forgiveness, or reconciliation for the aforesaid Anabaptists, or
from presenting any petitions for this purpose, on pain of summary
punishment; for because of their evil doctrine, we will not have or
permit that any Anabaptists shall have any mercy shown them, but
that they shall be punished, as an example unto others, without any
dissimulation, favor or delay. And in order to do this with all that
pertains to it, we give each and all of you full power and special
command.
Given at Brussels, under our counter-seal, stamped here in the margin,
on the tenth day of June, in the year 1535. Subscribed by the Emperor
and his council, and signed
_Pensart_.
PETER KOSTER, A. D. 1535.
In the year 1535, there was a pious brother, named Peter Koster, who
had been sexton of the church at Sardam, in North Holland. But having
come to the knowledge of the truth, he was ordained a teacher of the
church, and because of the persecution, went to reside at Amsterdam,
where he was apprehended by the bailiff, having been reported by
a woman living in his neighborhood, who through ill-directed zeal
revealed the place where he had concealed himself. And as this
took place at a time when some wicked rebellions and conspiracies
were taking place in the world, this friend of God was suspected
of this matter; but it appeared from his own writings, as well
as in his confession, that he was innocent, and various credible
witnesses testify that he had always sincerely opposed these things.
Nevertheless, as he had been baptized upon faith, according to the
command and ordinance of Christ, and, moreover, had been a teacher,
he was sentenced to death, and executed with the sword, at Amsterdam,
and is now awaiting, with all the pious, the reward which Christ has
promised, saying: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for
my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in
heaven. Matthew 5:11,12.
SYBRANT JANS, HENDRICK GIJSBRECHTS VAN CAMPEN, STEPHEN BENEDICTUS,
FEMMETGEN, DAUGHTER OF EGBERT, AND WELMUT, DAUGHTER OF JANS.
In the year 1535, three brethren and two sisters named Sybrant Jans,
Hendrick Gijsbrechts van Campen, Steven Benedictus, Femmetgen, daughter
of Egbert, and Welmut, daughter of Jans, were apprehended at Hoorn,
in West Friesland, because they no longer sought to obey the Roman
church, but the commandments of God. When they were examined, they
freely confessed their faith, principally with regard to baptism. When
they were asked whether they had been rebaptized, they answered in the
affirmative, saying that they were not sorry for it; that they had been
baptized according to the ordinance of Christ, to the remission or
burying of their sins, and the putting on of Christ, with the answer
of a good conscience towards God. Rom. 6:4; 1 Pet. 3:21. The rulers
of darkness, perceiving that they were not sorry for it, and intended
valiantly to adhere to their faith, sentenced them to death, pursuant
to the imperial edict, as the following sentence, which they pronounced
upon them clearly shows.
“Whereas M. Anthony Sonck, Bailiff, has entered legal complaint against
Sybrant Jans, Hendrick Gijsbrechts van Campen, Steven Benedictus,
Femmetgen, daughter of Egbert, and Welmut, daughter of Jans, that,
contrary to the written laws, and contrary to our Christian faith, and
the edict of his imperial Majesty our most gracious lord, they were
rebaptized, without having repented of it, and without having obtained
remission therefor, therefore we determine that each and all of them
have forfeited their lives and property, and that they be executed,
namely; The men with the sword, and their bodies to be placed upon
the wheel, and their heads upon stakes, and the women drowned with a
stone tied to their necks; and desire that the judges pass sentence
accordingly.”
“My lords of the court, having heard the answer and defense of the
aforesaid defendants, by which they openly confess that they were
rebaptized, without having obtained remission therefor, deem it just,
through their sentence, that all the aforesaid persons, according to
the edict of his imperial Majesty, and the written laws, have forfeited
their lives and property, by virtue of the privileges of this city, and
that all are to die, namely: The men to be executed with the sword,
their bodies placed upon the wheel, and their heads upon stakes, unless
the lords are willing to show them mercy, especially those who renounce
and are penitent; and the women to be drowned with a stone tied to
their necks or bodies. Passed in the presence of all the judges and
three burgomasters, the seventh of June, A. D. 1535.”
