Thus extracted from the book of criminal sentences of the city of Amsterdam, in the keeping of the secretary there.
N. N.
FELISTIS JANS, SURNAMED RESINX, BURNT AT AMSTERDAM, FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, ON THE 16th OF JANUARY, IN THE YEAR 1553.
On the same day, in the same court, and for the same reason, also a certain maiden, named Felistis Jans, and surnamed Resinx, a native of Vreden, in Westphalia, was sentenced to the fire, as appears from the written sentence which we have concerning it, from the original criminal records of the city of Amsterdam, as also the date when she was tortured, all of which we could here adduce verbatim; however, to avoid prolixity, we will briefly extract the substance from it, making distinct divisions, so that it may be clearly seen upon what her death was founded.
BRIEF EXTRACT FROM THE SENTENCE OF DEATH OF FELISTIS, DAUGHTER OF JANS, OR FELISTIS RESINX.
After giving her name, and the place of her nativity, there are presented first the accusations with which she was charged, comprised in the following divisions:
1. That she had resorted to the assembly of the sect of the Anabaptists.
2. That she had separated from the obedience and faith of the (so-called) holy (that is, the Roman) church.
3. That she held pernicious views with regard to the sacrament of the altar.
4. That she had harbored in her house such persons as she knew to belong to said sect (that is, to the sect of the so-called Anabaptists).
5. That she had seduced several persons from the obedience of the (Roman) church, to her belief.
6. That she herself obstinately adhered to the aforementioned (so-called) errors, refusing to abandon them.
7. That all this was contrary to the ordinances of the holy church, and the decrees of his Imperial Majesty.
Thereupon follows the conclusion, namely: That for this she should be executed with fire by the executioner, and that all her property should be confiscated or forfeited, for the benefit of the Emperor.
Thus pronounced, etc., as above.
Then the time is mentioned, when she was tortured, in regard to which these words are found: “This Felistis was subjected to the torture or rack the 2d of January, 1553.”
Extracted from the book of criminal sentences, in the keeping of the secretary of the city of Amsterdam.
N. N.
Note.—The year in which the death of this Felistis occurred, was not correctly noted258 by the preceding writers of the History of the Martyrs, nor was her full name259 given, until we, by means of the aforementioned sentence, made the necessary corrections.
Besides the above, it is also worthy of note that old writers state that she was a virtuous and honorable young maiden, and that through her long imprisonment she became so intimate with the jailer’s wife, that the latter employed her as maid-servant, to assist her in her household duties.
When it happened upon a time, that the jailer’s wife had some filth to carry out doors, but had no one around her whom she could order to do it, Felistis said: “Shall I do it?” whereupon the jailer’s wife replied: “Would you not run away?” Felistis said: “No.” But reflecting a little on the matter, and considering the frailness of human intentions, she would not undergo this test, and hence, declined to do it, which was certainly a good resolution on the part of a seemingly weak young maiden.
Shortly after, the old writers state, she was seen coming to the scaffold, to be burnt, cleanly attired and having on a white apron, as though by her outward garments she meant to indicate how purely and uprightly a Christian virgin ought to be adorned inwardly, in order to be acceptable before her beloved heavenly bridegroom, Christ Jesus.
Thus she offered up her sacrifice, and was numbered among the holy and God-pleasing martyrs. Compare this with the Martyrs Mirror of the Defenseless Christians, edition 1631, page 125.
WOUTER VAN CAPELLE, A. D. 1553.
In the year 1553, a godfearing brother, named Wouter Capelle, was apprehended at Diexmuyde, in Flanders, for living according to and following the word of God, and confessed and sealed the faith of the truth with his death and blood at said place; as an instructive example worthy of imitation to all true believers, to look at his end, and to follow their faith, especially the Captain of the faith, Christ Jesus, blessed for ever. And since this witness of God suffered for the truth and testimony of the word of God, and not for any crime, he obtained, through the grace of God, the crown of eternal life, promised by God to all those put to death by men for the word of God: that they shall be raised up in great glory at the last day.
TIJS, A YOUNG MAN, AND BEERENTGE, A YOUNG MAIDEN, A. D. 1553.
In the year 1553, a bachelor, named Tijs, and a maiden by the name of Beerentge, were drowned at Leeuwaerden, in Friesland, for the testimony of Jesus. They were two zealous followers of Christ; for this reason they had a great desire to meet at some time for the purpose of rejoicing with each other in the word of God. However, this could not well be, since Tijs was lame, and Beerentge was constantly confined to her bed. But at last God permitted them to come together; for the persecutors went out to apprehend the people of God, who, having perceived this, escaped their hands for this time: however, the former were not willing to return empty-handed, and hence, took with them the aforementioned two invalid persons, and brought them prisoners to Leeuwaerden, where they were confined together for some time, during which they rejoiced very greatly with each other in the Lord their Creator, so that love, which is stronger than death, and firmer than hell, shone forth most fervently. Cant. 8:6. Sentence of death was therefore then passed upon them, namely, that both should be drowned. This was taken greatly amiss on the part of Tijs; it grieved him much, and he said: “Cats and dogs are drowned.” Hence they sought to obtain a transmutation of the sentence and requested to be executed on the place of execution, so that they might obtain the crown with their beloved brethren, and that the people present might hear and see for what cause they died. But this was refused them, and the execution of the sentence was proceeded with. They, about midnight, (ashamed as it were, to put to death such infirm persons) put both together into a bag, with their mouths gagged, threw them into a boat, and had them cast into the moat on the outside of the wall, and having been tied to the boat, the two were dragged along the moat until death ensued. Thus they rid themselves of these pious lights and witnesses of Christ, whom their eyes could not bear to look upon. Wis. 2:15. But the righteous God, who goes with his people through water and fire (Isa. 53:2), will avenge this deed in due time, and give these worthy children of God rest and peace with him forever; and this murder, which was perpetrated in the dark, will be justly avenged in his great day, when every secret shall be brought into the light of open day.
Concerning this, see hymn in History Liedt-boeck.
SIMON THE SHOP-KEEPER, A. D. 1553.
About the year 1553 there was at Bergen op Zoom, in Brabant, a shop-keeper, named Simon, who stood in the market place, to sell his wares. When the priests passed him with their idol, this Simon did not dare give divine honor to this idol made by human hands (Dan. 3:18), but, according to the testimony of God presented in the holy Scriptures, would worship and serve only the Lord his God. He was therefore apprehended by the maintainers of the Roman antichrist, and examined in the faith, which he freely confessed, rejecting their self-invented infant baptism together with all human commandments, and holding fast only to the testimony of the word of God; hence he was sentenced to death by the enemies of the truth, and was thus led without the city, and burnt for the testimony of Jesus. Many of the people present were therefore greatly astonished when they beheld the great boldness and steadfastness of this pious witness of God, who thus through grace obtained the crown of eternal life.
The Bailiff who had him executed, on returning home from this deed, was laid upon a bed of severe sickness, and constantly exclaimed with sorrow and remorse: “O Simon, Simon!” and although the priests and monks sought to absolve him, they were nevertheless not able to give him the least comfort, but he soon died in despair, an instructive and memorable example to all tyrants and persecutors. 2 Macc. 9:9,28; Acts 12:23.
