upon the word and promise of the Lord; that we do not sink with Peter,
but pass-over this raging sea to the Lord, always praying him, in
faith, and with firm confidence in his word, for strength, as those
that are never sated. I, unworthy servant, now, in this state, well
experience his faithfulness, praise to him forever. He has promised
to assist us, and not to forsake us, as he says by the prophet: Can a
mother forget the son of her womb, that she should not have compassion
on him? though she do this, yet will I not forsake thee. Isa. 49:15.
He is also the strength of the poor, a sure refuge, and a true helper
in time of need. Yea, he preserves his own as the apple of his eye, in
water, in bonds, and in the fire; hence, he that afflicts his chosen
afflicts him, as the Lord said to Saul: “Why persecutest thou me?” and
he that does good to his chosen in his name, does good to him. Hence
let every one persevere steadfastly, and do good cheerfully without
wearying, for in due time we shall also reap without ceasing; and
the good shall arise unto everlasting life. We are created unto good
works through Christ. Hence let every one bring forth good fruit, unto
which he is appointed; and God our heavenly Father will be honored,
and purify us still more, that we may bring forth fruit still more
abundantly, and grow up unto the [measure of the] stature of the
fullness of Christ; and so doing we shall wait for the coming of our
Lord and Bridegroom, and this with patience, for patience is the
strength of the godfearing. Nothing special further for this time, but
hold fast what you have, and be faithful unto death, for your and my
faith is the unadulterated truth, which perform in the fear of God, by
the help of the Lord, and you shall have peace with the Lord, according
to his promise. Be of good cheer this short time of your pilgrimage;
sorrow not for me; and though I am now baptized with the baptism of
suffering, and drink the cup of affliction, it is for my salvation.
Henceforth I expect through the grace of the Lord the crown of life.
What does it signify? once we must part; if I had died of the pest, or
of something else, all to whom my person is dear would certainly have
to miss me; and it is manifest that I do not suffer as an evil doer,
but because I have accepted Christ Jesus, and this I do not at all
regret. I salute you, my dear wife, and yours, and all the godfearing,
cordially in the Lord. Pray for me, and cause prayer to be made for me.
Amen.
A CONFESSION OF FAITH, TO THE BAILIFF AND THE COUNCIL THEN RESIDING IN
DORTRECHT, BY JAN WOUTERSS; TOGETHER WITH A BRIEF EXPLANATION EXHORTING
THEM TO REPENTANCE.
To my honorable lord the Bailiff, and my honorable lords the
burgomasters, aldermen and the council of the city of Dortrecht. I,
Jan Wouterss, your prisoner, not for any crime, but for the sake of
my faith, which is nevertheless right before my God, wish you, you
ministers of God, that he would grant you all a prosperous, peaceful,
healthy, long life, and understanding rightly to use your office, in
punishing the evil (that is, evil-doers), and protecting the good. Rom.
13:3.
Further, the reason of my writing is, that I briefly confessed my
faith, but did not add the explanation. Hence I put this in writing, in
order not to summon my honorable lords again, and cause them trouble.
I confess that I was a zealous papist in my youth, which I heartily
regret, for then no good fruits proceeded from me. Afterwards God
opened my blind eyes, to serve no longer dumb idols, but the living God
alone, who created me. And he revealed to and gave me, poor, sinful
man, the faith of the truth, by which we are saved. This faith is,
as the Scripture says: This faith and the inward baptism constrained
me to the obedience of his word, to fulfill his righteousness. Hence
I confess, that I was baptized upon my faith, and this with desire,
according to the command of Christ, renouncing the devil, the world,
the pope, and his adherents.
I confess Christ Jesus alone as the way of the truth, and the life.
