Chapter LXXXV: Preface: To Second Part (28)

When brought forth from prison, to be taken to the place of execution, these men were and remained firm and immovable as a wall, and determined to adhere to the truth, and not to separate from the faith. When all saw their boldness, and perceived that they were upright, pious persons, and had to die simply on account of their faith, nearly every one wept; the steward, the judges, deputy, and executioner as well as the common people. But the hearts of these people were full of gladness, and they joyfully sang with a cheerful mind. Again they were approached with various wiles, the comfort of life being held out to them, in order to bring them into despondency. This continued for a long time, until two o’clock in the afternoon; so long did the steward delay the matter, thinking to intimidate them, in hopes that they should turn. For this reason he made strenuous efforts to bring them over to his views, so as to induce them to go to church, and hear the doctrine of the priests. But when the steward did not succeed in bringing them over to his views, he called the executioner, into whose hands the prisoners were delivered. The executioner acted with reluctance, and received them with tears; for his heart misgave him. But Gotthard said to him: “How I have longed for this day; why do you delay so long?” When the executioner began to bind them, he said to them: “Dear men, be not afraid; for Christ also was bound innocently.” When the steward heard these words he said to the executioner: “You must not speak in this manner.” Then Peter said: “We will adhere firmly to the covenant of the Lord, which we trust we shall not break.” Thereupon Gotthard began to speak, and said: “Here we must suffer tribulation. He that would hereafter be crowned, must fight valiantly now. As the bridegroom went before, so the bride must enter into joy through much suffering and tribulation. This we are taught by the words of Christ. The fact that the Lord was executed between two murderers, lightens the cross and affliction; hence we fear neither slaying nor killing. For if they have done this in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry? Luke 23:31. The servants of God must drink the sour wine now here upon earth; but when we get to Christ, we shall drink new and sweet wine with him. Matt. 26:29. We must first bear affliction.” With this, they reached forth their hands, and willingly suffered themselves to be bound, which astonished many. Yea, the common people were amazed, and said: “What marvelous thing behold we here! these men so willing to go to death, when they could easily obtain their liberty.” Gotthard said: “We do not die, but pass through death into life eternal, to God and to all his dear children; of this we have a sure hope; hence accept this death with joy, and trust that we shall please God. When the time had come for them to die, they rose to their feet, called upon God in heaven, and, as brethren in Christ, and as a token of brotherly love and unity, kissed each other with the sweet kiss of peace, as those that were united with God, and were thus beheaded standing. But since they were executed unjustly, the executioner said with great fear and trepidation, that he should never execute such men again.

After their heads had been severed from their bodies, the common people began to go home; but the steward called out to them, saying: “Don’t be in such a hurry, but help bury these pious men first; they did not die for any crime; they are neither thieves nor murderers; they were pious of life and conduct; they embraced a faith which the lords and princes could not understand, and hence they had to suffer.” Thus these pious witnesses of God were buried, and the seed of their blood did not remain without fruit in that place. To God be all the glory. Amen. This happened about the year 1558.

JACQUES D’AUCHY, IMPRISONED A. D. 1558, BUT PUT TO DEATH AT LEEUWARDEN, FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1559.

_A Confession of faith of Jacques d’Auchy, made when in prison in the city of Leeuwarden, in Friesland; which confession he afterwards sealed with his death._

I believe in one only God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, as is written, in whom Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all the prophets believed. Gen. 1:1; Heb. 11.

I believe in Jesus Christ, the only Son of the Father, who was from the beginning with God. And when the time which God had promised was fulfilled, this Word became flesh, and was born of the house of David, of a pure virgin espoused to a man named Joseph, of the house of David; which virgin is blessed among women. I believe that this true Son of God proclaimed the word of his Father through many signs and wonders. And after this he was delivered unto death under Pontius Pilate, and crucified and buried. I believe that this same Jesus Christ suffered for us. When we were his enemies, he suffered death for us, that those who believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. I believe that this our Savior was raised up from the dead, as he had predicted, and sits on the right hand of God his Father. John 1:14; Micah 5:2; Gal. 4:4; Rom. 1:3; Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:42; John 15:24; Matt. 27:2; Is. 53:7; Rom. 5:10; John 3:16; Matt. 28:6; Mark 16:9,19; Acts 7:56.

I also believe in the Holy Ghost, as testified by John in his first epistle, 5th chapter, and 7th verse, where he says: “There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” I also believe in the communion of the saints, whose prayer avails much. Jas. 5:16.

I also believe in the holy church, in which are those who believe in Jesus Christ, who by one Spirit are baptized into one body, as Paul says; and Christ Jesus is the Head thereof, namely, of the holy church, as is written. 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18.

I believe that this holy church has power to open and to shut, to bind and to loose; and whatsoever they bind on earth is also bound in heaven, and whatsoever they loose on earth is also loosed in heaven. I believe that God has ordained in this holy church, apostles, prophets, teachers, bishops and deacons. Matt. 16:19; 1 Cor. 12:28.

