When they could not prevail upon him, though they tried for a long time, he was therefore sent to Rome, and delivered to the Pope, where he finally, after severe and hard imprisonment, offered up his life in great steadfastness, as a sweet savor, to the Lord, very eagerly and joyfully following in the footsteps of all his forefathers and the glorious confessors of Christ; and thus he richly partook of the sufferings of his Lord and Master; yea, his end was crowned with great triumphant praise even also by all his despisers, and thus the desired cup was drained.
Many different means having been tried with him, he was at last sentenced to be burnt, but not in the same manner as others, who were, also on account of the faith, with shortened pain, executed according to the Italian or French custom of being first hanged and strangled, and then burnt. But this pious Algerius was held in greater honor by the Lord Christ, and for this reason also had to begin and bring to a triumphant issue a far more exalted and honorable conflict.
Having been brought in a wagon to the place called Mercado, a final attempt was made upon him. A Carthusian monk—in Rome called Capadocines270, and holy people—was appointed to take him in hand. The same constantly held a crucifix before him, and admonished him, to remember once more, before his departure, his Lord and Redeemer, and not to die thus hardened and desperate in error. At the same time he constantly held before his eyes the crucifix, which Algerius vigorously pushed aside with his hands, which had not been bound, as I understand, saying aloud in his language, with his eyes lifted up to heaven: “My Lord and God lives above in heaven,” etc.
At this the spectators cried with a loud voice, and said; “O, he struck it,” meaning the crucifix. “O away, away with him; he is utterly hardened and blinded, all is lost on him.” For at Rome it is thought something great, when these Carthusians cannot convert one; hence they are generally reserved for the last. Thereupon he was stripped to his waist, and boiling oil was first poured over his head and bare body, which good and pious Algerius patiently suffered, but doubtless severely felt. He rubbed his hand over his face, and pulled off the skin and the hair. Thereupon only was he burnt to ashes, an unusual thing in Italy, since I have seen it with my own eyes, that they were only roasted and singed in the fire, whereupon the dead body was carried to the grave. But as has been said, this blessed Algerius had to glorify our Lord and God much more highly. To him and to the Lord Jesus Christ, who wrought this through him, by the power of the Holy Ghost, be praise and glory forever. May he help us poor and weak mortals to follow him. Amen. Yes, O Lord Jesus, Amen.
Brother Da. Gr., who wrote this account, as the old copy shows, also writes: “This was done with him in the year 1557, a little while before I came to Rome, since at that time Algerius was still on everybody’s tongue. I have also heard with my own ears, from the mouth of some who counted themselves good papists and witnessed his execution, how wonderfully steadfast he died; and that he truly believed in his heart what he there in his severe martyrdom and pain confessed with his mouth before all the people. Hence there is no doubt but he ascended immediately to heaven, and was saved. Thus must the adversaries bear testimony to the saints of God, even against their will. Deut. 32:31.
Shortly afterwards, the flood occurred at Rome, when the Tiber overflowed, and did great damage, so that some Romans say that Rome suffered as much damage as if it had been plundered with haste; which I for my part, found to be true indeed, having never seen a greater famine of bread. It is impossible for me to tell how fearful the sight and distress was, especially among the poor people. But they do not recognize that it was a just [recompense]. Wis. 19:13.
In this year a young brother by the name of Konrad Schumacher left Swabia with his people, and was apprehended at Stein, near Krems on the Danube, taken to Vienna, and there delivered into the hands of the authorities. There he lay in prison a year and several weeks, for the faith and the divine truth. In the prison he suffered great want and hunger among the thieves and other malefactors, of whom there were several imprisoned with him. Nothing was given them, except what others brought and gave to them. Besides, when these malefactors had been tortured, as is customary, they treated him most shamefully, so that he suffered great hunger, before he could get something to eat, when they even had something. Thus he had to suffer much misery in prison, aside from the tyranny.
About this time Emperor Ferdinand attended a great diet at Augsburg, during which time the Bishop of Vienna had the brother brought before him twice, each time in the early morning before daylight, and was intending to have him executed in the house. The first time they brought him forth, and briefly examined him, and wanted him to tell whether he would desist from his faith or not. He briefly answered and said that they should not expect such a thing, since he would die in his belief; that it was the truth, and the way to eternal life, and this he should confess with his mouth as long as there should be strength enough in him. Now their intention was frustrated, so that they could accomplish nothing that day, only that they disputed with him from early morning until noon, whereupon they remanded him to prison, saying that he should consider the matter for three days longer, and then tell them what he would do. After three days they again brought him forth, early in the morning, before daylight, and led him before the Bishop and his monks and priests, before whom he most faithfully defended the truth. The executioner was also at hand, waiting without, thinking to behead him early, before any people should come; for they feared lest the truth should come to light, and the people learn that injustice was being done him. But the Lord again hindered them, so that he was brought back to prison. In the meantime, however, the priests disputed much with him, and gave him no rest.
After this they threatened to put him into a filthy tower, which had not had an occupant for eight years, where he should end his life. He said that he would bide it, and would put his trust in the Lord, who was well able to deliver him out of the filthy tower, and from all their power; he thought, however, that the Lord had accepted him for a witness of the truth.
He showed himself so undaunted in everything that many of them were astonished at him. Others said they would try something new with him, whereby they should certainly frighten him enough. In the meantime King Maximilian’s steward admonished the Bishop for the best, and also spoke of the matter to the Lutheran preachers of the King, who then told it to the King, and spoke most favorably of the matter, saying that he was very young yet, and that it would be a pity to put him to death on account of the faith. Thereupon King Maximilian concluded to free him from further tyranny and suffering, whereupon he was released from prison, and thus returned in peace to his brethren and his church.
On the 20th of February, 1558 stilo coj., in presence of Adriaen Fijck, Adriaen Adriaens, Adriaen Robberts, Pieter Hendricks, Cornelis Joosten, and Willem Muylwijck, judges, there was orally examined, Annetgen Antheunis, aged over thirty years, born at Buuren.
She says that she always lived at Buuren, except one year that she resided here in the city, which she afterwards left, but returned about last St. Victor’s day, and has since resided here until the present time.
She says that she did not inquire the name of the people where she formerly worked.
She says that she and another woman, named Stijntje van Ick, or Maurick near Buuren, have lived here in the city since St. Victor’s day, and that she came here with said woman, from Buuren.
She says that Evert is from Antwerp, and that he came to her yesterday, at the house where she was apprehended.
She says that she learned to know said Evert only about two or three months ago, and that he came in the daytime, to the house of Arent Willems, in the wood-yard, to buy a cheese.
She says that she did not go to confession either at last Easter or Christmas.
She says that she observes all that God has commanded.
She says that she was baptized according to the command of the Lord, but does not know the exact day; but that it took place at the house of the aforesaid Arent Willems, in the Wood-yard, and that she did not inquire the name of him that baptized her.
