saved. I told them that there were many who would be willing to rejoice
with Christ, but few that wanted to suffer with him. They said that it
did not depend on suffering. I said that Christ himself had to suffer:
how much more we? They did not reply to this, but said: “Forsake your
opinion; we shall send you learned men into a little room alone;” and
asked me what learned men and ecclesiastics I wanted. I told them
that I did not want any, but that I wanted to keep what I had. They
said that I must be forever damned if I should die in this condition,
and that my father and mother, and brothers, were glad if they could
be here and repent. I told them that I knew better. We had many more
words, which it would take me too long to write; besides, I have
forgotten much of it. Thus, my affectionately beloved brethren and
sisters, whom I love from my inmost heart, it is my heartfelt prayer
and request of you, that you would entreat the Lord in my behalf, that
I may finish it to the praise of the Lord, and to my eternal salvation.
Amen.
Dear friends, I must yet pass through a great wilderness, for it is
desolate and perilous here; yea, I must yet tread through thistles and
thorns; but the crown of life is prepared for us; for it is the right
truth, and no other shall ever be found. O my dear lambs, do not depart
from the Lord; he will not permit you to be tempted above that you are
able to bear; for he is a faithful succorer, a strength in weakness,
and a comforter in sorrow to those that are afflicted in heart. Let us
nestle close into his arms, and cast all of our care upon him, for he
cares for us, and will himself watch over us; that we may partake of
the supper with all the saints in heaven, where Christ himself will
gird himself, and serve at the table. Herewith I will commend you
to the Lord, and to the mighty word of his grace; may the peace of
God rule in your hearts. I heartily greet all our dear brethren and
sisters, and all those that fear God from the heart, with the peace of
God.
By me, Nelleken Jasper, a maiden of Blijenberg, your unworthy sister
in the Lord; the 12th of December, A. D. 1569. Send me a letter
occasionally; for it will be very welcome to me.
NOTICE TO THE CHRISTIAN READER, CONCERNING THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES.
It is a fact known to those who have read with attention the history
of Holland for the years 1533, 1534, 1535, and some of the following,
that the external condition of the so-called Defenseless Anabaptists
(_Weerloose Doopsgesinden_) was very sad and at the same time in a
state of confusion; not only through the severe persecutions by which
they were scattered into every quarter, but especially also through the
insurrection of such as, without being defenseless, also taught the
baptism of adults; because these by falling into abominable practices,
furnished cause that all those who opposed infant baptism were looked
upon by the authorities, as though they also had part or guilt in such
improper and abominable doings. And since all who taught the baptism of
adults were indiscriminately called Anabaptists, and under this name
persecuted alike, it was sometimes scarcely possible for those who
saved their lives by flight, to know when some were apprehended or put
to death, whether they were of the number of their defenseless brethren
and sisters, or not; as also, how many they were, and what were their
names.
For this reason there were in those years, and, as may be inferred
from history, also in later times, and in divers places, many
pious witnesses put to death, whose number and names have not been
ascertained so clearly, that they could be placed among the number of
their fellow combatants in this book, to serve as patterns of utmost
fidelity in the confession of the truth, to succeeding generations.
In this number there have also been embraced up to the present time
various men and women who were put to death at Amsterdam; whose
sentences came into our hands, while this Bloody Theatre was being
reprinted; they were obtained from the book of sentences from said city
of Amsterdam, preserved in the archives there. From these sentences
it is clearly evident that they were not put to death on account of
insurrection or any other misconduct, but simply because they departed
from Romish institutions, opposed infant baptism, and had adopted the
baptism which is administered upon confession of sins, and faith in
Christ our Lord.
Hence we deem it our duty, to make known here also these persons, and
to place them with those with whom they in their lifetime valiantly
fought unto the end under one banner of Christ Jesus our Lord; and with
whom they also rest from their labors, till the time that they shall
together, in the resurrection, be made partakers of the incorruptible
crown of glory.
We heartily wish that we had been able to give an account also of their
valiant deeds, wise discourses, acts of patience and resignation, and
every thing that took place in connection with their sufferings and
death. However, none of these things have come to our knowledge, having
through the adverse circumstances of those times, probably never been
divulged by those who could and would have made them known to those
unacquainted with them, or to posterity; even as those sorrowful times
caused this with regard to many martyrs, since of some it has scarcely
been possible to record their number and the place of their offering.