I also believe and confess a baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, even as commanded and ordained by our Lord Jesus Christ, and practiced and written of by the apostles. And I also believe that all who have received this baptism are members of the body of Jesus Christ, in the holy church. Eph. 4:5; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38,41; 16:31; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13.

With regard to the holy supper of Jesus Christ, I believe and confess what Christ has said concerning it, as is written: As they were eating the supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink, and divide it among yourselves; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins: this do in remembrance of me. I believe this according to the declaration of Paul, who says: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. Matt. 26:26; Luke 22:14; 1 Cor. 10:16; John 6:54.

I confess marriage to be an ordinance of God; namely, a man and a woman united in the name of the Lord, in the holy church. For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and the twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. The bed is undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Gen. 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7; Matt. 19:5,6; 1 Cor. 6:16; Heb. 13:4.

I also confess that fasting and praying is very profitable, as practiced by the apostles. Matt. 6:16; Acts 13:2.

I regard the words of St. James as good and true, where he says: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed. Jas. 5:16. I believe that this must be done with an upright heart.

I also confess that the higher powers are ordained of God, for the punishment of the evil, and the protection of the good; for they bear not the sword in vain; to which powers the Scriptures command us to be subject, and instruct us to pray for them, in order that, as Paul says, we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. Paul also calls the power the minister of God. Therefore since he is the minister of God, I would pray him that he would be pleased to be merciful to me, even as God is merciful. I hereby disclaim all fellowship with those who would resist the power with the sword and violence, which I regard as a doctrine of devils. Wis. 6:3; 1 Pet. 2:13; Rom. 13:1,4; 1 Tim. 2:2.

I also believe in the resurrection of the dead, as it is written, that all men shall rise from the dead in their own bodies, when the Lord shall come in the clouds, with his angels; then he shall judge every one according to his works. Dan. 12:2; Job 19:25; Matt. 25:31; 16:27.

In short, I believe all that a true Christian is bound to believe of the holy church; and I believe with my whole heart in the articles of the faith, and will live and die therein. I hereby renounce all false doctrines, heresies and sects, which are not in accordance with God and his word. And if I have erred in any respect through false doctrine, I pray the Almighty God, to forgive me through his great love and mercy.

Also, if I have sinned in any matter against the Emperor, the King, or others, I pray them to forgive me through the great love and mercy of God.

CONFESSION OF JACQUES D’AUCHY, MADE BEFORE THE COMMISSARY AND THE INQUISITOR.

When I had been in prison ten weeks, my first examination took place. On the third day of January, A. D. 1558, reckoning the beginning of the year from New Year’s day, the jailer came to me in the afternoon, saying that I had to appear before the commissary, in order to be examined concerning my faith. I was ready with a glad heart, and went thither with the jailer. When I entered the room where the commissary sat, I humbly saluted him. He returned my salutation, and said: “Jacques, is your name Jacques d’Auchy?”

_Jacques._ “Yes, my lord.”

_Com._ “Jacques, I have come here commissioned by the King, and the Procurator General, to examine you with regard to the articles of faith.”

_Jacques._ “Well, my lord, be it done then in the name of the Lord.”

After we had had many words together concerning the faith, he began to ask me regarding the place of my nativity, my residence, and my life from my youth up to the present time; all of which I confessed to him. Thereupon I was led back to prison by the jailer.

In the afternoon of the next day, namely, the fourth of January of the same year, I was again brought before the same commissary. As I stood before him, he commenced to revile, vituperate and blaspheme the pastors and the flock of Christ, saying: “Is it not a pity that we suffer ourselves to be so deceived?”

_Jacques._ “Yes, my lord.”

_Com._ “I speak of you and others, who forsake our mother the holy church, and suffer yourselves to be deceived by a set of mischievous idlers and vagabonds.”

_Jac._ “I have not suffered myself to be deceived by such.”

_Com._ “No! when you believe such accursed villains and beggars as Menno, Leenaert, Henderick van Vreden, Frans de Kuyper, Jelis of Aix-la-Chapelle, and other such rascals, and forsake us and the true word of God, do you not then suffer yourselves to be deceived?”

_Jac._ “I have not forsaken the word of God; for my faith is founded upon the word of God, and not upon men, nor upon the doctrines of men, since the prophet Jeremiah exclaims: “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.” Jer. 17:5.

A little after this the commissary cried out, saying: “O the miscreants, such as Menno and Leenaert, how many have they deceived and led to all the devils and into perdition.”

_Jac._ “My lord, I entreat you not to say such words; for it would be difficult and hard for you to prove that they are such as you assert them to be. And, again: They have not deceived, but have clearly taught the word of God. And I do not believe that those who have believed in the word of God, will go into perdition; but the Lord shall judge all things well.”