And there is none other name given to men, whereby we can be saved,
except through Christ alone. I further confess that it is certain that
the customs of the priests and of all the “shaved” are the broad way
to damnation. They are human institutions, an abomination to God, and
plants which our heavenly Father has not planted; hence they are also
cursed, for there can no other foundation be laid, than that is laid,
which is Christ alone. Those of the pope’s adherents who undertake to
be leader’s are blind leaders, and if the blind lead the blind, says
Christ, both shall fall into the ditch. Every one that will not believe
it, or cannot, because of his sins, the same must know it after death
by pain (2 Esd. 9:12); hence repent truly now. Further, my honorable
lord Bailiff thinks that I am in error, or that my faith is of no
account. To this I reply: If this were true, then my fruits would be
evil, which always prove more than mere confession; but now I have
by the help of God walked therein for so many years, from my youth,
even until now, according to my weakness, avoided all bad company,
diligently and quietly earned my living, and eaten my own bread, from
which I am now taken away, as though I were a murderer. O Lord, forgive
them, for they know not what they do; I forgive them, O my dear lords,
repent, for he who touches us touches the apple of the eye of my God.
I also confess that I have attended the assembly of the believers,
so often that I cannot count it. For the supreme King has given us a
promise therein, saying: “Where two or three are gathered together in
my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20. The apostle
commands us in his name, not to forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, but to exhort one another, and to provoke unto love and to
good works. Heb. 10:25,24. I confess that I have never been in an
assembly to harm any one (think on this). I confess that I have not
for many years been to the priests’ confession and their sacrament,
and this because I do not think anything of it; moreover, I confess,
that I am a sinful man, and need every day to confess my sins before
my God, and daily to die unto sin, more and more, which I regard as
the best confession. But the sacrament I recognize as a little baked
cake, and wine, till it is consumed by the aforementioned or by [other]
men, and nothing else, but not as the flesh and blood of Christ; he
comes no more into the hands of sinners. He dwelleth not in temples
made with hands (Acts 7:48), but in heaven, whence he shall come to
judge the quick and the dead, that is, believers and unbelievers. But I
confess that I am well satisfied with Christ’s breaking of bread, the
practice of the apostles among the believers, in remembrance of the
body and blood of Christ, and this not with drunkards, proud, strikers,
adulterers, murderers, idolaters, harlots, rogues, etc.
I also confess, that I did not marry my wife secretly, that no one
should see it, but before the church of God; for marriage is honorable,
but whoremongers and adulterers God will punish. Heb. 13:4. O my God,
count it not sin to him who took me away; for it is a bitter cup to
me to part from wife and child, because we love one another so much.
I also confess that my child has not been baptized by the priest,
neither by any one else, for thereby I would despise the holy blood of
Christ.[332] But this is my firm belief that Christ has made atonement
for infants, and that Christ’s baptism belongs to none but those who
believe with all their heart, as Cornelius with his family, Paul, and
others; of this aforementioned faith I am sure through the grace of
God, and know certainly, that there is no other, nor ever will be. I
have not founded myself upon the wind, but solely upon the foundation
of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner-stone, to the wicked an offense, and to the good a defense and
salvation. If I must innocently suffer for this unadulterated faith,
I can think, that my Lord Jesus Christ, whose servant, I poor, sinful
man am, fared no better at the hands of the authorities of that day,
and this through the instigation of the learned. O my honorable lords,
repent, amend your ways and your doings. Jer. 7:3. And I also proclaim
repentance to all my lords still living, who are guilty of the innocent
blood of Joris de Ve.,[333] who shall soon come forth, shining in God’s
glory, with great joy. For the day of the Supreme Judge is at the door:
this is apparent from the pestilence, dearth, rumors of wars, and many
other signs. O my honorable lords, be cordially warned of the evil
which is to come upon you, for it is done out of love and friendship,
and not through bitterness, for beyond doubt, we must all appear before
the Supreme Judge; there every one shall give account of himself, and
receive according to that he hath done; there excuses or regrets will
not avail. Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10. O, reflect; it will soon come to
pass, and none can escape it.
[332] Then I should sacrifice my child to the devil, the author had
written, but this reads a little too harsh.
[333] Hereby is meant Joris Wippe, who was put to death at Dortrecht,
A. D. 1558.
Further, I did not reply to all the questions of my honorable lord the
Bailiff, who demanded of me that I should tell the truth, which I have
done in the confession of my faith, of this I am certain; but the other
questions I dare not answer, for Christ has taught me: Do to men as you
would have them do to you; love your neighbor as yourself; love your
wife, honor your parents, etc. For this reason I have forborne, and I
am sure that in this my Supreme Judge will justify me, when we shall
together appear before his judgment seat; for I have not done it out of
any disregard for my honorable lord the Bailiff. I also have refused
your learned men the presentation, for I am so sure of my faith, that
[I am convinced that] all those who speak against it are in error.