On the 20th of February of said year, in the presence of the abovementioned, there was orally examined, one Jan Hendricks, of Utrecht, aged 28 or 29 years.
He says that he has lived here in the city since Bamessche, in the house of Maritgen Jancheelen, in the Fish-market, and last in Willem Reyer’s house, where he was apprehended.
He says that at Dordrecht he lived near Starke Neele.
He says that he does not want to tell where or from whom he heard the doctrine.
He says that he thinks much of the sacrament, but nothing of the sacrament of the priests, and that, since he embraced this doctrine, he has never been to the sacrament.
He says that he was baptized since he believed, a certain time ago, and that he does not wish to tell when, where, or by whom it was done.
He says that his child was washed a little by the priest, but does not want to tell when.
On the aforesaid day, in the presence of the aforesaid fudges, there was orally examined, Stijntgen Jans, aged 40 years, from Maurik, in Guelderland.
She says that she has been here in the city about two or three years, with Annetgen Theunis, and that they lodged in the Wood-yard, and afterwards resided in a house where lace is made, and which stands behind a stable.
She says that she has no faith in the sacrament which the priests administer, but esteems the sacrament as God has instituted it, and that she cannot believe in the sacrament of the church, because she cannot comprehend it.
She says that she was baptized at a certain time, not yet twelve years ago, and not here in this city, but at Utrecht.
On the same day, and in the presence of the above, there was orally examined, one Evert Nouts of Antwerp, aged about 27 years.
He says that it is about three months since he came here into this city, and that he lodged for a time in the Wood-yard, and wove lace near the house called the Falcon.
He says that he believes in the sacrament so far as the Scriptures speak of it, but does not believe that God is in the sacrament of the altar, since the Scriptures do not assure him of this; but he believes concerning it in this manner that it is so, as far as it goes.
He says that he was baptized according to the doctrine of Christ, a little over three years ago, just outside of Antwerp, in a certain place, by one Gillis of Aix-la-Chapelle, as he heard him called, who was executed this summer at Antwerp.
On the same day, and in presence of the abovementioned judges, there was orally examined one Pieter van Eynoven, born at Antwerp, aged 28 years.
He says that he has worked here in the city, at his trade of silk-weaving, since fourteen days before Christmas, in the house of one Christian, whose wife is named Anneken.
He says that he believes on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
He says that he believes that the administration of the sacrament in the church is a great abomination before God.
He says that he was baptized according to the doctrine of Christ, about two years ago, but does not want to tell by whom or where it was done.
On the 19th of March, 1558, stilo coj. in the presence of Adriaen Fijck Dirks van Hove, Adriaen Adriaens, Adriaen Robbertszoon, Pieter van Neck Hendricks, Cornelis Joosten, Willem Corneliss Muylwijk, and Dirk Dirks, judges, there was examined by torture, in the morning, at six o’clock, in the city hall, Pieter van Eynoven, born at Antwerp, aged about 28 years.
Pieter, when tortured on the rack, said that he was baptized at Antwerp, about two years ago, by one Leendert, whose surname he does not know, nor whence he is, and he had never seen him, except when he baptized him.
He says that several others, whose names he does not know, were present when he was baptized.
When asked concerning the women with whom he spoke at the time of his apprehension, he said that he did not know where they were going, or who they were.
He says that he who baptized them, is called a teacher among them.
He says that before he was baptized he had heard that he had to live according to the command of Christ, and that he took a Bible and Testament, and read therein, and found that it was as had been told him; but he does not know the names of those who had previously instructed him herein, because they often do not inquire the names of others, nor want to know them, so as not to bring their brethren into trouble.
He says that his master, Christian, and his wife, had the same faith as he, but does not know whether they are baptized.
Jan Hendricks of Utrecht, aged 29 years, severely tortured on the rack.
He says that he was baptized by one Leenert, but does not know whence he is, nor had he ever seen him previously, and that he was baptized by him here in the city, in the Wood-yard, a year and a half ago.
He says that his child was baptized by the priest, at the font, at Dortrecht, and that no others whom he knows were present when he was baptized.
Stijntgen Jans, aged about 40 years, of Utrecht.
Stijntgen says that he who baptized her is named Leenert, and that it took place in Utrecht, five or six years ago, in the house of one Gerrit, and that she does not know the surname of the aforesaid Leenert, nor whence he is, because they do not inquire nor have much desire to know the names or surnames of their fellow members, so as not to bring them into trouble.
She says that others were baptized with her, but she did not know them.
The judges being all assembled, resolve to postpone the matter of the aforesaid prisoners to a limited day, until the executioner’s return, in order that said prisoners shall consider the matter, and that it may be seen whether they can be induced by kind means: and that they shall then comply with the wishes of the bailiff, by expediting the matter and justice, if the judges are all at home.
On the 28th of March.—The judges resolve, since Cornelis Joosten and Dirk Dirks, judges, are not at home, to postpone the case of the aforesaid prisoners, until the former return.
The Bailiff protests costs and interests, since the judges will not consent to limit a day for said prisoners.
The judges protest and say that since Cornelis Joosten and Dirk Dirks, of their number, are absent, and they have agreed together to be present in full number to consider the case of said prisoners, they adhere to their former decision.
On the 26th of March all that they had orally confessed at torture was read to the aforesaid five prisoners, who publicly, in front of the city hall, acknowledged it to be true, in the sight of every one, and a day, namely, Monday, the 28th of March, was limited for them, by the Bailiff, Gerrardt van der Mersche. Done as stated above, in presence of Adriaen Fijck, Adriaen Adriaens, Adriaen Robbrechts, Pieter Hendricks, Cornelis Joosten, William Corneliss, and Dirk Dirks, judges.
Sentence of Death, on the 28th of March, 1558, stilo coj.
According to the written laws pursuant to the decrees of his Imperial Majesty, confirmed by his Royal Majesty, who will have them observed in all their points and articles; and through the demand of the Bailiff, and the confession of the prisoners, Evert Nouts, Pieter van Eynhoven, both of Antwerp, and Jan Hendricks of Utrecht, said prisoners shall be executed according to the decree. Done in the presence of Adriaen Fijck, Adriaen Adriaens, Adriaen Robbrechts, Pieter Hendricks, Cornelis Joosten, Willem Corneliss, and Dirk Dirks, judges, and Sir Roeland; pensionary.
In regard to Stijntgen Jans and Annetgen Antheunis, decision of their case is deferred for certain reasons, the judges moving postponement until after Easter.