_Com._ “I will not dispute; for I myself receive instruction from those that are taught in the holy church. But I well know the character of you people, and of your doctrine: had you but the power, you should gladly cut our throats, which, as has been seen, you people have done at Munster, Amsterdam, and other places.”

_Jac._ “O my lord, don’t say such words against your own conscience; for I am persuaded that you know much better, since you have been in the council here for twenty years, as you say (this he had told me before); hence it seems to me that you know us better; for if we had such wicked hearts as to intend murdering people, we should not thus deliver ourselves into your hands; for were we only to speak against our conscience, and conceal the truth from you, you would have no power over us, since you can find no one that can accuse us with truth of having wronged or injured any one.”

_Com._ “Whence then originate so many sects and heresies? whence springs so much uproar and mutiny?”

_Jac._ “As far as the sects and heresies that are in the world are concerned; as those of Munster or Amsterdam, or elsewhere, we have in no manner fellowship or part with their works, nor with their doctrines, but we regard them as doctrines of devils. All these things cannot prevent the truth from being truth, and the Christians from being true Christians, any more than could in the days of the apostles all the sects and heresies that were round about them, and had some semblance of the word of God.”

* * * * *

After these and many other words which we had together, he began to get milder in his manner, and said to me: “You must not study so high, but suffer yourself to be instructed by those who are more learned and wise than you, and you must believe in the word of God.”

_Jac._ “O my lord, how should I not believe in the word of God? For this same word I am imprisoned here, and stand now before you, to give answer concerning it.”

_Com._ “You are not imprisoned for the word of God, but for your evil deeds.”

_Jac._ “My lord, have you heard of any one complaining that I wronged or injured him in any way?”

_Com._ “No; I have not heard that any complaint has been made against you.”

_Jac._ “The Lord be praised, that it is not for my iniquity, but for the testimony of the true faith.”

_Com._ “Not so; but for your crimes, since you have offended against his Imperial Majesty, and transgressed the command of the King our lord.”

_Jac._ “If I have transgressed the King’s command, it is a small matter, since I have fulfilled the command of that King who is the true God and eternal King.”

_Com._ “You have also transgressed the command of God, and of our mother the holy church.”

_Jac._ “My lord, you cannot prove to me by the holy Scriptures, nor can any one else, that herein I have transgressed God’s command.”

_Com._ “It shall be proven to you. Well then, let us begin to finish the articles in which I have been charged to examine you.”

We had many more words, which it would take me too long to relate here, besides that I do not remember them well. The commissary was somewhat discouraged, and listened attentively to whatever I wished to say.

Thereupon he asked me when I came to Emden, and where I had taken up residence, and whether I had been directed to these people, I answered: “Yes.” _Com._ “Who directed you?” _Jac._ “A good friend.” _Com._ “In whose house were you?” _Jac._ “I do not know the house in which I was.” _Com._ “Who was it that brought you to Leenaert?” _Jac._ “They were men and youths, women and maidens.” _Com._ “What were their names?” _Jac._ “As to their surnames, I should have had much to do, to know them all by their names and surnames, since I was not there long enough to learn them all.” _Com._ “When you came into the house, where was Leenaert? what did he preach about?” _Jac._ “He preached the pure word of God.” _Com._ “Of what, and of which articles did he preach?” _Jac._ “He taught amendment of life, and that we must put off the old man, and put on the new; he forcibly showed by the Scriptures that those who walk after the flesh, and after their lusts, have no part in the kingdom of God.” _Com._ “Did he not speak of some other things?” _Jac._ “My lord, I should have much to do, to retain all, even as it would cost you, I think, much trouble and labor to retain a sermon that was preached eighteen months or two years ago.” _Com._ “Did you there receive your second baptism?” _Jac._ “I have received but one baptism, and that according to the ordinance of Christ.” _Com._ “Did you not also receive a baptism in your infancy?” _Jac._ “I do not know what was done to me in my infancy, I have no remembrance of it.” _Com._ “Did not your father or your mother tell you that you were baptized, and did you not have sponsors?” _Jac._ “Yes, I think they told me, and I have also called some persons godfather and godmother, but this was not in accordance with the Scriptures.” _Com._ “Well, was that not enough? have you besides this received something more from Leenaert, namely, water or baptism according to your notion?” _Jac._ “I received from him baptism according to the word of God.” _Com._ “Do you not consider the baptism good which you received in your infancy?” _Jac._ “Had I considered it good, and a baptism, I should not have received another; for it is written that there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, and not _many_ baptisms.” Eph. 4:5. _Com._ “Did you receive the baptism which Leenaert administered to you in the house in which you were assembled?” _Jac._ “Yes.” _Com._ “Was it after or before preaching?” _Jac._ “After preaching.” _Com._ “Did he not speak of baptism?” _Jac._ “Yes and he showed by the holy Scriptures, what it was, and what baptism signified; he humbly admonished the applicants for baptism, to observe well and take good heed what they accepted, and showed the cross and persecution which result to them that have come so far; and many other demonstrations from the holy Scriptures.” _Com._ “Were you not afraid of the decree of the Emperor?” _Jac._ “No; _neither am I now_.” _Com._ “Jacques, it will go hard with you, unless you submit to mercy for your misdeed.” _Jac._ “My lord, I expect mercy from the Lord; but I am not aware that I have offended against the Emperor or the King, for which I should look for mercy. And if the decree is contrary to the word of God, it does not appear to me that in fulfilling the command of God, I offend against any one whoever he be!” _Com._ “Jacques, Jacques, think what the decree says.” _Jac._ “My lord, I well know that it has more authority in this world than the word of God, to put to death those who believe on his name and depart from unrighteousness, as is written that it should be so. (Is. 59:15; Matt. 10:17). But what will it signify when you shall have done with me according to the decree, and shall have put me to death? You will have nothing but a vile and mortal body, which is subject to corruption; but as regards the soul, you cannot touch it, and when you appear before God’s judgment, you shall know what you have done.” Matt. 10:28. _Com._ “Jacques, I do not seek your death, God knows; I should be sorry to see you suffer in the least.” _Jac._ “My lord, this will be seen in the end, how comes it then that you thus shed the innocent blood here, when you do not understand the faith as you have told me? Why do you not ordain then that those who cannot recognize your faith to be true and good, be banished from the country, with retention of their life and property, as is done throughout Germany, and also in Oostland,[276] which countries do not judge the word of God, to shed blood?”

