Chapter LXXXVII: Preface: To Second Part (30)

He then made a long speech, too long to be briefly related, the sum and substance of which was, that he entreated me very much, that I should return to the holy Catholic church, and believe as becomes a good Christian, without investigating such high things, and wanting to be so wise. Thereupon I replied: “I investigate nothing but what I am permitted to believe; and I am well content, simply to believe that which a good Christian is bound to believe.” Sir. 3:21. _Inq._ “You indeed say that you want to believe as a good Christian, and yet you have a heretical faith.” _Jac._ “I have no such faith; but my faith is founded only upon the pure word of God; and if you were content with the word of God, you would also be satisfied with my faith.” _Inq._ “True, you quote the word of God; but in your heart you understand differently.” _Jac._ “As we believe, so speak we; and since we adduce to you the Scriptures, which are the word of God, for a testimony of our faith, why are you not; satisfied with it? for it belongs to God alone, and not to men to search the heart.” _Inq._ “What then do you believe concerning Jesus Christ; whence did he take his flesh?” _Jac._ “Do the Scriptures teach you that you must ask me this?” _Inq._ “Because Menno says that he brought his flesh from heaven.” _Jac._ “I have not heard him say this.” _Inq._ “Yet he believes it.” _Jac._ “Menno’s belief is that the Word was made flesh, according to the testimony of John 1:14, or as the text in your Testament reads: _became flesh_.” _Inq._ “What do you believe concerning it?” _Jac._ “I believe that Christ is the Son of the living God.” _Inq._ “Whence did he take his flesh?” _Jac._ “I do not know, except that he is born of the Father.” _Inq._ “Do you not believe that he took his flesh in the womb of the virgin Mary?” _Jac._ “My lord, if you can prove to me that Jesus and his apostles compelled any one to confess this, I will also confess it to you; for when Peter confessed Christ, that he was the Son of the living God, Christ did not ask him, of whom he was made, but said that upon this rock he should build his church. Matt. 16:18. Again, when Candace’s eunuch said to Philip, that he believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and desired to be baptized upon this faith, Philip was satisfied, without inquiring as to whence he had taken his flesh.” Acts 8:36. _Inq._ “It was not necessary at that time to make such inquiry, since no difficulty existed yet concerning the matter.” _Jac._ “What need is there now?” _Inq._ “Because there are so many heretics.” _Jac._ “There were enough heretics also in the days of the apostles; but the reason is this, that Satan always causes some vain controversy, to corrupt men’s understanding, and to draw them into error.” _Inq._ “Then you will not confess that he took his flesh and blood in the virgin?” _Jac._ “I will not investigate that which is above my understanding, namely, whereof the Son of God was made; for this was a miraculous work. However, that you may not think me a heretic, I confess him to be the Son of God in every manner, in power and might, in spirit, in flesh and blood, begotten of the own substance of one only Father, namely, the eternal God, as the Scriptures testify to us; who was with the Father from eternity; and when the time of the promise was fulfilled, the eternal Word became flesh, and was conceived in a virgin, of the Holy Ghost, and born of said virgin Mary.” _Inq._ “He assumed his flesh from, and was made of, our flesh; will you say nothing with regard to this?” _Jac._ “I am satisfied with believing in regard to it according to the Scriptures, without further investigation.” _Inq._ “Do not the Scriptures say that he took upon him our flesh?” _Jac._ “I have never read it, and I do not wish to dispute further; besides, you said that you would not dispute about it; why then do you ask me so much concerning it?” _Inq._ “In order to see whether your faith is not like the faith of Menno Simon.” _Jac._ “You have heard that I do not receive the testimony of men, as a foundation for my faith.”

Perceiving that he could get nothing else out of me, he asked me: “What is your determination?” _Jac._ “I have declared my faith to you, and thereupon I have made my determination, until the contrary be proven to me.” _Inq._ “I have proven it to you sufficiently; but you will believe nothing but your fancy and obstinacy, and have forsaken the holy church.” _Jac._ “My lord, I have not forsaken the holy church; for if I had recognized your church as the holy church, I should not have forsaken it, to join another.” _Inq._ “Nevertheless, though Satan has thus deceived you, and you think that we are not the holy church, yet it is the same that it has always been from the times of the apostles, and been maintained through the holy teachers until the present time.” _Jac._ “If it is the same church which existed at the time of the apostles, it must have the same or like bishops and pastors as were then.” _Inq._ “Yes, and so we have.” _Jac._ “Well then, my lord, show me in your whole church only one bishop or pastor who is blameless in doctrine and life, even as Paul, or Timothy, or Titus, and I will follow him with all my heart.” _Inq._ “Have you such pastors among you?” _Jac._ “My lord, you say that we are Satan’s congregation, and that your church is the same which was in the time of the apostles; hence show me those people, whereby I may know them.” _Inq._ “Where do you think to find such? for they had the Holy Ghost, who is not given now.” _Jac._ “Not! How comes it then, that Paul says that he that has not the Spirit of God, is none of his?” Rom. 8:9. _Inq._ “This has another meaning.” _Jac._ “My lord, what meaning?” _Inq._ “He there speaks of those who do not walk after the Spirit.” _Jac._ “Well, for what else do I ask you, than for bishops and pastors who walk and are led by the Spirit of God, who are holy, just, vigilant, and blameless in the doctrine, in life and conversation, as Paul teaches that they must be.” _Inq._ “I could easily name; such bishops or pastors as are blameless, but you do not know them.” _Jac._ “Where are they?” _Inq._ “In Italy and in Spain.” _Jac._ “Is the church of God there, and not here?” _Inq._ “There is also a cardinal or bishop in England, who truly is a man blameless in doctrine and conversation.” _Jac._ “My lord, pray release me from these chains, and let me go, and I shall use all diligence to get to him, to see whether it is true.”

