Chapter LXXX: Preface: To Second Part (23)

Then they said: “Pieter, you are deceived; are your brethren also thus minded?” He replied: “What do I know about my brethren? I can speak of what God has given me; that I know.” He further quoted the words of Christ, where he says: Go into all the world; preach and teach: he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16. Also, that Christ came to John at the Jordan, to be baptized of him, in order that he might fulfill all righteousness for us, to be an example, that we should follow his steps. Matt. 3:13,15; 1 Pet. 2:21. And after Christ’s suffering the apostles, who were his body and church, practiced it.

Concerning their supper, he confessed, that he thought nothing at all of it. They admonished him with the Gospel, which he regarded as all right, but not as having been said with reference to their church; for Christ, said he, said to his apostles: “Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you.” Also the cup: “Drink ye all of it; for this is the cup of the new testament in my blood, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:26–28.

Christians are to observe it, as Paul teaches the Corinthians, where it is clearly expressed. 1 Corinthians 10:16. They said that the supper which they eat and drink was true flesh and blood, and asked me whether we did not also thus eat and drink it. I replied: “Christ said: ‘The flesh profiteth nothing, eaten outwardly; but the word is spirit and life.’ John 6:63. And our church is not without the body of Christ.”

A BRIEF ADMONITION FROM PIETER WITSES.

Christ said, Matt. 24:5: “Many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many;” which words are true; for when you confess your sins to them, they forgive them, as they say. This they have carried on since the Gospel has been hid, and they do it yet. Paul also foretold this to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:2; 2 Tim. 3:2); Christ says, Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets,” etc., and John also writes much concerning this, in the tenth chapter of his Gospel. Also, Jude and Peter. But these are as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed; they speak evil of the things that they understand not. Again: They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave the spider’s web. Is. 59:5. They daub the wall with untempered mortar, and put pillows under men’s arms. Ez. 13:10,18. And although the church flee into caves, the confession abides forever. They cannot resist: for they deny the power of God; they love the broad way; the cross of Christ is foolishness to them. 2 Tim. 3:5; 1 Cor. 1:18.

Concerning these, God gave me something to speak. I perceive nothing but the abomination of desolation of which the prophet Daniel speaks, and of which Christ also says that he will scarcely find faith upon earth. Dan. 9:27; Luke 18:8. But be of good cheer; and fight in faith, well knowing that it is the word of truth, which cannot fail. Upon this, through the grace of Christ, I have built and he will keep me, and I will daily trust in him, knowing and feeling confident that there is no power, might, or dominion in heaven or on earth, save only of him. Hence, give diligent heed; prove yourselves in your consciences, as to what you seek--every work will be made manifest. Read and examine diligently for it greatly concerns us all. The authorities can by no torturing seduce one, but the erring spirits come with deceitful snares, in the name of Christ; but we are sufficiently warned. Matt. 7:21; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:10; Rom. 16:17; Philip. 3; 2 Pet. 2. Jude 1.

My dear friends, they thus assail me with questions as much as they can. Give the young and simple hearts good instruction regarding the Lord’s Supper, for I know what happens to me. If the house is truly built upon the corner-stone, it cannot fall. Let every one take good heed; for the time of trial is at hand, and we know that it will not always stop at mere words; for Christ himself suffered. If they laid their hands on his blessed body, they will do the same to us. Let us arm ourselves with the word of God; for the word of God is the true door. It is the bread of life. The time of weeping is come; hence our deliverance is nigh. Let us pray for grace. The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that believe not in the word? 1 Pet. 4:17. My brethren, do not forget us poor sheep in your prayers, for us who for the truth are kept in bonds by the authorities. Care for them that live among you; for Christ will say: “I was naked, and you clothed me,” etc. Matt. 25:36. Pray and watch; the abomination of desolation is drawing nigh; cease not, but be of good courage, for greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4. I affectionately desire, that you be diligent, lest you be deceived, for the times now are perilous. Know, that whenever I was brought before them, I kept down my own thoughts, and prayed Almighty God, that he would open my mouth according to his good pleasure, and believe it freely, he gave abundant comfort to the humble. They assented to me in many things, when I spoke with them with a meek spirit by the grace of God. My dear friends receive it kindly. May the Lord preserve you from wicked deceivers. Pray and watch, the times are perilous; and do not forget us in your prayers, and visit us sometimes, it is very edifying; may the Lord preserve us all.

PIETER WITSES TO HIS WIFE.

My dear chosen wife, abide in God, and mingle not with the wicked; for if the righteous draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, says the Lord. John 2:28; Ps. 1:1; Heb. 10:38. The time of my departure seems to be nigh; may it take place with God. When the hour of parting comes, fear not, but guard your lips. My dear wife, abide in the grace of God given you.

DAVID AND LEVINA, A. D. 1554.