_Extract from the book of criminal sentences of the city of Amsterdam,
Fol. 48, verso, preserved in the archives there._
Whereas Grietje Arents, a maiden of Limmen, has had herself rebaptized,
holding pernicious views concerning the sacraments of the Holy church,
contrary to the faith and ordinances of said church, and the written
laws and decrees of the Emperor, our gracious lord; and, moreover,
was banished by the Court of Holland, for the aforesaid reason, from
these countries of Holland, Zealand and Friesland, on pain of death,
without that she, the prisoner, has hitherto manifested a willingness
to repent, but has suffered the time of grace granted by his Imperial
Majesty to pass by; therefore, the judges, having heard the demand made
against her by the Bailiff in behalf of His Imperial Majesty, and the
answer and confession of the aforesaid Grietje, and having considered
the circumstances of this case, have condemned said Grietje by sentence
to be executed by water, as has been done by the executioner. Done the
last day of December, A. D. 1534, in the presence of the whole court.
This Grietje Arents, according to the contents of the sentence, had
first been banished, however, as clearly appears, for no other reason
than that she did not believe like the Roman church, for which reason
also, since she persisted therein, she was put to death; but why she
returned to the place from which she had been banished, is not known;
however, we may well infer, since nothing else is laid to her charge in
this sentence, that the cause thereof was likewise a matter of faith
and conscience.
_Extract as above, Fol. 49, verso._
Whereas Jan Pauw, block-maker, Arent Janssen of Gorckum, tradesman,
Barent Claessen of Swol, fuller, Jan van Gink, Hendrich Biesman of
Maestricht, Cornelis Willemsse of Haerlem, cabinetmaker, Arent
Jacobssen, Keyser, of Moonickendam, and Willen Janssen of Zutphen,
have had themselves rebaptized, and have accepted the covenant of the
Anabaptists, holding pernicious views concerning the sacraments of the
holy church, contrary to the faith and ordinances of said church, and
the written laws and decrees of his Imperial Majesty our gracious lord;
therefore, the judges, having heard the demand made by my lord the
officer concerning them, and their defense and confession, and having
considered the circumstances of the case, have condemned the aforesaid
persons by sentence, to be executed with the sword and put to death,
on the scaffold erected for this purpose in the marketplace of this
city; and, moreover, their heads to be placed upon stakes, and their
bodies upon wheels, for an example unto others, as was done immediately
afterwards. Done the 6th day of March, A. D. 1535; in the presence of
the whole court.
Concerning Jan Pauw there is still another, separate sentence, that on
the 29th of December, 1534 he was tortured, by sentence of the judges,
in order to learn from him who had baptized, and who had been baptized
at his house; however, since that sentence contains nothing but this
order to torture him, we have not deemed it necessary to add it here
_verbatim_.
_Extract as above, Fol. 51._
Whereas Jan Jacobssen, of Normandy; inhabitant of this city, Adriaen
Cornelissen of Sparrendam, and Gerrit Claessen of Oudenyerop, have
entered into the covenant of the Anabaptists, and been rebaptized,
holding pernicious views concerning the sacraments of the holy
church, contrary to the holy Christian faith and the ordinances of
said church, and the written laws and decrees of his Imperial Majesty
our gracious lord; therefore, my lords the judges, having heard the
demand made by my lord the Bailiff, in behalf of his Imperial Majesty
against the aforesaid persons, and their defense and confession, and
having considered the circumstances of their crime, have condemned
the aforesaid persons by sentence, to be executed with the sword and
put to death, by the executioner, on the scaffold erected in front of
the city hall, of this city, and, moreover, their heads to be placed
upon stakes, and their bodies upon wheels, for an example to others;
as was done by the executioner; and we furthermore declare their
property confiscated for the benefit of his Imperial Majesty as Count
of Holland, of those who are not citizens of this city, and of the
citizens, to the sum of one hundred pounds, according to the privileges
of this city. Done on the 15th of May, A. D. 1535, in the presence of
the Bailiff, Ruysch Janssen and Goossen Janssen Rekalff, Burgomasters,
and all the judges.