Note.—On the 28th of March, 1558, stilo coj., after the above sentence had been pronounced by Matthijs Bark, the secretary, and the aforesaid prisoners had been condemned to be executed with fire, all the necessary preparations were made here before the city hall; three large stakes were placed near together, at which to strangle said prisoners first, before burning them; and the place having been shut off with planks and stakes, it was proclaimed in the name of the Bailiff, Magistrate, Burgomasters and judges, in front of the city hall, with the striking of the bell, that every one should leave the ring, on pain of forfeiting his upper garment; and that no one should hinder or resist justice by word or act, on pain of life and property. Between eleven and twelve o’clock, every preparation necessary for the execution having been made, the aforesaid Jan Hendricks was first brought out to be executed, and placed at the middle stake upon a little stool, and a cord put around his neck, to strangle him. Thereupon Master Aert, the young constable, as substitute for Master, Jan van Haarlem, the executioner from behind, twisted said cord tight with a stick, and then took away the little stool from under Jan Hendricks’ feet, and while thus hanging pulled him with all his might by his body and legs; whereupon said Master Jan came with a bundle of oat straw, into which a quantity of gunpowder had been put, and held it before his face, to singe it; but Master Aert had a pair of tongs with a red-hot coal, to cast into the gunpowder. He threw it three or four times, without being able to touch the gunpowder, so that the straw smoked, but the powder was not ignited.
In consequence of this a great cry arose, one saying: “You throw the fire badly;” another: “You inflict a thousand deaths upon the man;” and finally, “Stone the constable to death,” and the like. Then a woman threw a slipper, and others of the bystanders began to throw stones at the constable. Master Hans was then pushed by the citizens, into the house of Jan Sampel, in the Golden Waggon, opposite the City Hall and concealed; while the young constable, called Master Aert, together with the servants of the procurator-general, also of Schielandt, and of this city, who had been summoned to the assistance of justice, fled into the city hall, followed by Gerrit van der Mersche, the Bailiff; leaving said Jan Hendricks still suspended by the cord. The Judges, the Pensionary, and the Secretary, seeing the great tumult and uproar, took refuge up in the square of the city hall tower. The first ones who arrived there were Adriaen Robberts, the Judge, and Matthijs Bark, the Secretary, who, from the square of the tower, saw Jan Hendricks still hanging at the stake. With great violence the planks were torn off, and the stakes pulled out, from the enclosure that had been erected to keep the people from getting to the officers of justice. A lad then came and passed the stake, intending to cut the cord by which said Jan had been strangled; but he did not venture to do it, whereupon another came, who cut the chord, so that Jan fell to the ground. And as the perpetrators of this crime were mostly strangers, the citizens who lived in the neighborhood, locked their doors. The bailiff, together with the servants of the Procurator-General, and of Schielandt, barricaded the front of the city hall with benches, planks, and other wood, in order to keep the two others that had been sentenced, and the women. But as the tumult and uproar increased more and more, the rioters pulled out the stakes, and other stakes from the street, and came with violence before the door of the city hall, in order to force it open. The door, however, being firmly barricaded, they went with the stakes upon the hospital stairs, and forced open the back door of the city hall, which leads to the chamber of Schielandt, and the treasury. Hearing this, the Bailiff and his servants, who were there with the prisoners, left the two women behind, since Annetge was a cripple, and not able to walk, and took the other two prisoners that had been sentenced, and fled with them from the lower part of the city hall up into the tower. The rioters thus forced open the front as well as the rear of the city hall, broke the doors in pieces, and first took the aforesaid two women, brought them without the city, and led them away. Thereupon they returned into the front of the city hall, and smashed in the door leading up into the tower, calling and crying aloud for the two men prisoners; or they would kill them all, and set the tower on fire; so that the servants released said prisoners, whom the rioters then brought without the city.
After this they cried as loud as ever, and demanded the young constable, and also the Bailiff and the members of the court. And as the servants were in a story of the tower below the one occupied by the lords of the court, they told the rioters aloud that the lords and the constable had already left the city hall. Deeper silence could not have reigned in a convent, than prevailed at this time among the lords; for though some did not make an outward manifestation of the regret which they felt in their hearts, he that had sharp eyes, could read it in their face. And though it was past noon, and no one had eaten much that day, yet I believe, if there had been an abundance of the most tempting viands, none would have made very great inroads upon them.
But at last, God be praised for it, the tumult and uproar ceased; so that through the faithfulness of Adriaen Jacobs Tromper, councilor of said city, who had left the ark, but returned with an olive twig, and informed the lords of the court, in their anxiety, that the uproar had subsided, and that the rioters had all gone away. Thus, about two o’clock in the afternoon, the lords left the tower; but the city was still in great commotion, and Jan Hendricks, the prisoner that had been cut down, was brought into the house of one Kers Goverts Brouwer, near the city hall, where he remained until about five or six o’clock in the evening, when he was openly put into a boat, and taken out of the city, and it is said that he is still living.
That evening the arquebusiers were ordered on guard. The next day, the 29th of March, a delegation went in behalf of the city to the Hague, to the lords of the council, where they reported the matter, presented an excuse in behalf of the city, and requested that commissioners be sent to inquire into the matter, that the city might be exculpated from the uproar. Next day, Sir Guiljand Zeegers, Lord van Wassenhoven, and Sir Christian de Waert, Procurator-General, arrived here, and made some inquiries concerning the crime, and reported the information obtained to the council. His Royal Majesty, having been informed that full control had been gained over the city, speedily dispatched (since my lord the margrave van Veere was sick) the count of Boussu and my lord of Cruyningen, who passed through here secretly, on Easter eve, on their way to the Hague, where they, on Easter-day, convened the whole council. They wrote to the Bailiff, to close the gates and bars, and to fetch those who had been designated and reported, from their beds, in the night; which was done after the close of Easter-day, and there was apprehended in the night, with the assistance of the arquebusiers, and in presence of the burgomasters, one Chiele Pot. On the following day, the second Easter-day, there arrived in the city the Count of Boussu, my lord of Cruyningen, Sir Gerrit van Assendelft, President of the Council, Guiljand Zeegers, lord of Wassenhoven, Sir Cornelis Zuys, Aernoult Sasbout, Cornelis van Weldam, and Dominicus Boot.
On the 21st of April, 1558, after Easter.
Whereas Jacob Theunis, alias Mosselman, born at Rotterdam, at present a prisoner, has confessed, without torture and iron bonds, before the count of Boussu, Knight of the order of the Golden Fleece, the lord of Cruyningen, as commissaries from his Royal Majesty, and the court of Holland; that he, the prisoner, after the tumult and uproar in this city of Rotterdam had taken place, went to the city hall, to see what was going on there, and that as he ascended the steps of the city hall, a crutch was thrown at his neck, whereupon he picked it up, went with it into the city hall, where the servants were still in the tower, and threw it up from below at the servants; all of which are things of bad example, and must not go uncorrected, but must be punished, as a warning example unto others; therefore, the aforesaid court, after mature deliberation, in the name of the King of Spain, of England, of France, etc., as Count of Holland, Zeeland and Vriesland, has condemned and does sentence by these presents, the aforesaid prisoner Jacob Theunis, to appear in audience, and there to ask, with uncovered head, on his knees, the forgiveness of the court, on behalf of his Royal Majesty and justice, and to declare that he is sincerely sorry that he threw the crutch at the servants, in the city hall: and that after this is done, he is to be brought upon the scaffold erected in front of the city hall of this city, and to remain standing there until after the execution of the rioters. Done at Rotterdam by Sir Geraerdt van Assendelft, Emskerk, etc., first President of the council, Guiljand Zeegers, lord of Wassenhoven, etc., Knight, Sir Cornelis Zuys, Aernout Sassebout, Cornelis van Weldam, Dominicus Boot, Damas van Drogendijk, Quintijn Weytszoon, and Aernout Nicolai, Councilors of Holland, and pronounced on the 21st of April, 1558, after Easter.