JOOS KINDT, A. D. 1553. A LETTER OR CONFESSION OF JOOS KINDT, IMPRISONED AT KORTRIJCK, WHERE HE SUBSEQUENTLY LOST HIS LIFE AT THE STAKE, FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS, A. D. 1553, RECKONING THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR FROM NEW YEAR’S DAY.
Grace be with you, and peace, from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ; may he comfort and strengthen us with his Holy Spirit, that we may be able to stand against the assaults of the devil, who, as Peter says, walketh about us, as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, and resist him with a firm faith. Know then, dear friends, that I have such a conflict against the carnal lords, insomuch that they assail me with their sophistries, seeking to draw me from the obedience of our dear Lord; however, I trust that the Lord will succor me, which I do not doubt; for God, comforting his own, says through the prophet Isaiah (49:15): “Though a mother forsake her child, yet will I not forsake thee;” which the Lord shows in me in a wonderful manner—let every tongue praise him. Yea, if I had as much paper as I ever wrote on, and time to write, I could not describe the joy and gladness I experience; yea, my joy is unspeakable.
But N. is sick, and asks that you would diligently entreat the Lord for him; for he is ready to go into the fire, but he cannot resist the enemies of the cross; for they assail him with sophisms, for their teacher, the devil, knows much sophistry, which he showed when he came to tempt our Savior in the wilderness, as is written in the Gospel. Now, if he employed his sophistry on our Savior, I am not cast down, though I have a little of conflict; for, dear friends, they could easily be resisted if they used arguments, but they assail him altogether with lies. Since their father is a liar, as our Savior also told them, they have the nature of their father, which they partly manifested with regard to me, all of which I cannot communicate to you; but I hope that the Lord will give me so much grace that I may write a little about the disputation with the carnal.
Know then, that Ronse and Polet came into the prison on Saturday afternoon, and summoned me before them. When I came to them, I asked them what they wished of me. They replied: “This will be told you.” They inquired how old I was. I replied: “That I do not know; if you want correct information on this point, you must ask my mother.”
Ronse. “Tell us as near as you know.”
Joos. “Between twenty and thirty years.” Then their clerk wrote: “Between thirty and forty.”
Ronse. “When were you to confession last?”
Joos. “Why do you ask this?”
Ronse. “I want to know it.”
Joos. “You did not have me apprehended? you well know how it is with me.”
Ans. “We do.”
Joos. “Of whom are you, or in whose name have you come to me?”
Ans. “In the name of God.”
Joos. “I don’t believe this.”
Ques. “Why?”
Joos. “Because you have apprehended me, to find out how it is with me; for all whom the Lord has sent to go and teach, imprisoned no one; for he sent them out, and commanded them, that if they came to a place, and were not received, they should shake off the dust from their feet, and depart from there.” Matt. 10:14.
Polet. “You have doubtless read, that Paul delivered some to the devil.” 1 Cor. 5:5.
Joos. “Show me where Paul cast them into prison; this I want to know of you.”
Polet. “I don’t know.”
Joos. “Why then do you undertake to quote Scriptures to any one, which you do not understand yourself? yea, more than that, to apprehend people, to bring them to the faith, even if your faith were good, which I do not hold to be the case, for I do not believe that you are from God.”
Ques. “Why?”
Joos. “Because the Lord says: ‘I will have obedience, and not sacrifice’ (1 Sam. 15:22); and because ye do not obey him.”
Ques. “Wherein?”
Joos. “Because Christ commanded to point the erring to the right way; now, you say that I have gone astray—why then did you not show me what is right? for I seek nothing but what is right.”
Ans. “For this purpose we have come.”
Joos. “Then you should have come to the place where I lived.”
Ans. “We did not know where you lived.”
Joos. “You knew it well enough to send the Bailiff.”
Ans. “Had you been a good sheep, it would not have been necessary.”
Joos. “Christ left the ninety and nine, and went to seek that which was lost.”
Then Ronse said: “Do you not believe that I am appointed your superior, by our holy father, the Pope, and our gracious lord, the Emperor?”
Joos. “I know no superior save Christ.”
Ques. “How; don’t you recognize the Emperor at all?”
I told him, that I was well content to have him be my superior according to the flesh. Then they wrote that I recognized no superior according to the spirit save Christ, and the Emperor according to the flesh.
Ronse then said: “When were you to confession last, tell me this?”
Joos. “I do not wish to speak to you here.”
Ques. “Why?”
Joos. “I shall speak before the lords in full court.”
“There,” said they, “it would be at the risk of your life, if you should say anything of consequence. Tell me,” said he, “what do you think of infant baptism?” Being urged to speak, I replied: “Nothing.”
Ronse. “Yea, in what baptism then do you believe?”
Joos. “I know of but one faith, and one baptism.”
Ronse. “How long since you were baptized?”
Joos. “Half a year, or thereabout.” This they noted down.
Ques. “What do you hold concerning the Roman church?”
Joos. “I do not hold the least article of all they hold.”
This was also written down. They asked me so much, that I said to them: “I have freely confessed my faith, and am ready to go alive into the fire for it; hence be content that you know my faith.” They asked a great deal. I said: “Go away from me; I regard you as enemies of the cross of Christ; hence, go away from me, for you know the ground of my faith, which I have freely confessed to you. Do therefore to me what you please; for it is through the grace of the Lord that I have these members, and I am also ready to give them up by the grace of the Lord, yea, to present them for his holy praise.” 2 Macc. 7:11. They spoke much, but I said: “Go away from me, and come no more where I am, for you are against God. Matt. 12:30. Do you not fear the Lord? See what is written Matt. 13, concerning the tares of the field. Now since you say that I am evil, the Lord has commanded that it should be left to grow until the harvest.”
Ans. “If we were to let it grow up, you would corrupt us all.”
Polet. “Does not Augustine say”—
Joos. “Don’t speak of Augustine, for I do not know him; I hold no doctrine save that of the apostles and prophets, and of the words which our Savior brought from high heaven, from the mouth of his heavenly Father, and sealed with his precious blood; for this I want to go into the fire; but Augustine, Gregory, Ambrose, these I know not.”
Ronse. “Yea, do you not believe that our blessed Savior is concealed in the holy sacrament?”
Joos. “I do not believe this.”
Ronse. “Where then is he?”
Joos. “At the right hand of his heavenly Father, and he will at the last descend with the glory of his Father, to judge the quick and the dead. Fear this strict judgment, and amend your ways; put on sackcloth and clothing of hair; repent, and go to the people, whom you keep running after your false worship; warn them, for you murder their souls, since you say that you have the key of the kingdom of heaven, from the time of St. Peter, and that the same has always remained in your possession. Well does Christ say that you have the key, and that you will not enter yourselves, and those that desire to go in you hinder.” Matt. 23:13.
Ronse. “Who baptized you? did Jelis the Baptist, baptize you?”
Joos. “You know how it is with me; be satisfied.”
Polet. “It was Adam Pastor.”
Ronse. “Or David Joris.”
I kept silent.
Ronse. “Joos, tell me who were your sponsors?”
Joos. “I know of no sponsors.”
Ronse. “Your witnesses?”
