time of her sojourning, continuing most perfectly and steadfastly
in the word of the Lord unto the end, the Lord be praised forever,
and confessed her faith very frankly and unfeignedly, in the court,
before the authorities and the common people. In the first place, they
questioned her concerning baptism, to which she replied: “I know but
one baptism, which Christ and his saints practiced and left us.”
“What do you think of infant baptism?” asked the bailiff?
Lijsken answered: “That it is nothing but infant baptism, and a human
institution.”
The lords then arose and put their heads together. In the meantime
Lijsken clearly confessed and explained the ground of her faith to the
people. Thereupon they passed sentence upon her. Lijsken thus addressed
herself to the judges: “You are judges now, but the time will come when
you shall wish that you had been shepherds;[253] for there is a Judge
and Lord over us all, who will judge you in due time; ‘but we wrestle
not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.’” Wis. 5; Ps.
7:11; Eph. 6:12. The lords therefore said: “Take her out of the court.”
[253] In Dutch _Schaepheaderen_, signifying the most menial
occupation.--_Trans._
The people then ran together in great crowds to see her. Lijsken boldly
said to them: “Be it known to you, that I do not suffer for theft,
murder, or any other evil deed, but solely for the incorruptible word
of God.” Thereupon they came to the Bargkerk,[254] when she said: “O
thou den of thieves (Matthew 21:13), how many a soul is murdered in
thee!” As she was thus going along between the servants, though not
led by them, the latter said [to the people]: “Arise, make room.” Then
Lijsken said: “They do not hinder me; they may look on me, and take an
example from me, all who love the word of the Lord.” Phil. 3:17.
[254] Name of a church.
Speaking on, she went back into prison. The common people were greatly
agitated, but the friends rejoiced. Hence, in the afternoon, some of
our friends went to the prison to visit her, much other people also
coming. The friends talked a little with her, and said: “It is well
that you suffer only for well-doing, and not for any evil deed.” 1 Pet.
2:20. But she had to avoid them, on account of the other people that
were in the prison. She spoke boldly and valiantly to the people, and
sang a beautiful hymn, so that the people were greatly astonished. Two
monks came, to torment her yet, and the three were locked together in
a room. Lijsken utterly refused to listen to them. Once the door of
the room was opened, much people standing before it, and Lijsken came
and stood in the door, and said to the monks: “Go away, until you are
sent for; for I will not listen to you; if I had been content with your
leaven, I should not have come to this.” The three were again locked
into the room, and the erring spirits or stars (1 John 4:1; Jude 13)
made another attempt with their false and deadly poison; but, God be
praised, Lijsken was undaunted and of good cheer, and commenced singing
a hymn in the presence of the monks. One of the friends present said:
Sister, fight valiantly.” When they [the monks] heard this, they were
very angry, and said: “There is another of her people, who encourages
her, whom it were better to burn than her.” Thus they went away in a
rage; for their voice was strange, and they were not heard there. John
10:5.
Lijsken was then shut up alone in the room, which fronted the street,
where she used to sit; and no one could get to her, save he that had
the keys. When the monks came out into the street, to go away, some
friends who were there asked them: “Will she not be converted?” The
monks replied: “No; for there was one of her people there, whom she
preferred to hear.” Towards evening, the Lord granted, that one of the
friends came to the place where Lijsken sat, and conversed with her a
long time, so that the people in the street began to hear it, and all
looked up to the place where the friend was, so that some who were with
him became uneasy, and told him to go away; but he replied: “I must
first bid her adieu.” He then said: “Arise, sister, show yourself, and
look out at the window.” She immediately did so, and as she looked out
upon the people standing in the street, some friends who were among
the crowd, also called out, saying: “Dear sister, fight valiantly; for
the crown of life is set before you.” She then said to the people:
“Drunkards, whoremongers, adulterers, all these are tolerated; they
indeed read and speak of the Scriptures; but they that live and walk
according to the will of God, are troubled, oppressed, persecuted and
put to death.” 2 Tim. 3:12; John 16:2. And forthwith she began to sing:
“Behold, what poor sheep we are,” etc. Rom. 8:36. Before the hymn
was finished, the lords came with the servants into the prison. Some
friends said: “Just finish it, Lijsken.” But before she could finish
the hymn, they drew her away from the window, and evening approaching,