In the public histories of that time mention is made only of the
beheading of three men on that day, without anything evil being laid
to their charge, except simply that they were counted among the
Anabaptists. And since this sentence charges them with no crime,
insurrection, or any misconduct, which in that time of violence, when
that riot at Amsterdam had but recently happened, would very probably
have been done, had there been any grounds for it, it can readily be
inferred that these men were pious persons, who are worthy to be placed
with the other faithful soldiers of Christ our Lord.
_Extract as above, Fol. 51. verso._
Whereas Baef Claes, a maiden, Grietje Maes, Gerrit’s widow, Barbara
Jacobs, a maiden of Haserwoude, Breght Elberts, a maiden, Adriana
Ysbrant, a maiden, Trijn Jans of Munnickendam, and Lysbeth Jans, a
maiden from Benskop, have been rebaptized, holding pernicious views
concerning the sacraments of the holy church, contrary to the holy
Christian faith and the ordinances of said church, and the written laws
and decrees of His Imperial Majesty our gracious lord, without that
they have hitherto shown any penitence; therefore, the judges, having
heard the demand made by the bailiff in the behalf of his Imperial
Majesty against them, and their answer and confession, and having
considered the circumstances of this case, have condemned the aforesaid
persons by sentence, to be executed with water and put to death by the
executioner; as was done by the executioner; and furthermore declare
their property confiscated for the benefit of His Imperial Majesty
as count of Holland, of those who are not citizens of this city, and
of the citizens, to the sum of one hundred pounds, according to the
privileges of this city. Done on the 15th of May, A. D. 1535; in the
presence of the Bailiff, Ruysch Janssen and Goossen Janssen Rekalff,
Burgomasters, and all the judges.
These seven women, according to the import of this sentence, were
put to death on the same day with the following nine, and yet public
histories mention nothing about them; which is a matter of little
surprise for the reason that the drowning of those who were condemned
to death on account of religion took place at night, when they, with
stones tied to their necks, were cast down into the water from the
Herring-packers’ Tower (then called the Holy Cross Tower), as appears
from the description of Amsterdam, by Dr. Dapper, Fol. 403.
_Extract as above, Fol. 52. verso._
Whereas Leentgen, Jan van Rheenen’s wife, Adriana Jans, a maiden from
Benskop, Goechgen Jans, of Lubik, born at Goude, Leentgen Hendrix,
a maiden of Hertogenbosch, Griet Pieters Mollen, a maiden, Marritge
Nadminx, a maiden of Alkmaar, Aeltje Gillis, a maiden from Benskop,
Jannetje Jans, a maiden of Utrecht, Aeltjen Wouters, born at Asperen,
have been rebaptized, and betaken themselves to the sect and heresy of
the Anabaptists, holding pernicious views concerning the sacraments
of the holy church, contrary to the holy Christian faith and the
ordinances of said church; and to the written laws and decrees of his
Imperial Majesty our gracious lord, without being willing to repent of
it; therefore, my lords the judges, having heard the demand made by the
Bailiff against them in behalf of his Imperial Majesty, together with
their answer and confession, and having considered the circumstances
of this case, have condemned the aforesaid persons by sentence, to be
executed with water and put to death by the executioner, as was done by
the executioner; and furthermore declare their property confiscated for
the benefit of the Emperor as Count of Holland, of those who are not
citizens of this city, and of the citizens, to the sum of one hundred
pounds, according to the privileges of this city. Done on the 15th
of May, A. D. 1535, in the presence of the Bailiff, Goossen Janssen
Rekalff, Burgomaster, and all the judges.
The public writers of those times also make mention of these women, but
without stating anything more than their number, and that they were
drowned. This sentence, however, not only makes known their names, but
from it also their innocence is evident.
_Extract as above, Fol. 59. verso._
Whereas Pietersen, _alias_ Borrekiek, born at Leyden, has entered the
covenant of the Anabaptists, and been rebaptized, holding pernicious
views concerning the sacraments of the holy church contrary to the holy
Christian faith and the ordinances of said church, and the written laws
and decrees of his Imperial Majesty, our gracious lord, and, moreover,
had previous knowledge of a meeting held a certain time ago, at Leyden,
by adherents of the aforementioned sect, without giving information
thereof to the authorities of said city; therefore, my lords the
judges, having heard the demand of my lord the Bailiff, and having
considered the circumstances of his misconduct, have condemned said
delinquent by sentence, to be executed with the sword, and put to death
on the scaffold, by the executioner, his head to be put upon a stake,
and his body to be quartered and hanged to a wheel, for an example
to others; as was done by the executioner; and, furthermore, declare
his property confiscated for the benefit of the Emperor as Count of
Holland. Done, etc., in presence as above in the preceding sentence.