This sentence having been given, they were led forth to death; they
went boldly to the place of execution, and among other things said:
“The servant is not greater than his master; if they have done this in
the green tree, what will they do in the dry,” and the like. Having
come to the place prepared for this purpose, they were beheaded. The
two women were led to the sea, where stones were tied to their necks,
and they were cast in, and drowned. Their bodies were ignominiously
left to float about for a long time, until the rulers were moved to
have them taken out and buried.
Christian reader, here you can clearly see why and for what reasons
these people had to die; that what some blind zealots of idolatrous
popery say, falsely charge and say is not true, namely: That no one was
put to death because of his religion or faith, but on account of their
rebelliousness and crimes. But how falsely and shamelessly they act
herein may, be judged from this single fact that the same year when
these persons were put to death, the siege of Munster took place, and
that they were not accused of, much less participated in, this wicked
crime. But herein they show the nature of the old Pharisees, who, when
they brought Christ to death, did not say that it was on account of his
good doctrine that he had to die, but for his blasphemy. This is the
way of all tyrants, that, besides inflicting suffering and death upon
the innocent, they also heap upon them false accusations. But when the
day cometh that shall come, they shall see whom they have pierced, and
say with astonishment: “Behold, these are they whom we had sometimes
in derision, and a proverb of reproach: we fools accounted their life
madness, and their end to be without honor: how are they numbered among
the children of God, and their lot is among the saints?” Wis. 5:3–5.
ANDREW CLÆSSEN OF DROURIJP, BEHEADED FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST,
UNDER THE STADTHOLDER GEORGE SCHENCK, AT LEEUWAERDEN, A. D. 1535.
(_Copy of a certain old document._)
“It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,” which our
Savior spoke and left for our instruction, saying: “Whosoever will save
his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose it for my sake, or the
Gospel’s, shall save it” unto life eternal. Matt. 16:25; Luke 9:24.
This evangelical doctrine, given for admonition and consolation, many
faithful witnesses of Christ have taken to heart, who voluntarily
surrendered their lives for his holy name’s sake, looking to the
promises, and the glorious reward which shall be given them not in
this, but in the future world; for in the third chapter of Wisdom we
read: “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there
shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seem to
die: and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us
to be utter destruction: but they are in peace. For though they be
punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality,
and having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded:
for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself. As gold in the
furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering.”
Verses 1–6.
This a glorious testimony, and well accords with the words of the holy
apostle Paul, that we must through much tribulation enter into the
kingdom of heaven (Acts 14:22); as also our Savior says that the way is
narrow, and the gate is strait, that leadeth unto life; and that there
are few who walk in it; few, when compared to the great multitude and
majority who choose the broad way, and walk through the wide gate, to
their own destruction and eternal perdition.
Few were found at Sardis, who had not defiled their garments;
nevertheless these few were to be crowned as conquerors, clothed
in white raiment, and their names were not to be blotted out of the
book of life; and the Son of God shall confess their names before his
Father and his angels, which is promised to all that overcome. Rev.
3:5. This was taken to heart by those who did not look upon what is
visible and perishing, but upon the invisible, as appears in the pious
witnesses and martyrs of Christ, who, for Christ’s sake, gladly forsook
not only all their property and the distinction which they enjoyed in
this world, but also their own lives; for neither persecution, nor any
creature in the world could deter them from the love of God and Christ.
Rom. 8:39.
Among others, it was seen also in the case of a manful hero and armed
soldier of Christ, named Andrew Claessen of Drourijp, a village in
Friesland, situated between Leeuwaerden and Franneker; who, A. D.
1535, under the Stadtholder George Schenck, was apprehended, brought
to Leeuwaerden, beheaded on the sixteenth of March, and placed upon a
wheel. This took place three days after his imprisonment; however, the
pious secretly took him down and buried him; and his soul is now also
resting under the altar of God.
FURTHER OBSERVATION.
He had seven children, who after the death of their father had to
wander about in poverty and misery, yet were supported by some kindly
disposed persons, though not without peril. These things we have
recorded from the testimony of their descendants, who, to this end,
have sent us their written attestations, from the town of Franneker, in
Friesland, dated March the 13th, 1658, and subscribed,
JOUKE WYBES.
