final attempt was made upon him. A Carthusian monk--in Rome called
Capadocines[270], 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.
[270] We are much inclined to the view that this is an error, and
that the Capucins are meant. TRANSL.
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.
KONRAD SCHUMACHER, A. D. 1558.
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.
EXAMINATION, TORTURE, AND SENTENCE OF ANNETGEN ANTHEUNIS, STIJNTGEN
JANS, EVERT NOUTS, AND PIETER VAN EYNOVEN, AT ROTTERDAM, IN THE YEAR
1558.[271]
[271] Extracted from a certain book of criminal sentences of the city
of Amsterdam.
_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._