_Extract as above, Fol. 70. verso._
Whereas Hendrik van Maestricht, at the time when the boat, loaded
with Anabaptists, was about to sail to Geelmuyden, has joined the
sect of the Anabaptists, by the imposition of the hand, performed on
him by one Claes Enkhuysen, and has since allied himself and kept
fellowship with said people, conversed with them at different places,
and advised and induced several others to join the aforesaid sect,
contrary to the decrees ordained and caused to be published by his
Imperial Majesty our gracious lord against the aforesaid sect and its
adherents, without that the aforesaid Hendrik has, improved the time of
grace, but rejected it; therefore, my lords the judges, having heard
the demand made by the Bailiff in behalf of his Imperial Majesty,
against the aforesaid Hendrik, together with his answer and confession,
and having maturely considered the circumstances of this case, have
condemned the aforesaid Hendrik van Maestricht by sentence, to be
executed with the sword and put to death by the executioner, and his
body to be placed upon a wheel, and his head upon a stake, unless it
be that the lords, out of grace, be pleased to grant him the church
yard; which sentence was afterwards executed by the executioner. Done
on the 10th of June, A. D. 1536, in the presence of the Bailiff, all
the Burgomasters excepted, Cornelis Buyk, Syverts, Claes Gerritsse,
Mattheus Claes Doeden, Jan Ryser Janssen, Pieter Willemsse Kantert, and
Symon Marttensse Dircx, judges.
_Extract as above, Fol. 77. verso._
Whereas Alberts Reyers, _alias_ Oldeknecht, born at Bolswaert, in
Friesland, has for several years resorted to the society, intercourse
and fellowship of persons tainted with heresy and evil doctrines,
and has been found with them in divers conventicles, and has also
held such in his own dwelling, where the writings and sacraments of
the holy church, and the articles of the holy Christian faith were
subjected to improper disputation, teaching and treatment, so that
the aforementioned Albert, having become infected thereby, spoke
and believed evilly of the holy sacrament of the altar and other
sacraments; also of the ordinances and customs of the holy church, to
the scandal of good Christians, contrary to the holy Christian faith,
and the decrees and edicts of his Imperial Majesty our gracious lord;
therefore, the judges, having heard the demand made by my lord the
Bailiff against the aforementioned Albert Reyers, together with his
answer and confession, and having duly considered the circumstances
of this case, have condemned said Albert, according to the aforesaid
decrees, by sentence, to be executed with the sword and put to death
by the executioner, and his body afterwards to be placed on a wheel,
and his head upon a stake; and, furthermore, declare his property
confiscated to the sum of one hundred pounds, according to the
privileges of this city. So done on the 12th day of April, in the year
1537, in presence of the Bailiff, Claes Gerritsse Deymans and Gerrit
Meeuwess, Burgomasters, and Gerrit Meeuwess and all the judges.
_Extract as above, Fol. 77. verso._
Whereas Andries Harmans of Gelre, has undertaken at different times and
places to dispute concerning the Scriptures, and to hold conventicles,
where the Scriptures, and the sacraments and ordinances of the holy
church were subjected to improper teaching and treatment, whereby the
aforesaid Andries, having fallen into error and heresy, also taught
these views to others, and tainted them therewith, and has also for
a certain time spoken and believed evilly and heretically, and does
still believe so, concerning the holy sacrament of the altar, and other
sacraments of the holy church, contrary to the holy Christian faith,
and against the decrees of his Imperial Majesty our gracious lord;
therefore, the judges, having heard the demand made by my lord the
bailiff against the aforesaid Andries, together with his answer and
confession, and having maturely considered the circumstances of his
misdemeanors, condemn said Andries, according to the aforementioned
decrees, to be executed with the sword and put to death by the
executioner, and afterwards his body to be placed upon a wheel, and his
head upon a stake, for an example to others; and furthermore, declare
his property confiscated for the benefit of the lord, to the sum of
one hundred pounds, according to the privileges of this city. So done
on the 12th of April 1537, in presence of the Bailiff, Claes Gerrit
Deymans and Gerrit Andries, Burgomasters, and all the judges.