[276] _East country_, probably Austria or the Orient is meant
here.--TRANS.

* * * * *

After many other words he asked: “What do you think and believe of the sacrament of the altar?” _Jac._ “Do you mean the breaking of bread?” _Com._ “Yes.” _Jac._ “I confess and believe as Christ ordained it, as the apostles practiced it, and as Paul writes concerning it to the Corinthians,” _Com._ “How do you understand it?” _Jac._ “Just as it is written; I do not want to comment on the word of God.” This satisfied him, and he so wrote it down on his paper. _Com._ “What do you think of the mass, confession, and absolution of the priest?” _Jac._ “As regards the mass, I know it not, nor do the Scriptures; I have never read this name in the word of God.” _Com._ “What shall I write then in regard to this?” _Jac._ “I do not know; whatever you please, my lord.” _Com._ “Will you not confess simply that you believe in the ordinances of the true and holy church, according to the teaching of the Scriptures and as a good Christian is bound to believe?” _Jac._ “Yes, my lord, with all my heart.” He wrote this down. _Com._ “Who were your instructors in this doctrine, and with whom did you converse in the beginning, and in what place?” _Jac._ “I had my conversation at Antwerp, speaking of the Scriptures with many, but my principal instruction and foundations I derived from reading the holy word of the Lord.” He also wrote this down.

_Com._ “Now, see here is an important article, namely, whether you have not been a minister, or a deacon over the poor, or an exhorter, or have held some other office in the assemblies of the brethren?” Thus it was written on his paper as well as I could perceive or see. I did not know at first what he meant by calling this so important an article: I answered thereupon: “No; I do not feel myself qualified for it, but am a humble member in the congregation.” _Com._ “Were you never in a meeting, before you received baptism?” _Jac._ “Yes, two or three times at least.” _Com._ “In what place was it, and in what houses?” _Jac._ “As regards the houses, I do not know to whom they belong.” _Com._ “What kind of houses were they, large or small?” _Jac._ “We assemble wherever we best can, as opportunity offers itself, and I remember to have been in very poor little houses, that resembled stables more than houses.” He thus wrote this down on his paper. _Com._ “Did you also attend the meeting with the brethren, after you received baptism?” _Jac._ “My lord, this answers for itself; you may well suppose that if I was there before, I was there still more afterwards.” _Com._ “Is your wife of the same doctrine as you are, and is she also rebaptized?” _Jac._ “I have enough to do to answer for myself without answering for my wife; and if she were here, she could answer for herself; but nevertheless, I regard her as a woman that fears the Lord.” This satisfied him.

On Saturday morning, the 8th of January of said year 1558, I was brought into the same room, before the inquisitor, who had lately been appointed here by the King of Spain, with full power from him to bind or to loose, to release or to put to death. When I came before him, I humbly saluted him; he returned my salutation and said to me: “Jacques, I am very glad of one thing, namely, at what the Procurator General has told me, that you are ready to confess your guilt, if it can be proven to you by the Scriptures that you have transgressed the commandment of God; and are in error; are you still of the same intention, and will you accept the Scriptures?” _Jac._ “Yes; and I am ready to listen to all good instruction according to the word of God.” He had the confession which I had made before the commissary, and asked me: “Will you still confess that you received baptism from Leenaert?” _Jac._ “My word is not yea and nay, but yea, yea, and as I confessed, so I still confess openly?” _Inquisitor._ “Was not the baptism which you received in your infancy enough for you, without receiving another?” _Jac._ “I do not regard the baptism which I received in my infancy as baptism according to the word and ordinance of God.” _Inq._ “I shall prove it to you; but do you not believe that infants are born in original sin?” _Jac._ “David indeed says that he was conceived in sin, even as all infants are; but sin is not imputed unto them, since Christ has died to take away sin, as Paul testifies everywhere in his epistles. And as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so grace has abounded through Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:12,15. _Inq._ “How are infants purified, if it is not done through baptism?” _Jac._ “They are purified through the blood of Christ, since he is the Lamb which taketh away the sin of the world.” _Inq._ “How are they purified from original sin?” _Jac._ “My lord, I have told you, namely, through the blood of the Son of God, who died for us when we were yet enemies, and unbelieving.” _Inq._ “Do you not believe that infants bear their sin from Adam, till they are purified through baptism.”