SEVEN BRETHREN, A. D. 1536.
In this year, also seven brethren, namely, Hans Beck, Wolfert
Schneider, Christian Alzeiter, Balthasar Gesel, Wolfert from
Getzenberg, Hans Maurer, and Peter Kranewitter, from Gofedaum in
Etschland, were apprehended. Various things were resorted to with them,
in order to conquer them, and to draw them away; but as they could not
be prevailed upon, but adhered to their faith and to the truth, they
were sentenced to death by the children of Pilate, who, through the
advice of the high priests, delivered them to the executioner, who had
to bring the matter to a close. Thus they were put to death, mightily
admonishing the people to repent, and that this was the divine truth,
showing that no impure, false, idle, or heedless hearts can stand the
test. Wolfert had once apostatized, and consented to the will of the
wicked; but afterwards deplored and bewailed his course. When after a
few days he was again called before the judge, he again confessed the
Lord, and said that the devil had deceived him in what he had done
against God. He was then put back into the tower to the others, and
with them steadfastly suffered death, and in this manner they together
testified with their blood to the truth, at Gofedaum.
PETER GERRITS, PETER JORIS, PETER LEYDECKER, AND JOHANNA MELS, A. D.
1536.
In the year 1536, on St. Margaret’s day, in the morning, the Bailiff
at Zierichzee apprehended three brethren and one sister, named Peter
Gerrits, Peter Joris, Peter Leydecker, and Johanna Mels, whom he took
with him half dressed, and put them in prison, where they were confined
for seven weeks; but no suffering or misery inflicted upon them could
induce them to apostatize. When they were examined, and many human
institutions were presented to them, which they endeavored to refute
with the word of God, the Burgomaster said:
“We care not for your word of God, but hold to the mandate of the
Emperor, and shall ignominiously exterminate all those who act contrary
to it.”
They answered: “Lord Burgomaster, by this you prove yourself to be a
protector of the kingdom of Babel and of Bel for which you will indeed
reap some reward here on earth, but hereafter, with antichrist and the
crowned beast, eternal damnation in the lake of fire.” 1 John 2:18;
Revelation 13; 19:20.
They were then placed upon the rack, though contrary to their
privileges, for they were mere citizens; however, they would not
apostatize, though they were tortured so that the blood ran down their
feet: but they trusted in and cried to God alone. After being tortured,
they were brought up above again, where they comforted each other with
the word of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:18.
Finally, on the 4th of September, they were sentenced to death. They
were brought bound upon the scaffold, yet came forth boldly and humbly,
as lambs of Christ, and finally knelt down, saying with Stephen: “Lord
Jesus, receive our spirits into thy hands.” Acts 7:59. They were all
then speedily beheaded, their bodies burned, and their heads placed
upon stakes. Thus they offered up their sacrifice.
JEROME KELS, MICHAEL SEIFENSIEDER, AND HANS OBERACKER, A. D. 1536.
In the beginning of the year 1536, Jerome Kels of Kufestein, Michael
Seifensieder of Wald in Bohemia, and Hans Oberacker from Etschland
were dispatched to go into the Earldom of Tyrol. Acts 13:2. But when
they arrived at Vienna, in Austria, they were apprehended, having
been betrayed by the host with whom they had lodged. Acts 4:3; 5:26.
While they were eating supper, the people tried to ascertain their
character by drinking to their health; but when they perceived that
they would not respond, the host had some paper brought, and wrote a
letter in Latin, which, among other things, read as follows: “Here are
three persons who appear to me to be Anabaptists.” But he did not know
that Brother Jerome understood Latin. Then said Jerome to the other
brethren, they would watch together, let things go as the dear Lord
should please. Two hours afterwards the constables came and brought
them bound before the judge, and when they had been examined they were
put in prison.
Eight days afterwards the judge had them brought before him and his
assessors, where they were told to recant. Brother Jerome said that
they themselves should forsake their unbelief, and not so falsely
bear the name of God, or of Christ. Thereupon the judge became highly
incensed at Jerome, and when the latter said they were no Christians,
the Judge said: “You are a desperately wicked fellow.” And though he
was asked this as much as ten times, he constantly confessed as before.
The assessors then said: “This reprobate fellow is not worthy that your
wisdom should become enraged at him.” They were then led back into
prison, and the judges were highly offended at Jerome and his brethren.
Alter another eight days the judge again summoned all three before him,
taking to him three of the most wicked priests. When these would speak
with Jerome, contemned our calling, reviled our faith, and said that
they were sent to instruct them regarding their error, Jerome boldly
and fearlessly said: “We are in the right way; our calling is from God,
and Christ has taught us that we should not hear a stranger’s voice.”
John 10:5. He also said: “We are willing to give an answer to every
man, and to show the ground of our hope; but with monks and priests,
who are sent by the pope, who is the antichrist, we do not desire to
speak; for they are great rogues, whoremongers, perjurers, deceivers
and seducers, even as these.”
Thereupon the Judge said: “My good Jerome, you do not yet know these
good lords.” Jerome said: “God is my Lord, but not they.” Matthew
11:25; Luke 10:21. He then, for almost two hours and a quarter gave
answer concerning the mass, original sin, infant baptism, calling, and
their awful, idolatrous sacrament. Then followed many entreaties that
he should regard his dear life, wife and child, and take to heart their
sincere promise; and that he should pray to God; they would also. But
he said that they had the truth and would adhere to it, they might
do what they pleased, and as they could also not overcome the other
brethren with their poison, the judge remanded them to prison, in
which they sang comforting hymns together, and rejoiced in God. And as
they could hear each other, they called to one another, comforting and
strengthening one another. They also delivered their written confession
of faith, with full proof from the holy Scriptures, to the lords at
Vienna, and to the judge.
To the aforesaid brother Hans Oberacher the day of the Lord appeared
three times, as he informed us from prison, and he saw unutterable
things with the eyes of the spirit, as also with his bodily eyes; he
saw the condition of the children of God, and how great grace they
received from God; on the other hand, how mighty and terrible this day
is for the wicked; so that he prayed that God would never let him
incur this wrath, which is so great and dreadful upon wickedness. Mal.
3:17; 4:1,2.
Many attempts having been made to prevail upon these brethren, and they
remaining steadfast in the faith, as strong soldiers, and lovers of
God, they were condemned to death by the children of Pilate, and burned
to ashes, at Vienna, on the Friday preceding Judica, in Lent of the
aforesaid year.
GEORGE VASER, AND LEONHARD SAILER, A. D. 1536.
In this year, George Vaser, a minister of the Lord and his church, and
Brother Leonhard Sailer, his companion, were apprehended at Neudorf, in
Austria, where they were passing through, and were put in the stocks
there. The next day, the Judge of Metling, and the whole council, as
also other people with them, came and asked him on what account they
were imprisoned there. They replied: “For the faith of Christ, and the
divine truth.”
They then took them, and brought them into the market town of Metling,
a distance of several furlongs from Neudorf, and two leagues from
Vienna. On the whole way they testified with great boldness to the
truth, and with many words declared to them the judgment of God, so
that the Judge and all the others were amazed and dared not say a
single word against it. Thereupon they put them all into the common
prison, in which they met with all manner of ungodly and shameful
impropriety on the part of their fellow prisoners, which daily caused
them great sorrow of heart, so that they would rather have been cast
into an offensive dungeon where they would not have been obliged to
listen to this impiety.
During their imprisonment they were much questioned with regard to
infant baptism, the sacrament, and that we call them all ungodly and
unbelieving; but they told them, that, as regards infant baptism, they
were entirely welcome to it, and also said: “Because they called
themselves Christians, but falsely bore the name of Christ, and did not
move with a finger the least of Christ’s commandments; therefore they
should know that they were of the devil (John 8:44); and if they would
not repent of their sins, God would destroy their false boast, so that
they, with the whole world, and the rich man would be cast into the
abyss of hell, which would certainly come to pass, though they now did
not believe it. Having been in prison nearly a whole year, and being
fully prepared for death; yea, of good courage and cheer, and joyful in
the Lord, they prayed that the Lord, the gracious God, would deliver
them from this mortal tabernacle, and this wicked, blind world; for
they had a good hope and great joy and a sincere desire to depart, and
expected every hour, to die manfully and boldly, through the help and
power of God, for the divine truth, and for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, notwithstanding all the pain and suffering, which might be
inflicted upon them.