she was seen no more. Saturday morning we rose early, some before
daylight, others at day break, to see the marriage which we thought
should come off. But the crafty murderers had anticipated us; we had
slept too long; for they had perpetrated their murderous work between
three and four o’clock. They took the lamb to the Scheldt, thrust her
into a bag, and drowned her, before the people arrived, so that but few
witnessed it. There were some, however, who saw that she went boldly
unto death, and valiantly said: “Father, into thy hands I commend my
spirit.” Thus she was delivered up, and departed, to the praise of the
Lord; so that through the grace of God it moved much people. When the
people arrived, and learned that she was dead already, it caused a
great commotion among them, and as much sorrow as though she had been
publicly executed; for they said: “Thieves and murderers are brought
publicly before all men.” Thus their perfidy became the more widely
known. Some plain people asked: “Why must this people die? for many
give a good testimony of them.” Some friends who were there openly said
to the people: “The reason is, that they obey the commands of God more
than that of the Emperor, or of men, because they have sincerely turned
to the Lord their God; from lies to the truth, from darkness to light,
from unrighteousness to righteousness, from unbelief to the true faith;
have thus amended their life, and, after becoming true believers, been
baptized according to the command of Christ, and the practice of his
apostles.” They moreover showed to the people from the word of God,
that the papists are those of whom the apostle Paul prophesied; that
is, the seducing spirits who teach the doctrines of devils; and also,
that the righteous had to suffer from the beginning, from the time of
Abel until now, even as Christ also had to suffer, and thus enter into
the glory of his Father, leaving us an example, that we should follow
his steps; “for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution.” 1 Timothy 4:1; Luke 24:26; 1 Pet. 2:21; 2 Tim. 3:12.
PIETER BRUYNEN, JAN, PLEUNIS, AND JAN THE OLD CLOTHES BUYER, AND
ANOTHER BROTHER, ALL PUT TO DEATH, ON THE 2d OF OCTOBER, A. D. 1551, AT
ANTWERP.
_A letter from Pieter Bruynen van Weert, which he wrote in prison at
Antwerp, where he and four others were put to death for the word of the
Lord, on the 2d of October, A. D. 1551._
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God of mercies, who has with his divine word begotten us
again unto a lively hope, reserved in heaven for us, who by the power
of God are preserved in the faith, and tried for the kingdom of God,
wherefore we suffer, for which thanks be to the Lord, because he has
chosen us thereto, and made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light. Rom. 1:7; Jas. 1:18; Col. 1:12. Therefore, dear
brethren, be valiant and fearless, and walk with a firm and unchanging
faith before God and his church, and firmly resolve, not to depart from
the Lord, nor to separate from his love, on account of any distress
or tribulation; and he can give you assistance and comfort, when you
are forsaken, being deprived of all human help and consolation; for he
comes to the help of him that forsakes and denies himself, since he
dwells and will dwell alone in the hearts of men, and will not have it
that we should serve anyone but him. Matt. 4:10. Thus, be established
and built up in him, and let love increase among you, whereby one
sustains the other, and each joyfully endeavors to be the chiefest in
virtue. Pay no regard to the walk of the slothful and heedless, to
follow their example, namely those who are called Christians in ease
of life (Matt. 11:8), adornment of clothing, or external appearance;
but consider those whose life and confession of faith conform to the
doctrine of Christ; so that you may go neither too high nor too low,
neither too broad nor too long. Eph. 3:18. For many go astray by
looking to one another, in consequence of which they grow cold.
Hence, my dear brethren, if you be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, that your mind may be directed towards the
incorruptible, and let your hope be set on the things which are not
seen, and be patient herein; for there must be patience, if we would
receive the promise. 2 Corinthians 4:18; Heb. 10:36. Stablish your
hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Jas. 5:8. Put off the
old man, and put on the new man (Colossians 3:9,10); deny ungodliness
and worldly lusts, and be transformed by the renewing of your minds.
If you would be partakers of the resurrection of Christ, know, that
you must first have crucified the old man, that the body of sin may
be destroyed. Rom. 6:6. And do not become weary in well-doing, since
your labor shall not be in vain; for you are made partakers of Christ,
if you hold the beginning of your confidence steadfast unto the end.