_Jac._ “This must be proven to me by the Scriptures; I believe the word of the prophet, who says: ‘The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; but the soul that sinneth it shall die.’” Ezekiel 18:20. _Inq._ “It is not to be understood thus; but the child is impure until it has received baptism.” _Jac._ “Are the infants purified through the external sign of the water?” _Inq._ “No; but they must be purified with water, and then with the Holy Ghost.” _Jac._ “Which washing precedes; the external or the internal?” _Inq._ “The external; and after these words: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost have been spoken, they ape purified internally.” _Jac._ “My lord, you say this without warrant of Scripture; for Christ says that those are hypocrites who first make clean the outside; but that first, that which is within shall be cleansed, and the outside will be clean also. Matthew 23:25,26. _Inq._ “You err, and do not understand the Scriptures, and have suffered yourself to be deceived by a set of vagabonds.” _Jac._ “My lord, I rely not upon men; but it has not been given me to understand it differently, and men can not give me the faith; for it is written in the prophets: ‘They shall all be taught of God.’ Is. 54:13. And Jesus Christ says that no man can come to him, except it be given him of the Father. John 6:44. But now, my Lord, prove to me exclusively by the Scriptures, that the baptism of little infants is a planting and ordinance of God, and that it was practiced by the apostles, and I shall believe it.”

_Inq._ “The ordinance was made by Jesus Christ, when he said: ‘Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’” John 3:5. _Jac._ “Christ is not speaking to infants, but to a doctor in the law; nor does he speak of little infants that have just been born; for he says afterwards in the same chapter: ‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.’” Verses 6–8.

After I had read this in his German testament, printed at Zurich, I said: “My lord, if the external baptism of infants is the new birth, we know whence it comes, for we can see it with our eyes.” _Inq._ “How do you understand it then?” _Jac._ “I understand it to be the new birth of him that was in the old Adam, in the body of sin; that we must put him off, and mortify and crucify the body of sin, together with all its lusts and affections, in order to be born again unto newness of life, after the new man Christ Jesus, as Paul testifies at length.” _Inq._ “This is to be understood with reference to adult persons; but the little infants that are impure, must be cleansed with water, that they may obtain salvation.” _Jac._ “What do you believe concerning infants that do not receive baptism here, according to the faith which you hold, namely, from the Pope?” _Inq._ “They all go to the devils.” _Jac._ “O my lord, it is written: ‘If you Judge, judge righteously.’ And Christ says: ‘With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.’ Matt. 7:2. You condemn innocent infants, notwithstanding Christ says that theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. _Inq._ “Those children were baptized or at least had received circumcision, which served them instead of baptism.” _Jac._ “The Scripture does not state that they were circumcised, and you cannot show whether they were Jewish or gentile children.” _Inq._ “The inhabitants of Jerusalem and thereabouts in Judea, were all Jews.” _Jac._ “Luke makes a different statement, saying (Acts 2:5) that at Jerusalem, in Judea, every kind of tongue under heaven was represented.” _Inq._ “Is it not a sad thing of you people, that you thus err in the Scriptures? Does not Paul say that he [Christ] cleansed his church with the washing of water?” _Jac._ “Paul says: ‘With the washing of water by the Word.’ Eph. 5:26. Now, then, can you cleanse infants by the Word? or only by the washing of water? for they cannot believe the Word.” _Inq._ “Then they are damned, since they do not believe.” _Jac._ “Don’t speak thus; for they are innocent and poor in spirit, and to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:3. He said as before: “First of all they must be purified by water baptism, in order to attain salvation.” _Jac._ “The apostle Peter clearly declares that as the ark which Noah had made preserved from death and the wrath of God those who had forsaken the company of the wicked and of the world, and had entered into it, so baptism is to us for salvation; but the apostle does not at all esteem the baptism which takes away the filth of the flesh, unless there be a good testimony of a good conscience before God; and I do not believe that infants have the testimony of a good conscience, since they know neither good nor evil.” 1 Peter 3:21.