He laughingly replied: “No, no; you must believe what is told you.” _Jac._ “My lord, it is written: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man. Jer. 17:5. Shall I depend upon your word alone?” _Inq._ “Do you think that I lie?” _Jac._ “I do not say that: but I want to see it first before I believe it.” Inq. “Yes, yes, but you cannot now.” Jac. “Since I cannot see it, I cannot believe it either.” _Inq._ “Why will you pay so much attention to their conversation, seeing they have the doctrine of the apostles?” _Jac._ “This is yet to be proven to me, and it would be difficult for you to prove to me by the Scriptures, that they have the doctrine of the apostles.” _Inq._ “Nevertheless they have it; but you are hardened, and cannot comprehend it.” _Jac._ “This assertion lacks the support of the Scriptures, and if they are trees from the roots of the apostles, show me the fruits, that I may know them.” _Inq._ “Can you then know the faith by the works, whether it is good or bad.” _Jac._ “My lord, our Master has taught us that we shall know the false prophets by their fruits (Matt. 7:16); for when we find grapes on the vine, we dare not say, like you people do, that we have plucked them from thorns.”

He laughingly said to me: “Do we say that?” _Jac._ “Do you not? do you not say we are evil, vile and useless trees, that must be cast into the fire? And yet you have confessed to me, that our fruits are good, but that it is our faith.” _Inq._ “It is true, you do good works before men; but the inward is good for nothing, for your faith is not good.” _Jac._ “Our works spring from our faith; the vessel cannot give forth anything but what is in it; hence the Lord calls those a generation of vipers, who confessed that the fruit was good, and the tree corrupt, saying: ‘Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt.’ Luke 6:45; Matt. 12:34. _Inq._ “Therefore you would say that our bishops and pastors can have no good faith, unless their works are good.” _Jac._ “My lord, I can answer with Paul: ‘They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate’ (Tit. 1:16); and such pastors I will not follow.” _Inq._ “No, no, Jacques, they are not so abominable as you think, though they are also sinners, even as we all are.” _Jac._ “My lord, you know better than you say; for I should be ashamed to discover the shameful acts of this people, who boast of being the light and salt of the earth, and the leaders of the blind and ignorant.” _Inq._ “What shameful acts? tell me freely.” _Jac._ “My lord, since you desire me to tell you, you know very well yourself, what unnatural whoredom, too shameful to mention, such as was committed by Sodom and Gomorrah, those of Rome commit, namely, the Pope, who boasts of being a holy man, and God upon earth, and the cardinals and bishops that are there; to say nothing of the pride, pomp and wickedness of which these holy people are guilty.” _Inq._ “It is true, that there are some who commit great abomination before God, so that it is abominable of some; but, Jacques, we must not condemn the good on account of the bad; they are not all bad; there are also some that are righteous.” _Jac._ “I believe that the righteous are thinly sown; for from my youth I have lived mostly among priests, canons and monks, and it were a shame to relate the abounding wickedness which I have seen there.” _Inq._ “My son, not all, not all.” _Jac._ “My lord, so far as I have ever seen and known, I do not know that I have seen a single one walk after the rule prescribed to a bishop or pastor, even as you know better yourself what occurred two or three weeks ago in this city of N. in the convent of the Jacobines.”

The monks or Jacobines had driven their prior out of the convent, because he had reproved them for their licentiousness and wickedness.