Joos. “I have told you that it took place; hence be content therewith; for I have such confidence in the Lord, that I trust he will keep the door of my mouth so that I shall tell you nothing, though you should tear me to pieces.”
They asked me a great deal. I said: “Go away from me; for you are not of God.” They replied: “We are.” I said: “Away! go away from me, go from me, and come no more where I am.” Much more yet took place, but it would take too long to write it. Finally they went away, and I was led back into my cell.
On Sunday I was taken to the house of the Judges where the court was assembled. There were also present there Salome, Sir Cornelis, Dean of Kestenne, Ronse, and Polet. I was placed in the middle, firmly bound, and held by two thief-catchers. I said: “My lords, what is your wish?” Ronse. “This will be told you.” They then read the confession of my faith, which they had written in prison, and asked me whether I was still of the same mind. I replied: “Yes; I am still ready to go into the fire for it.” Ronse asked whether I did not believe that Christ had taken his flesh from Mary. I said: “No.” Then it seemed as though Sir Cornelis would faint away; he blessed and crossed himself much, and all were horrified. There was a little discussion about it; but they, like dragons, breathed their poison into the judges, each taking a judge, and said: “True, it is written so; but he has not the understanding; the Scriptures want to be understood.” And they adduced many far-fetched sophisms, and filled the ears of the lords, and asked me many sophistical questions. I said: “I have confessed my faith to you; be satisfied therewith; and I pray you, not that I am worthy of it, but by the crimson blood of our dear Lord, let me in peace; you have my faith, and hold me in your hands here: be satisfied, and do what you please.”
Then Ronse asked me whether I had not been present somewhere, and adjured me three times by my baptism, that I should tell who was present. I told him that I would not tell him one word. Ronse said: “You have denied your baptism; Menno will take it ill, that you deny your baptism.” I said: “My faith and baptism I know, but with your adjuration I have nothing to do; I thereby know that you are sorcerers.” Then Polet said: “We may swear.” I replied: “See Matt. 5, whether he does not prohibit swearing altogether.” They said: “No.” I said. “Yes.” Then Polet looked into a Bible which they had brought with them, a large book, and it read there just as I had said.
Thereupon Sir Cornelis said: “The Bible is false; our Latin Bible reads differently.” I said: “Do you bring false books to me? Why do you say it is false? And it is privileged—why then do you let them circulate with privilege, seeing you examine them?” He replied: “I did not examine them.” I said: “Some of the learned men at Louvain.” Then Ronse whispered to Sir Cornelis Roose and said: “It is true, they are examined, and were good, but the printer had a boy, who misprinted them, while his master was gone to town. Ronse asked me how it came that I so easily believed a man whom I perhaps would never more see, and suffered myself to be baptized by him; and that I would not believe them, whom I saw daily, yea, them who were present and had instructed me at this time and before, as they said, and why I would not believe my pastor, who daily preached the gospel. I replied [that I did not believe him] because he was a liar, and that I had heard him preach that it could nowhere be found written that Mary was a mother and a virgin. But (he said) because their church taught it, therefore it had to be believed. Therefore, said I, I will not hear him, since I had read the contrary in Isaiah (7:14), and in Matthew and in other places. Having thus heard lies proceed out of your mouth, I after this heard neither you nor any other, and I hope by the grace of the Lord I never shall.” He said: “No.” I said: “Yes, and I offer my body to the rack, against yours.” But he had no desire for it, and said: “What! should I go to the rack? You assert that our church is not good, because we are not blameless; are you blameless? There are such of your people that have committed murder, because men would not believe them, nay, would not adhere to their doctrine.” I said: “Did you see this in me, or anything else that is unseemly? I am here in the hands of the judges, that they punish me for it.” Ronse said: “We know nothing of this kind of you.” I said: “Then don’t tell me what another does, nor consider me bad on account of the misdeeds of others. No one is to bear the burden of another; you are not to bear mine, nor I yours. The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Gal. 6:5; Ezekiel 18:20.
Much more yet was said by them, but it is not worth while to write it. They also said that Christ had said that the scribes and the Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat, and that he had commanded us to do after their commandments, but not after their works; therefore, said they, do what we advise you, but do not after our works, since Christ teaches this. Matthew 23:1,2. I asked: “Who did Christ say sat in Moses’ seat?” Ans. “The Pharisees.” I asked again: “Does this Scripture belong to you?” Ans. “Yes.” I said: “Then you confess that you are of their generation?”
Then Sir Cornelis, the parish priest, asked me why I did not believe in one article of the Roman church. I doubtless believed that Christ was crucified, which the Roman church also believes, which was certainly an article; and why I believed that Matthew’s gospel was gospel, which was nowhere written; [he also said that] he would show me that Paul wrote before the evangelists. I then said: “Show me that Paul wrote before Matthew.” Sir Cornelis said: “What have you to do with that?” I replied: “Should I have nothing to do with it? my life and soul are at stake, according to what you say.” Sir Cornelis said: “He is overcome.” I said: “Be silent, you are not worthy of being spoken to, and see that you do not say in my absence, that you overcame me, or that I have the devil in me, or condemn me among the simple people, and deceive them still more.” Then Ronse said: “You are damned, if you remain so.” I said: “Why?” Ronse replied: “Because you believe not.” I said: “I do believe, and I adhere so firmly to my faith, that I would rather go into the fire, than transgress a single point.”
Much more took place which would be too long to write. Finally I was led back into prison, where two shackles were put on me. I said: “I am ready, not only to suffer myself to be shackled, but also to die the most ignominious death for the name of the Lord.” Acts 21:13.
On Monday Polet and the fat-monger came, and asked me how it was with me. I told them that it had never been as well, for which I praised the Lord. They said that they were very glad of it. Polet then said: “Joos, how can your cause and your church be good—the Germans have a congregation, and the English have one; but where are the members of your congregation? You alone are not a church. Let us hear whether you are also a flock, and who your members are.” Then said I five or six times: “Get thee behind me, and depart from me, Satan;” whereupon they both ran away. Then I said: “Now you speak; at the judgment another shall speak.” Thus I saw them no more. I have heard that I am to be severely tortured; for they think to obtain from me all the particulars; but I trust the Lord, that he will keep my lips. Hence, pray the Lord for me, that he will succor me, for they thirst for much blood; but they can do no more than the Lord permits them. Therefore I commend myself into the hands of the Lord; and anything you may hear which is not in this letter, regard as lies. In token of the truth I hope to seal this letter with my blood. To this end may God give his grace, that his name may be praised thereby.
ANOTHER LETTER OR CONFESSION OF JOOS KINDT.
To the praise of the Father.
I Joos Kindt, imprisoned for the testimony in Jesus Christ, entreat and admonish all dear friends, and all dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, with the grace of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, entreating by this grace, that they not only heed or live according to my entreaty or admonition, but that each (as I hope by the help of God) will heed the warning of the Lord, and that each endeavor to amend his sinful life, which I doubt not everyone does who fears the Lord with all his heart; for the Scripture says: “He that feareth the Lord will do good; yea, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Sir. 15:1; 1:14. Since then the fear of God guides us to virtue, let us fear the Lord; for Christ Jesus requires this of us with his blessed lips, when he says: “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but fear him which after he hath killed, hath power to cast soul and body into eternal damnation.” Matt. 10:28. Therefore I admonish you with these words, and not with them alone, but with the whole sum of the Scriptures, that each will strive to keep them (Luke 12:28); for Christ says: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matt. 7:24–27.