However, through a special providence of God, they were wonderfully
liberated, unharmed in their consciences, and came in peace to the
church at Trasenhofen, and were joyfully received in the spirit, as
good, worthy and beloved brethren.
FURTHER ACCOUNT OF GEORGE VASER, A. D. 1537.
In the following year, at the request of some of the zealous, the
above-mentioned George Vaser, was sent to Pechstall, in Austria, where
he gladly began to teach the word of the Lord, notwithstanding he had
just come out of the prison at Metling. He gathered the believers, and
established a church, according to the command of God. But he could not
escape a certain deceiver, a genuine tool of all treachery, who, under
a false appearance, pretended to learn the grounds of the truth of him
as a minister, but, in the meantime appointed many servants, commanding
them at a suitable time to apprehend this George Vaser, which they
faithfully did.
He was then subjected to much cruel torturing, and while in prison was
tempted in manifold ways; but he remained very steadfast and faithfully
followed unto death him whom he had proclaimed in the faith; thus
testifying with his blood (being executed with the sword), to the faith
and the truth of God. Matt. 24:13; John 10:4; 1 Peter 5:1.
SEBASTIAN GLASMACHER, AND HANS GRUENFELDER, A. D. 1537.
In the year 1537, also Sebastian Glasmacher and Hans Gruenfelder
were apprehended for the faith and divine truth, at Imst, in the
upper valley of the Inn. They were executed with the sword, and then
burned. They confessed the Lord and his holy word and truth with great
gladness. A countless multitude were present at their execution. Hans
called and spoke with a very loud voice, admonishing and warning the
people, to the best of his ability; so also did Sebastian, and in this
they continued, until their death. This greatly astonished the people.
Their bones however could not be wholly burned; hence they were
afterwards thrown into the water. The heart also of the one could not
be burned, which was no doubt for a remarkable testimony. John 15:27.
HANZ PEIZ, AND SOME OTHERS, A. D. 1537.
In this year 1537, also Hans Peiz, a minister of the Gospel, and
several of his fellow believers were apprehended for the divine truth,
at Passau, on the Danube. They were imprisoned a long time, suffered
much, and, together with others, who confessed their faith and the
truth, fell asleep in prison, after great steadfastness, and heroic
piety.
HANS WUCHERER, AND HANS BARTEL A. D. 1537.
In this same year 1537, brother Hans Wucherer was apprehended in
Bavaria, and with him another brother, named Hans Bartel, a weaver.
They were taken to Mermes, where they were confined for sixteen
days, and were twice examined by Caiphas and the priests, and twice
through the torture. They were asked what they believed concerning the
sacrament. They spoke mightily against it, that it was an abomination,
and an idol before the Lord; and that it was not to be believed that
they could give the body of Christ, with flesh and blood, just as he
hung on the cross to eat so many hundred thousand times; but they
said that the supper was a memorial of his suffering, death and the
shedding of his blood, by which he redeemed us, Matt. 26:25; Luke
22:19. To commemorate this, and to search their hearts, is the purpose
for which believers, who are members of his body, or his church, are
to observe it, with sincere thanksgiving to him. They then asked them
concerning infant baptism and what they held of their priests and
churches. They spoke against all these according to the truth. They
then questioned them about their views regarding their matrimony, and
the Ten Commandments. To this they also gave their reply. They were
then brought bound to Bruckenhausen, where each was separately put in
chains in prison. Six times they were brought forth and examined, in
order to induce them to recant, which if they would do, mercy would be
shown them. But they would in no wise exchange the divine grace for the
favor of the world, since they felt assured that they were in the true
faith and in the truth of God.
The seventh time the priests came to them into the prison; but they
adhered constantly to God. They also greatly tortured them, severely
racking Hans, and Brother Bartel twice, without, however, prevailing
upon them.