_Inq._ “Jacques, though there have been wicked popes, cardinals, bishops, priests, and monks, there have, on the other hand, also been good ones; do you not know that the good grain is not without chaff? No, no, there are good grains and good pastors, though you do not know them.” _Jac._ “Show me then but a single upright pastor, such as I demanded of you, according to the Scriptures, and I will follow him.” _Inq._ “Though I should name them to you, you do not know them any way, and will not believe me; but even if it were true, namely, that they are wicked, yet they have the true faith.” _Jac._ “I hold to the testimony of Paul, that light has no communion with darkness.” 2 Cor. 6:14. _Inq._ “Do you mean to say then, that a man who commits evil works cannot have the true faith?” _Jac._ “If a man that has received knowledge, yield himself to the commission of wickedness, his faith will not last long, or will soon be darkened.” _Inq._ “Who has told you this?” _Jac._ “Paul writes to the Romans, that some held the truth in unrighteousness, since that which might be known of God, God had showed them; and though they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; wherefore God gave them up to the lusts of their hearts, filled with darkness.” Romans 1:18. _Inq._ “Paul speaks there of the philosophers, who turned to the heavens, stars, planets, etc., for guidance.” _Jac._ “That is all the same to me, of whom he speaks, philosophers or others; but Paul shows that through their works and ingratitude their hearts were filled with darkness. Moreover, he also says: ‘Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,... for this cause God shall send them strong delusion;’ which also came to pass.” 2 Thess. 2:10,11. _Inq._ “Did not Judas Iscariot commit a wicked work in delivering up the Son of God?” _Jac._ “The Scripture says that it would have been better, if he had not been born.” Matt. 26:24. _Inq._ “Yet he had a true faith; what do you say to this?” _Jac._ “Had he a true faith before or afterwards?” _Inq._ “Before and also afterwards, though he was a thief.” _Jac._ “Though his heart was wicked, yet his walk was good, so that they did not dare think that it was he who should commit the deed, but all asked: ‘Is it I? is it I?’” Mark 14:19. _Inq._ “Look also at Demas, did he not have the true faith? Yet his heart was bound up in things of this world; nevertheless, Paul regarded him as a brother.” Col. 4:14. _Jac._ “It is true that Paul regarded him for a time as a brother and companion in the work of the Lord; but after he said that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world, and no longer calls him a brother or companion.” 2 Tim. 4:10. _Inq._ “That you do not know.” _Jac._ “The Scriptures say nothing about it.” _Inq._ “That proves nothing either way; you must believe that a sinful man can have the faith and the Gospel; do you think that we must therefore not hear him, and believe his word?” _Jac._ “My lord, wherein do you reprove Paul of sin, after he had received the knowledge of the truth?” _Inq._ “Is it not written: ‘He that saith that he hath no sin, maketh God a liar?’” 1 John 1:10. _Jac._ “True, but it is also written in the same epistle: ‘Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin because he is born of God.’ 1 John 3:9. And Paul said: ‘How shall we, that are dead to sin, live unto sin’” Rom. 6:2. _Inq._ “Paul there simply asks a question; but do you therefore think that he did not sin?” _Jac._ “You know that Paul said that Christ was living in him; did Christ then commit sin? Gal. 2:20. He also exhorts the Corinthians, to follow him, even as he had followed Christ, and calls God and men to witnesses, how holily and justly, and unblamably he had walked among them, 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Thess. 2:10. Of what sin then, my lord, will you accuse Paul?” _Inq._ “Nevertheless, he was a sinner; this you certainly cannot deny.” _Jac._ “I do not want to deny it; for he says himself, that he was the chief of sinners, blasphemers and persecutors while in unbelief, but not after he had received the knowledge [of the truth]. 1 Timothy 1:15. Well then; but what I ask you for, are pastors that are blameless in life, doctrine and conversation; for I well know that all men are born in sin; but he that abideth in sin, hath not known God.” Ps. 51:5; 1 John 3:6. _Inq._ “You must not thus understand the passage; for a sinful man does have knowledge of God.” _Jac._ “Yes, with the mouth, or it would not be true what the apostle Peter has said, that he that has not the fear of God, and brotherly and living love, is blind, and gropes with the hand for the way. Tit. 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:9. _Inq._ “No, he says that he is like the blind.” _Jac._ “My lord, with your permission, he says that such a blind man gropes for the way, which is a sign that he has not found it; now, shall I follow such people?” _Inq._ “Your Menno, is he so just, holy and blameless?” _Jac._ “I have not had sufficient intercourse with him, to find anything blamable in him.” _Inq._ “With whom then have you had your intercourse? can nothing be said of your teacher? is he unblamable?” _Jac._ “My lord, can you produce anything against him, or accuse him of anything?” _Inq._ “I do not know the rascal.” _Jac._ “Then do not defame him; for you would find it a difficult task to prove that he is what you call him.” _Inq._ “This would not be difficult for me to do; for he has seduced enough people to be called this.” _Jac._ “My lord, take care that you are not yourself one who seduces the people.” _Inq._ “Is he not a native of a certain village in Zealand?” He named the village, but I have forgotten it. _Jac._ “I do not know where he was born.” _Inq._ “What kind of a looking man was he? what sort of beard and clothes did he have?” _Jac._ “My lord, you are certainly inquiring very diligently for him; I think you would like to betray him; do you know no other way, my lord?” _Inq._ “I wish him no harm.” _Jac._ “I hear that you say so; nevertheless, you would like to have him here in my place, would you not, my lord?” _Inq._ “Yes, if he would become converted.” _Jac._ “And if he would not be converted to your views, would you not place him to the stake?” _Inq._ “I should leave this to the Judge.” _Jac._ “Well, would you not then wish him harm? would you want to have this done to you?”