Therefore, let every one strive to give diligence to take heed to himself, and to redeem the perilous time; for Paul says: “Redeem the time, because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:16. Hence, make good use of the time, and exhort one another; for necessity demands it; and let each arm himself well, even as Paul admonishes us: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” Eph. 6:12. Paul was right when he taught this. I well experience it now. The Lord be praised, who assists me so faithfully with these weapons, and, even as he promised to give us a mouth to speak, when we should be brought before such, has now opened my mouth, praise to him, so that through the grace of the Lord I valiantly defend myself with the word of my Lord, and have manfully resisted my enemies five times, not only my enemies, but the enemies of the cross of Christ, as you will hear further.
Know, that on the afternoon of the day called St. Thomas, in Babel, as I was lying in the cell I have always occupied, I saw and heard that carnal and worldly lords came into the prison, and also the chief Bailiff. The servants then came and said: “Joos, come out.” Then said I in my heart: “O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.” Ps. 51:15. With this I came in before them. Then Ronse and Polet both lifted their caps, and said: “Joos, God greet you,” and nodded their heads to me. I also lifted my cap, saying: “I esteem God worthy of such greeting, yea, and more, I am ready to give back these members—which he has given me through his grace—for his name and to his praise; I deem the Lord worthy of so much; for he has deemed us of sufficient value in his sight to die a better death for us.” Then the inquisitors said: “Joos, have you not yet considered the matter? Will you not yet desist?” I said: “Yes, always from doing evil. Why did you not ask me this, when I yet ran in wickedness, and practiced all manner of unrighteousness?” They replied: “You could have gone and heard the sermons.” They also inquired concerning my faith, which I freely confessed. Then they said: “Speak to us, and tell us whether you have not yet considered the matter.” I said: “I will not speak to you; for you are not of God; how should I believe in you? Christ died for me; in this I believe; but you would not be willing to die for me; neither this dean nor that (there were two deans present, Ronse and Olymaecker); neither this curate nor that, would be willing to die for me. I am imprisoned for my life; set me free and die for me.” Ans. “Who teaches this?” I said: “Christ. He says: The good shepherd loves his sheep, and gives his life for his sheep. John 10:11. You say that I shall be damned, if I persist in my purpose.” Ronse said: “Yes.” I said further: “It is surprising, then, that you should kill me; seeing, therefore, that I hold a purpose for which I shall be damned; let me go until I exchange it for a better.” Ans. “We will leave you.” “Yes,” said I, “and deliver me over.” Matt. 27:2. Polet said: “Paul delivered some into the hands of the devil.” 1 Corinthians 5:5. I said: “So do you also; you have damned me; hence, be satisfied, without delivering me into the hands of the judges. Paul did not do so, nor did Christ teach it in Matt. 28 and Mark 16, where he says: Go, and preach the gospel to every creature. Christ says not: Them that will not believe you, shut into cells, or put great fetters on their legs. Did they all believe Christ, who heard him preach? Did all believe the apostles, who heard them?” Rom. 10:16. Ans. “No.” Joos. “Were they put to death, then, who did not believe the apostles.” Ans. “No.” “How comes it then, that the apostles did not do this, and that you, who say that you are vice-regents of the apostles, dare put us to death? even admitting that we were evil, as you say, but you have a better opinion of us, than you say?” Polet said: “That I will tell you: have you not read how Elijah put to death the priests of Baal!” I said: “Yes; and this is just what is wanting yet to subdue you; for you serve Baal even more than they did, and you carouse and banquet with Jezebel much more than they did?” Ans. “What does that concern you? You are always looking to our works.” I said: “Christ has taught me to know the tree by the fruit, and says that a corrupt tree cannot bear good fruit, nor a good tree evil fruit,” etc. And I further said: “Since your works are not good, I do not believe you to be good.” Ques. “Are you good?” Joos. “You do not hear me say this; there is none good but God alone, and though we were to say that we are good, which we do not, you, on the other hand, say that we are evil, and this for the reason you told me when we were in the hall of justice, namely, that when men will not believe us, we kill them.” Ronse. “I say this yet.” Joos. “Where did you see this in me; since you say that I taught the people? did I kill any one or hurt a single hair, on account of my doctrine, which you say I teach as an opinion?” Ans. “We do not know anything of such a character of you.” Joos. “But I know such things of you; you burn or murder those who will not adhere to your false worship. You have justly judged yourselves in this matter.” 2 Samuel 12:7. Ans. This brings us no further; let us dispute about the faith?” Joos. “I will not dispute here alone.” Then they said: “Do you acknowledge yourself vanquished?” and would have delivered me to the judges, had I said, yes. I replied: “No; wherein have you overcome me? I have said it not once, but fifty times: Show me a better way, with the word of the gospel, and I will renounce.”
Ans. “Let us begin then.” Joos. “Very well, before the hall of justice, near a big fire, and the one that is overcome shall be cast into it.” Ans. “This will not be granted you.” The under-bailiff then said: “You seek to make disturbance.” Joos. “You have made it by apprehending me; if you had let me work, Kortrijck would not be in the condition it is in now; it was not in such a state for seven years.” Polet. “You will not be taken there, and this for the reason that you may not spread your poison.” Joos. “You ought to come before the hall of justice, and the more people present, the better, for if I have the lies, and you the truth—are you ashamed of the truth before the people? Take me there, and show me that I am in the wrong, and you will stop the mouths of the people, and when you have overcome me, say: ‘This is the man who has taught contrary to the Christian faith; we now prove to him with the Scriptures, that he is in the wrong,’ and then throw me into the fire, and the people will be edified. If you will not do this, you are not willing that the people should know the truth.” Ronse. “You will not be brought thither to speak; when you are brought there, speaking on your part will be prevented.” Joos. “Why? the people have their five senses, and he that hath five senses, will hear whether I speak good or evil.” Ronse. “You will be prevented from speaking there.” Joos. “Do it then; put me boldly into a bag, and smother me by night, so that no one will see it; if he sees it, who searches the hearts and reins, enough people see it; and he will see it, and avenge himself; I leave it to him, for I am ready any way, to put off this flesh, whether in the fire or in the water, before the hall of justice or here in this fire (the fire on the hearth); it is not big enough, make it bigger.”