1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 3:14. Be therefore not shaken by anything, neither
be afraid of the sons of men, who pass away as grass; for they can do
you nothing without God’s permission. But fear God for this is perfect
wisdom. Humble yourselves before him; for the great Glory is honored by
the lowly. Count yourselves always with the humble, and you shall be
great in the eyes of God. Do not think yourselves to know something,
or to be something, lest you deceive yourselves. Always forsake
yourselves, and regard not those who may inflict evil or suffering
upon you, though you be wronged; for this is thankworthy, if a man for
conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. Matt. 5:39;
1 Pet. 2:19. Hence, be patient in your tribulation, and be partakers
of the sufferings of Christ, that you may inherit the promise; for the
reproach suffered here is brief when compared with the eternal joy.
Rom. 12:12; 1 Pet. 5:1. And this light affliction, which is but for a
moment, worketh a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; for
though our life is poor, yet we shall be rewarded with much wealth.
And though death reigns over us now, an east wind shall come from the
Lord, and dry up his torments. For it is sown in dishonor, it is raised
in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. 1
Cor. 15:43,44. Hence, the house of this tabernacle must be dissolved,
if we would obtain the building prepared us by God. We need therefore
not fear them that kill the body, since they cannot harm the soul; for
the greatest of which they deprive us, is also that for which God will
give us the greatest reward; and after that they have no more that they
can do to us. Matt. 10:28. Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind,
be sober, watch in prayer, always giving thanks unto God the Father,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, for his abundant grace, and that he has
made known unto us his will, manifested the savor of his knowledge, and
given us the most glorious and precious promises; who were sometime
estranged in our minds by wicked works, and alienated from the life
of God, of which we had no hope in the promises. But after that the
kindness of God appeared toward us, not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the
washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, in whom we are
sealed until the time of redemption, who is the earnest of the future
inheritance, and who assures us, and bears witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God, and teaches us all things, and who
of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption. To God the Father, who only hath immortality, and to whom
alone belong power and might, praise and glory, be honor and thanks,
through Christ our Lord, for his unspeakable grace, now and forever. 1
Pet. 1:13; Eph. 1:9; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Eph. 4:18; Tit. 3:4,5; Eph.
1:13,14. Rom. 8:16; 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Tim. 6:16; Rev. 4:11.
As regards our present condition, the Lord be praised for it, whom
we cannot thank enough for the joy, that he has counted us worthy to
suffer for his name, and for the joy given us by him, which we have in
our imprisonment; for he is faithful, so that with the temptation he
also provides for his own a way of escape, and he does not suffer his
own, who trust in him, to be confounded. The grace of the Lord be with
you. Greet one another with a holy kiss, Jan, Pleun, and I, also greet
you much. Herewith I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace.
Written by me, Peter Van Weert, while in prison with two others.
_Peter’s second letter, in which he takes leave._
Herewith we commend you all, dear brethren, to the Lord, wishing that
you may finish your course to the praise of the Lord, so that you may
obtain the crown, and remain steadfast unto the end, in order that you
may obtain salvation; for no one obtains the prize, except he strive
valiantly. 1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Tim. 2:5. Run, therefore, that you
may obtain the prize; fight as soldiers of the Lord; firmly resolve to
take no thought how or what you shall speak when you shall be brought
before the magistrate, for God the Lord suffers not his own who trust
in him to be confounded. Matthew 10:19. Though they are arraigned as
malefactors, yet he does not forsake his own; for though weeping come
in the evening, joy shall return in the morning. Ps. 30:5. And though
he, to chasten us, be angry for a moment, yet through his mercy he
keeps us alive. Heb. 12:8; Is. 54:8. Hence, we are not forsaken by him,
though we have more adversity than the world.
My brethren, the servant is not greater than his Lord or Master.
Remember, that though Christ was rich, yet for our sakes he became
poor, and though he was exalted, yet for our sakes he suffered and
accepted reproach, that we through his poverty might be made rich,
and through his reproach become heirs of his promises. 2 Cor. 8:9.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, and help bear
his reproach. Heb. 13:13. Let us long for the future possessions. And
be not in darkness, nor overcharged with eating or drinking; neither
entangle yourselves with the cares of this life; walk as children of
the light; be always ready like those who constantly wait for their
lord; for he will come as a thief in the night. Luke 21:34; 12:36; Rev.