In the year 1554, there was imprisoned at Ghent, in Flanders, for following Christ and living according to God’s commandments, a young brother named David, who, when examined, freely confessed his faith. Being asked what he thought of the sacrament, David said, that he considered it nothing else than idolatry. Then a priest said to him: “Friend, you err greatly, that you so readily confess your faith, for it will cost you your life, if you do not change your mind in time.” Thereupon David sweetly replied: “I am ready to shed my blood for the name of Christ, even though it should be here in this place; for God is my salvation, who will keep me, and preserve me from all evil.” The priest said: “It will not be as good as though you were put to death secretly here in this place; but you will be burnt publicly at the stake, for an everlasting reproach.” He was then brought into the court, where he was condemned to death, and his sentence was read, namely, that he had fallen from the true faith into heresy, and was therefore, according to the imperial edict, sentenced to be strangled and burned. David said: “No one will ever be able to prove by the scriptures, that the faith for which I must now die is heresy.”

There was also sentenced to death with him a woman named Levina, who rather forsook, not only her six dear children, but also her temporal life, than her dear Lord and Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Arriving on the scaffold, David attempted to kneel down in order to offer up his prayer to God, but he was prevented, and they were immediately driven away to the stakes, standing at which, David said to Levina: “Rejoice, dear sister; for what we suffer here is not to be compared with the eternal good that awaits us.” Rom. 8:18. When about to offer up their sacrifice, both exclaimed: “Father, into thy hands do we commend our spirits.” A little bag of gunpowder was tied to each of them, whereupon they were strangled and burned. But there happened a manifest miracle of God; for though they were completely burned, and the fire was as good as extinguished, David was seen to move his head, so that the people exclaimed: “He still lives.” The executioner seized the fork, and thrust it three times into his bowels, so that the blood flowed out; yet even after this he was still seen to move, hence, the executioner threw a chain around his neck, and bound him to the stake, and thus broke his neck.

Thus these two valiantly fought their way through, firmly trusting in God, who did not let them be confounded, since they had firmly built their building upon the only foundation; wherefore they shall never perish, but abide forever.

WILLIAM VAN LOUVAIN, A. D. 1554.

In the year 1554, there was put to death for the testimony of the truth, at Ghent, in Flanders, a pious witness of God, named William Van Louvain, the grandfather of Jan Doom. He did not suffer for any crime or heresy, but only for the testimony of the truth, in a good conscience, having renounced the Babylonian whore, together with her lovers, and all her false worship, and united himself with Christ, following him with the whole heart in the regeneration, and through faith, overcoming this world with all that is therein, whereby he finally, through grace, obtained the end of the faith, that is, eternal salvation, through Christ Jesus.

PIETER WITH THE LAME FOOT, JAN DROOGHSCHEERDER, HANS BORDUERWERCKER, AND FRANS SWEERDTVEGER, A. D. 1555.

In the year 1555, the young nobleman Jan van Immerseele having become Margrave, four brethren were apprehended at Antwerp, for the testimony of the truth, namely, Pieter with the lame foot, Jan Drooghscheerder, Hans Borduerwercker, and Frans Sweerdtveger, who, as they valiantly adhered to it, and could not be brought to apostatize, were finally sentenced to death, and had to lay down their lives publicly in the market place, for the name of the Lord, for which he will well reward them.

TANNEKEN VAN DER LEYEN, A. D. 1555.

In said year there was also apprehended at Antwerp, a young maiden from Ghent, named Tanneken van der Leyen, who loved God and his truth more than all that was in the world; hence, since she preferred the doctrine of Christ and his apostles to all human doctrine, and immovably adhered to it, she was condemned to death, and drowned in the Scheldt.

BARTHOLOMEW THE POTTER, A. D. 1555.

Bartholomew the potter, who was a vessel of honor in the house of God (2 Tim. 2:20), was also apprehended for his faith, at Antwerp, examined, much afflicted, and, finally, sentence having been pronounced, publicly put to death in the market place, as a pious witness of Jesus Christ.

ROMMEKEN PUT TO DEATH, A. D. 1555.

About this time, also Rommeken, a noted child of God, publicly declared and sealed with his blood the divine truth, in the market place at Antwerp; wherefore Christ will also declare and confess him before his Father in heaven.

HANS PICHNER, OF SAL, A. D. 1555.

In the year 1555, Hans Pichner of Sal, was apprehended at Vorst, in Etschland or Vintschgau, and taken by the beadles to Schlanters, before the Judge, who was a dreadful tyrant and of a very fierce disposition. He immediately examined John, rigorously questioning him, that he should betray the one that had lodged him; but when he would not do it, he was speedily tortured from the first day. All their torturing, however, was in vain, and they were greatly vexed that they could obtain no information from him. Several times he was stripped, and, while being tortured, left suspended by cords for several hours, yea, he was so stretched, that he could not stand upon his feet, or take a single step, nor bring his hand to his mouth to eat; yet he was not to be seduced, but remained steadfast in the Lord. After this, they bound him hand and foot, and kept him imprisoned in a dark dungeon for more than six months. They also brought to him many men of worldly erudition (if peradventure they might be able to draw him away from his faith), as priests and monks, also some noblemen, who mightily assailed him for two days and one whole night; but they were put to shame; for he convinced them with the truth, and was not to be intimidated.