Whereas Avicenna Jans, born at Delft, at present a prisoner, has confessed, without torture and iron bonds, before the count of Boussu, Knight of the Golden Fleece, and the lord of Cruyningen, as commissaries of his Royal Majesty and the court of Holland, that he, the prisoner, at the time of the tumult and uproar which recently occurred in this city of Rotterdam, stood at the house of Kors Goverts Brouwer, and that after said uproar was almost over, he, intending to go home, in his consternation went eastward, and again passed the house of the aforesaid Kors, and having seen that the condemned and strangled man, who had been cut down from the stake at which he had been strangled, was brought to the house of the aforesaid Kors Goverts, he, the prisoner also went into the house; and that, while the strangled man was yet lying in the street near the door, and because some of the other bystanders had said to him: “Take the man (meaning the strangled man) further back,” he, the prisoner, also seized hold of him; and that after the strangled man had been lifted up and carried into the house, he, since some had told him to see whether there was yet life in the strangled man, tapped the soles of his feet, and afterwards, in the evening, returned home from the aforesaid house—
Here the account in said book of criminal sentences abruptly ends; so that it remains uncertain what was further done in the matter.
At Cologne, on the Rhine, a godfearing brother, named Thomas van Imbroeck, a printer’s servant, was apprehended for the truth, in the year 1557, and imprisoned in a tower. When afterwards examined in regard to baptism and marriage, he met them with the word of God, in such a manner that they desisted from examining him further and put him into another tower. His wife wrote him a letter exhorting him to fight valiantly, and to adhere firmly to the truth. For these comforting words he affectionately thanked her, and showed by many Scriptures that the righteous have always suffered, and that he stood with a good conscience void of offense before God, to follow them, forsake wife, children, and all visible things, and take up the cross of Christ, and follow him, for which he prayed God that he might be found worthy. Afterwards there came to him two priests, who disputed with him concerning infant baptism; but they disagreed among themselves; for the one would have that the infants that died unbaptized were damned, while the other admitted that they were saved. They insisted that he should become converted. But he said: “That which I maintain, the Scriptures have taught me, and if any one will teach me a better way from the Scriptures, I will gladly follow him.” They said: “You despise our church, and refuse to be taught by us.” He replied: “That I contemn your church and do not come under your communion, is for the reason that you do not keep your church pure; for perjurers, whoremongers, and the like are pious brethren among you.” They also asked him why he did not have his children baptized. He answered: “The Scriptures teach no infant baptism, and those that are to be baptized according to the word of God, must first believe.” Then they said that he was a heretic, but were not able to prove it. He was then brought to the rack, where he was sharply examined, but not tortured, though the executioner had everything ready for it; for the lords were not agreed among themselves. This happened three different times. After this he was brought into the house of the count, who would gladly have set him at liberty had he not so greatly feared the imperial decree and the displeasure of the bishop. Thomas, however, was bold, of good cheer, and ready to lay down his life for the name of Christ, and to adhere so firmly to the truth and the love of God, that neither fire, water, sword, nor any other thing should move him therefrom. When they took him away from the house of the count, he suffered much temptation all night from the count’s people and others, who undertook to teach and instruct him, but all in vain; for they were such as were themselves not instructed or taught of God.
Finally he was brought before the high court, where he was condemned to death, in presence of the count, who then; for the first time, pronounced judgment, staining his staff with Christian blood. Thus he was beheaded, as a pious witness of Jesus Christ, for his steadfast continuance in the faith, on the 5th day of March, 1558, being twenty-five years old.
From his prison he wrote letters to his wife and brethren, and also a confession of his faith regarding baptism, of which a special book has been published, all of which is very instructive and comforting for the godfearing, as you shall see by the following part, which is here presented to you.
A letter by Thomas van Imbroeck, written from prison to his wife and brethren.
Much grace and peace from God the heavenly Father, who is a true Father; for he shows his fatherly faithfulness to all his children, according to his promise, when he says: I will be a Father unto them, and they shall be my sons and daughters. May this Father so speak to your hearts, that you may believe me with a good conscience, that you are his children, and it will not fail you.
This grace I wish you, my dear wife, and also the wife of my Lord (you understand whom I mean), through the Author and Finisher of life, Jesus, to whom alone we must take refuge, that we may become conformed to him in this world, according to the words of the prophet, who says: “He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and we hid as it were our faces from him.” Is. 53:23.
But what says the Scripture: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name . . . and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”
Hence I deem it necessary for us, O wife of the Lord, to reflect on this; for though we are now the reproach of all men, yea, as the filth and offscouring of every one, so that they say: “Away with him, for he is not fit to live;” they shall in due time confess and say: “Behold, how are they now numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints. We accounted their life madness, and their end to be without honor.” Wis. 3:5,4. Now we sigh, but when he shall come for whom we wait; then they shall sigh, and be distressed with great pain; who shall be without hope; for their worm shall never die, and their fire shall not be quenched.
Hence, there is a great difference between the pious and the ungodly; for the souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and there shall no torment touch them, for their hope is full of immortality. Wis. 3:1,4.
This, my brethren, we are to consider well; for if we look back, we still look upon deadly or mortal things, and there cannot apply to us the comforting words of Paul, where he says: “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” 2 Cor. 4:17,18.
Now I know that wife and children are visible, and though they are dear to me, yet I will count them but dung, and say: “Henceforth know I no man after the flesh; but the knowledge of the spirit abideth forever.” Philip. 3:8; 2 Cor. 5:16. And thus I hope to know you all when we shall appear together in the eternal joy, which is prepared from the beginning for them that are not ashamed of Christ; but this is not to be ashamed, when we, as malefactors, go without the gate, for Christ’s sake, and help him bear his reproach, without the camp. Heb. 12:13.
Hence I desire that the rich seek no excuse, and say: “Yea, I cannot forsake everything, it would create great wonderment and sensation before the world, if I should so completely forsake my rank. Yea, they should imagine that they were doing too much in this. Ah no! he who is over all, God blessed forever, humbled himself much more than this; for he was King over all, and Lord of the whole world, even as David in spirit calls him Lord: he came not to be ministered unto, but to minister unto all; for he became the servant of us all, that he might make us free. Rom. 9:5; Philip. 2:7; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; Matt. 20:28; John 8:36.