3:3. Make yourselves ready, take the staff into the hand, gird up your
loins, and journey to the promised land; you shall possess it, if you
do not fall into unbelief. It is pleasant and beautiful; we have seen
it from afar, for which we thank and praise the Lord.
On this account, we desire of you, lovers of the truth, that you help
us thank the Lord. For I once made a vow to the Lord, that I would live
to him all the days of my life (Luke 1:75), which he has helped me
fulfill, for which I praise him, and have often earnestly done so, with
outstretched arms. The reason I write this, is, that you may not forget
to thank and praise the Lord, for he is greater than all our lives;
for you cannot so magnify him that he is not still more wonderful.
Sir. 43:30. Continue in his words, and keep his commandments. Love one
another sincerely. 1 Pet. 1:22. We also praise him for his faithfulness
according to his promises, which he shows in us, in that we cannot
sufficiently describe the joy he gives us; for in the beginning of our
confinement, when we were imprisoned, we were joyful and fearless,
likewise before the lords, and were filled with joy also afterward on
the bridge and in our prison. Moreover, we hope that God will give us
boldness unto the end.
Hence, our dear brethren, be not terrified, if they inflict more than
one death upon us, since much can be done in a quarter of an hour, yet
it is as nothing to the pain of hell, and not worthy to be compared to
the future joy. For after we have suffered this distress, and passed
through this strait, we expect joy and amplitude; then shall all our
tears be wiped away, and we shall weep and cry no more, but pass from
one joy to another. O, my brethren, strive to enter into his joy. Lead
henceforth a Christian life and see that the Gospel be not evil spoken
of on your account. Rom. 14:16. Be always meek, and have an unspotted
conscience, and whatsoever you take in hand, remember the end, that you
will not do amiss. Matt. 11:29; Sir. 7:36. And forget not the ardency
of the spiritual reformation in the beginning of the Christian life,
lest when you think you are a perfect Christian, reformation of life be
still necessary. We commend you to God, and to the word of his grace.
We, Jan, Pleun, and Peter, greet you in the Lord. Pray the Lord for us,
that we may finish our course to his praise. We also pray for you.
CONFESSION OR DEFENSE OF FAITH, OF JAN, THE OLD CLOTHES BUYER, WHEN HE
LAY IN PRISON AT ANTWERP, A. D. 1551.
_Question._ “What do you think of infant baptism?”
_Answer._ “I do not think it to be anything but a human institution.”
_Ques._ “By what then will you prove or maintain your baptism?”
_Ans._ “Mark 16.”
_Ques._ “What are your views concerning the sacraments?”
_Ans._ “I have nothing to say of the sacraments of men, but the Supper,
as Christ held it with his apostles, I approve and esteem; for I think
there are many who do not know what sacrament means.”
_Ques._ “What do you think of the Roman church?”
_Ans._ “Nothing, but I esteem the Christian church, which is the church
of Christ.”
_Ques._ “What do you hold concerning the host which the priest holds
in his hand? Do you not believe that our Lord is in it with flesh and
blood?”
_Ans._ “No; for it is written, Acts 1, that he shall come again in like
manner as he ascended into heaven.”
_Ques._ “What do you think of the Pope?”
_Ans._ “That he is the antichrist.” 1 Thess. 2:3.
_Ques._ “What do you think of the mass, ceremonies, and confession
observed in the church?”
_Ans._ “Nothing, since the tree from which they spring, is good for
nothing.”
_Ques._ “Where were you baptized?”
_Ans._ “My lords, if you know it, why do you yet ask me?”
The bailiff then said: “I adjure you by your baptism, that you tell us
where you were baptized.” Matt. 26:63.
_Ans._ “My baptism I hold to be good and right; but your adjuration I
do not regard.”
They then read to me the names and surnames of all that had been
baptized with me and said: “Assuerus has confessed it to us.” I then
said: “It is true.”
_Ques._ “Who baptized you?”
_Ans._ “It does not behoove me to tell.”
_Ques._ “We shall make you tell.”
_Ans._ “My flesh is before you; do with it as you please.”
WILLEM THE CABINET-MAKER, BEHEADED IN CLEVES; WINDEL RAUENS ALSO PUT TO
DEATH THERE, A. D. 1551.