After this, they sentenced him to death, and led him out to the place of execution, where he exhorted the people, who had gathered in great numbers, to repentance. Finally, he was placed with his back, in a sitting posture, against a block of wood, and thus beheaded; for they had racked and tortured him so lamentably that he was unable to kneel. But he nevertheless adhered firmly to the Lord and his truth; therefore God kept him in the hour of his temptation, and he shall henceforth not be hurt of the second death; he shall not see the eternal fire, but shall enter into an innumerable company of angels, to the supper and marriage of the Lamb, clothed in linen clean and white, where will be exceeding joy for ever and ever. Rev. 3:10; 2:11; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 3:20.

CHRISTIAN EXECUTED WITH THE SWORD, IN THE YEAR 1555.

In the year 1555, a brother named Christian was apprehended, in Bavaria, and taken to Worms, and although he had been in the church only a short time, he nevertheless faithfully adhered to the divine truth, which he had embraced and confessed, and firmly kept until death what he had promised God in the covenant of his Christian baptism; and, through divine power and strength, testified to the faith with his blood. He was executed with the sword, at Worms. Thus he fought a good fight even unto death, strove for the truth, safely finished his course, and refused to be led astray, preferring a valiant death to a shameful life. Hence, there is promised to him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, at the last day, will give him, and unto all them that love his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:8.

DIGNA PIETERS, AFTER ENDURING MUCH AFFLICTION, PUT INTO A BAG AND DROWNED, IN PUTTOX TOWER, AT DORDRECHT, FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, ON THE 23D OF NOVEMBER, 1555.

A. D. 1555, unholy hands were laid, at Dordrecht, in Holland, upon several of the saints of God, of whom, among others, there is mentioned by name, a godfearing woman, named Digna Pieters, who, being a citizeness of said city, had at the same time a citizenship also in the spiritual city of God, that is, in the church of Jesus Christ on earth, yea, also, because of her integrity, in the new and heavenly Jerusalem, which is above, in which, and of which, she was regenerated by the word of truth.

On account of the faith which she had in common with the dear friends and children of God, she was imprisoned, and severely proceeded against in various ways, for the purpose of causing her to apostatize from the faith. But as they could make no progress in the matter, since she was founded upon the immovable corner-stone, that is, Christ Jesus, they resolved to put an end to her citizenship, and at the same time also to her life. Thereupon it followed that the chamber of justice, through the instrumentality of the bench of judges and the council of said city, with public striking of the bell, disfranchised her, before the steps leading up to the city hall, on the 17th of November of said year, to be further dealt with as the lords of said chamber should find or judge proper.

Concerning this, there remains, though almost obliterated by age, the following act in the book of records of said city, in the keeping of the secretary there:

_Actum per Campanam,[261] the 17th of Nov., 1555._

[261] _Actum per Campanam_, i. e. done through the bell (or striking
of the bell).

Whereas Digna Pieters, citizeness of this city, at present a prisoner, has, without pain of iron bonds, openly confessed before the bench of judges, and the council of this city, to have been rebaptized, etc.,[262] also to have held conventicles, contrary to the faith, holy sacraments, and other services and ceremonies of the holy church; therefore, the council of the aforesaid city has disfranchised said Digna Pieters, and disfranchises her by these presents, further to be proceeded against, as the aforesaid council, according to the exigency and circumstances of the case, shall deem proper.

[262] _And to hold pernicious views with regard to baptism_, etc., it
seems to read here.

Thereupon follows in said book, how the chamber of justice proceeded against her, six days afterwards, in regard to which the following words are found.

_Digna Pieters drowned._

To-day, the 23d of November, A. D. 1555, Digna Pieters, by virtue of a certain sentence given and pronounced[263] by the bench of judges, and the council of this city, (by the mouth of Wouter Barthouts, Judge in the law) was put into a bag, and drowned, in Puttox Tower.

[263] Whether it was customary in the city at that time, to read in
court sentences of death passed in matters of faith, we have not been
able to ascertain.

Extracted from the book of records of the city of Dordrecht, commenced the last day of October, 1554, and concluded the 16th of June, 1573.

This was the end of this valiant heroine of Jesus, who, though she was secretly murdered in a tower, like Joris Wippe and others, will hereafter, in the great day of the Lord, be brought openly to light; then it shall be seen what difference there will be between those who did this, and her who suffered it, since every one shall receive in his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Cor. 5:10.

This Puttox Tower, where this martyrdom took place, stood close by the gate of the _Grootehooft_ of the city of Dordrecht; but it afterwards fell by reason of great age, or as a signal warning of God on account of this murder. In its place stands now a house, in the gable of which these words are carved in hard stone:

“Through the falling of Puttox-Tower
I was built, and stand to this hour.”

As to the persons who in said year administered criminal (or capital) justice, and, consequently, executed this work, they were, according to John Beverwijck’s history of the government of the city of Dordrecht, the following: Adrian van Blyenbergh Adriaenss, Bailiff; and nine Judges as follows: Jacob Adriaenss; Philips van Beverwijck Ogierss; Maerten Schrevel Dirckss; Jacob Oem Sir Jacobss; Pieter Muys Jacobss; Schrevel Sir Ockerss; Wouter Barthouts; Cornelis van Beveren Sir Claess; Wouter van Drenkwaert Sir Wilmss.