Hence do not regard it as proceeding from obstinacy on my part, but
from the assurance of my faith.
Finally, deal mercifully with me innocent one, and think that I too am
a man; for hereafter he “shall have judgment without mercy, that hath
shewed no mercy.” Jas. 2:13. I confess one Lord, one faith, one God,
one Father of all, who is above all, and in all believers. I believe
only what the holy Scriptures say; and not what men say. Farewell.
Written in my bonds.
A LETTER FROM ADRIAENKEN, JAN’S DAUGHTER, OF MOLENAERSGRAEF, WRITTEN TO
HER HUSBAND, WHILE SHE WAS IN PRISON, IN THE VUYLPOORT AT DORTRECHT,
WHERE SHE WAS BURNT WITH JOHN WOUTERSS VAN KUYCK, THE 28TH OF MARCH, AS
PREVIOUSLY SHOWN.
Grace and peace from God our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ his
only Son, our Lord and Savior, and the co-operation of the Holy Ghost,
be multiplied to your love, and to all the godfearing, for consolation
in your pilgrimage, to the praise of the Lord, and to the salvation of
all your souls. Amen.
After this my cordial salutation and good wish, please know, my dearest
and cordially beloved husband and brother in the Lord, that I your
dearly beloved wife and sister in the Lord, called Adriaenken Jan’s
daughter, am still of good cheer in the Lord, and I can never thank the
Lord of lords enough for his daily greatness in showing his grace, is
to me unworthy one. Eternal praise and glory be to him, for ever and
ever. Amen.
Please know further, J. A., my cordially beloved husband, that I your
dearest, beloved wife and sister in the Lord, could not well forbear,
but must leave your love, a few lines in remembrance of me, on account
of the great love which we have had to each other, and which I hope
will abide forever, and that no one shall separate us from it, and
though we are separated from each other according to the eternal body,
yet love remains. And, in the second place, to comfort you a little,
that you would moderate your grief, as one that well knows, that these
are the costs of our house which we have founded upon the rock Christ,
which house will now certainly continue to stand, through the grace
and power of the Lord, though many a storm beat upon it, wherein we
rejoice that we have such a faithful helper in distress. But it is
not expedient, that we keep this joy to ourselves alone, but that we
spread the same, so that you, my dearest on this earth, and all the
godfearing, if it were possible, might also rejoice, in order that you,
my especially beloved husband, and all the godfearing, may steadfastly
persevere, and not be afraid. Though our enemies are so many, we say
with the prophet Elisha: There are more with us than against us, 2
Kings 6:16. As also Paul says: If God be for us, who can be against us?
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Rom. 8:31,32. And
the prophet David says: The Lord is an invincible shield to all that
trust in him; and a faithful helper in distress, for he hears the cry
of the afflicted. Hence, my dearest, go on in the confidence in the
promises of the Lord, for he is a faithful, true God: there is none
like him; all his promises are yea in him, and not nay, as well to help
us in distress in this present time, as to give eternal life hereafter
to them that believe in Christ. We two unworthy lambs of Jesus Christ
go now quite near the city full of all good things, which has become
our inheritance through the merits of Christ; yea, we are going out
from tribulation, out from all difficulty and peril, and leave you and
all the other dearest brethren, sisters and friends, in this dismal
wilderness, even in this wicked world full of all unrighteousness
where on every hand are evil examples, to the detriment and sorrow
of our soul, for one cannot well touch pitch and remain undefiled
therewith. Hence it is our conviction that it is the Lord’s pleasure
to take us two weak lambs away speedily, that we may not be deceived,
like Eve, but saved in and through faith in Jesus Christ. And that
the only-wise, good and merciful God first tries us somewhat in this
one chastisement; this is a token of grace and of special love, for he
now deals with us unworthy ones, as a dear father deals with and bears
affection to his children, whereby he confirms, according to his great
mercy, that he does not know us as bastards, but as true heirs. Heb.
12:8.