(_Copied from an old Writing_[255])
[255] This copy was sent to us by some one from the country of
Cleves, as a very old relic.
Willem, the cabinet-maker, resided in Weesz, a village belonging to
the country of Cleves; he was a very peaceable and pious man, who on
account of the Christian faith had to leave his native country, and
when he would not conform to the world, he was brought prisoner from
Weesz to Cleves, and having there been imprisoned for about a year,
finally beheaded. He wrote several letters from prison.
When Willem the cabinet-maker was to be condemned by the judges at
Cleves, Claes Meselaer, one of them, would not sit in the court to
condemn him, but pretended sickness and went to bed. The Burgomaster,
therefore, with the six judges, came to his bedside, to obtain his
assent to the sentence. He said he did not want to condemn so pious
a man. Thereupon the Burgomaster said; “By this you will incur the
great displeasure of our gracious Prince and lord.” Claes replied “I
will rather incur the displeasure of Duke William, than of the Most
High.” “Then I will take it upon myself,” said the Burgomaster, who
was afterward visited by the avenging hand of the Lord, so that he was
tormented by lice, and lost his speech for a time, and thus died in
great misery. But Claes Meselaer resigned his office of judge, and died
a brother in the church. Besides him, another brother, named Windel
Rauens, was put to death at Cleves; who like the aforesaid, exchanged
his life for death, after he had commended his soul into the hands of
God.
MARIA OF MONJOU, A. D. 1552.
As it is known and manifest according to the testimony of the divine
Scriptures, that all who have been righteous, and lived godly in Christ
Jesus, have had to suffer, from the beginning of the world, so this
Maria, as a pious, godfearing woman, also partook of said suffering.
For as she, according to the requirement of the Scriptures, had been
baptized upon the true faith, as a member of the body of Christ,
and had conducted herself for a time in an edifying manner among the
brethren and all men, the envy of the dragon manifested itself, and
the bailiff of Monjou caused her to be brought and imprisoned at
Monjou, where she remained in confinement over a year. And though she
had to suffer much, yet she bore it with joy. Her constant admonition
to all the pious was, that they should walk in love, and hold fast
the covenant of Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:2. She was herself constantly
endeavoring to present her body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
unto God, and that she might be built up a spiritual house well adorned
inwardly with the word of God. Rom, 12:1; 1 Pet. 2:5.
The authorities tormented her for three days in succession, but could
not induce her to forsake her faith, since she would adhere to Christ;
for according to the Scriptures, no one is ever confounded, who fears
God from the heart. The Bailiff entreated her to go to church and he
would release her, and give her her board for a whole year; but she
would not consent, but desired to adhere to Christ, and to give her
life for his sake; whereupon she was condemned to be drowned.
On her way to the water, she sang with a joyful heart, because this day
had come, and she had lived to see this hour; and thus she proceeded,
like a sheep is led to the slaughter, in the hands of Pilate, even as
they did with Christ, as the Scripture testifies: “They shall kill you,
and think that they do God service.” John 16:2.
On the way, Maria said: “I have been the bride of a man; but to-day
I hope to be the bride of Christ, and to inherit his kingdom with
him. As they approached the water, one of the hypocrites said: “O
Maria, repent, or it will not go well with you.” At the water, they
delayed with her over two hours, thinking that they could induce her
to apostatize, forsake the truth, and follow them. Thereupon Maria
said: “I adhere to my God; proceed with what you have come here for;
the wheat is in the straw; it must be threshed, so the word of God
has begun, and must be finished.” With this, she undressed, willingly
surrendered herself, and said: “O heavenly Father, into thy hands I
commend my spirit, and was thus drowned, and died, confessing the
name of God, and sealing it with her death to the consolation of all
believers.
BARBEL PUT TO DEATH A. D. 1552.
About this time, also a pious, godfearing woman, named Barbel, was
drowned, at Guelich, because she had forsaken popery and idolatry, and
become obedient to the holy Gospel. 1 Cor. 10:14.
WILLEM OF BIERCK, CHRISTOFFEL FROM GEISTENS, CHRISTIAN FROM EUKERAET,
AND TIELLEMAN FROM NUNKERKEN, A. D. 1552.