Perceiving that he could not answer me, and that two or three persons were listening at the door, besides the jailer, who is always with the prisoners, he commenced to give me a long talk, saying that I must not inquire so deeply into the Scriptures, but suffer myself to be instructed by those more learned than I, and that I must believe that a sinful man, of wicked life could have the faith as well as another, and that I must hear his words, but not do after his works. _Jac._ “Must I believe this by the Scriptures, or without the Scriptures?” _Inq._ “I have proven it to you by the Scriptures.” _Jac._ “By what Scriptures?” _Inq._ “By the cases of Judas and Demas, who had faith, and yet were wicked of life.” _Jac._ “My lord, it appears to me that our words are mere child’s play; have I not replied to this, and proven to you, that it becomes us not to take those who have apostatized from the faith for leaders and pastors?” _Inq._ “Where do you expect to find blameless pastors such as you demand? do you not see that the world is full of knavery?” _Jac._ “If you do not know any, I know some, and such I will follow.” _Inq._ “Where are they?” _Jac._ “They are unknown to you; do you not know that when the prophet thought that all the righteous in Israel had been slain by Ahab and Jezebel, the Lord said that there were seven thousand left yet, who had not bowed their knees unto the idol Baal.” 1 Kings 19:10. _Inq._ “It was because of the persecution raging at that time, that they were so scattered.” _Jac._ “Thus it is yet at the present day on account of persecution, that they are scattered, and unknown to the world. _Inq._ “But must you for a Menno, or any other single individual, who seem to lead a good life, must you therefore follow him, and forsake all the other bishops and pastors, who do not walk just as uprightly?” _Jac._ “My lord, do you think that if Ahab, the King of Israel had forsaken the counsel of the four hundred prophets, and followed the single advice of poor Micaiah, he would have done amiss?” _Inq._ “Certainly not; for Micaiah was a prophet of God.” _Jac._ “Did not the others say that they were too? and did they not smite poor Micaiah on the cheek, because he prophesied against them, and say to him: ‘Do you think that the Spirit of God has departed from us?’” _Inq._ “They boasted of the Holy Spirit, but falsely; for they did not have him?” _Jac._ “Ahab did not know that; for because Micaiah had alone prophesied against the four hundred prophets, the poor man of God was cast into prison on scanty bread and water, till Ahab should return from the battle at Ramoth-gilead; but he found that the counsel of the four hundred prophets cost him his life, as Micaiah had foretold him.” _Inq._ “The events recorded in these passages occurred in former times.” _Jac._ “Paul says that all was written for our learning; and the same things still happen at the present day.” Rom, 15:4. _Inq._ “Well then, then you will not hear or follow any pastors, except they practice what they teach?” _Jac._ “No; for it is written: ‘The light of the body is the eye; if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.’” Matt. 6:22. _Inq._ “Then you will not follow the advice of Jesus Christ, namely, to do after their words, and not after their works.” _Jac._ “To whom does he say this?” _Inq._ “To his disciples.” _Jac._ “Of whom does he say it?” _Inq._ “Jesus Christ says: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works.’” Matt. 23:1,2. _Jac._ “What kind of a seat was it, wooden or stone?” _Inq._ “It was the seat that was there.” _Jac._ “How could so many people sit in one seat? was it so large? or was it not the law Christ alluded to?” _Inq._ “It is the same thing, the law which they proclaimed.” _Jac._ “The law was a command of God, and not of men, and when Christ said this, he did not choose them to feed or lead his flock.” _Inq._ “When he said: Do after their words, and not after their works, did he not appoint them pastors?” _Jac._ “Have you not read what the Lord says: ‘Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ Matt. 5:20. Behold, here they are already excluded; how then shall they lead others?” _Inq._ “Do only after their words.” _Jac._ “Have you no other pastors among you, to proclaim the word of God, than such scribes and Pharisees, whom God has threatened with so many curses? Does not the prophet say: Blessed is the man that has not sat among the ungodly? Ps. 1:1. And Christ admonishes us to beware of their leaven.” Matt. 16:6. _Inq._ “You must not understand it thus, but believe that an ungodly man can indeed speak good things.” _Jac._ “It is written: ‘Praise is not seemly in the mouth of the ungodly, because they are not sent of God.’ Sir. 15:9. ‘And how shall they preach, except they be sent?’” Romans 10:15. _Inq._ “It is true, it is not seemly, but he does not say that it is not good.” _Jac._ “If it is not seemly, then it is not acceptable; for what repentance can an impenitent man proclaim? For, if a thief admonish his companion not to steal any more, will his word have any effect? will not his companion say: If it is wrong to do it, why do you do it yourself. Rom. 2:21. Ye hypocrites, cast out the beam out of your own eyes, and then shall you see clearly the dust in my eyes.” Matt. 7:5. _Inq._ “You pervert every Scripture into the contrary, according to your own notion and understanding; you must not build upon yourself so much, but subject your understanding to the understanding of those that are wiser than you are.” _Jac._ “My lord, I always speak, with your permission, that if anything better is proven to me, I will follow it.”