But whether all these judges, together with the bailiff, concurred in the aforesaid sentence; or whether Wouter Barthouts, who was present at her death, was the chief instigator of this work, is not expressed; however, it seems that the majority did not have much pleasure in it, since Wouter Barthouts alone, as it seems, with the executioner and the servants of justice, was present at the death of this woman.

RENEWAL OF THE PREVIOUS BLOODY DECREES OF EMPEROR CHARLES V., AGAINST THE BAPTISTS OR SO-CALLED ANABAPTISTS, BY PHILIP II., KING OF SPAIN, A. D. 1556.

Up to this time, Emperor Charles V. was alone, or at least chiefly responsible for the shedding of the blood of the saints in the Netherlands, as also for the most cruel tyrannies which, through the instrumentality of the Inquisition, and through what followed afterwards, were inflicted upon them, by fire, water, sword, and otherwise; but in this year, his son, Philip II., King of Spain, following in his father’s footsteps (instead of lightening the constraint of conscience) caused all the previous bloody and cruel decrees which his father had issued against the so-called heretics, to be renewed and confirmed, especially the most cruel decree published on the 25th of September, 1550, the contents of which we have reserved until the present time, but will now, as renewed A. D. 1556, adduce here, however not with all its particulars, but only so far as it was directed (principally) against the Anabaptists and their doctrine.

In the book in which the prince of Orange, William I., defends himself against the false charges, which his adversaries sought unjustly to bring against him, printed 1569, mention of this is made (_p. 165, letter L. VI._), in the following words.

_Of the ordinances and decrees made for all times, and for general observance, and proclaimed everywhere, from the 25th of September, 1550, and renewed and confirmed by his Royal Majesty in the year 1556._

We likewise forbid all lay persons, and others, to converse or dispute concerning the holy Scriptures, whether openly or secretly, especially in doubtful and difficult matters; or to teach, expound or interpret the holy Scriptures to others, unless they [who do so] be theologians and versed in divinity and spiritual law, and approved by some notable university, or others authorized thereto by the ordinary of the place; be it well understood, however, that this is not to be regarded as relating to those who simply and exclusively converse together on the aforesaid holy Scriptures, adducing thereto the expositions of holy and approved doctors; but to those who, in order to seduce others, or to teach and instruct them in that which is forbidden, maintain and teach, contrary to the ordinances of our mother, the holy church, evil and false propositions and doctrines, who are notoriously considered heretics; or to preach, defend, allege or maintain, openly or secretly, any doctrines of the aforementioned authors.

On pain, that if any be found to have acted contrary to any of the above stated points, they shall be punished as seditious persons, and disturbers of our realm and the common peace, and be executed as such:

Namely, the men with the sword, and the women buried alive; that is, if they will not maintain or defend their errors; but if they persist in their errors, opinions, or heresies, they are to be executed with fire; and in every case all their property is declared confiscated, and forfeited for our benefit.

And as regards what we had ordained in our previous decrees and our last ordinances, that from the day they had acted contrary thereto, or had fallen into the aforesaid errors, they should be disqualified from disposing of their property, and that all alienations, gifts, cessions, sales, conveyances, transfers, testaments, or last wills, made and executed by them from said day on, should be null, invalid and void.

Again (_page 168_): Since many, from our aforesaid countries, suspected of heresy, especially of the sect of the Anabaptists, change their place of abode, to infect the simple in places where their character is not known; we, in order to guard against this, will, ordain, and decree, that none of the inhabitants of our aforesaid Netherlands, of whatever state, quality or condition he be, shall be admitted or received into any city or village, of said countries, there to live, except he bring with him a certificate from the parish-priest of the place where he last resided.

Which certificate he shall be obliged to show and deliver into the hands of the principal officer of the city or village where he intends to live; on pain that those who do not bring such certificates shall not be admitted there to live.

And we charge the officers diligently to inform themselves with regard to them, and to proceed therein as shall be proper, without our aforesaid officers, or the particular lords, and their officers, being permitted to grant such persons any pass or safe conduct.

Again (_page 171_): That all who have knowledge of any that are tainted with heresy, shall be bound, immediately and without delay to accuse, report, and indicate them to all spiritual judges, deputies of the bishops, and other proper persons.

Likewise, if any be found to have acted contrary to these our ordinances and prohibitions, showing himself to be infected, or favorer of the heretics, or committing any act contrary to these our ordinances and prohibitions, especially anything tending to scandal or sedition, that those who have knowledge of them shall be bound, immediately to report it to our proctors, or their substitutes and commissaries, or to the officers of the place where such tainted favorers or offenders shall live; and this on pain of arbitrary punishment.

In like manner, they shall be bound, if they know the place where any of such heretics keep or shelter themselves, to indicate it to the officer of said place, on pain of being considered, as stated before, favorers, entertainers and adherents of heresy, and punished with the same punishment as would be inflicted upon the heretic or offender, if he should be apprehended.

And in order that the aforesaid judges and officers, who shall apprehend said heretics, Anabaptists, and transgressors of our aforesaid ordinances and prohibitions, may have no reason, under the pretense that the punishments seem too great and severe, and were only decreed to deter the delinquents (Anabaptists), and offenders, to dissemble with them, their accomplices and favorers, or to punish them less than they have deserved, as has been found to have frequently been done heretofore; therefore, we will that those whom they know to have acted contrary to these ordinances, or who have kept in their possession, printed, sold, distributed, or published any heretical scandalous books, writings ... or have contravened the points already indicated, or to be stated hereafter, or some of them, shall be actually punished and corrected with the punishments set forth above.

We forbid all our judges, justiciaries and officers, as also our vassals and subjects, temporal lords, who exercise high justice, and their officers, in any wise to alter, mitigate or change the aforesaid punishments, (those ordained to be inflicted with the sword, earth, or fire); but, on having taken cognizance of such contravention plainly do declare and decree the aforesaid punishments, pursuant to these present ordinances, on pain of being severely punished; unless that in some particular case, said judges, because of great and important considerations, should find difficulty as to the exact execution of the punishment decreed against the transgressor by our aforesaid ordinances.

In which case they may nevertheless not mitigate the punishment of their own accord; but shall be bound to carry or send the criminal process, faithfully closed and sealed, to the sovereign or provincial council, under whose jurisdiction they shall belong, there to be examined and deliberated on as to whether any alteration or mitigation of the aforesaid punishment is proper or not.

And if our aforesaid councilors find, that in good justice, according to right and reason (in regard to which we charge their consciences), any mitigation or alteration is proper, in such a case they may advise them by writing, and send it all to said judges and officers, that the latter may finish and terminate said process in accordance with it.

We command them to do nothing less, and enjoin them very expressly and strictly, on pain of being arbitrarily corrected and punished, not to make use of said consultations without great and important reasons, but be governed, as much as they can, by the contents of these present ordinances.

_Extracted from the great book of decrees of Ghent in which are collected all the decrees, mandates, and ordinances of Emperor Charles V., and of King Philip II.; and cited by William I., Prince of Orange, in his defense against his adversaries, edition 1569, from p. 165–174 inclusive._

AUGUSTINE THE BAKER, A. D. 1556.

A. D. 1556, or thereabouts, there was in Beverwijk, a brother named Augustine, a baker by trade, who had forsaken the world, and been baptized upon his faith, according to the ordinance of Christ, which the papists could not endure. There was at that time a burgomaster who was very bitter, and filled with perverted zeal, who sometimes said that he would furnish the peat and wood to burn Augustine. The Bailiff had said that he should not apprehend Augustine without previously warning him; but he did not keep his word; for he came upon a time when Augustine was at his work, kneading dough. Perceiving him, Augustine attempted to flee, but was instantly seized by his pursuers, and cast into prison; and as he was a man who was much beloved, it greatly grieved the Bailiff’s wife, who said to her husband: “O you murderer, what have you done!” but all in vain, he had to follow his Lord Jesus as a lamb is led to the slaughter. As he steadfastly adhered to his faith, they passed a cruel sentence on him, namely that he should be tied to a ladder, and thus cast alive into the fire, and burnt. On his way to death, he saw one of his acquaintances, to whom he said: “Farewell, Joost Cornelissen.” The latter, prompted by his good opinion of him, replied in a friendly manner: “I hope that we shall hereafter be together forever;” whereupon said Burgomaster replied out of a heart judging with partiality: “He will not get to the place whither you will go; but he goes from this fire into the eternal.” Thereupon Augustine said to the Burgomaster: “I cite you to appear within three days before the judgment seat of God.” As soon as the execution was over, the Burgomaster was instantly smitten with a raging sickness, and continually cried with a guilty conscience: “Peat and wood, peat and wood!” so that it was terrible to hear; and before the three days had expired, he died; which was a great sign of the all-seeing eye of God, who would not suffer such cruelty to go unpunished, as an example to all those who from perverse blindness should commit such deeds. For it is often seen that those who think to do God service by exercising tyrannical cruelty over the pious, come to a bad end; for the apostle James also says that they shall have judgment without mercy that have shown no mercy. May the Lord enlighten those who are in such blindness.

FRANCIJNTGEN, GRIETGEN, AND MAEYKEN DOORNAERTS, A. D. 1556,

At Belle, in Flanders, three women were apprehended for the testimony of the truth, namely, an old woman named Francijntgen, a young maiden named Grietgen, and niece to the former, and another young maiden, named Maeyken Doornaerts, all of whom suffered much tribulation and torment. The old woman, when they wanted to torture her naked, said to the lords: “Remember that you were born of women; therefore, do not put me to shame;” by which she obtained leave to keep on her shift on the rack. Great pains were taken to draw the young maiden Grietgen from her faith, since she was still very young; but it was all in vain, for she would much rather expect eternal joy for this temporal pain or suffering, than purchase this brief and transient pleasure with everlasting suffering.