This execution was performed by the executioner immediately after the
sentence was pronounced.
_Extract as above, Fol. 78. verso._
Whereas Thymon Hendricx of Campen, three years ago or thereabouts,
was rebaptized, and entered into the covenant and heresy of the
Anabaptists, holding pernicious views concerning the holy Christian
faith, and the sacraments and ordinances of the holy church contrary
to the truth of the holy faith and against the decrees published in
regard to this, by his Imperial Majesty our gracious lord, therefore,
the judges having heard the demand made by the Bailiff of this city,
in behalf of his Imperial Majesty against the aforementioned Thymon
Hendricx soon, together with his answer and confession, and having
duly considered the circumstances of the aforesaid case, condemn said
Thymon, according to the aforementioned decrees, by sentence, to be
executed with the sword and put to death by the executioner, and his
body afterwards to be put upon a wheel, and his head upon a stake,
for an example to others; and, furthermore, declare his property
confiscated for the benefit of the lord. So done on the 12th of April
1537, in the presence of the Bailiff, Claes Gerrit Deymans and Gerritt
Andries, Burgomasters, and all the judges.
This execution was performed by the executioner immediately after the
sentence was pronounced.
_Extract as above, Fol. 93._
Whereas Jan Janssen van dem Berg in the country of Cleves, a year ago
or thereabouts, was rebaptized in the city of Delft, by one Claes with
the lame hand and has entered into the covenant and heresy of the
Anabaptists, holding pernicious views concerning the holy Christian
faith, and the sacraments and ordinances of the holy church, contrary
to the truth of the holy faith, and against the decrees emitted in
regard to this by his Imperial Majesty our gracious lord; therefore,
the judges, having heard the demand made by the Bailiff of this city
in behalf of his Imperial Majesty, against the aforementioned Janssen,
together with his answer and confession, and having duly considered
the circumstances of the aforesaid case, condemn said Jan Janssen,
according to the aforesaid decrees, by sentence, to be executed and put
to death by the executioner, and his body then to be put upon a wheel,
and his head upon a stake, for an example to others; and furthermore,
declare his property confiscated for the benefit of the lord. Done on
the 7th of July, A. D. 1539, in the presence of all the Burgomasters,
Joost Buyk Sybrant, Jan Willemss, Albert Dirksen, Willem Stitchel, and
Floris Floriss.
ELEVEN BRETHREN AND A SISTER, AT ANTWERP; HARMAN TIMMERMAN, JAN VAN
HASEBROECK, PIETER VERLONGE, GERRIT VAN MANDEL, JAN VAN MANDEL, JAN DE
SCHAPER, JAN WILJOOT, JAN VAN DOORNICK, WILLEM VAN POPERINGE, MAEYKEN
HIS WIFE, JAN KOOPMAN, HANS HIS SERVANT; A. D. 1569.
In the year 1569, at Antwerp, there was apprehended, examined, tortured
and finally sentenced to death, for living according to the word of
God, and the testimony of the truth, twelve pious Christians, namely,
Harman Timmerman, Jan van Hasebroeck, Pieter Verlonge, Gerrit van
Mandel, Jan van Mandel, Jan de Schaper, Jan Wiljoot, Jan van Doornick,
Willem van Poperinge, Maeyken, his wife, Jan Koopman, and Hans his
servant. One of them, however, died in prison, from the effects of the
torture. Seven were burned alive before Easter, their mouths having
been screwed together with screws; and the last mentioned four, in like
manner, on the 20th of May of said year.
Here follows a brief yet thorough and Christian confession of faith, of
the one Being, God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and of the eternal
Godhead of Christ the Son of God; also of the incarnation, visibleness,
suffering and death of the eternal and only begotten Son of the living
God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; which, by this here mentioned
hero and witness of Jesus, Herman Timmerman, was written as an answer
and refutation to a letter that had been sent him; and to which he
so effectually testified and confirmed with, his blood and death. We
have added the same here, for the benefit of the reader. We ask you to
read it with Christian regard and attention; we hope that you will be
instructed and bettered by it. It reads as follows: