these men were and remained firm and immovable as a wall, and
determined to adhere to the truth, and not to separate from the faith.
When all saw their boldness, and perceived that they were upright,
pious persons, and had to die simply on account of their faith, nearly
every one wept; the steward, the judges, deputy, and executioner as
well as the common people. But the hearts of these people were full
of gladness, and they joyfully sang with a cheerful mind. Again they
were approached with various wiles, the comfort of life being held
out to them, in order to bring them into despondency. This continued
for a long time, until two o’clock in the afternoon; so long did the
steward delay the matter, thinking to intimidate them, in hopes that
they should turn. For this reason he made strenuous efforts to bring
them over to his views, so as to induce them to go to church, and hear
the doctrine of the priests. But when the steward did not succeed
in bringing them over to his views, he called the executioner, into
whose hands the prisoners were delivered. The executioner acted with
reluctance, and received them with tears; for his heart misgave him.
But Gotthard said to him: “How I have longed for this day; why do you
delay so long?” When the executioner began to bind them, he said to
them: “Dear men, be not afraid; for Christ also was bound innocently.”
When the steward heard these words he said to the executioner: “You
must not speak in this manner.” Then Peter said: “We will adhere firmly
to the covenant of the Lord, which we trust we shall not break.”
Thereupon Gotthard began to speak, and said: “Here we must suffer
tribulation. He that would hereafter be crowned, must fight valiantly
now. As the bridegroom went before, so the bride must enter into joy
through much suffering and tribulation. This we are taught by the words
of Christ. The fact that the Lord was executed between two murderers,
lightens the cross and affliction; hence we fear neither slaying nor
killing. For if they have done this in the green tree, what shall
be done in the dry? Luke 23:31. The servants of God must drink the
sour wine now here upon earth; but when we get to Christ, we shall
drink new and sweet wine with him. Matt. 26:29. We must first bear
affliction.” With this, they reached forth their hands, and willingly
suffered themselves to be bound, which astonished many. Yea, the common
people were amazed, and said: “What marvelous thing behold we here!
these men so willing to go to death, when they could easily obtain
their liberty.” Gotthard said: “We do not die, but pass through death
into life eternal, to God and to all his dear children; of this we
have a sure hope; hence accept this death with joy, and trust that we
shall please God. When the time had come for them to die, they rose
to their feet, called upon God in heaven, and, as brethren in Christ,
and as a token of brotherly love and unity, kissed each other with
the sweet kiss of peace, as those that were united with God, and were
thus beheaded standing. But since they were executed unjustly, the
executioner said with great fear and trepidation, that he should never
execute such men again.
After their heads had been severed from their bodies, the common people
began to go home; but the steward called out to them, saying: “Don’t
be in such a hurry, but help bury these pious men first; they did not
die for any crime; they are neither thieves nor murderers; they were
pious of life and conduct; they embraced a faith which the lords and
princes could not understand, and hence they had to suffer.” Thus these
pious witnesses of God were buried, and the seed of their blood did not
remain without fruit in that place. To God be all the glory. Amen. This
happened about the year 1558.
JACQUES D’AUCHY, IMPRISONED A. D. 1558, BUT PUT TO DEATH AT LEEUWARDEN,
FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1559.
_A Confession of faith of Jacques d’Auchy, made when in prison in the
city of Leeuwarden, in Friesland; which confession he afterwards sealed
with his death._
I believe in one only God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and
earth, as is written, in whom Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all the
prophets believed. Gen. 1:1; Heb. 11.
I believe in Jesus Christ, the only Son of the Father, who was from
the beginning with God. And when the time which God had promised was
fulfilled, this Word became flesh, and was born of the house of David,
of a pure virgin espoused to a man named Joseph, of the house of David;
which virgin is blessed among women. I believe that this true Son of
God proclaimed the word of his Father through many signs and wonders.
And after this he was delivered unto death under Pontius Pilate, and
crucified and buried. I believe that this same Jesus Christ suffered
for us. When we were his enemies, he suffered death for us, that those
who believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. I
believe that this our Savior was raised up from the dead, as he had
predicted, and sits on the right hand of God his Father. John 1:14;
Micah 5:2; Gal. 4:4; Rom. 1:3; Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:42; John 15:24; Matt.
27:2; Is. 53:7; Rom. 5:10; John 3:16; Matt. 28:6; Mark 16:9,19; Acts
7:56.
I also believe in the Holy Ghost, as testified by John in his first
epistle, 5th chapter, and 7th verse, where he says: “There are three
that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:
and these three are one.” I also believe in the communion of the
saints, whose prayer avails much. Jas. 5:16.
I also believe in the holy church, in which are those who believe in
Jesus Christ, who by one Spirit are baptized into one body, as Paul
says; and Christ Jesus is the Head thereof, namely, of the holy church,
as is written. 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18.
I believe that this holy church has power to open and to shut, to
bind and to loose; and whatsoever they bind on earth is also bound in
heaven, and whatsoever they loose on earth is also loosed in heaven. I
believe that God has ordained in this holy church, apostles, prophets,
teachers, bishops and deacons. Matt. 16:19; 1 Cor. 12:28.
I also believe and confess a baptism in the name of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, even as commanded and ordained by our Lord
Jesus Christ, and practiced and written of by the apostles. And I also
believe that all who have received this baptism are members of the
body of Jesus Christ, in the holy church. Eph. 4:5; Matt. 28:19; Acts
2:38,41; 16:31; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13.
With regard to the holy supper of Jesus Christ, I believe and confess
what Christ has said concerning it, as is written: As they were eating
the supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it
to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the
cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink, and divide
it among yourselves; for this is my blood of the new testament, which
is shed for many for the remission of sins: this do in remembrance of
me. I believe this according to the declaration of Paul, who says: The
cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of
Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body
of Christ? Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal
life; and I will raise him up at the last day. Matt. 26:26; Luke 22:14;
1 Cor. 10:16; John 6:54.
I confess marriage to be an ordinance of God; namely, a man and a woman
united in the name of the Lord, in the holy church. For this cause
shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and
the twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but
one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put
asunder. The bed is undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will
judge. Gen. 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7; Matt. 19:5,6; 1 Cor. 6:16; Heb. 13:4.
I also confess that fasting and praying is very profitable, as
practiced by the apostles. Matt. 6:16; Acts 13:2.
I regard the words of St. James as good and true, where he says:
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye
may be healed. Jas. 5:16. I believe that this must be done with an
upright heart.
I also confess that the higher powers are ordained of God, for the
punishment of the evil, and the protection of the good; for they bear
not the sword in vain; to which powers the Scriptures command us to be
subject, and instruct us to pray for them, in order that, as Paul says,
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. Paul also calls the power the
minister of God. Therefore since he is the minister of God, I would
pray him that he would be pleased to be merciful to me, even as God is
merciful. I hereby disclaim all fellowship with those who would resist
the power with the sword and violence, which I regard as a doctrine of
devils. Wis. 6:3; 1 Pet. 2:13; Rom. 13:1,4; 1 Tim. 2:2.
I also believe in the resurrection of the dead, as it is written, that
all men shall rise from the dead in their own bodies, when the Lord
shall come in the clouds, with his angels; then he shall judge every
one according to his works. Dan. 12:2; Job 19:25; Matt. 25:31; 16:27.
In short, I believe all that a true Christian is bound to believe of
the holy church; and I believe with my whole heart in the articles of
the faith, and will live and die therein. I hereby renounce all false
doctrines, heresies and sects, which are not in accordance with God and
his word. And if I have erred in any respect through false doctrine, I
pray the Almighty God, to forgive me through his great love and mercy.
Also, if I have sinned in any matter against the Emperor, the King, or
others, I pray them to forgive me through the great love and mercy of
God.
CONFESSION OF JACQUES D’AUCHY, MADE BEFORE THE COMMISSARY AND THE
INQUISITOR.
When I had been in prison ten weeks, my first examination took place.
On the third day of January, A. D. 1558, reckoning the beginning of
the year from New Year’s day, the jailer came to me in the afternoon,
saying that I had to appear before the commissary, in order to be
examined concerning my faith. I was ready with a glad heart, and went
thither with the jailer. When I entered the room where the commissary
sat, I humbly saluted him. He returned my salutation, and said:
“Jacques, is your name Jacques d’Auchy?”
_Jacques._ “Yes, my lord.”
_Com._ “Jacques, I have come here commissioned by the King, and the
Procurator General, to examine you with regard to the articles of
faith.”
_Jacques._ “Well, my lord, be it done then in the name of the Lord.”
After we had had many words together concerning the faith, he began to
ask me regarding the place of my nativity, my residence, and my life
from my youth up to the present time; all of which I confessed to him.
Thereupon I was led back to prison by the jailer.
In the afternoon of the next day, namely, the fourth of January of
the same year, I was again brought before the same commissary. As I
stood before him, he commenced to revile, vituperate and blaspheme the
pastors and the flock of Christ, saying: “Is it not a pity that we
suffer ourselves to be so deceived?”
_Jacques._ “Yes, my lord.”
_Com._ “I speak of you and others, who forsake our mother the holy
church, and suffer yourselves to be deceived by a set of mischievous
idlers and vagabonds.”
_Jac._ “I have not suffered myself to be deceived by such.”
_Com._ “No! when you believe such accursed villains and beggars as
Menno, Leenaert, Henderick van Vreden, Frans de Kuyper, Jelis of
Aix-la-Chapelle, and other such rascals, and forsake us and the true
word of God, do you not then suffer yourselves to be deceived?”
_Jac._ “I have not forsaken the word of God; for my faith is founded
upon the word of God, and not upon men, nor upon the doctrines of men,
since the prophet Jeremiah exclaims: “Cursed be the man that trusteth
in man, and maketh flesh his arm.” Jer. 17:5.
A little after this the commissary cried out, saying: “O the
miscreants, such as Menno and Leenaert, how many have they deceived and
led to all the devils and into perdition.”
_Jac._ “My lord, I entreat you not to say such words; for it would be
difficult and hard for you to prove that they are such as you assert
them to be. And, again: They have not deceived, but have clearly
taught the word of God. And I do not believe that those who have
believed in the word of God, will go into perdition; but the Lord shall
judge all things well.”
_Com._ “I will not dispute; for I myself receive instruction from those
that are taught in the holy church. But I well know the character of
you people, and of your doctrine: had you but the power, you should
gladly cut our throats, which, as has been seen, you people have done
at Munster, Amsterdam, and other places.”
_Jac._ “O my lord, don’t say such words against your own conscience;
for I am persuaded that you know much better, since you have been in
the council here for twenty years, as you say (this he had told me
before); hence it seems to me that you know us better; for if we had
such wicked hearts as to intend murdering people, we should not thus
deliver ourselves into your hands; for were we only to speak against
our conscience, and conceal the truth from you, you would have no power
over us, since you can find no one that can accuse us with truth of
having wronged or injured any one.”
_Com._ “Whence then originate so many sects and heresies? whence
springs so much uproar and mutiny?”
_Jac._ “As far as the sects and heresies that are in the world are
concerned; as those of Munster or Amsterdam, or elsewhere, we have
in no manner fellowship or part with their works, nor with their
doctrines, but we regard them as doctrines of devils. All these things
cannot prevent the truth from being truth, and the Christians from
being true Christians, any more than could in the days of the apostles
all the sects and heresies that were round about them, and had some
semblance of the word of God.”
* * * * *
After these and many other words which we had together, he began to get
milder in his manner, and said to me: “You must not study so high, but
suffer yourself to be instructed by those who are more learned and wise
than you, and you must believe in the word of God.”
_Jac._ “O my lord, how should I not believe in the word of God? For
this same word I am imprisoned here, and stand now before you, to give
answer concerning it.”
_Com._ “You are not imprisoned for the word of God, but for your evil
deeds.”
_Jac._ “My lord, have you heard of any one complaining that I wronged
or injured him in any way?”
_Com._ “No; I have not heard that any complaint has been made against
you.”
_Jac._ “The Lord be praised, that it is not for my iniquity, but for
the testimony of the true faith.”
_Com._ “Not so; but for your crimes, since you have offended against
his Imperial Majesty, and transgressed the command of the King our
lord.”
_Jac._ “If I have transgressed the King’s command, it is a small
matter, since I have fulfilled the command of that King who is the true
God and eternal King.”
_Com._ “You have also transgressed the command of God, and of our
mother the holy church.”
_Jac._ “My lord, you cannot prove to me by the holy Scriptures, nor can
any one else, that herein I have transgressed God’s command.”
_Com._ “It shall be proven to you. Well then, let us begin to finish
the articles in which I have been charged to examine you.”
We had many more words, which it would take me too long to relate here,
besides that I do not remember them well. The commissary was somewhat
discouraged, and listened attentively to whatever I wished to say.
Thereupon he asked me when I came to Emden, and where I had taken up
residence, and whether I had been directed to these people, I answered:
“Yes.” _Com._ “Who directed you?” _Jac._ “A good friend.” _Com._ “In
whose house were you?” _Jac._ “I do not know the house in which I
was.” _Com._ “Who was it that brought you to Leenaert?” _Jac._ “They
were men and youths, women and maidens.” _Com._ “What were their
names?” _Jac._ “As to their surnames, I should have had much to do,
to know them all by their names and surnames, since I was not there
long enough to learn them all.” _Com._ “When you came into the house,
where was Leenaert? what did he preach about?” _Jac._ “He preached
the pure word of God.” _Com._ “Of what, and of which articles did he
preach?” _Jac._ “He taught amendment of life, and that we must put off
the old man, and put on the new; he forcibly showed by the Scriptures
that those who walk after the flesh, and after their lusts, have no
part in the kingdom of God.” _Com._ “Did he not speak of some other
things?” _Jac._ “My lord, I should have much to do, to retain all,
even as it would cost you, I think, much trouble and labor to retain
a sermon that was preached eighteen months or two years ago.” _Com._
“Did you there receive your second baptism?” _Jac._ “I have received
but one baptism, and that according to the ordinance of Christ.” _Com._
“Did you not also receive a baptism in your infancy?” _Jac._ “I do
not know what was done to me in my infancy, I have no remembrance of
it.” _Com._ “Did not your father or your mother tell you that you were
baptized, and did you not have sponsors?” _Jac._ “Yes, I think they
told me, and I have also called some persons godfather and godmother,
but this was not in accordance with the Scriptures.” _Com._ “Well, was
that not enough? have you besides this received something more from
Leenaert, namely, water or baptism according to your notion?” _Jac._
“I received from him baptism according to the word of God.” _Com._ “Do
you not consider the baptism good which you received in your infancy?”
_Jac._ “Had I considered it good, and a baptism, I should not have
received another; for it is written that there is one Lord, one faith,
and one baptism, and not _many_ baptisms.” Eph. 4:5. _Com._ “Did you
receive the baptism which Leenaert administered to you in the house
in which you were assembled?” _Jac._ “Yes.” _Com._ “Was it after or
before preaching?” _Jac._ “After preaching.” _Com._ “Did he not speak
of baptism?” _Jac._ “Yes and he showed by the holy Scriptures, what it
was, and what baptism signified; he humbly admonished the applicants
for baptism, to observe well and take good heed what they accepted,
and showed the cross and persecution which result to them that have
come so far; and many other demonstrations from the holy Scriptures.”
_Com._ “Were you not afraid of the decree of the Emperor?” _Jac._ “No;
_neither am I now_.” _Com._ “Jacques, it will go hard with you, unless
you submit to mercy for your misdeed.” _Jac._ “My lord, I expect mercy
from the Lord; but I am not aware that I have offended against the
Emperor or the King, for which I should look for mercy. And if the
decree is contrary to the word of God, it does not appear to me that
in fulfilling the command of God, I offend against any one whoever he
be!” _Com._ “Jacques, Jacques, think what the decree says.” _Jac._ “My
lord, I well know that it has more authority in this world than the
word of God, to put to death those who believe on his name and depart
from unrighteousness, as is written that it should be so. (Is. 59:15;
Matt. 10:17). But what will it signify when you shall have done with me
according to the decree, and shall have put me to death? You will have
nothing but a vile and mortal body, which is subject to corruption; but
as regards the soul, you cannot touch it, and when you appear before
God’s judgment, you shall know what you have done.” Matt. 10:28. _Com._
“Jacques, I do not seek your death, God knows; I should be sorry to
see you suffer in the least.” _Jac._ “My lord, this will be seen in
the end, how comes it then that you thus shed the innocent blood here,
when you do not understand the faith as you have told me? Why do you
not ordain then that those who cannot recognize your faith to be true
and good, be banished from the country, with retention of their life
and property, as is done throughout Germany, and also in Oostland,[276]
which countries do not judge the word of God, to shed blood?”
[276] _East country_, probably Austria or the Orient is meant
here.--TRANS.
* * * * *
After many other words he asked: “What do you think and believe of the
sacrament of the altar?” _Jac._ “Do you mean the breaking of bread?”
_Com._ “Yes.” _Jac._ “I confess and believe as Christ ordained it, as
the apostles practiced it, and as Paul writes concerning it to the
Corinthians,” _Com._ “How do you understand it?” _Jac._ “Just as it is
written; I do not want to comment on the word of God.” This satisfied
him, and he so wrote it down on his paper. _Com._ “What do you think of
the mass, confession, and absolution of the priest?” _Jac._ “As regards
the mass, I know it not, nor do the Scriptures; I have never read this
name in the word of God.” _Com._ “What shall I write then in regard to
this?” _Jac._ “I do not know; whatever you please, my lord.” _Com._
“Will you not confess simply that you believe in the ordinances of the
true and holy church, according to the teaching of the Scriptures and
as a good Christian is bound to believe?” _Jac._ “Yes, my lord, with
all my heart.” He wrote this down. _Com._ “Who were your instructors
in this doctrine, and with whom did you converse in the beginning, and
in what place?” _Jac._ “I had my conversation at Antwerp, speaking of
the Scriptures with many, but my principal instruction and foundations
I derived from reading the holy word of the Lord.” He also wrote this
down.
_Com._ “Now, see here is an important article, namely, whether you have
not been a minister, or a deacon over the poor, or an exhorter, or have
held some other office in the assemblies of the brethren?” Thus it was
written on his paper as well as I could perceive or see. I did not
know at first what he meant by calling this so important an article:
I answered thereupon: “No; I do not feel myself qualified for it, but
am a humble member in the congregation.” _Com._ “Were you never in a
meeting, before you received baptism?” _Jac._ “Yes, two or three times
at least.” _Com._ “In what place was it, and in what houses?” _Jac._
“As regards the houses, I do not know to whom they belong.” _Com._
“What kind of houses were they, large or small?” _Jac._ “We assemble
wherever we best can, as opportunity offers itself, and I remember to
have been in very poor little houses, that resembled stables more than
houses.” He thus wrote this down on his paper. _Com._ “Did you also
attend the meeting with the brethren, after you received baptism?”
_Jac._ “My lord, this answers for itself; you may well suppose that
if I was there before, I was there still more afterwards.” _Com._ “Is
your wife of the same doctrine as you are, and is she also rebaptized?”
_Jac._ “I have enough to do to answer for myself without answering
for my wife; and if she were here, she could answer for herself; but
nevertheless, I regard her as a woman that fears the Lord.” This
satisfied him.