the grave. Cant. 8:6. Her mother and sister had come from Friesland to see her; but this could not move her; she took leave of them, for she chose to suffer affliction, rather than to have worldly joy; hence she went with her sister Maria. They were together brought to Deventer. There blind leaders came to them, who with subtlety sought to win them to human institutions. But they answered: “We hold to the word of God, and do not regard the dictates of the Pope, nor the errors of the whole world.” Friar Grouwel also sought to teach them much, but was not able to prove his assertions by the Scriptures.

[233] Province.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_A testament to his wife._

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_A testament to his children, and then to his wife._

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_Another Testament of John Claess, to all his Kindred._