The other young maiden, Maeyken Doornaerts, also had to lie naked on the rack, and when they could by no pain or suffering cause her to apostatize from her faith, they began to accost her with asking her, whether she was not ashamed to lie there so nude. She replied: “I did not place myself here naked; but you, who inflict this misery and disgrace upon me who am innocent, shall hereafter have to suffer eternal shame and pain for it.” And though she was tortured to such a degree, that her blood flowed down by the rack, she nevertheless, through the grace of God, who always strengthens his own, remained steadfast in the faith. Thereupon all three were sentenced to death, and burnt. Standing at the stake, Maeyken Doornaerts said: “This is the hour for which I have greatly longed, that it might put an end to all my tribulation.” Thus these three heroines valiantly fought their way through, suffering all this, because they were baptized upon their faith (according to the teaching of Christ), and thenceforth sought, in all simplicity, to serve and please the living God more than mortal men; for which they also expect the joyful crown of eternal and imperishable life.

ABRAHAM PUT TO DEATH A. D. 1556.

In the year 1556 there was at Antwerp a very pious and godfearing brother named Abraham, who was apprehended for his faith, and, after a bold confession, and steadfast adherence to the same, condemned to death, and thus publicly in the market place, offered up an acceptable sacrifice for God, sealing the truth with his blood.

JAN DE KUDSE, A. D. 1556.

Shortly after, also Jan de Kudse, an ardent lover of God, who had likewise been apprehended for the truth, from which he would not depart, meekly suffered death as an innocent lamb of Christ, in the market place at Antwerp, in order to follow his Lord; and thus violently entered through the strait gate into the kingdom of God.

CONFESSION OF CLAES DE PRAET WHO FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, AND HIS WORD WAS IMPRISONED AND BURNT AT GHENT, AND LAID DOWN HIS LIFE AS A BURNT OFFERING UNTO THE LORD A. D. 1556.

Grace and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, be with you all, my most beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Let every one among you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith he is called so that satan may not torment you in your trial; and diligently exhort one another in love; for I would willingly write you an exhortation, but the time is not convenient for it, because I am closely watched by the jailer, who stands in great fear of the dean. Nevertheless, I am greatly inclined to write you something about my examination, and the malice and forged lies of the priests, by which they think to condemn me, but God be praised, who helps me gain the victory. I write you this, if haply some that are yet young may be edified thereby.

At first after I was imprisoned, until the sixth day I was in great sorrow; my heart was weighed down and heavy, and my flesh feared greatly. I said to myself: “Now I must undergo this and many other conflicts;” I thought of wife and children; and satan went round me to devour me, with many strange temptations which it would take too long to relate. On the sixth day, in the forenoon, the jailer came and called me out of the place where I was confined, saying: “Claes, come down, and follow me;” and he led the way. My heart kindled within me with joy to the Lord my God; so that all my trouble and anxiety was driven from me, as dust is swept from the street. Then thought I: “O gracious God! now I find that thou art faithful to thy promise. Heb. 10:23. Lord, direct now my speech, as thou hast promised.” Heb. 10:23; Luke 21:14. He then led me into a room, where sat the Chief Judge with two other Judges, the Bailiff, and a man with a long beard, who had a large book before him, in which to write. They regarded me very intently, when I entered the room, and I did them great reverence, and bade all of them peace. Rom. 13:7. The jailer placed a chair for me, and said: “Claes, sit down here; it is so ordered.” I sat down with good cheer, the heart lifted up to the Lord my God, forgetful of myself and the things that are in this world.

Then they said: “Cover your head.” I said: “It is not proper now.” The bailiff asked me: “What is your name!” I replied: “Claes de Praet.” Then said he: “Write this, and born in this city.” The clerk then asked me: “Were you born here?” I replied: “I know nothing to the contrary.” _Bailiff._ “Where have you been so long, Claes? The last time you were away from home so long?” _Claes._ “In Emderland.” _Bailiff._ “What did you do there?” _Claes._ “I tried to learn whether I could not buy or sell, or do something, by which to earn my bread.” _Bailiff._ “Yes, and to see the brethren, I well perceive.” _Claes._ “Yes, Sir Bailiff.” _Bailiff._ “Yes, Claes, have you received any other baptism than the one you received in your infancy, when you were Christened?” _Claes._ “I don’t remember so far back.” _Bailiff._ “Have you received a baptism which you remember?” _Claes._ “Yes, Sir bailiff.” _Bailiff._ “How long ago?” _Claes._ “About four years.” Then they were all greatly astonished. The bailiff asked me once more: “How long did you say?” Then the other judge said: “About four years.” Then the bailiff looked at me very sharply, and asked who they were, that had intercourse with me, and which of my brethren were also baptized. I replied: “It is not our way to ask each other: Where are you from? or where do you live? or what is your name? or what do you do?” _Bailiff._ “You don’t want to know it?” _Claes._ “No, Sir Bailiff.” _Bailiff._ “You do it, so as not to bring any one into trouble?” _Claes._ “Yes, Sir bailiff; for we well know that our blood is much sought, and the Lord has permitted us to be as wise as serpents.” Pr. 1:11; Matt. 10:16. Then the bailiff snarled at me, and they talked much Latin with each other.