They then again proposed to me to dispute, and said that they were sent from God, and appointed his vice-regents. I said: “This is not so; for you have bought your benefices, or they have been given you, or you have gained them by serving; but those whom God has sent, from the beginning of the world, have been sent differently.” They said that they would prove it to me by the Scriptures, that they were sent. I said: “Prove it?” Ans. “This is it, that to Peter the key was given, and he was Pope, and it was given to him and his successors.” Joos. “Show me, that anything is said there about successors?” Ans. “This will be shown you.” Joos. “Show me then?” Then Ronse read from a Testament, Matt. 16, from the place where Christ asks: “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” to where he says: “I will give unto thee the keys;” but there was nothing said about successors. He then said: “You have heard it, have you not, Joos? it is so long: I would read further, but it is too long a task?” Joos. “I desire that you read on.” Ronse. “How far?” Joos. “To where it speaks about successors.” Ronse. “You have heard that he says: ‘Upon this rock I will build my church.’ Hence it is founded upon St. Peter, and he was Pope.” Joos. “Christ is the foundation, as Paul says (1 Cor. 3:11): ‘Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ But Peter is not the foundation, nor did Christ found the church upon Peter, but upon the confession of his faith where he confesses: ‘I confess that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God;’ therefore, Christ is the foundation. But,” said I, “let us speak about the key; you skip from the key to the church; you say that I run from one thing to another, stick to your text yourselves, and show me, as you have asserted, that Christ says: ‘I give unto thee the key, and unto thy successors.’ ” They replied: “We shall show it to you. But listen, it is this,” said Polet, and produced a sophism. I said: “You cannot satisfy me with arguments; show it to me in the book?” Then Ronse said: “We know it by heart, and so do you; hear us repeat it from memory?” I said: “Read it?” They replied: “Is it not the same whether we read or speak it? Joos, hear what I shall tell you?” I said: “Telling will not satisfy me.”
When they would not read it, I addressed the chief Bailiff, and Roegaergijs, and said: “My lords, I demand that you assist me in this matter, and compel them to read it; else I say that you are tyrants and not judges.” Then said they: “Read it to him.” Thereupon they read Matt. 16. Ronse read, and when he could not find it, he turned as white as a sheet, and then said: “It is not here.” Polet said: “These words are not there, but the sense is in Matt. 28.” He then read: “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” I said: “This is not where he says: ‘I give unto thee the keys, and unto thy successors.’ ” Polet. “Would you have just these very words; they are not here; why make so much ado about it?” Joos. “No, but because you will say you will show it to me.” Ronse. “Be silent, you are not worthy to speak.” Joos. “Why should I keep silence, when you with your false mandates have brought about, that neither proctor, nor attorney, nor friend may speak for us; if you are not willing to let me speak, you ought to have let me remain in my cell; but I shall keep silence neither for you nor any one else; I am neither a thief, nor a murderer, nor a ravisher of women; why should I forbear speaking? I shall defend myself, because my life is at stake, and not keep silence as long as I can move my tongue; but do you N. keep silent; you are not worthy to speak, you soul-murderers, you enemies of the cross of Christ.” Again they proposed to me to dispute. I said: “Before the hall of justice, but not here.” Ans. “You will not be taken there.” Joos. “Well then, do as you please; I have confessed my faith to you when I first came here, and I have told you more than fifty times before, and tell you again, that I think nothing of all your trumpery, nor of a single point held by the Roman church.” Ronse. “Do you think nothing of the sacrament? Let us hear what you think of it?” Joos. “An idol, a little flour; and if I had your oil, I would grease my shoes with it.” Ronse. “We can hear that you are audacious enough.”
Then a contention arose, and they thought to fall upon me; but I defended myself valiantly with the word of the Lord, as behooves a servant who loves his master. And the Lord gave me such a mouth to speak, that for three hours I did not make one assertion, which they were able to refute. Then the incarnation was made the subject of discussion, which they would carry out to the dead letter. Matt, 1: The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David. Thereupon I said that Matt. 22:41 it was written: “Then Christ asked the scribes and the Pharisees: What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him the son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word.” I also told them of the figure of Melchisedec, and the last chapter of Revelation, that he is the root of David; which they would not hear, but adhered to their dead text.
When I perceived that they would not acknowledge their error, I said: “If you want to speak of the incarnation, or of any other matter of the faith, come before the city hall.” Then Polet said: “Who should judge there, who is right or wrong?” I said: “These good lords.” Polet said: “They do not understand the scriptures.” I said: “They understand them well enough for you, to dispute here, or in the hall of justice; hence they ought also to understand them, to dispute in the city hall. And if they do not understand the Scriptures, then they ought to feel ashamed that they are judges in this matter, when they do not understand the Scriptures.” So much was said, that as much paper as I could hold in my hand would not suffice me to write down all their sophistry. I commend all dear friends, and all brethren and sisters in the Lord, into his hands, and entreat them all, to arm themselves wisely, for it is necessary; and when they come as far as I am, not to engage in disputation, for, if it were possible, they would draw us away from the truth. Know, that I am of such good cheer, that it would be impossible for me to describe the joy or gladness I have, and I hope that the seal of this letter will be the putting off of my body. To this end, may the Lord give me his grace, that his name may be glorified thereby; for I seek nothing but the glory of the Lord. Nothing more; I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace. Pray the Lord for me; I will gladly pray him for you also.
ELIZABETH AND HADEWIJK; OF WHOM THE FORMER WAS DROWNED AT LEEUWARDEN, AND THE LATTER ESCAPED DEATH, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, 1549.
This Elizabeth was of a noble family, and had in her youth been put by her parents into the convent of Tieng, near Lier near East Friesia, there to learn various arts, and also the Latin language. There she accidentally, or rather through the direction of God, came into possession of a Latin testament, by the constant reading of which and meditating upon it she obtained so much knowledge of the will of God, that she became distressed on account of her state of life, and seeing no chance to alter her life according to the rule of said word in the convent, much less under the parental roof, she resolved, after much conflict and reflection, secretly to escape from the convent, trusting to the fatherly providence of Almighty God for help and guidance. To this end, she made an agreement with a milk-maid of the convent, that she should change clothes with her, and thus assist her to escape from the convent early in the morning, in the guise of a milk-maid; which having been accomplished, she first came to Lier, and without her knowing it, to a certain house, in which there lived Anabaptists, who, upon learning her circumstances and condition, took her in, and instructed her still more fully in the way of God, and, after some time, fearing that search might be made for Elizabeth, brought her to Leeuwarden, and there left her with a pious sister of the Anabaptistic church, named Hadewijk, with whom she was afterward apprehended.