He made no reply to this, but looked at me sharply, and, after a few moments said: “Is it Calvin who writes: ‘Attestation (that is, testimony) of a good conscience?’ These are the false prophets that deceive you, people; but the genuine text does not read so.” _Jac._ “I am not imprisoned for the doctrine of Calvin.” I begged him again and again to let me read in his book, how the apostle wrote it, namely, in his own testament which he had before him, or in his Latin Bible, which was of very small size, and translated and printed by Rombertus Stephanus, at Paris. But however I prayed him, he would not let me read; hence I said to him: “My lord, you ought not prevent me from proving the word, since you contradict it.” After additional words he said to me: “Since you will not believe in the holy teachers, such as St. Ambrose and St. Augustine (and a host of other saints whom he named to me), and in the ordinances instituted by the holy church, what then will you believe?” _Jac._ “I believe only in the ordinance of Christ; or prove to me that the apostles baptized little infants, and I shall believe it.”

He attempted to do this by the households that were baptized, in which, he said, infants might well have been included. I replied that the Scriptures said nothing about there having been any infants there, but that they clearly prove that those households heard and believed the word, as is written of the jailer, and also of Cornelius, the centurion, and all that were of his house, who received the Holy Ghost as well as the apostles; namely, those who heard the word. Acts 16:34; 10:45. Hence, my lord, you cannot prove to me, that there were infants there.” _Inq._ “I will not insist upon it that there were infants there, or that there were none there, since it admits of doubt; but you must believe what the fathers and the holy doctors have ordained concerning it in the church, and practiced until the present time.” _Jac._ “Did those teachers institute this ordinance with a good intention; or did they institute it because it was an ordinance of God, contained in the Scriptures?” _Inq._ “They did it according to the word of God, with a good intention.” _Jac._ “My lord, you well know how strictly the people of Israel were forbidden to do anything according to their own opinion, but that they were only to do what the Lord commanded them. Deuteronomy 4:2. For Saul was rejected of God, because he had not acted truly according to the word of the Lord which had been commanded him, but had followed his own opinion.” 1 Sam. 15:23.

After many other words, which we had together, he went away from me, saying: “Jacques, I beg you, that you will well consider this matter; for you are in error and deceived.” _Jac._ “I am neither in error or deceived, and I have already considered the matter: since you cannot prove to me by the Scriptures that the baptism of infants is an ordinance of God, hence I do not believe it.” _Inq._ “Why do you want me to prove it, since you do not believe in the holy teachers of the Catholic church, nor their ordinance.” _Jac._ “My lord, it is written: ‘Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up.’” Matt. 5:13. After many other words he went away, saying to me: “Farewell, Jacques; consider the matter well and pray diligently to God.” I also bade him adieu, and said that I did indeed hope always to call upon the name of the Lord for help. Ps. 116:4.

There were many other words that we had together, which I have not written, because I do not remember them well, and I was seized with an attack of fever. I have forgotten to write his allegations with which he sought to prove that circumcision was a figure of baptism, and hence, it [the latter] had to be used in like manner; whereupon I proved to him by the Scriptures, that circumcision was a figure of the covenant, and signified nothing but that they were included in the covenant, and children to whom belonged the promise. Genesis 17:11. But Paul shows us that he is not a Jew or child of Abraham, who is one outwardly, or according to the flesh of his seed; but he that is one in the heart, as Christ says, that they are Abraham’s children, who do the works of Abraham, though they be Gentiles according to the seed of the flesh. Rom. 2:28,29; John 8:39. And I showed him that baptism signifies the true regeneration, even as Christ showed Nicodemus, and the putting off of the old man, in newness of life, and that hence we had to be regenerated, and not born anew, as they would assert; and that where there was no regeneration, there was no need of a sign, since this were only mocking God. John 3:5; Rom. 6:4. He said to me: “Shall the infants have no part then in this sacrament?” I told him that the sacraments had been left to be used in the holy church, for those who have ears to hear, and hearts to comprehend, and to understand the sacraments; and not for infants. We conversed much more yet on this article, and I showed to him the abuse which they have in their baptism, contrary to the Scriptures, and concerning the baptism of prudent midwives, how that they regard it as good, and yet rebaptize the recipients of it; I therefore told him that they were Anabaptists.

On Monday, the 10th of January of the same year, I was again brought before the same inquisitor, who, after a few words, asked me: “Have you made up your mind with regard to baptism?” _Jac._ “I have nothing else to say, than what I have told you already: since you cannot prove to me with the Scriptures, that the baptizing of little infants is an ordinance of Christ, I do not believe in it, but hold to the baptism which Jesus Christ ordained, and which he commanded his apostles.” _Inq._ “This the false prophets have taught you, of whom the Scripture says that they shall come, and who have gone out from us.” _Jac._ “Such false prophets shall be known by their fruits, says the Lord. And as regards your remark that they went out from you. Paul, when at Miletus, showed to the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:30), that among them, and out from the flock, there should arise wicked men, teaching perverse things--is it not so, my lord?” _Inq._ “Yes.” _Jac._ “Is not, then, my lord, the baptism which you people practice, a perverse and utterly contrary thing, since Christ commanded to baptize those who believed and were instructed and taught. And the apostles baptized only those who received the word; but you people baptize only those that do not believe, and cannot be instructed or taught, nor receive the word, since they are infants: which appears to me utterly contrary, and like putting the cart before the horse.” _Inq._ “This is because you are in heresy, my child, and do not believe the holy teachers; see how it will go with you. Well then, let us speak of another article.” And having seen and read the confession which I had read before the commissary, as I said before, he asked me: “What do you believe of the eucharist?” _Jac._ “What is that?” _Inq._ “Of the sacrament of the altar.” _Jac._ “Do you mean the Lord’s Supper, or breaking of bread?” _Inq._ “Yes, it is the same thing, eucharist, sacrament or supper.” _Jac._ “My lord, it is not the same name; for, see, how the apostles named it: Luke says that they brake bread from house to house, and not the body of Christ.” Acts 2:46. _Inq._ “That which Luke speaks of there, is the word of God, which they distributed to every one.” _Jac._ “My lord, so say also David Joris and other heretics, who abolish the breaking of bread. But observe, when Paul was at Troas and they had gathered together in the night, so that a young man fell down from the high loft, Luke says that Paul continued his speech until midnight, so that the young man fell through a window; and when they had come up again, Paul having raised him up, they brake bread and eat it--they did not eat the word; after which Paul talked till break of day, and then departed.” Acts 20:7.

When he heard this he looked at me sharply, and did not know what to say. “Do you not believe,” said he “that when the priest has pronounced the words, our Lord is in the bread, in flesh and blood, just as the Jews had it in their hands, and crucified it?” This question he asked me very many times, and as I did not seek to dispute with him, I said: “My lord, if you can prove it to me by the Scriptures, I will believe it.” He urged me, saying: “Say yes or no, what do you believe of it?” _Jac._ “That which the Scriptures testify with regard to it.” _Inq._ “I ask you whether you do not believe that he is in the sacrament, in the flesh and blood, just as he was on the cross?” Perceiving that he became heated, I delayed a little with my answer. _Inq._ “Well, what do you say?” _Jac._ “Nothing, my lord.” _Inq._ “That I hear, but why do you wait so long with answering, yes or no?” _Jac._ “My lord, it is written: ‘Be swift to hear and slow to speak.’” James 1:19. _Inq._ “Well then, Jacques, say but yes or no; if you believe that he is in the bread, in flesh and blood, say yes.” _Jac._ “My lord, if I were to say yes to you, how could I prove it to you by the Scriptures, that he is there in flesh and blood, after the priest has pronounced the words? for I have never read it in the Scriptures, and since I could not prove it to you, therefore I will not say that it is so.” _Inq._ “Then you do not believe it, do I hear, No?” _Jac._ “I believe nothing further concerning it than what the Scriptures testify, and how should he be in the bread, my lord? since it is written, that he ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of his Father, until he shall have made his enemies his footstool.” Mark 16:19; _Inq._ “Do you not believe that he is able to sit on the right hand of his Father, and also to be in the bread?” _Jac._ “I believe that he is the Almighty; but he cannot do contrary to his word: for he must be true, and he is the only truth himself.” John 14:6. _Inq._ “Will you not believe this Scripture: Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you? do you not believe then that it is his body?” _Jac._ “Which do you believe to be his body, that which was delivered and suffered for us, and sat at the table, and spoke, or that which he held in his hand, namely, the bread? was this delivered for us, and did the bread die on the cross for our sins? and did not the bread represent his body?” _Inq._ “Both.” _Jac._ “I have never read that there are two Christs, but only one only Son of God.” This I had often told him before. _Inq._ “These two are but one; and the wine, too, is his blood, after the priest has pronounced the words.” _Jac._ “Does the wine become his blood, after the word has been spoken, and does it always remain blood, and not wine?” _Inq._ “After the word has been spoken, the bread is his true flesh, and the wine is the true blood of Christ, and they remain flesh and blood.” _Jac._ “What then did Christ mean to indicate to his disciples, when he said: ‘This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine.’ Matt. 26:29, etc. My lord, Christ calls it his blood of the New Testament, and yet he indicates to his apostles, that it is still a fruit of the vine, seeing he still calls it so, after he has said that it is his blood.” _Inq._ “Where do we find this written?”

I then took his German testament, which he had before him, and read the passage to him. After I had showed and read it to him, he said to me: “You must not govern yourself according to your own understanding, but according to the exposition of the holy teachers, such as St. Augustine, Ambrose, and others of the ancient church.” _Jac._ “I am well satisfied with St. Paul’s exposition, without seeking for many other expositions.” _Inq._ “Where has Paul expounded the sacrament of the altar?” _Jac._ “Paul has expounded and indicated to the Corinthians, what the Lord’s supper and the breaking of the bread is.” _Inq._ “Show it to me?” I still had his testament, and read to him the tenth chapter of the first epistle to the Corinthians, where Paul says: “I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” Verses 15,16.

I had scarcely read this when he hastily replied: “This is against you, for the apostle there clearly proves that there is flesh and blood in the bread and wine, and that we are partakers of the body of Christ.” _Jac._ “My lord, if you please, let me read a little further, and you shall see that Paul is not speaking of the body of Christ in flesh and blood, as it hung on the cross; but of his church, which is his body; for when he says that we have communion, and are partakers of the body of Christ, he says: ‘For we being many, are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.’” Verse 17. _Inq._ “The apostle speaks here of another body, namely, of his church.” _Jac._ “I do not find that Paul makes any distinction between two bodies, but that he speaks of but one body of Christ.” _Inq._ “What then do you understand by eating his body and drinking his blood?” _Jac._ “Just what Paul indicates, that it is the communion or partaking of the body of Christ.” _Inq._ “My child, how deceived you are! do you understand then, that you can by communion be a partaker of the body and blood of Christ, without eating and drinking thereof?” _Jac._ “My lord, I am not deceived, but my foundation is the word of God.” _Inq._ “Well then, what do you understand by this communion?” _Jac._ “The apostle tells us this, when he says, in the same chapter: Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? Verse 18. Behold, my lord, here is the simile by which Paul indicates it to the Corinthians; do you not also understand it so, my lord?” _Inq._ “Yes.” _Jac._ “My lord, I do not think that you mean that those who were partakers of the altar, therefore ate the altar, but only the sacrifices which lay on the altar.” _Inq._ “Do you think that the same obtains with the sacrament?” _Jac._ “My lord, it seems to me, that when we eat the bread, we thereby signify that we have part in the body of Christ; and yet we eat only the bread, and not Christ, just as Israel did not eat the altar, but only the sacrifices, and yet, by eating the sacrifices, indicated that they were partakers of the altar.”

Looking sharply at me, he said: “What an error! and do you not believe that in eating the consecrated bread we eat the body of Christ?” _Jac._ “Paul does not teach this, neither do I understand it so.” _Inq._ “Is it not a sad thing of you people, Jacques, that you do not believe the word of God, which says: This is my body; this is my blood; do this in remembrance of me?” _Jac._ “I believe the word of God; Christ clearly indicated that he should not be there bodily, since he said that it should be done in remembrance of him. Paul also says: ‘As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.’ 1 Cor. 11:26. Hence he is not there bodily, seeing he has not come yet.” _Inq._ “He is certainly there bodily, according to to the word of Christ, and all the holy teachers expound it so.” _Jac._ “I think more of Paul singly, than of all the other teachers, and I hold only to Paul’s exposition.” _Inq._ “You must also believe the holy teachers of the Catholic church.” _Jac._ “I believe the holy Scriptures, and only the word of God.” _Inq._ “If you believe the word of God, you must believe that he that (when the bread is consecrated, and the words have been pronounced), receives it bodily, receives the body and blood of Christ, since Christ says so, and he does not lie, but speaks the truth.” _Jac._ “I know full well that Christ speaks the truth, but we must understand how he speaks when he says: ‘I am the bread which came down from heaven, and the bread that I will give is my flesh’ (John 6:51); do you believe this?” _Inq._ “No, do you believe it?” _Jac._ “I shall not tell you, neither do we now dispute about it; but because you say that we must believe as Christ says; behold, when he says: ‘I am the vine and my Father is the husbandman.’ John 15:1. Paul also says that the Rock of which the children of Israel drank was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4. _Inq._ “No, no, all these words are not to be believed thus; they are only types of Christ.” _Jac._ “So is this expression.” _Inq._ “But this is a sacrament, which is left us as a memorial of the body of Christ.” _Jac._ “My lord, behold Israel after the flesh; the lamb which they ate was called the passover and a perpetual memorial, that through the mighty hand of God they had gone out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; and so is also the bread which we break, a memorial of Christ, who has redeemed us from sin and eternal death, delivering us from the bondage of the devil and the enemy.” _Inq._ “Yes, according to the opinion of your pastors, Calvin and Zuinglius, and like heretics, who have introduced new doctrines; but we have been in this faith over fourteen hundred years; why do you not believe us?” _Jac._ “My lord, should I believe because of the long time? there were many heretics, such as the Sadducees, Nicolaitans, Gentiles, and many others, who erred much longer yet. Turn to the Scriptures alone, according to the example of the good King Josiah.” 2 Kings 22:11. _Inq._ “Do you think so my son? No, no.” _Jac._ “My lord, so did the children say to Jeremiah, when they were out of the way. Jer. 18:18. You also well know how they abused the grace of God, making a golden calf, praising it and saying: ‘This is the god which brought us up and delivered us out of Egypt.’ Ex. 32:4. Thus your people now say of the bread. It is Christ who died for us.”