Hence we are of good cheer; whatever the Lord suffers to come upon us,
is all for our good, for in tribulation he forgives sin; therefore his
holy will be done for our profit, that is, for our salvation, which is
our greatest desire, wherefore we endure everything, and are patient,
according to the example of Job, the prophets, the apostles, and the
end of our Lord, and other martyrs after them. We now go steadfastly
forward, to finish our conflict by the help of the Lord with a faithful
heart, even unto death, for we know and believe that the crown of
eternal life is prepared for us. Amen. Thus, my cordially beloved
husband and dearest brother in the Lord, I your specially, cordially
beloved wife, Adriaenken Jans, your dearest sister in the Lord, who
have married each other before the Lord and his church, I will herewith
bid your love adieu, and await you there with your and our dearest
bridegroom, Christ Jesus. Therefore hold fast that which you have, for
it is the only and unadulterated truth, that no one take your crown,
for Satan works wonderfully in his own.
The superior of the Franciscan convent said to me: “Give me Jan
Wouterss, he at least said that he is sorry for it.” O villain, thought
I; I well know your trickery, Thus the Lord kept me, that we may always
triumph in Christ: he will still, according to his promise, help us on
further in the way to the promised land of our rest.
Herewith I will commend you my dearest husband and beloved brother
in the Lord, to the almighty God, and to the rich word of his grace,
which is able to build you up, to keep you from evil and to bring you
to the eternal inheritance; there I hope to see you with eternal joy,
to which end the good God grant his grace. Amen. Take this, my brief
letter, in good part. To write much I do not deem necessary, for the
godfearing have left us, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, an
abundance of writings, for correction, for doctrine, for consolation
and strengthening.
I Adriaenken Jan’s daughter, your cordial and dearest wife and sister
in the Lord, greet you my most beloved husband and dearest brother in
the Lord, affectionately with the kiss of eternal love and peace of
Christ, with the mouth of my heart, present with you in spirit
Finally, I herewith bid you adieu once more, and thank you as much as
lies in me, for your good company and faithfulness.
Written by me your beloved wife Adriaenken Jans, imprisoned for the
testimony of the gospel of Christ, to the praise of the Lord, to the
comfort and joy of our neighbor, for a light to them that are yet in
darkness, to the confusion of those who have condemned us as apostates,
and to the salvation of our souls. Amen.
I and my fellow prisoner greet you and all the godfearing much.
We had hoped to offer up our sacrifice on Monday before Mary, and thus
to enter into rest; but we were not so fortunate. Hence we hope that
it will soon come to pass, if the Lord has so ordered it; but if our
tribulation is to last a little longer yet, the will of the Lord be
done for our salvation. Amen.
Written in my bonds, the day after Mary in Lent A. D. 1572, by me,
ADRIAENKEN JANS.
A LETTER TO SAID ADRIAENKEN JANS IN HER BONDS. SENT BY HER HUSBAND.
To the dear wife of my heart, Adriaenken Jan’s daughter, out of love,
to strengthen your heart Amen.
We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29.
Grace and peace, wisdom and comfort, be with you, my much beloved dear
wife and sister in the Lord, from God our heavenly Father; through
the great love of his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and
through the power of the Holy Ghost, and patience in your bonds; this
I wish you, my beloved wife and sister in the Lord, as an affectionate
salutation, to the praise of the Lord, and to your soul’s salvation.
Amen. Possess your soul in patience.
After all cordial salutation, my much beloved wife and sister in the
Lord, I affectionately pray you, that you will prove valiant in your
tribulation and distress, and ever look unto Jesus Christ the author
and finisher of our faith, who, when the joy was set before him,
endured the cross, _despising the shame_. Heb. 12:2. Mark, he says,
despising the shame. Hence go forth without the camp, and help bear his
reproach. 13:13. For when Christ suffered, he had to suffer without
Jerusalem, and there took upon him our sins, and became as a worm,
greatly despised, says the prophet Isaiah. 53:3. And Paul says: Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God,
but delivered himself unto death, even the death of the cross. Philip.
2:6,8. And Peter says: Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us
in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that
hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin: that he no longer
should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men,
but to the will of God. 1 Pet. 4:1,2. Paul also says: All that will
live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12);
as he also tells the Hebrews (chap. 11) of so many pious witnesses,
who through their faith suffered so much, having respect unto the
recompense of the reward; they were stoned, cut asunder, tempted, slain
with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being
destitute, afflicted, tormented; of whom the world was not worthy; and
thus they took the kingdom of God by force, hoping only from afar for
the promise, which they did not yet possess, as Christ says: Blessed
are the eyes which see what ye now see; and the ears which hear what
ye now hear: for many prophets and righteous men have desired to see
those things which ye now see, and it could not be. Luke 10:23,24;
Matt. 13:16,17. Paul also says: God, who at sundry times and in divers
manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in
these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed
heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the
brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and
upholding all things by the word of his power. Heb. 1:1–3. See now, my
dear lamb, how many pious witnesses we have; hence let us not become
weary, but see that we may with Caleb and Joshua enter the promised
land. For you have already passed through the wilderness, and stand
now before the Jordan, which though it is terrible to behold, you will
pass over; only waver not, all you need do is to pass over. Be valiant,
my lamb; the Lord will help you; put your trust in him, for he is our
captain, our strong fortress and castle. My dear lamb, be of good cheer
in the Lord; such a glorious crown is awaiting you, for the Lord says;
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the truth; for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:10.
See, my fair one, you will be one of that number whom John saw under
the altar, who were clothed in white robes; and will help fulfill
their number, and the great multitude of whom the angel told Esdras,
2 Esd. 2:45. For when the number, or the company of the righteous is
fulfilled, the rewarding will soon take place. Then shall all your
tears be wiped away; the heat of the sun will hurt you no more, for you
shall with all the chosen children of God rest under his shadow. My
dear lamb, if you now only strive manfully for the truth, it is but for
this life; after this time there is no more time. No man is crowned,
except he strive lawfully. 2 Tim. 2:5. And James says: Dear brethren,
we count them happy that have endured. Jas. 5:11. And Solomon says,
that his [God’s] people are tried as gold in the furnace, and when he
finds them acceptable, he receives them as a burnt offering. Wis. 3:6.
Confess now the word of the Lord before this evil generation; for if we
confess him, he also will confess us before his heavenly Father, and
before his angels; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we believe
not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Matt. 10:32. 2
Tim. 2:12,13. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that
nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity, v. 19.
Behold, my dear lamb, here the sentence is already pronounced. Take
heed now, that in your bonds, as you have begun, you remain faithful
for the word of the Lord; that you may receive a full reward, and lose
not that for which you have so long labored by faith; for whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God;
he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son. 2 John 8,9.
Dear Jan’s daughter, we expect such a glorious crown, if we abide
in the truth; how we will rejoice when we get into the new heavenly
Jerusalem, where the streets are of pure gold; and her gates are not
closed against the penitent, but they are not open unto the ungodly,
for without are dogs and sorcerers. Rev. 21:21; 22:15. See, my dearest
lamb, for none but the godfearing; for them his grace is always ready,
and he will give them to drink of the beautiful river, which flows
through the fair city; these are the living waters of which the Lord
told the Samaritan woman, that if she should drink of them, she should
never thirst. John 4:14. Behold, my dear rib, of these waters did all
the righteous drink. They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed
them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well
pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 1 Cor. 10:4,5.
Behold, dear Adriaenken Jans, what virtues the Lord has shown us, and
how richly he has bestowed gifts upon his children, and how he shall
endow them when he shall come to judge all the nations of the earth.
Then shall we tread down all our enemies, and shall sit with all the
elect of God upon twelve thrones, and judge the twelve tribes of
Israel; and shall stand in great boldness before the face of those that
have afflicted us; and we shall shine as sparks among the stubble, and
leap as calves of the stall, in that day which the Lord has appointed.
Matt. 19:28; Wis. 5:1; 3:7; Mal. 4:2,3. We also read that Esdras saw in
the spirit, upon mount Sion, how the Lord went and gave palms into the
hands, and set crowns upon the heads, of those who had confessed him in
the world. 2 Esd. 2:42. Peter also says that we shall be made kings and
priests, that we should shew forth the virtues of him who hath called
us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Rev. 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:9.