If we therefore have received freedom through him, let us be grateful, and not cast it from us; for it has a great reward, though some say we ought not to serve God for the reward. This view, I say, is not right; for I say with Paul: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Cor 15:19.
Yet, let no one think, that he shall be justified and saved by his good works alone; for this we must wholly ascribe to the grace of God, and to the merits and innocently shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who works the good in us.
Therefore, my dear brethren, beware of such spirits; for they would experience greater perfection, but fail in those things which are least. Adhere to the doctrine you have learned. One thing I desire and request: that the simple may be better and more thoroughly instructed, lest your labor be burned in the fire; for the scripture says not in vain: “In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted; for experience brings perfect wisdom, even as Paul says: Blessed be . . . the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For, as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ; yea, through him, I say, we shall gain the victory; for he is our life, and to die is gain for us, since he says: “Though you were dead, yet shall you live.” Heb. 2:18; 2 Cor. 1:3–5; John 11:25; 2 Tim. 2:11.
Hence it is good to die with Christ; for he was raised up by the glory of his Father, and, hence, will draw unto him all that the Father has given him. Rom. 6:4; John 12:32. Therefore, my brethren, and my dear wife, let us be valiant; for the apostle says: “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9. Hence I deem it good, to be in weakness, (mark) if it be followed by being in reproach, distress, persecution, and fear for Christ’s sake.
Yea, if the Lord should count me worthy to testify with my blood to his name, how greatly would I thank him, for I hope not only to bear these bonds with patience, but also to die for Christ’s sake, that I may finish my course with joy; for I would rather be with the Lord, than live again in this abominable, wicked world; however, his divine will be done. Amen.
And if anything should be defective yet in my life, that I may not have been diligent enough (which I confess), may the Lord blot it out and purge it, through the fire of his love and mercy, in the blood of Jesus Christ through which everything must be purified, and purged. 1 John 1:7.
Dear brethren, I desire that you will all pray to God for me, that he will keep us, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Another letter by Thomas van Imbroeck, written in prison to his wife.
May grace, peace and mercy from God the heavenly Father, and the pure love of his Son Jesus Christ, be perfect in your heart, my dear wife, that you may thereby be drawn from all visible things to the invisible and eternal, through the help and co-operation of his Holy Spirit, who is the Governor and Guide of the children of God; to him be glory and praise forever and ever, Amen.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for his great and unspeakable grace, which he has imparted to us through his gracious goodness, and has drawn us into the kingdom of his Beloved Son, through whom we have received redemption from all our sins, in his blood. Eph. 1:3.
Hence it is right and just that we ought not to cease constantly to serve him with great humility as grateful and obedient children, and not disesteem the grace which has been given us, but diligently consider why and for what purpose it has been given us, namely, that we should use it and get gain by it, that we may hear the sweet voice which says: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” Matt. 25:21.
Be admonished by this, that the merchant sold all that he had, and bought the field in which lay the treasure. Matt. 13:44. Thus you should also think now, that you willingly give your husband to the Lord, like Jephtha, who offered up his daughter to the Lord; or remember also Abraham, the pious father of all the faithful, who did not become weak in faith, but willingly delivered up his son Isaac to show obedience to the mighty God, who gives life and breath to all men, Judg. 11:39; Heb. 11:17.
Remember also patient Job, who in his trial with all meekness said: “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither; the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21.
O, James may well say: “Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord.” Jas. 5:11. And also Paul says: “Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.” Heb. 12:3 He knew no sin; but we must confess that we deserve more punishment than we suffer, though the same is profitable, as is written that he chastises us for our benefit, and that all things work together for good to us. Rom. 8:28.
Hence I desire of you, my dear friend, that you be of good cheer in the Lord, and do not grieve, for I have well perceived that you have lost flesh and become emaciated. Rejoice with me, and thank God that we are not bastards, but that he receives us as a Father, yea, as children and fellow heirs of his kingdom, who here on earth receive like reward with his Son, and this for the sake of his testimony.
Why should we not suffer the evil, seeing we have received the good from him? However, if we would sorrow, we have cause enough for it, for godly sorrow I mean; for we may with truth lament, that we are still very unfit; even as you write me, that you cannot pray well, even as I also, alas! am imperfect. Jas. 4:3. But the reason of it, in my opinion, is this, that we are not sufficiently displeased with ourselves, and also, that we do not perceive the thorns that are in our flesh.
May the Lord have compassion upon us, and open the eyes of our understanding, so that we may hate sin, even as God himself hates it; for then he takes pleasure in us, even as also holy David when he says: “Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak: O Lord, heal me, for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed; but thou, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake. I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.” Ps. 6:2–4,6.
But where are the tears which we have shed, my dear wife, over our past sins, when our souls were wounded even unto death, yea, sunk in hell? True, we sing: “I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me:” but it were far better for us, to lament from deep distress of heart, and to pray with a broken, contrite and fervent heart, if we experience the same, now that tribulation and suffering happen to us in the flesh.
Thus also Esther learned to pray, where she says: “O my Lord, thou only art our King: help me, desolate woman, which have no helper but thee; deliver us and help me; for thou knowest all things; O Lord, thou knowest that I hate the glory of the unrighteous, and abhor the bed of the uncircumcised, and that I abhor the sign of my high estate.” 2 Esther 14:3,15.
We must observe here that the pious woman had an aversion for the costly apparel, and hated it more than she loved it. Do you also beware of it, and reprove it sharply in those whom you see given to it: for it proceeds not from a humble heart. The proverb says: “Don’t put moths into the fur;” neither must we give the flesh occasion for sin, since it is, alas! evil enough without that. Gal. 5:13.
Therefore, my dear sister, do not respect persons; for the faith of Jesus does not suffer respect of persons (Deut. 1:17; Jas. 2:1); but reprove that which is evil with all kindness and humility, out of love, and show yourself in all things a pattern of good works and sobriety to all women, with piety and silence; for he that bridles not his tongue, deceives his own heart, and his religion is vain.
Hence I affectionately exhort you, while you have time now, that you will use all diligence; for it is not enough, that we confess the name of the Lord with the mouth in prison, but we must first demonstrate our confession in power; for we know that he who transgresses out of prison, sins just as much as he that sins in prison, though through weakness, while the other, sins from wantonness.
Therefore take heed to yourselves, and be always prepared; for we know not the hour. Watch therefore, and keep your garments clean, lest you walk naked, and your shame become manifest. Be always ready for conflict; for David says; “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.” Ps. 34:19,20. “He saveth the poor from the sword of the ungodly, and the needy from the hand of the mighty.” Job 5:15. Job further says: “Happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.” 5:17,18.
Paul also says, that he wants to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means (he says) I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:10,11. Hence we must mourn with him, that we may also rejoice with him. Does not Christ say: “Blessed are they that mourn and lament; for they shall be comforted; yea, the tears shall be wiped away.” Matt. 5:4. And the Lord does not forsake the widow that is oppressed, as it is written: “He hears the prayer of the distressed and oppressed, and he does not despise the prayer of the widows, if they pour it out before him with lamentation and sighing; yea, their tears ascend to heaven, and the Lord will hear them.” Sir. 35:24.
Therefore let us be resigned, and say within ourselves: O Lord, Almighty King, all things are in thy power; if it is thy will to restore unto me my husband, there is none that can resist thy will. Thou hast made heaven and earth, and all that is contained in the circuit of heaven. Thou art Lord of all things. Thou preservest us as the apple of thine eye, and hast said through the mouth of David, that we shall cast our burden upon thee; for thou wilt sustain us, and never suffer the righteous to be moved. Ps. 55:22. Then will your prayer be fulfilled, as you write me, that you cannot pray otherwise than only: Lord, thy will be done. And I wish to God for you, that this may be found in you in truth, and not as Israel cried to the Lord, when they drew near him with their mouth, and magnified him with their tongues; but their heart was not right with him, and they were not found faithful in his covenant. Is. 29:13. But they that keep his commandment, shall pray, and whatsoever they shall ask (in accordance with his will) shall be granted unto them. John 15:16.
Hence be of good courage, and bring up your children in good manners, and in the fear of God, that their natural propensities may be mortified; and take an example from yourself, how you bring them up in their weakness, with great labor and trouble, and give the breast to them to whom the Lord has commanded milk to be given.
You are also to give them the rod, according to the command of the Lord, when they transgress and are obstinate: for this is also food for the soul, and drives out the folly which is bound up in their hearts. Prov. 23:13,14. Remember the words of Sirach, where he says (Sir. 7:26): “Shew not thyself cheerful to thy daughter, nor laugh with her, lest she become bold against thee, and thou have to bear shame on her account in the end. But teach her the law of our God, that she may put her hope in the Almighty and Most High, and may never forget the benefits bestowed upon us through Christ.
I also pray you, that they, as far as possible, be kept away from intractable children; do not allow them to run about in the streets, but keep them with you as much as possible, that you may have joy and sorrow with them; and forget not the kind of widow mentioned by Paul in his letter to Timothy (1 Tim. 5:4); but place your hope firmly in the Lord, and wait for him with patience.
Now I understand that you would gladly die; but when I was still with you, and we lived together in peace, then life was no cross for you. Remember therefore now what I often told you, namely, that it is good for the believer to have tribulation and distress, that we may learn to say with Paul: “We groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this body, are burdened, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord, than to walk in his absence in much affliction.” 2 Cor. 5:2. Alas! friend, how few there are that say this; I mean among those who enjoy peace and rest.
Therefore thank the Lord, that he has given this grace, and perhaps removed me from your sight for the best; for he is a jealous God; he will be loved the most, and have sole possession of the human heart. And you have also asked him to remove from your path everything that might be in the way of your salvation. Hence think that he is proving us both, and let us willingly take the yoke upon us, and count it all joy. Jas. 1:2. For what are the sufferings of this world? Nothing but a dream, as David says: “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter.” Psalm 126:1.
Thus it is with us as with a woman in travail; when the child is brought forth, she would not surrender it, because of the former pain. So also we, when we have been delivered from the child, we would not take the whole world for it.
Hence take good heed, that you be not startled or frightened, that the child may be born in due time. Take food and nourishment from the husband Christ, that you may have strength for labor; and neglect not to receive the true food, the word of God. Remember Israel, who were satiated with bread from heaven. May the Lord give you a sound soul, and a fervent stomach of love, so that the food may be well digested. Amen.
May the grace of the Lord be increased unto you, my dear wife. Be always subject to the godfearing, and associate with the pious, and pray God to keep me in the truth; for truth abides and is strong forever; it lives, and will forever prevail.
Greet all the saints with the kiss of love, and all who love the Lord Jesus, and tell them to be kind; for God is the Hero and Captain, who so faithfully succors in time of need. He is like a shower upon the parched earth in a dry summer. Thus he refreshes the afflicted souls, that thirst for him; he is a shadow from the heat of the sun. Matt. 11:28; Is. 55:1; 25:4.
Tell the brethren to take care of the novices, and to pray earnestly for me. I will also pray for them, as much as is in my power. Remember my bonds. The Lord be with your spirit. Amen.
Your dear husband, Thomas van Imbroeck,
imprisoned for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
P. S. This Thomas van Imbroeck composed an excellent confession of baptism, as also a defense against the adversaries, in regard to the same matter, and delivered it all to the lords of justice of the city of Cologne. Concerning this, see our Account of Holy Baptism, for the year 1558.
About this time a lay brother by the name of Govert Jaspers, with two others, left the monastery of the Cross-brethren at Goes. However, they did not continue together long; for one of them utterly forsook the good way, and accepted the love of this world; the other, from fear of persecution, went to Friesland, where he became a brother in the church, and died a pious man; but this Govert Jaspers was apprehended by the bailiff, soon after he left the monastery, as he was sitting in the field, reading in a Testament. He was brought to the city of Brussels, in Brabant, where he had to suffer much, yea, finally even death, for the testimony of the truth, in which he steadfastly persevered, and thus, as a valiant soldier of Jesus Christ, pressed through the strait gate, in order to take by force the kingdom of God, which he had preferred far above all the kingdoms of this world.
About the same time there was apprehended at Werwijck, in Flanders, for the truth, one brother Maerten Bossier, who, after much temptation and trial, also had to suffer temporal death (by burning); but now the second death shall have no power over him.
All that would follow Christ, must take his cross upon them; this was experienced by one brother Absalom van Tomme, or the Singer, who was apprehended for the truth, at Kortrijck, in Flanders, in the year 1558. After he had been examined, and had made confession of his faith, he was severely assailed with threats and tortures, in order to cause him to apostatize; but he remained steadfast in everything, and firmly trusted in God, so that he was sentenced to death, and burned, showing himself a good disciple or servant of Christ, who did not wish to be above his Master, but like him, namely, to suffer with him, in order to enter into the kingdom of God, even as Christ had to suffer, to enter into his glory.
Willem van Haverbeke also not only suffered persecution for the name of the Lord, but also suffered himself to be apprehended, and to be led before lords and princes, where he freely confessed his faith, and steadfastly continued in the same, no amount of suffering, pain or torment being sufficient to cause him to apostatize, so great was the love of God shed abroad in his heart; hence he was finally condemned, and confirmed the same with his death, at Kortrijck, in Flanders, in the year 1558.
About this time, also a young man named Daniel Verkampt, after suffering much persecution, was apprehended at Kortrijck, in Flanders, for living truly according to the word of God. Being sharply examined by the deans of Ronse and Polet, he willingly and freely confessed his faith, and said that he would firmly adhere to it even unto death; but of his fellow-believers he would betray no one.
Thereupon Ronse and Polet summoned the mother of this young man before them. She was a little old woman, and walked with a staff. When she appeared before them, they told her with severe words, that according to the imperial decree she had forfeited life and property, for having harbored her son, whom they had found to be a heretic.
To this she meekly replied: “My lords, shall I forfeit life and property, for having now and then given shelter to my own son in his distress—whom I carried under my heart, brought forth in pain, and nourished in affliction—when he is neither a thief nor a rogue, but is called the most excellent young man of our village; and this merely because you say that he is a heretic? I think that if the Emperor were present, from whom you say you have a decree, he would say that you abuse his decree against me, and he would commend me, that the mother’s heart was moved with compassion for her child, that has never merited anything else. Truly, my lords, this is contrary to your proper wisdom and urbanity; for, know, that if in that hour when you came to apprehend him, I could have concealed him from you in my body, by carrying him again for nine months, giving him birth, and raising him, as I have done once, God knows how gladly I would have done it.” This she said with such pathos, that all the lords who were present and sat in court declared her innocent, and said that she had not acted contrary to the nature of a true mother’s heart; and hence the mother was set at liberty, but the son had to purchase with fire the constancy of his faith, and the love of God, with which he was inflamed, and was burnt for the testimony of Jesus Christ, who will make him free forever.
Not long after the above, also a brother named Marcus de Ledersnijder was apprehended for the truth, at Kortrijck, in Flanders, who, having been much importuned and tortured, yet constantly remaining steadfast, was condemned to death, and burned with fire, thus offering up his soul to God, who also most graciously accepted it.
In the year 1558, Jacob de Melselaer, a brother, was apprehended at Antwerp, for living according to and keeping the word of God; who, after much examination and torment, as he would not renounce or apostatize, was condemned to death, and brought forth into the market place, with a gag in his mouth, to prevent him from speaking. Nevertheless, he went to death with boldness, and valiantly testified with his blood to the faith he had confessed.
In this same year brother Louwijs de Wever was beheaded in prison at Antwerp, for the confession of and steadfast adherence to his faith.
A short time after this, also two brethren named Frans Tiban and Little Dirk, were apprehended for their faith, at Antwerp, examined, tortured, afflicted with much torment, and, finally, as they would in no wise apostatize, condemned to death, and beheaded in prison.
Three brethren, namely, Henderick Leerverkooper, Anthonis and Dirk de Schilder, were also apprehended at Antwerp, for the truth; who, as diligent followers and true sheep of Christ, had to taste death for his sake, being executed with the sword.
In the year 1558, Waechling Dirks, Maerten Schoenmaecker, and Adriaen Peters, all three of them natives of Wijnckel, were apprehended for the Gospel and the divine truth, and as they steadfastly adhered to the same, without departing therefrom, all three were finally condemned at Gravenhage, in Holland, and put to death, as pious witnesses of Jesus Christ, and are now awaiting the crown of life.
In this year, a young brother named Wouter van Honschoten was apprehended, at Honschoten, in Flanders, for following the word of God, and as he freely confessed his faith, and would in no wise depart from it, he was finally sentenced to death and to the fire, and was burnt as a pious witness of God.
In the year 1558, a brother named Jacob de Swarte (son of Jan de Swarte), and Hanscken van den Broecke, went from Ostende to Bruges, to hear the preaching of the word of God, and were apprehended there, together with others. No sufferings being sufficient to deter or separate them from the love of God, they were finally sentenced to death, and thus valiantly ended their lives for the testimony of the Gospel, about St. John’s day, in midsummer.
About this time, also a brother named Hans den Duytsch was apprehended at Antwerp; who freely confessed his faith, and would firmly adhere to it; for he chose rather to die a temporal death for the truth, and thus gain eternal life, than to purchase a short wicked life with everlasting death. They had him beheaded in the prison, whereupon they, like madmen, threw his body into the Scheldt.
Very soon after, also six brethren, namely, Sander Hendricks, Hans de Smit, Hans van Burculo, Pieter in de Vettewarije, Arent and Geraert Passementwerker, were publicly put to death for the truth, in the market place, in the presence of all the people. They all valiantly confessed the name of Christ, and are now waiting for the crown of glory, which is promised to all heroes of the Lord.
Not long after the above, also four sisters, named Grietgen, Tanneken, Lijntgen and Stijntgen of Aix-la-Chapelle were apprehended at Antwerp, on account of their faith, and severely examined; but as they could in no wise be moved therefrom, and fought as heroines for the name of Christ, always firmly adhering to the truth, they were finally tied crooked and drowned in prison.
There was also a young maiden named Janneken apprehended for her faith, at Antwerp; who, when she appeared before the lords, freely confessed her faith. The Margrave said: “Janneken, if you will renounce, I will show you favor; do according to my will, and I will give you your life.” But she replied: “The life that you would give me, I desire not; for your promises are vain and as wavering as a reed, and would only bring me into greater sorrow: cursed is every one that trusts in man.” Jer. 17:5.
There was a preacher named Balthazar, who endeavored to make her believe that God was in the sacrament; however, she would not confess it, but said: “You thus disgrace God in your body; but read the Lord’s Prayer once.” And when he read it, she said: “There, you see, you read that he is in heaven, and how dare you say then, that he is in the sacrament?”
In the court she was asked by the Bailiff, whether she was rebaptized. She said: “Question me in regard to my faith, and I will freely confess it to you; or are you ashamed of it? I confess one baptism, which must follow faith, and does not pertain to infants, but requires previous amendment of life.” The Bailiff said: “We have done enough to gain you; if you had suffered yourself to be prevailed upon to recant, you should have done well.” She replied: “You have loved my flesh, but not my soul, which you would have gladly devoured; but God will receive it as a child, and make it an heir. And though you are now a Bailiff in your glory, you will deplore it in the judgment of God, and wish that you had rather been a herdsman272 in the fear of God”. Thereupon she was sentenced to death, and, having commended her spirit into the hands of God, was drowned in a tub, together with another woman, named Noele.
As the Jews in the time of the apostles envied the assemblies of the Christians, and disturbed them wherever they could, so have also their successors, the ministers of antichrist, universally done, which appeared also in the year 1558, near Doornick, where some Christians and faithful children of God had assembled, in order to be refreshed, edified and bettered by the preaching of the word of God. They were also spied out, dispersed, partly scattered, and six of them apprehended, namely, Adriaen van Hee, cutler, Joos Meeuwens, Willem de Hoedemaecker, Goossen de Hoedemaecker, Egbert de Hoedemaecker, and Lambert van Doornick. They were together brought to Doornick, and having been imprisoned there a fortnight, they were condemned to death for their steadfast adherence to the true faith in God, and taken without Doornick, into a forest belonging under the jurisdiction of Hainault, and there burnt, as pious witnesses of God, who shall not taste the fire of hell, but shall live in joy with all the chosen of the Lord.