This Hadewijk was married to a certain drummer of the company quartered at Leeuwarden, who, having neither to go marching, nor to mount guard, etc., worked in a certain shop to gain a livelihood for his wife and children. There was working there together with him a very pious Anabaptist brother260 who at that time was put in bonds and condemned to death for the sake of his religion. Said company having been ordered to the place of execution, when this pious brother was to be offered up, to form a circle around him, to prevent an uproar, the aforesaid drummer objected to serve in his capacity as drummer at that time and under such circumstances which he also indicated to his wife Hadewijk, who opposed him in this matter, and advised him to proceed in the discharge of his duty. This then he resolved to do; but as he was first also to get himself partially intoxicated, in order to feel less of compassion for the innocently doomed man, but this intoxication, instead of depriving him of his sense of compassion, only increased it, and he became so bold that he told the spectators of the piety and virtues of this martyr so well known to him, why he was so maltreated, how wickedly the authorities, instigated by the clergy, acted in this matter, and that it were better to apprehend and treat after this manner, wicked men, whoremongers, adulterers, unrighteous, and such like, of whom there were plenty in the city, yea, even among the clergy. Some laughed, others laid it to heart; some said: “The drummer is drunk;” others: “He is crazy,” etc. But when he had become sober and was himself again, he reflected on what he had done, and what in all probability he now had to expect, and resolved to leave the city of Leeuwarden, his company, and the Roman church. He entreated his wife to go with him, but she could not approve of it, and after his departure, never knew whither he had gone. But, coming to reflection some time after, she inquired after the Anabaptists, found opportunity to attend the exhortations, embraced the faith, and was not only baptized upon her faith, but also suffered herself to be apprehended together with Elizabeth. Being confined in a separate room from Elizabeth, it was announced to her that on the following day she should be examined and have to defend herself in a considerable number of articles, which caused her exceeding great distress and anxiety of heart, especially since she could neither read nor write, and was more pious and willing than experienced. Hence, she earnestly importuned God, that the exceeding good and man-loving Father would be pleased to look with compassion upon her, his poor handmaiden, whose inability and unfitness he knew best, and not to try her above her ability, but to deliver and save her by his divine hand, whereupon a voice came to her while she was thus engaged in prayer, exclaiming: “Hadewijk!” Looking up and around her, and seeing no one, she continued in her fervent prayer. A second time she heard the voice, but again seeing no one, she persevered in her supplications until the same voice said to her the third time: “Hadewijk, I tell thee, come out!” Seeing the door open, she put on her hood, and went out of the prison, but did not know where to conceal herself. She went provisionally into the church, where she soon heard those who came there relate that the gates the city had been closed because a certain Anabaptist woman had escaped from prison, no one knowing how, there being great reason to suspect sorcery in the matter, for which reason very diligent search was being made for her everywhere. Just as she left the church she heard the drummer in the street exclaim that whoever could point out her person, should receive one hundred guilders, but whoever concealed her should forfeit one hundred and fifty guilders, which increased her fear more and more. Trusting herself by no means into her own house, and yet compelled to seek shelter somewhere, she went to the house of her former master and mistress, whom she, before she was married, had served very faithfully for some time, and who therefore thought much of her. These she entreated whether they would not please give her shelter in this distress, but they refused to do it; whereupon she went away as in despair, and came before the priest’s house, where lived a certain half-witted fellow, well-known to her, whom she, as he was standing at the door, addressed, asking him to conceal her; which he did, taking her up into the garret, and providing her with food and drink; but in the night he came to her, and made indecent advances to her. Here the embarrassment was greater than ever; she had to deal with one who was strong of body and passions, with whom reasoning had little influence; if she made an outcry her life was in danger; she therefore lifted up her soul, and betook herself to her Redeemer, and called upon him for help in this great distress, and also entreated this fellow to desist from so evil a deed, because it would be adultery and she had a husband; and adulterers and adulteresses had to burn forever in hell; whereupon he left her in peace and went away, saying: “The jade is too wise in the scriptures; I have no chance with her. The next day he went to the Zuypmarkt, to Hadewijk’s brother-in-law, who daily brought buttermilk there for sale, and told him that he had, unknown to any one, concealed his sister-in-law in the priest’s house, and advised him to come with his boat to the back stairs of the priest’s house, there to take her into the boat, and carry her out of the city through the flood-gate, which he did, and thus this lamb Hadewijk, through the miraculous hand of God, escaped the claws of the ravening wolves, fled to Emden, and lived the remainder of her life in the meeting-house of the Anabaptists, where she fell asleep in the Lord.
Remmeltje Wubbers, from whom I have this account, heard it not only frequently from her parents and others, but also from the woman who attended Hadewijk in her last sickness, to whom Hadewijk related it with her own lips.
OF A PIOUS BROTHER WHO WAS PUT TO DEATH FOR THE WORD OF GOD, IN THE CITY OF VUREN IN FLANDERS, A. D. 1553.
About the year 1553, there was put to death with the sword, in the city of Vuren, in Flanders, for the testimony of Jesus, a godfearing, pious brother, who had to endure many severe conflicts from the papists, the adversaries of the truth; but as a valiant hero of Christ he would not fear them that kill the body, but sought much rather to please Him who after this temporal death has power also to cast into hell, into everlasting fire, where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. He therefore comforted his sorrowful wife, who was pregnant, and whom he loved dearly, with the word of God, fearing that adversity was in store for her; that she should not regard the torments inflicted upon him for the word of God. They sentenced him to be executed with the sword; hence he took affectionate leave from all his brethren, and, as a humble lamb, following the footsteps of his Leader Jesus, ascended the scaffold; but the evening wolves, which let nothing remain until the morning, by which and other fruits they may be known, retained their wolfish nature, so that they killed this friend of God with seven cruel blows, and finally sawed off his head, so that through great sorrow many a tear was shed by the people who were present and witnessed this martyrdom. His poor, pregnant wife lamented greatly, so that she died with her fruit from excess of grief. Many witnessed this heinous murder, perpetrated by the bloodthirsty; but the great and faithful God, who regards the sufferings of his own, as though the apple of his eye had been touched, will avenge this in due time. O how will these bloodthirsty men excuse themselves, when the chief Shepherd shall appear in the clouds, and require an account of this matter! But those faithful heroes and adventurers of God, who did not dare deprive their Creator of his divine honor, but would serve him rightly according to his word, and gave their lives therefor, they have the promise from the mouth of Jesus, that he will confess them before his Father in heaven, that it is the Father’s good pleasure to give this little flock his glorious kingdom, and that all who here suffer with Christ for righteousness’ sake, shall rejoice forever with God. Matt. 10:32; Luke 12:8,32; Matt. 5:10.
Concerning this, read hymn in the old hymn-book.
PIETER WITSES, A MASON, STRANGLED AT THE STAKE, AT LEEUWARDEN, AND HIS CONFESSION WHILE IMPRISONED IN THAT CITY WHERE HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS, IN THE YEAR 1553.
In Questions and Answers.
Question. “What is your name?” Answer. “Pieter Witses.” Quest. “How old are you?” Ans. “Twenty-seven years.” Quest. “When were you to confession last?” Ans. “I confess every day, and acknowledge that I am a sinner.” Quest. “What do you think of the sacrament?” Ans. “I esteem it highly.” Quest. “What do you think of the sacrament which the priest gives on Easter?” Ans. “Nothing.” Quest. “Christ said: ‘Take, eat; this is my flesh.’ ” Ans. “It is true; but he spake it to those who were obedient to him.” Quest. “Are you also rebaptized?” Ans. “I know of no rebaptism; I was baptized once, and that according to the teaching of God.” Quest. “How long ago?” Ans. “About a year and a half.”
Then Pieter was put into a dungeon, and having been there for about an hour, was again taken before the lords, and asked anew: “Pieter, are you seduced? Will you not suffer yourself to be instructed?” Ans. “Yes, gladly; he that rejects reproof and instruction is miserable. Prov. 10:17. Take a Testament, and instruct me.” Quest. “We are no teachers; will you not suffer yourself to be instructed by priests?” Ans. “God is the best priest; he will instruct me, and to this I shall adhere by the grace of God.” Quest. “Some vagabond has been preaching to you.” They further said that they had read in the Old Testament, that many children were baptized. Pieter replied: “I have read nothing about this; I have read that Christ commanded to baptize believers. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; that it was practiced by the apostles, Acts 2:38; and that Peter taught: ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children,’ ” etc. He also quoted John 3.