He arose and said: “It is time for me to go; see that you consider the matter well, and pray diligently to God.” _Jac._ “I know of nothing to consider, since you cannot prove to me anything different.” _Inq._ “What should I prove to you?” _Jac._ “I have asked you to show to me what pastors I must follow, and whether they are such as the Scriptures decree that they ought to be in life, doctrine and conversation.” _Inq._ “Follow those whom your parents followed.” Thereupon he left me.

Here I finished writing, because I was finally surprised by many persons and gainsayers.

This confession of Jacques was translated from the French into the Dutch.

* * * * *

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matt. 5:11,12.

HOW JACQUES D’AUCHY WAS BETRAYED, APPREHENDED, AND FELL INTO THE HANDS OF THE TYRANTS, AND WITH WHAT PUNISHMENT THE RIGHTEOUS GOD VISITED THIS TYRANT AND TRAITOR--A MEMORABLE AND INSTRUCTIVE EXAMPLE TO ALL TYRANTS AND TRAITORS.

There was a councilor at Harlingen, by the name of Mr. de Wael, who very diligently sought Jacques, addressed him in a friendly manner, and invited him to his house, saying that he had a letter for him. When Jacques arrived there, he cordially welcomed him, and urged him much to be his guest, seeming to be kindled with great love for old acquaintance’ sake. When he learned that Jacques could not stay, he, with friendly words, but the heart of a Judas, asked him to come again, and bring of his wares and work with him, ostensibly for the purpose of buying of him, Jacques being a peddler. In the meantime he secretly sent a messenger to Leeuwarden, to the council, for a commissary and a bailiff. When Jacques came again to him, he affably greeted him, sending in the meantime for the bailiff. When the latter arrived, the traitor malignantly said: “Apprehend him, behold, this is the man.” Thus they handled him with great severity, saying: “Hold still,” and searched him all over.

Then Jacques said: “O my lord, what have you done, that you have thus betrayed me, who trusted you with my life and all my property? Why do you seek my life, and thirst thus for my blood?” He replied: “Be content and suffer yourself to be bound: you must go with me to the prison.” He said he had to do this, to fulfill his oath, and read to Jacques his cruel, tyrannous mandate. He also made very strict inquiry for four other men. Jacques replied that he would not betray or deceive any one, but if he had aught against him, or had heard any one complain of him, he should tell him of it. The traitor replied that he had not heard anything of the kind, and that he was not apprehended on account of any crime, but simply because he had adhered to heresy; he, moreover, asked him whether he was not an Anabaptist. Jacques denied having adhered to heresy, and being an Anabaptist, saying that he had received but one baptism, according to the word of the Lord, upon his faith. When asked concerning the Roman church, Jacques replied that it was not of God. Upon this the traitor was seen to sigh deeply, his countenance simulating great sorrow as he said: “Oh! Jacques, must you fall into my hands?” Jacques replied: “My lord, I had placed confidence in you, on account of our old acquaintance, and because I had intercourse with you so long; but I will gladly and from my heart forgive you for this, and it is my earnest desire that the Lord may have mercy upon you.” He thanked Jacques for this favor, opining that in this he had not sinned before God, since he had to act according to his oath. Jacques said: “Do you consider this transaction right before God and men? the time will come when you will find it otherwise.” Wisdom 5:2. He then sent Jacques into the room and said to him: “You will be examined at Leeuwarden concerning your faith and doctrine.” While Jacques was imprisoned there, his wife came to him, upon which this friend of God was filled with great sorrow and anxiety, beholding her in such exceeding grief since she was also pregnant. The turnkey thrust her from him with great cruelty, but many of the bystanders most heartily wept with her, and entreated the turnkey, saying: “O let her go to him;” but it could not last long. Jacques said to her: “O my beloved, go home, and comfort yourself in the Lord; for I am imprisoned here for the word of God; and it will tend neither to your shame nor disgrace, since I have injured no one.” She said: “May the Lord strengthen you in the truth; for after this conflict there is prepared for you an eternal crown. O that I could die with you, and inherit that blissful life with you, then my heart would rejoice.” Jacques said: “O sister in the Lord, let not this grieve you, though I must go a little before you; it is the Lord’s will.” The turnkey could not bear this, but said: “Begone, quick!” Thereupon Jacques entreated him, saying: “O let us alone with God for a little while.” And thus these two dear lambs were separated, but hope to meet again at the resurrection of the just, where wailing and parting will be heard no more forever. Philip. 3:11; Rev. 7:17; 21:4; Is. 25:8.

Having, through the grace of God, undergone and endured manifold assaults, by way of numerous examinations and threats from the bloodthirsty, he died in great steadfastness for the testimony of Jesus. He was not put to death at the place of execution, but secretly murdered by night. Until quite recently trustworthy persons were still living, who early in the morning, after the night in the forepart of which he had been murdered, saw him in his leather clothes, lying dead in his blood. He now rests under the altar of Jesus, awaiting, with God’s chosen, a blessed resurrection and eternal life.