Joris Wippe, when he still lived in the darkness of popery, was a burgomaster at Meenen in Flanders, his native place; but having subsequently come to the knowledge of the Gospel, he had to flee the country, and went to live at Dortrecht, in Holland, where he established himself as cloth-dyer. When he had lived there for a while, and was becoming known, he, through the instigation of the enemies of the truth, was summoned to appear before the lords in the large church. Somewhat alarmed on this account, Joris consulted with several drapers, for whom he dyed, and who were men of influence, as to what he should do. They, placing entire confidence in the magistracy, deemed it advisable that he should appear before them, and hear what they had to say to him.
When he came there, and the lords saw him, they were filled with consternation, and would have preferred that he had taken their summons as a warning to secretly make his escape, since they did not thirst much for innocent blood; but as he had appeared, the Bailiff, when Joris was about to leave the church, seized him as one who, according to the imperial decree, had forfeited life and property. This happened on the 28th of April, 1558.
After his apprehension, the lords tried every means to save him from death; he was sent to Gravenhage (that is, to the court of Holland), and there examined; but as he was a resident of Dordrecht, and had been apprehended there, he was sent back thither, and ultimately put to death there.
He left behind him a good testimony as regards his liberality to the poor; for when he was sentenced to death, the executioner lamented with tears in his eyes, that he had to put to death a man who had so often fed his wife and children, and would rather forego his office, than put to death this man, who had done so much good to him and others, and had never harmed any one. Hence he was finally drowned, in the night, in a wine cask filled with water, by one of the thief-catchers, who, at the command of the lords, performed the executioner’s office on him, pushing him backward into the water. Thus he offered up his life to the Lord, on the first of October, being forty-one years old. The next day he was hung by his feet to the gallows, in the place of execution, as an object of derision to the people, being thus, like his Master, numbered among the malefactors. The day following, several criminals were scourged and banished; whereupon the executioner, after he had executed this punishment, still lamenting the death of Joris Wippe, said: “They have crucified Christ, and released Barabbas.”
He wrote several letters in prison, three of which have come into our possession. He doubtless would have written more; but great watchfulness was exercised that he should have no ink, so that he wrote his last letter (to his children) with mulberry juice.
Note.—Inasmuch as we, after long search in the archives of this city, found the sentence of death of this friend of God, Joris Wippe, and copied it ourselves from the criminal records of this city, we deem it well to add it here, so that the truth of the above account concerning the death of this man may appear the more clearly and incontrovertibly.
Sentence of death of Joris Wippe done and pronounced in the chamber (of justice), the 4th of August, 1558.
Whereas Joris Wippe, Joosten’s son, born at Meenen, in Flanders, has dared to have himself rebaptized, and has held273 pernicious views concerning baptism, according to testimony and truth, and all the evidence which the Judges and the council have seen and heard with regard to it, and according to his own confession, therefore, he shall, to the honor of God,274 and the edification of the lords and the city,275 be drowned in a cask, and his body then be brought to the place of execution, and there be hung to the gallows, and his property shall be confiscated, and placed in the lord’s exchequer.
Extracted from the book of criminal records of the city of Dortrecht, commenced on the last of October, 1554, and ended on the 16th of June, 1573.
This is the first sentence of death publicly pronounced upon any one with regard to matters of faith, which we found in this book. As to whether it was pronounced in the chamber of justice, in the presence of the lords alone, or publicly proclaimed in court, before all men, is not expressed; nor is it of much importance to know. This much is certain, that his death resulted in consequence.
But since, according to the testimony of old writers, the executioner was not willing to execute this man, and the lords of justice themselves were not a little troubled in this matter, though they had allowed themselves to be persuaded by the priests and monks, the execution of the sentence pronounced was postponed for over seven weeks, namely, from the 4th of August until the first of October, A. D. 1558.
The following night, having commended his soul into the hands of God, he was drowned in a wine cask, by one of the thief-catchers, as related above, in the Vuylgate at Dortrecht, where he was imprisoned.
Further Observation.—According to John van Beverwijck’s account of the government of the city of Dortrecht, the following persons sat in court when sentence of death was passed upon this pious man:
Adriaen van Blyenberg Adriaens (who also sat in court when sentence was passed upon Digna Pieters), Bailiff of Dortrecht; together with nine judges: Mr. T. Schoock Sir Pieters; Cornelis Krooswijck Jans; Frans Anthoniss; Mr. Aert van der Lede Sir Staess; Willem Boucquet Blasiuss; Adriaen van Nispen Gerrits; Frans Adriaens; Heyman van Bleyenbergh Adriaens; Cornelis van Beveren Claess.
But whether they all unanimously passed this sentence, is not stated; however, it appears that the majority concurred therein, which can not have taken place without grief and compunction of conscience on their part, since but a short time before they had sought to get rid of the doomed man, and for this purpose had sent him to the Hague, to the court of Holland, that he might be judged there; but when he returned they sentenced him to death—certainly a lamentable matter on their part; but on the part of the martyr a matter of rejoicing, since death was for him the entrance to an eternal and blissful life.
The first letter of Joris Wippe, written to his wife, when he was sent from Dortrecht to the Hague.
The eternal joy and gladness which ear has not heard, nor eye seen, nor has entered into the heart of man, this same joy and gladness I wish you my dearest wife and sister, whom I love in God, for a heartfelt salutation. Amen.
My most beloved wife and sister in the Lord, I wish you the joy of the Holy Ghost in your heart, for a heartfelt greeting in God our Savior and Lord; which joy of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law; and they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5:22–24.
Therefore my dear wife in the Lord, take heed to yourself, that you abound with this precious Spirit; for of that with which one is filled he will bring forth. Regard not the joy and pleasure of this world; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7,8. O dear sister in the Lord, let us “not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:9. Hence, pray always with all prayer, watching and supplication in the Spirit, in all your requests to the Lord (Eph. 6:18), and let your modesty and obedience, and your love to God, be an example and pattern to all our dear obedient children, whom the holy Lord has given us, to the praise and glory of his Father. And use diligence in teaching and admonishing them; and chastise them, lest the Lord requires them at your hands. Do your very best, so that I may see you all again at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:14. Be well content, and always fix your heart and mind upon the living God; for he will not forsake the widow and the fatherless; but his eyes behold the afflicted widows and fatherless, and his ear is open unto their prayer. Hence, be patient, and commit all your concerns to the Lord; he will be a kind Protector to you. If you remain faithful to him, he will be faithful to you; he will not be wanting on his part.