Then they said: “Pieter, you are deceived; are your brethren also thus minded?” He replied: “What do I know about my brethren? I can speak of what God has given me; that I know.” He further quoted the words of Christ, where he says: Go into all the world; preach and teach: he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16. Also, that Christ came to John at the Jordan, to be baptized of him, in order that he might fulfill all righteousness for us, to be an example, that we should follow his steps. Matt. 3:13,15; 1 Pet. 2:21. And after Christ’s suffering the apostles, who were his body and church, practiced it.
Concerning their supper, he confessed, that he thought nothing at all of it. They admonished him with the Gospel, which he regarded as all right, but not as having been said with reference to their church; for Christ, said he, said to his apostles: “Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you.” Also the cup: “Drink ye all of it; for this is the cup of the new testament in my blood, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:26–28.
Christians are to observe it, as Paul teaches the Corinthians, where it is clearly expressed. 1 Corinthians 10:16. They said that the supper which they eat and drink was true flesh and blood, and asked me whether we did not also thus eat and drink it. I replied: “Christ said: ‘The flesh profiteth nothing, eaten outwardly; but the word is spirit and life.’ John 6:63. And our church is not without the body of Christ.”
A BRIEF ADMONITION FROM PIETER WITSES.
Christ said, Matt. 24:5: “Many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many;” which words are true; for when you confess your sins to them, they forgive them, as they say. This they have carried on since the Gospel has been hid, and they do it yet. Paul also foretold this to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:2; 2 Tim. 3:2); Christ says, Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets,” etc., and John also writes much concerning this, in the tenth chapter of his Gospel. Also, Jude and Peter. But these are as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed; they speak evil of the things that they understand not. Again: They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave the spider’s web. Is. 59:5. They daub the wall with untempered mortar, and put pillows under men’s arms. Ez. 13:10,18. And although the church flee into caves, the confession abides forever. They cannot resist: for they deny the power of God; they love the broad way; the cross of Christ is foolishness to them. 2 Tim. 3:5; 1 Cor. 1:18.
Concerning these, God gave me something to speak. I perceive nothing but the abomination of desolation of which the prophet Daniel speaks, and of which Christ also says that he will scarcely find faith upon earth. Dan. 9:27; Luke 18:8. But be of good cheer; and fight in faith, well knowing that it is the word of truth, which cannot fail. Upon this, through the grace of Christ, I have built and he will keep me, and I will daily trust in him, knowing and feeling confident that there is no power, might, or dominion in heaven or on earth, save only of him. Hence, give diligent heed; prove yourselves in your consciences, as to what you seek—every work will be made manifest. Read and examine diligently for it greatly concerns us all. The authorities can by no torturing seduce one, but the erring spirits come with deceitful snares, in the name of Christ; but we are sufficiently warned. Matt. 7:21; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:10; Rom. 16:17; Philip. 3; 2 Pet. 2. Jude 1.
My dear friends, they thus assail me with questions as much as they can. Give the young and simple hearts good instruction regarding the Lord’s Supper, for I know what happens to me. If the house is truly built upon the corner-stone, it cannot fall. Let every one take good heed; for the time of trial is at hand, and we know that it will not always stop at mere words; for Christ himself suffered. If they laid their hands on his blessed body, they will do the same to us. Let us arm ourselves with the word of God; for the word of God is the true door. It is the bread of life. The time of weeping is come; hence our deliverance is nigh. Let us pray for grace. The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that believe not in the word? 1 Pet. 4:17. My brethren, do not forget us poor sheep in your prayers, for us who for the truth are kept in bonds by the authorities. Care for them that live among you; for Christ will say: “I was naked, and you clothed me,” etc. Matt. 25:36. Pray and watch; the abomination of desolation is drawing nigh; cease not, but be of good courage, for greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4. I affectionately desire, that you be diligent, lest you be deceived, for the times now are perilous. Know, that whenever I was brought before them, I kept down my own thoughts, and prayed Almighty God, that he would open my mouth according to his good pleasure, and believe it freely, he gave abundant comfort to the humble. They assented to me in many things, when I spoke with them with a meek spirit by the grace of God. My dear friends receive it kindly. May the Lord preserve you from wicked deceivers. Pray and watch, the times are perilous; and do not forget us in your prayers, and visit us sometimes, it is very edifying; may the Lord preserve us all.
PIETER WITSES TO HIS WIFE.
My dear chosen wife, abide in God, and mingle not with the wicked; for if the righteous draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, says the Lord. John 2:28; Ps. 1:1; Heb. 10:38. The time of my departure seems to be nigh; may it take place with God. When the hour of parting comes, fear not, but guard your lips. My dear wife, abide in the grace of God given you.
DAVID AND LEVINA, A. D. 1554.
In the year 1554, there was imprisoned at Ghent, in Flanders, for following Christ and living according to God’s commandments, a young brother named David, who, when examined, freely confessed his faith. Being asked what he thought of the sacrament, David said, that he considered it nothing else than idolatry. Then a priest said to him: “Friend, you err greatly, that you so readily confess your faith, for it will cost you your life, if you do not change your mind in time.” Thereupon David sweetly replied: “I am ready to shed my blood for the name of Christ, even though it should be here in this place; for God is my salvation, who will keep me, and preserve me from all evil.” The priest said: “It will not be as good as though you were put to death secretly here in this place; but you will be burnt publicly at the stake, for an everlasting reproach.” He was then brought into the court, where he was condemned to death, and his sentence was read, namely, that he had fallen from the true faith into heresy, and was therefore, according to the imperial edict, sentenced to be strangled and burned. David said: “No one will ever be able to prove by the scriptures, that the faith for which I must now die is heresy.”
There was also sentenced to death with him a woman named Levina, who rather forsook, not only her six dear children, but also her temporal life, than her dear Lord and Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Arriving on the scaffold, David attempted to kneel down in order to offer up his prayer to God, but he was prevented, and they were immediately driven away to the stakes, standing at which, David said to Levina: “Rejoice, dear sister; for what we suffer here is not to be compared with the eternal good that awaits us.” Rom. 8:18. When about to offer up their sacrifice, both exclaimed: “Father, into thy hands do we commend our spirits.” A little bag of gunpowder was tied to each of them, whereupon they were strangled and burned. But there happened a manifest miracle of God; for though they were completely burned, and the fire was as good as extinguished, David was seen to move his head, so that the people exclaimed: “He still lives.” The executioner seized the fork, and thrust it three times into his bowels, so that the blood flowed out; yet even after this he was still seen to move, hence, the executioner threw a chain around his neck, and bound him to the stake, and thus broke his neck.
Thus these two valiantly fought their way through, firmly trusting in God, who did not let them be confounded, since they had firmly built their building upon the only foundation; wherefore they shall never perish, but abide forever.
WILLIAM VAN LOUVAIN, A. D. 1554.