The bailiff then asked: “Where was it that you received your baptism?” _Claes._ “At Antwerp.” _Bailiff._. “Where there?” _Claes._ “Between St. George’s gate and the Koeper gate.” _Bailiff._. “In what house?” _Claes._ “In a small, new house.” _Bailiff._. “What trade was carried on in it?” _Claes._ “I saw no trade carried on there.” _Bailiff._. “Yea, Claes, who was present? there must have been witnesses present to testify that you were a brother?” _Claes._ “There were three or four persons present who lived in the house, and the one who brought me there.” _Bailiff._. “Who was it that brought you there?” _Claes._ “It was a young man.” _Bailiff._. “Where was he from?” _Claes._ “I did not ask him.” _Bailiff._. “How many were baptized with you?” _Claes._ “Three of us.” _Bailiff._. “Where were they from?” _Claes._ “I did not ask them.” _Bailiff._. “What trade did they follow?” _Claes._ “One was a journeyman mason, it seemed to me.” _Bailiff._. “How did he that brought you there know where to find you?” _Claes._ “He set the day when he would meet me at the Koeper gate.” _Bailiff._. “How did you know that the baptizer was in the city?” _Claes._ “I had made inquiries at different times, while out trafficking, and thus heard that he was there.” _Bailiff._ “Where did you hear that he was there?” Then said the chief judge: “They know all their people.” _Bailiff._ “Do they still live in the house where you were baptized, or don’t you know this either?” _Claes._ “Shortly after they were all driven from the house.” _Bailiff._ “Then you can’t tell us anything about it, can you?” _Claes._ “One went to England; another was burnt, and where the rest went to I don’t know.” _Bailiff._ “What kind of a man was he who baptized you?” _Claes._ “He appeared to me to be a blameless man.” _Bailiff._ “Yes, Claes, how do you know that the man that baptized you was blameless?” Then one of the judges said: “He said it appeared to him that he was blameless.”

The chief judge then said: “These people also preach, do they not?” Then the _Bailiff._ remarked to him: “We used to ask all these questions, but we do it no longer.” And they rang the bell for the jailer to come and take me away. This they put on record.

The clerk asked me what persons from Ghent I had left at Emden. I would give him no answer, because it was not his business to ask. The judges then said to me: “Claes, we will send you men that will teach you the true faith.” _Claes._ “I trust I have the true faith, and if they will confirm me therein, they will be welcome; but if they want to draw me away from it, I don’t want them.” Then they said, urgently: “Claes, hear them; hear them always.” I then heartily thanked the judges and the _Bailiff._, since they had been molested with me. The jailer’s servant then told me to go above, and I went. I felt very gloomy, because they had not asked me concerning my faith. Two servants who had stood at the door and listened, came up above to me, and tormented me with many things and said: “Poor fellow, that you are, to give your life for it, and leave your wife and children in want; it is not right for you to break your marriage, since God himself has instituted it” I said: “I do not break my marriage, nor does my wife; but they are to blame for it, who take me from my wife; they may well take heed what they do.” They said I should speak that which they wanted to hear. I replied: “God did not teach me this;” and admonished them, to beware of staining their hands with such blood. I spoke to them earnestly, and they went away, and asked God to grant me my greatest happiness. Then I sat there alone, and Satan came to tempt me, saying within: “Poor man, are you here for the sake of your faith? The lords don’t ask you concerning your faith, but regarding the baptism you received from such and such a man, as you well know.” And he tormented me with all that he could produce, doing his very best to cast me down. Then thought I: “O thou wicked tempter, thou murderer, I well feel that thou art the same that tormented Peter, and of whom he warned us.” 1 Peter 5:8. And I fled to God, and commenced a hymn, singing joyfully, and became glad and happy that I had fought through this storm. James 5:13. I was there about ten weeks.

Then the jailer came, and said: “Claes, come hither; here are two royston crows;” and enjoined me much to think of my wife and children. I said: “I think of them enough; but Christ has said: ‘Whosoever will not forsake father and mother, sister and brother, wife, child, yea, his own life, for my name’s sake, is not worthy of me.’” Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26. He said: “It is true, if one can do it.” He then led me into a room where were two Jacobines. They took off their caps, and I did the same with mine. They bade me good evening, and I them. The one asked me: “What is your name, my friend?” I answered: “Claes,” and said: “What is your name?” He replied: “Brother Peter de Backer,” and told me, that he had been at the chief judge’s, and that the latter had requested that he should come and instruct me in the true faith. I said: “This I have received from God.” _Ques._ “What is your faith?” _Claes._ “I believe only in Christ Jesus, that he is the living and true Son of God, and that there is no other salvation either in heaven or on earth.” _Ques._ “Is there nothing else to be believed? What becomes of the mother, the holy church, in whom we must believe?” _Claes._ “Do you know which is the holy church?” _Ques._ “Do you know it, let me hear it?” _Claes._ “I ask you; for you speak of it?.” _Ans._ “The same which was it from the time of Christ, and of the apostles, and which the apostles maintained and still maintain.” _Claes._ “What one is that?” _Ans._ “The mother, the holy Roman church.” _Claes._ “Is this the apostolic church?” _Ans._ “Yes.” _Claes._ “Did the apostles thus maintain it?” _Ans._ “Yes, just as we, neither less nor more.” _Claes._ “Did the apostles read mass?” _Ans._ “Yes.” _Claes._ “Where is this written?” _Ans._ “I will show you;” and he referred me to the Corinthians, where Paul speaks of the supper. 1 Cor. 11:20. I said: “He speaks here of the breaking of bread; but did he read mass as you do?” _Ans._ “Yes, neither less nor more than we do.” _Claes._ “Did the apostles persecute and maintain their church with fire and sword, as you do?” _Ans._ “Yes, they shed blood, betrayed and killed.” _Claes._ “Peter shed the blood of Malchus, and Judas betrayed; but where did they kill any one?” _Ans._ “Peter smote Ananias and Sapphira with the sword of his mouth, so that they fell down dead.” And he laughed and held up his finger. Then said I: “It seems to me you belong to those of whom Paul speaks (2 Tim. 3:5), whom we are to flee; for your folly does not remain hid, but becomes manifest before men; for you sit and mock and loiter, and show plainly, that you are men of corrupt minds, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” And I reproved him much. They wanted to prolong the conversation much longer, and question me with regard to baptism, the incarnation of Christ, and other articles of faith; but I had resolved not to dispute with them, without judges being present; but to confess as I confessed above before them. When they perceived that I would hear them no longer, and was on the point of leaving, one of them said: “O Claes, how lamentably you have gone astray; and yet I love you so much; I would that you were of our mind with me, and that I might give my body to be burned. O poor man, I will pray for you, and have others pray for you, when I preach.” _Claes._ “I don’t want you to pray for me, nor that you have others pray for me; for your prayer is vain, and is not heard by God, so long as you people continue in your wickedness.” _Ans._ “Perhaps there are one or two in the whole number, that are good.” _Claes._ “Begone; for you only want to talk.” Then he went away laughing, saying: “I shall have you prayed for, whether you desire it or not, for I like you well; and I will come again.”

About two weeks afterwards, there came two of the same band; the one was a large fat man, who had much talk in him; the other was very fierce and captious in his remarks, and wanted much to engage me in a disputation; but I would not enter into any, only that I put many questions to them, as I had done to the others, and made them expose their wickedness themselves; for very many prisoners had come and stationed themselves back under the window of the room, and behind the door, to listen; which I well knew; hence I asked the more, because the one was so loquacious, which was owing to him having imbibed too much.

Having been confined about seven weeks, I was called down and led into a room, where sat the Dean of Ronse, with his clerk, and another person. The Dean told me to be seated, and I took a seat forward at the table, beside him, whereupon he gave me a long lecture, to which I listened. He said that it was impossible to please God without faith, and that he that did not believe was damned. Finally he asked me: “Why did you allow yourself to be thus seduced, and led into error, and apostatize from the holy church?” I replied: “Since it is written that it is impossible to please God without faith, I was diligent in examining the faith, and asking God to strengthen me in it, through his grace and mercy. This he has done abundantly, and I want to keep it faithfully unto his praise, and not to forsake it on account of any suffering, nor for aught that is in the world.”

_Dean._ “You think you have the faith, but you have departed from it. And that you people are so bold and of good cheer even unto death, is all owing to the devil, who can transform himself into an angel of light. Hence, when you read the Scriptures, you were instructed by some poor, simple tradesman, who taught you the same according to his reason; therefore you are now deceived. You should have let those teach you, who have received the true doctrine, the ministers of the holy church, that is, the pastors.” _Claes._ “Are they the ones that have received the true doctrine?” _Dean._ “Yes.” _Claes._ “Why, then, do they live the life of devils, as may be seen?” _Dean._ “What does that concern you? It is written, Matt. 23: ‘Do after their commandments, but not after their works.’” _Claes._ “Are you, then, the scribes and Pharisees, of whom Matthew has written?” _Dean._ “Yes.” _Claes._ “Then all the woes come upon you, that follow further on, in said chapter.” _Dean._ “No, they do not.”

We had much additional discussion yet, with reference to this. He would have liked to engage me in a disputation concerning the articles of faith; but I would not enter into one, confining myself to the asking of such questions. The man was willing in speaking, and very mild, and wanted attention to be given to what he said, and also gave good attention himself. And I thought: “I have heard so long and so much of this man, that he persecutes and troubles the church so greatly; I must see now, how he will prove it with the Scriptures, when I speak with him; for I don’t know that I have ever seen him.”

I asked him, where he found it written, that he should run so bloodthirstily after innocent blood, which no one could accuse of any crime. _Dean._ “My friend, I don’t run after or seek the blood of any one.” _Claes._ “You send out your servants for that purpose.” _Dean._ “I do not, my friend.” _Claes._ “Do you persecute no one, then?” _Dean._ “No, my friend.” _Claes._ “Have you no mandates either, by which you cause it to be done?” _Dean._ “No, my friend.” _Claes._ “You have certainly delivered to the law my fellow-brethren who fell into your hands, and remained steadfast in the faith; this has been manifest to all the world.” _Dean._ “I don’t do this, my friend.” _Claes._ “Why do you come and sit with the Judges, and have so much to say, if you don’t concern yourself about the matter? One by hearing you talk, would think you had no hand in it.” _Dean._ “No, my friend;” and he rubbed his hands together. _Claes._ “Who then does it?” _Dean._ “The secular, or the lord who has received the sword.”