The abovementioned traitor, Mr. de Wael, was not long after this deed most severely smitten by God in punishment for his murderous treachery, in consequence of which he departed out of this world in a most awful manner, as a solemn and significant warning to all that are inclined to follow his example in this respect; for he was soon driven from Leeuwarden, with great reproach and ignominy from the common people, so that the boatman, who was to convey him away, was with him in danger of his life, so that he begged most urgently that his life might be spared; for the traitor was most unmercifully pelted with stones by the common people and the children, and ignominiously reproached for his treachery, being called a Judas, rogue, miscreant and arch-heretic. To his great disgrace and reproach they sang of him the following verses, which had been composed by Jacques:

“He said: I had to find you--
Now from my oath I’m free;
Submit and let us bind you;
To prison go with me.”

And also:

“And is it right your dealing,
Before the Lord and men?
The time is surely coming
When you will doubtless ken,” etc.

God the Lord had also punished him with severe leprosy, with which he was likewise most ignominiously taunted. Whenever they had sang a stanza of said hymn, they would derisively exclaim: “You leprous Judas and treacherous rogue, do you ken it now?” The stones increased the longer the more, so that the boatman who was to convey him away, saw his own life imperiled, and cried out that he had to convey him off by order of the lord. Thus he was driven from Leeuwarden with great disgrace and ignominy, and had to roam about from place to place, an object of scorn and contempt, until he was finally consumed by leprosy, and, like Antioch and Herod, died a terrible and premature death, an example to all his followers. 2 Macc. 9:9; Acts 12:23. The reports among the common people concerning this matter, are of a still much more horrible nature, than the account we have given here.

CONFESSION OF A WOMAN CALLED CLAESKEN, WHO LAID DOWN HER LIFE FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS, A. D. 1559.

_Questions and answers between the commissary and Claesken._

The commissary first interrogated me concerning my name, the place I was from, my age, and other like things. He then asked me: “Are you baptized?” Claesken. “Yes.” _Com._ “Who baptized you?” _Cl._ “Jelis of Aix-la-Chapelle.” _Com._ “The deceiver; he himself has renounced his belief. How did he do when he baptized you?” _Cl._ “He baptized me in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” _Com._ “Where did you receive baptism?” _Cl._ “At Workum, in the field.” _Com._ “Were there others present?” _Cl._ “Yes.” _Com._ “Who were they?” _Cl._ “I have forgotten.” _Com._ “What brought you there?” _Cl._ “I have forgotten.”

I could truthfully give this answer both times.

_Com._ “Are your children not baptized?” _Cl._ “My youngest two are not.” _Com._ “Why did you not have your children baptized?” _Cl._ “Because I was satisfied with them as the Lord had given them to me.” _Com._ “Why were you so satisfied with Abraham and Sicke, and not with Douwe; you had Douwe baptized?” _Cl._ “I did not know it then.” _Com._ “What did you not know then?” _Cl._ “What I know now.” _Com._ “What do you know now?” _Cl._ “What the Lord has given me to know.” _Com._ “What has the Lord given you to know?” _Cl._ “That I cannot find it in the Scriptures, that this ought to be.” _Com._ “How long have you not been to church?” _Cl._ “Not for nine or ten years.”

These are the questions which he put to me; but he used far more words, and when I did not readily answer him, he said that I had a dumb devil in me, that the devil transformed himself into an angel of light in us, and that we were all heretics. He then read to me the articles I had confessed, and said it should come before the lords, and that if I desired it, he would write it differently. I replied: “You need not change anything.”

_Questions and answers between the inquisitor and Claesken._

_Inquisitor._ “Why did you have yourself baptized?” _Claesken._ “The Scriptures speak of a new life. John first calls to repentance, Christ himself also, and afterwards the apostles; they taught the people to repent and reform, and then to be baptized. Thus did I repent and reform, and was baptized.” Against this he did not say much. _Inq._ “Why did you not have your children baptized?” Cl. “I cannot find in the Scriptures that this ought to be.” _Inq._ “David says: ‘I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.’ Ps. 51:5. Since children are born with original sin, they must be baptized, if they are to be saved.” Cl. “If a man can be saved by an external sign, then Christ has died in vain.” _Inq._ “It is written, John 3:5, that we must be born again, of water and of the Spirit; hence, children must be baptized.” Cl. “Christ does not say this to children, but to the adult; therefore did I become regenerated. We know that the children are in the hands of the Lord. The Lord said: ‘Suffer little children to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 19:14. _Inq._ “The household of Stephanas was baptized, which probably also included children.” 1 Cor. 1:16. _Cl._ “We do not depend on probabilities; we have the certain assurance.” He did not say much against this either. _Inq._ “What do you think of the holy church?” _Cl._ “I think much of it.” Inq. “Why then do you not go to church?” _Cl._ “I think nothing of your church-going.” _Inq._ “Do you believe that God is Almighty?” _Cl._ “Yes, I believe this.” _Inq._ “Do you then also believe that Christ consecrates himself, and is present in the bread? Paul says: ‘The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? And the cup which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?’” 1 Cor. 10:16. _Cl._ “I well know what Paul says, and believe it, too.” _Inq._ “Christ said: ‘Take, eat; this is my body;’ and Paul likewise.” Matt. 26:26; 1 Cor. 11:24. _Cl._ “I well know what Christ and Paul say, and thus I believe.” _Inq._ “Do you believe that Christ consecrates himself, and is present in the bread?” _Cl._ “Christ sitteth at the right hand of his Father; he does not come under men’s teeth.” _Inq._ “If you continue in this belief, you will have to go into the abyss of hell forever. It is what all heretics say. Jelis of Aix-la-Chapelle has deceived you; he himself has renounced his belief, because he saw that he had erred.” _Cl._ “I do not depend on Jelis, or any other man, but only on Christ; he is our foundation, upon whom we have built ourselves, even as Christ teaches us in his Gospel: Whosoever heareth my words, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock; and though storms come, and beat against the house, yet it will not fall. Matt. 7:24. These now are the storms that beat against our house; but Christ is our stronghold, and he will preserve us.” _Inq._ “You do not understand it; there are many other writings, of which you know nothing.” _Cl._ “We need no other writings than the holy Gospel, which Christ himself, with his blessed mouth, has spoken to us, and sealed with his blood; if we can observe that, we shall be saved.” _Inq._ “You should suffer yourself to be instructed; the holy fathers instituted churching[278] fifteen hundred years ago.” _Cl._ “The holy fathers did not have this holiness; these are human commandments and institutions. Neither did the apostles practice this holiness; I never read it.” _Inq._ “Are you wiser than the holy church?” _Cl._ “I do not wish to do anything against the holy church; I have yielded myself to the obedience of the holy church.” _Inq._ “You should think: Do I know better than the holy fathers fifteen hundred years ago? You should think that you are simple.” _Cl._ “Though I am simple before men, I am not simple in the knowledge of the Lord. Do you not know that the Lord thanked his Father, that he had hid these things from the wise and prudent, and had revealed them to the simple and unto babes?” Matt. 11:25.

[278] Den Kerck-gang.

At one time there were also two monks with him, who were to instruct me. They had but little to say, only that we were people of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 6:5; 2 Tim. 3:7,8. I replied: “When the day of the Lord will come, you will find it to be otherwise; take heed lest you then be of those who will say: ‘These are they whom we had in derision; behold, how they are now numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints.’ Wis. 5:3,5. Then they said: “Behold, she judges us.” I replied: “I do not judge you; but I tell you to take heed unto yourselves. Now our life is accounted madness, and our end to be without honor; but when the day of the Lord comes, it will be found quite different.” The sum of the matter was, that I had a devil, and was deceived. I said: “Is Christ then a deceiver?” He replied: “No; Christ is no deceiver.” I said: “Then I am not deceived; I neither seek nor desire anything else than to fear the Lord with all my heart, and (knowingly) not to transgress one tittle of his commandments.” After he had talked to me still further, he said: “I can tell you nothing else; you may consider the matter.” I replied: “I need not consider it otherwise; I know full well that I hold the truth.”

When I came before him again, he said: “Claesken, to what conclusion have you come?” _Cl._ “I have concluded to adhere to that to which the Lord has called me.” Matt. 20:1. _Inq._ “The devil has called you, who transforms himself into an angel of light in you people.” When he examined me the sixth time, he asked me: “When Christ held his supper with his apostles, did he not give them his flesh to eat, and his blood to drink.” _Cl._ “He gave them bread and wine, and he gave them his body for redemption.” _Inq._ “Christ certainly clearly says: ‘Take, eat; this is my flesh;’ you certainly cannot contradict this.” _Cl._ “Paul says: ‘I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his apostles, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.’ 1 Cor. 11:23–26. Thus Christ left us his supper, that we should remember his death by it, that he gave his body and shed his blood for us. This supper I want to hold with the people of God, and no other.”

He held to his twaddle: that we must eat Christ’s flesh, and drink his blood, since this were clearly implied by the words of Christ and of Paul.

_Cl._ “Since the words are so plain, I can well understand them; but it is as Paul says: that those who do not turn to the Lord, have a vail before their hearts; but those who turn to the Lord, from their hearts the vail is taken away. 2 Cor. 3:14–16. We have turned to the Lord; nothing is hid to us.” _Inq._ “In the 6th chapter of John (verse 53) Christ also clearly says that we must eat his flesh, and drink his blood.” _Cl._ “It is also written there: ‘Then the Jews murmured, and said: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Christ said: Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, ye have no life in you.’ Again, he says: ‘Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.’ He also said: ‘Flesh and blood profit nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’ Those who believe in God, and walk in all righteousness, they are temples of God, in whom God will dwell and walk, as Paul testifies.” 2 Cor. 6:16.

When he examined me the seventh time, he said: “Do you not believe that the apostles ate the flesh of Christ?” _Cl._ “Christ took the bread, gave thanks, brake it, and gave it to his disciples, and his body he gave for their redemption.” _Inq._ “Do you not believe otherwise?” _Cl._ “I do not believe otherwise than Christ has spoken.” _Inq._ “Then I declare unto you, that I am clear of your blood; your blood be upon your own head.” _Cl._ “I am well satisfied with this.” _Inq._ “Herewith I commit you to the lord.”

He afterwards examined me once more, and asked me: “Do you not yet believe that the apostles ate the flesh of Christ?” _Cl._ “I have told you.” _Inq._ “Tell it now.” _Cl._ “I will not tell it again.” _Inq._ “Do you still persist in your views respecting baptism?” _Cl._ “You certainly well know that the penitent ought to be baptized.” _Inq._ “This is true enough, if for instance a Jew comes, who is not baptized yet. Are you still of the same opinion in regard to infant baptism?” _Cl._ “Yes.” _Inq._ “Do you not believe otherwise?” _Cl._ “I do not believe otherwise than Christ has commanded.” _Inq._ “Then I declare unto you, that you will be tormented forever in the abyss of hell.” _Cl._ “How dare you judge me so awfully, seeing judgment belongs to the Lord alone? Acts 17:31. I am not terrified by this; I know better, when the day of the Lord comes, it will be found different.”

I then asked him: “What does my husband say?” _Inq._ “Your husband also still persists in his views; may the Lord enlighten you.” _Cl._ “We are already enlightened, the Lord be praised.”

Concerning my baptism he did not say much, nor about infant baptism; but the whole of his talk was that we must eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood, and that this had been instituted fifteen hundred years ago, and that I was simple and had hardly once read the Testament through. I said: “Do you think that we run on uncertainties? We are not ignorant of the contents of the New Testament. We forsake our dear children, whom I would not forsake for the whole world, and we stake upon it all that we have--should we run on uncertainties yet? we seek nothing but our salvation; you certainly cannot prove to us by the Scriptures, that we practice and believe one tittle against the word of the Lord.” But he only said that we had all from the devil, and that we were possessed of the devil of pride. I said: “We know that the proud are cast down from their seats.” Luke 1:52. He talked so long, that he sometimes already fancied that I would heed him; hence I had to speak now and then, because I did not want him to think this; I could not bear to hear him speak so awfully against the truth.

_A letter by Claesken to her friends according to the flesh, and also according to the spirit, written in prison, the 14th of March, A. D. 1559, at which time, or thereabouts, she, her dear husband, and her brother Jacques, were put to death for the testimony of Jesus._

The Lord, through his great grace and mercy, grant that all those who hunger and thirst after righteousness may be filled.

My dearly beloved friends, N., my heartfelt prayer and request of you is once more, that you will peruse and search the holy Scriptures, and learn to fear the Lord from the heart; for “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov. 9:10. Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets; she crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and ye refused: I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices ... but whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Prov. 1:20–31, 33; Isaiah 65:12; Ps. 2:4; Job 27:6.

Behold, my dear friends, lay this to heart, that the Lord will not hear those who do not fear him now (John 9:31); and how precious the fear of the Lord is to him that will choose it; for nothing is to be compared to her. The fear of the Lord is honor, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness and a long life. Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favor in the day of his death. The love of God is honorable. Those to whom wisdom showeth her face, love her through seeing her, and in the knowledge of her benefits. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; and the fear of the Lord is true religion. The knowledge of religion shall keep the heart, and justify it; it shall give joy and gladness. The godfearing shall prosper in the day of life, and at his end he shall be blessed. To fear the Lord is fullness of wisdom. The fear of God is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish. The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord: but unto the sinner wisdom is a curse. The fear of the Lord driveth out sin; for he that is without fear cannot be justified. Sir. 1:11. Be not faithless; for into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter, nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin. John 20:27; Wis. 1:4.

My beloved friends, lay it to heart, how great a difference there is between those who fear the Lord, and them that do not fear him. Mal. 3:18. Search well the Scriptures, that you will not be like the cities concerning which Christ says in the gospel, that because they did not lay to heart his mighty works, which were done in their presence, it should be more tolerable for those of Sodom and Gomorrah at the day of judgment, than for them. Matthew 11:20. Therefore dear friends, the Lord does yet even now show such mighty works through us before your eyes; let it strengthen you, as Paul says that many of the brethren waxed confident in the Lord by his bonds, and were much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philip. 1:14. My dear friends, consider well, when the Lord did his mighty works, he did not do them for the sake of a single individual, as we read in John, when he raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:42), but that the people should see his mighty deeds, and believe in him, though only some believed in him, and some were offended at him, and said: Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Thus it is also at the present day with those who do not believe; for though they well see how strong and mighty the Lord is with us, yet they are offended at it, and say that we do this from stubbornness. And when we say that the righteous must suffer persecution, they say that we are persecuted for anabaptism. Thus it is to them a cause of offense; but those who believe God well know that we must suffer for righteousness sake; these, I hope, it will strengthen, and to us, be a trial unto our eternal salvation, through the grace of God. 1 Pet. 2:6,8; Matthew 5:10.