In the year 1554, there was put to death for the testimony of the truth, at Ghent, in Flanders, a pious witness of God, named William Van Louvain, the grandfather of Jan Doom. He did not suffer for any crime or heresy, but only for the testimony of the truth, in a good conscience, having renounced the Babylonian whore, together with her lovers, and all her false worship, and united himself with Christ, following him with the whole heart in the regeneration, and through faith, overcoming this world with all that is therein, whereby he finally, through grace, obtained the end of the faith, that is, eternal salvation, through Christ Jesus.
PIETER WITH THE LAME FOOT, JAN DROOGHSCHEERDER, HANS BORDUERWERCKER, AND FRANS SWEERDTVEGER, A. D. 1555.
In the year 1555, the young nobleman Jan van Immerseele having become Margrave, four brethren were apprehended at Antwerp, for the testimony of the truth, namely, Pieter with the lame foot, Jan Drooghscheerder, Hans Borduerwercker, and Frans Sweerdtveger, who, as they valiantly adhered to it, and could not be brought to apostatize, were finally sentenced to death, and had to lay down their lives publicly in the market place, for the name of the Lord, for which he will well reward them.
TANNEKEN VAN DER LEYEN, A. D. 1555.
In said year there was also apprehended at Antwerp, a young maiden from Ghent, named Tanneken van der Leyen, who loved God and his truth more than all that was in the world; hence, since she preferred the doctrine of Christ and his apostles to all human doctrine, and immovably adhered to it, she was condemned to death, and drowned in the Scheldt.
BARTHOLOMEW THE POTTER, A. D. 1555.
Bartholomew the potter, who was a vessel of honor in the house of God (2 Tim. 2:20), was also apprehended for his faith, at Antwerp, examined, much afflicted, and, finally, sentence having been pronounced, publicly put to death in the market place, as a pious witness of Jesus Christ.
ROMMEKEN PUT TO DEATH, A. D. 1555.
About this time, also Rommeken, a noted child of God, publicly declared and sealed with his blood the divine truth, in the market place at Antwerp; wherefore Christ will also declare and confess him before his Father in heaven.
HANS PICHNER, OF SAL, A. D. 1555.
In the year 1555, Hans Pichner of Sal, was apprehended at Vorst, in Etschland or Vintschgau, and taken by the beadles to Schlanters, before the Judge, who was a dreadful tyrant and of a very fierce disposition. He immediately examined John, rigorously questioning him, that he should betray the one that had lodged him; but when he would not do it, he was speedily tortured from the first day. All their torturing, however, was in vain, and they were greatly vexed that they could obtain no information from him. Several times he was stripped, and, while being tortured, left suspended by cords for several hours, yea, he was so stretched, that he could not stand upon his feet, or take a single step, nor bring his hand to his mouth to eat; yet he was not to be seduced, but remained steadfast in the Lord. After this, they bound him hand and foot, and kept him imprisoned in a dark dungeon for more than six months. They also brought to him many men of worldly erudition (if peradventure they might be able to draw him away from his faith), as priests and monks, also some noblemen, who mightily assailed him for two days and one whole night; but they were put to shame; for he convinced them with the truth, and was not to be intimidated.
After this, they sentenced him to death, and led him out to the place of execution, where he exhorted the people, who had gathered in great numbers, to repentance. Finally, he was placed with his back, in a sitting posture, against a block of wood, and thus beheaded; for they had racked and tortured him so lamentably that he was unable to kneel. But he nevertheless adhered firmly to the Lord and his truth; therefore God kept him in the hour of his temptation, and he shall henceforth not be hurt of the second death; he shall not see the eternal fire, but shall enter into an innumerable company of angels, to the supper and marriage of the Lamb, clothed in linen clean and white, where will be exceeding joy for ever and ever. Rev. 3:10; 2:11; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 3:20.
CHRISTIAN EXECUTED WITH THE SWORD, IN THE YEAR 1555.
In the year 1555, a brother named Christian was apprehended, in Bavaria, and taken to Worms, and although he had been in the church only a short time, he nevertheless faithfully adhered to the divine truth, which he had embraced and confessed, and firmly kept until death what he had promised God in the covenant of his Christian baptism; and, through divine power and strength, testified to the faith with his blood. He was executed with the sword, at Worms. Thus he fought a good fight even unto death, strove for the truth, safely finished his course, and refused to be led astray, preferring a valiant death to a shameful life. Hence, there is promised to him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, at the last day, will give him, and unto all them that love his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:8.
DIGNA PIETERS, AFTER ENDURING MUCH AFFLICTION, PUT INTO A BAG AND DROWNED, IN PUTTOX TOWER, AT DORDRECHT, FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, ON THE 23D OF NOVEMBER, 1555.
A. D. 1555, unholy hands were laid, at Dordrecht, in Holland, upon several of the saints of God, of whom, among others, there is mentioned by name, a godfearing woman, named Digna Pieters, who, being a citizeness of said city, had at the same time a citizenship also in the spiritual city of God, that is, in the church of Jesus Christ on earth, yea, also, because of her integrity, in the new and heavenly Jerusalem, which is above, in which, and of which, she was regenerated by the word of truth.
On account of the faith which she had in common with the dear friends and children of God, she was imprisoned, and severely proceeded against in various ways, for the purpose of causing her to apostatize from the faith. But as they could make no progress in the matter, since she was founded upon the immovable corner-stone, that is, Christ Jesus, they resolved to put an end to her citizenship, and at the same time also to her life. Thereupon it followed that the chamber of justice, through the instrumentality of the bench of judges and the council of said city, with public striking of the bell, disfranchised her, before the steps leading up to the city hall, on the 17th of November of said year, to be further dealt with as the lords of said chamber should find or judge proper.
Concerning this, there remains, though almost obliterated by age, the following act in the book of records of said city, in the keeping of the secretary there:
Actum per Campanam,261 the 17th of Nov., 1555.
Whereas Digna Pieters, citizeness of this city, at present a prisoner, has, without pain of iron bonds, openly confessed before the bench of judges, and the council of this city, to have been rebaptized, etc.,262 also to have held conventicles, contrary to the faith, holy sacraments, and other services and ceremonies of the holy church; therefore, the council of the aforesaid city has disfranchised said Digna Pieters, and disfranchises her by these presents, further to be proceeded against, as the aforesaid council, according to the exigency and circumstances of the case, shall deem proper.
Thereupon follows in said book, how the chamber of justice proceeded against her, six days afterwards, in regard to which the following words are found.
Digna Pieters drowned.
To-day, the 23d of November, A. D. 1555, Digna Pieters, by virtue of a certain sentence given and pronounced263 by the bench of judges, and the council of this city, (by the mouth of Wouter Barthouts, Judge in the law) was put into a bag, and drowned, in Puttox Tower.
Extracted from the book of records of the city of Dordrecht, commenced the last day of October, 1554, and concluded the 16th of June, 1573.
This was the end of this valiant heroine of Jesus, who, though she was secretly murdered in a tower, like Joris Wippe and others, will hereafter, in the great day of the Lord, be brought openly to light; then it shall be seen what difference there will be between those who did this, and her who suffered it, since every one shall receive in his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Cor. 5:10.
This Puttox Tower, where this martyrdom took place, stood close by the gate of the Grootehooft of the city of Dordrecht; but it afterwards fell by reason of great age, or as a signal warning of God on account of this murder. In its place stands now a house, in the gable of which these words are carved in hard stone: