MARTYRS MIRROR

[turnorburn]

Sentence of Death of Ryer Dircks

Whereas Ryer Dircks, boatman, citizen of this city,. did, about three years ago, embrace the doctrines, errors, sects, and heresies of the Anabaptists, and is holding pernicious views with regard to the sacraments of the holy church, contrary to the holy Christian faith, the ordinances of the holy church, and the written laws and decrees of his Imperial Majesty, our gracious lord, and, moreover, persists in his errors and heresies, notwithstanding the instruction given him in the true faith; therefore, my lords of the court, having heard the demand made by my lord the bailiff, in the name of his Imperial Majesty, concerning the afore-mentioned Ryer Dircks, as also his confession, and having duly considered the circumstances of the case, condemn said Ryer Dircks, pursuant to the aforesaid decrees, to be executed with fire by the executioner; and, furthermore, declare his property confiscated for the benefit of his Imperial Majesty, as Count of Holland, without derogation and'prejudice to the privileges of this city.

Thus pronounced, and committed to the executioner for execution, this sixteenth day of August, A. D. 1550, in the presence of the bailiff, all the burgomasters, and all the judges, with the exception of Jan Dunen.

Ryer Dircks was examined by torture the ninth of July, A. D. 1550.

Extracted from the book of criminal sentences, in the keeping of the secretary of the city of Amsterdam.
N. N.

 

[turnorburn]

A SMITH AT KOMEN, A. D. 1551

In or about the year 1551, a smith was apprehended for the divine truth, .at Komen, in Flanders. He freely confessed his faith, and as he would not depart from it, he was sentenced to death in two ways, namely, if he recanted, he was to be executed with the sword; otherwise to be burned alive. To this end, twofold preparations were made; but seeing the multitude, and fearing trouble, the authorities kept the brother in prison. Hence, some climbed to the top of the prison and broke through the roof, to see what was being done with the doomed man. At last, one knocked at the door of the prison, desiring to know whether the brother was alive or dead. Having been admitted, he immediately returned with blood on his hand, which he showed to the people, saying, "He is dead! He is dead!"

The dead man was then brought out on a ladder, with his head lying between his legs, and the ladder placed upon the wall of the churchyard, where the priest made a long speech (a sermon probably), saying among other things, that he had renounced his heretical belief, and reaccepted the Roman church and her saving faith; and"holding now a good resolution," said he,"he was instantly executed, lest he might fall back into his old error." But it was firmly believed that the priest slandered the dead man, and this the more so; since after relating the sentence, he said that he obstinately adhered to his previous confession. Thus God constrains the wicked, in the telling of their lies; themselves, unawares, to reveal the truth of the matter.

 

[turnorburn]

GILLIS AND ELIZABETH, A. D. 1551

On the 21st of July, A. D. 1551, two pious Christians, a brother by the name of Gillis, and a sister named Elizabeth, were sentenced to death as heretics, pursuant to the imperial decree, at Ghent, in Flanders. They were not led forth to death at the usual time, but at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Having ascended the scaffold, they prayed to God. In the meantime, the executioner unlaced the gown of Elizabeth, which, when she arose, fell down, so that she stood there in her shift and linen trousers, which the executioner, by way of mockery, had made her put on.

Feeling greatly ashamed on this account, she immediately went to the stake, and then said, "I thank Thee, O Lord, that I am worthy to suffer for Thy name. I now stand at the touchstone, at which God's elect .are tried. O Lord, strengthen me, and delay not."
Gillis said, "Dear sister, be patient in your suffering, and comfort yourself in God; He will not forsake you."

"O dear brother," said she,"I will never depart from Him."

Gillis then cried, "O Lord, forgive them their sins, who inflict death upon me; for as they do not know Thee, they know not what they do."

Finally they cried out, "O heavenly Father, into Thy hands we commend our spirits." And thus, through fire, they died a blessed death well pleasing unto God.

 

[turnorburn]

JORIS, WOUTER, GRIETGEN AND NAENTGEN, IN THE YEAR 1551

On account of the severe and great persecution which was carried on everywhere in the Nether lands, against the true Christians, .four pious believers, among others, named Joris, , Wouter; Grietgen and Naentgen, fled, in the year 1551,. from Lier in Brabant, to Ghent in Flanders. They had not resided long in the latter place when they were betrayed by a Judas, and brought prisoners from their houses to the castle of the count, where. they joyfully thanked God, and sang praises to Him, because they were counted worthy to suffer for His name. When assailed by the monks and oth.er sophists, they freely confessed their faith, from which no subtlety could turn them; but they valiantly withstood, with the truth, the seducers who sought to murder their souls, and were then condemned to death by virtue of the imperial mandate, because they had apostatized from the Roman church, condemned infant baptism, and had been baptized upon faith.

They were sentenced to be burned at the stake without being strangled.

They thanked the lords, and Grietgen said, "My lords, save three stakes; we can all four die at one; for we, are spiritually of one mind." Rom. 12:16. They were joyful in the Lord, and thanked. God greatly. Naentgen said, "This is the day for which I have longed so much." Eight monks then came, to torment them; however, they did not accept their advice, but Grietgen said, "Take off your long robes and teach yourselves, before you undertake to teach others." They were led to death like sheep to the slaughter, the monks accompanying, them, to whom they said: "Stay back; let us in peace, for we know you well, and do not wish to hear you."

Having ascended the scaffold, Joris said to the people, "Be it known to you, that we do not die for theft, murder, or heresy." At this the monks became enraged, and contradicted it.

They then fell upon their knees, prayed to God, and arose and kissed each other with the kiss of peace. But when they with glad countenances addressed the people, the monks, to hinder them, went and stood before them; but one of the people cried out, "You furious antichristians, stand back, and let them speak." Wouter said, "Citizens of Ghent, we suffer not as heretics or Lutherans, who hold in one hand a beer mug, and a testament in the other, thus dishonoring the Word of God, and dealing in drunkenness; but we die for the genuine truth." The executioner then hung each of them by a rope to a stake, but did not strangle them.

They then strengthened each other, saying, "Let us fight valiantly, for this is our last pain; hereafter we shall rejoice with God in endless joy." Matt. 25: 23. As they were hanging in pain, before the fire was kindled, Joris fell through the rope, and Wouter cried, "O brother, be of good cheer!""O Lord!" exclaimed Joris,"in Thee do I trust; strengthen my faith." Luke 17:5. The fire then commenced to burn, and they cried out, "O God Father, into.Thy hands we commend our spirits." Thus they offered up their sacrifice according to the will of the Lord, and their faith was tried like gold in the fire, and found good, and so accepted of God.

 

[turnorburn]

CATHARINE BURNED AT THE STAKE, A. D. 1551

Eight days after the sacrifice of the preceding persons, a woman named Catharine was also sentenced to the fire. While yet in prison, she was greatly tormented by the monks, in order to make her apostatize, but she said, "I stand so firmly to my faith that for it, to the honor of God, I will suffer my self to be burned at the stake.

What would you do for your faith? not much, I think. Hence repent, before you be brought to shame."

Having been sentenced to be burned alive, and on her way to death, she was saluted by a brother. When she arrived on the scaffold, her hands were untied at her request. She then knelt down, and prayed fervently to God for strength, which He also gave her; for when she had arisen, and was tied to the stake, she boldly said, "I am put to death for the truth's sake; whatever you are able to inflict upon me, I am freely ready to suffer." A seducer then came up, to comfort and strengthen her, . as he said, but she replied, "Be still, I am tired of your tormenting; forbear comforting me, and comfort yourself; for He whose name I suffer, shall now be my comfort.".

Thereupon, calling with a firm confidence upon God, she was burned alive in the sight of all men, steadfastly offering up soul and body to God, as a burnt. sacrifice.

 

[turnorburn]

BROTHER JOHN BAIR, OF LICHTENFELS, A. D. 1551

In the year 1528, on the Wednesday after All Saints Day, Brother John Bair of Lichtenfels, was apprehended for the faith and the divine truth, and was confined for twenty-three years in a tower at Bamberg, in Franconia, on account of his constancy, as is seen from the following letter, written by him from there to the elders of the church. It reads thus, "Dear brethren, I have received the writing tablets and the account of the doctrine and faith of our religion, as also six candles and pens; but most important, the Bible, I did not receive, as is written in the forepart of the tablets; but it is my request, that you will send it to me, if it can still be found; for I would like to have it above all things; if it can be according to the will of God; for I am sadly in want of it, and suffer great hunger and thirst for the Word of the Lord these many long years.

To God and His church I make this complaint; the days of my miserable imprisonment are twenty years, wanting eight weeks; the Wednesday after All Saints Day will be the anniversary. I John Bair of Lichtenfels, the most miserable of the miserable, and the most forsaken of the forsaken, captive in Jesus Christ our Lord, again make the complaint to God and His angels, and to all His laborers and churches. Now, my most dearly beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, pray to God for me, that He will deliver me from this peril and great distress, a distress which is unspeakable; this God knows, and I poor man, and you know it with me. Adieu."

Written at Bamberg, in a dark dungeon, in the year 1548.

After this writing, he remained in prison three years longer, that is, twenty-three years in all; when, in the year 1551, he cheerfully fell asleep in the Lord, in his prison, and obtained the martyr's crown.

 

[turnorburn]

PIETER BRUYNEN, JAN PLEUNIS, AND JAN THE OLD CLOTHES BUYER, AND ANOTHER BROTHER, ALL PUT TO DEATH, ON THE 2nd OF OCTOBER, A. D: 1551, AT ANTWERP


A letter from Pieter Bruynen van Weert, which. he
wrote in prison at Antwerp, where he and four
others were put to death for the Word of
the Lord, on the 2nd of October,
A. D. 1551

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God of mercies, who has with His divine Word begotten us again unto a lively hope, reserved in heaven for us, who by the power of God are preserved in the faith, and tried for the kingdom of God, wherefore we suffer, for which thanks be to the Lord, because He has chosen us thereto, and made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Rom. 1:7; Jas. 1:18; Col. 1:12. Therefore, dear brethren, be valiant and fearless, and walk with a firm and unchanging faith before God and His church, and firmly resolve, not to depart from the Lord, nor to separate from His love, on account of any distress or tribulation; and He can give you assistance and comfort, when you are forsaken, being deprived of all human help and consolation; for He comes to the help of him that forsakes and denies himself, since He dwells and will dwell alone in the hearts of men, and will not have it that we should serve any one but Him. Matt. 4:10. Thus, be established and built up in Him, and let love increase among you, whereby one sustains the other, and each joyfully endeavors to be the chiefest in virtue. Pay no regard to the walk of- the slothful and heedless, to follow their example, namely those who are called Christians in ease of life (Matt. 11:8), adornment of clothing, or external appearance, but consider those whose life and confession of faith conform to the doctrine of Christ; so that you may go neither too high nor too low, neither too broad nor too long. Eph. 3:18. For many go astray by looking to one another; in consequence of which they grow cold.

Hence, my dear brethren, if you be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, that your mind may be directed towards the incorruptible, and let your hope be set on the things which are not seen, and be patient herein; for there must be patience, if we would receive the promise. II Cor. 4:18; Heb. 10:36. Stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Jas. 5:8. Put off the old man, and put on the new man (Col. 3:9, 10); deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and be transformed by the renewing of your minds. If you would be partakers of the -resurrection of Christ, know, that you must first have crucified the old man, that the body of sin-may be destroyed. Rom. 6:6. And do not become weary in welldoing, since your labor shall not be in vain; for you are made partakers of Christ, if you hold thebeginning of your confidence steadfast unto . the end. I Cor. 15:58; Heb. 3:14. Be therefore not shaken by anything, neither be afraid of the sons of men, who pass away as grass; for they can do you nothing without God's permission. But fear God for this is perfect wisdom. Humble yourselves before Him; for the great Glory is honored by the lowly.

Count yourselves always with the humble, and you shall be great in the eyes of God. Do not think yourselves to know something, or to be something, lest you deceive yourselves. Always forsake yourselves, and regard not those who may inflict evil or suffering upon you, though you be wronged; for this is thankworthy, if a man of conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. Matt. 5:39; I Pet. 2:19. Hence, be, patient in your tribulation, and be partakers of the sufferings of Christ, .that you may inherit the promise; for the reproach suffered here is brief when compared with the eternal joy. Rom. 12:12;. I Peter 5:1. And this light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh afar more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; for though our life is poor, yet we shall be rewarded with much wealth. And though death reigns over us now, an east wind shall come from the Lord, and dry up His torments. For it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. I Cor. 15:43, 44. Hence, the house of this tabernacle must be dissolved, if we would obtain the building prepared us by God.

We need therefore not fear them that kill the body, since they cannot harm the soul; for the greatest of which they deprive us, is also that for which God will give us the greatest reward; and after that they have -no more that they can do to us. Matt. 10:28. Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, watch in prayer, always giving thanks unto God the Father, through our Lord Jesus. Christ, .for His abundant grace, and that He has made- known unto us His will, manifested the savor of His knowledge, and given us the most glorious and precious 'promises, who were sometime estranged in our minds by wicked works, and alienated from the life of God, of which we had' no hope in the promises. But after that the kindness of God appeared .toward us, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, in whom we are sealed until the time of redemption, who is the earnest of the future inheritance, and who assures us, and bears witness with our spirit, that we are .the children. of God, and teaches us all things, and who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

To God the Father, who only hath immortality, and to whom' alone belong power and might, praise and glory, be honor and thanks, through Christ our Lord, for His unspeakable grace, now and forever. I Pet. 1:13; Eph. 1:9; JI Cor.

2:14; Eph. 4:18; Tit. 3:4; Eph. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:16; I Cor. 1:30; I Tim. 6:16; Rev. 4:11.
As regards our present condition, the Lord be praised for it, whom we cannot thank enough for the joy, that He has counted us worthy to suffer for His name, and for the joy given us by Him, which we have in our imprisonment; for He is faithful, so that with the temptation He also provides for His own a way of escape, and He does not suffer His own, who trust in Him, to be confounded.

The grace of the Lord be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss; Jan, Pleun, and I, also greet you much. Herewith I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace. Written by me, Peter Van Weert, while in prison with two others.

 

[turnorburn]

CONFESSION OR DEFENSE OF FAITH, OF JAN, THE
OLD CLOTHES BUYER, WHEN HE LAY IN
PRISON AT ANTWERP, A. D. 1551

Question. "What do you think of infant baptism?"

Answer."I do not think it to be anything but a human institution."

Ques."By what then will you prove or maintain your baptism?"

Ans. "Mark 16."

Ques. "What are your views concerning the sacraments?"

Ans."I have nothing to say of the sacraments of men, but the Supper, as Christ held it with His apostles, I approve and esteem; for I think there are many who do not know what sacrament means."

Ques. "What do you think of the Roman church?"

Ans. "Nothing, but I esteem the Christian church, which is the church of Christ."

Ques. "What do you hold concerning the host which the priest holds in his hand? do you not believe that our Lord is in it with flesh and blood?"

Ans."No; for it is written, Acts 1, that He shall come again in like manner as He ascended into heaven."

Ques. "What do you think of the pope?"

Ans. "That he is the antichrist." I Thess. 2:3.

Ques. "What do you think of the mass, ceremonies, and confession observed in the church?"

Ans. "Nothing, since the tree from which they spring, is good for nothing."

Ques. "Where were you baptized?"

Ans. "My lords, if you know it, why do you yet ask me?"

The bailiff then said, "I adjure you by your baptism, that you tell us where you were baptized." Matt. 26:63.

Ans. "My baptism I ,hold to be good and right; but your adjuration I do not regard."

They then read to me the names and surnames of all that had been baptized with me and said, "Assuerus has confessed it to us." I then said, "It is true."

Ques. "Who baptized you?"

Ans. "It does not behoove me to tell."

Ques. "We shall make you tell."

Ans. "My flesh is before you; do with it as you please."

 

[turnorburn]

WILLEM THE CABINETMAKER, BEHEADED IN
CLEVES; WINDEL RAVENS ALSO PUT TO
DEATH THERE, A. D. 1551

(Copied from an old Writing*)

Willem, the cabinetmaker, resided in Weesz, a village belonging to the country of Cleves; he was a very peaceable and pious man, who on account of the Christian faith had to leave his native country, and when he would not conform to the world, he was brought prisoner from Weesz to Cleves, and having there been imprisoned for about a year, finally beheaded. He wrote several letters from prison.
When Willem the cabinetmaker was to be condemned by the judges at Cleves, Claes Meselaer, one of them, would not sit in the court to condemn him, but pretended sickness and went to bed. The Burgomaster, therefore, with the six judges, came to his bedside, to obtain his assent to the sentence. He said he did not want to condemn so pious a man. Thereupon the Burgomaster said, "By this you will incur the great displeasure of our gracious Prince and lord." Claes replied, "I will rather incur the displeasure of Duke William, than of the Most High.""Then I will take it upon myself," said the Burgomaster, who was afterward visited by the avenging hand of the Lord, so that he was tormented by lice, and lost his speech for a time, and thus died in great misery.

*This copy was sent to us by some one from the country of Cleves, as a very old relic.

But Claes Meselaer resigned his office of judge, and died a brother in the church. Besides him, another brother, named Windel Rauens, was put to death at Cleves; who like the aforesaid, exchanged his life for death, after he had commended his soul into the hands of God.

 

[turnorburn]

MARIA OF MONJOU, A. D. 1552

As it is known and manifest according to the testimony of the divine Scriptures, that all who have been righteous, and lived godly in Christ Jesus, have had to suffer, from the beginning of the world, so this Maria, as a pious, God-fearing woman, also partook of said suffering. For as she, according to the requirement of the Scriptures, had been baptized upon the true faith, as a member of the body of Christ, and had conducted herself for a time in an edifying manner among the brethren and all men, the envy of the dragon manifested itself, and the bailiff of Monjou caused her to be brought and imprisoned at Monjou, where she remained in confinement over a year. And though she had to suffer much, yet she bore it with joy. Her constant admonition to all the pious was, that they should walk in love, and hold fast the covenant of Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:2. She was herself constantly endeavoring to present her body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, and that she might be built up a spiritual house well adorned inwardly with the Word of.God. Rom. 12:1; I Pet. 2:5.

The authorities tormented her for three days in succession, but could not induce her to forsake her faith, since she would adhere to Christ; for according to the Scriptures, no one is ever confounded, who fears God from the heart. The bailiff entreated her to go to church and he would release her, and give her her board for a whole year; but she would not consent, but desired to adhere to Christ, and to give her life for His sake; whereupon she was condemned to be drowned.

On her way to the water, she sang with a joyful heart, because this day had come, and she had lived to see this hour; and thus she proceeded, like a sheep is led to the slaughter, in the hands of Pilate, even as they did with Christ, as the Scripture testifies, "They shall kill you, and think that they do God service." John 16:2.

On the way, Maria said, "I have been the bride of a man; but today I hope to be the bride of Christ, and to inherit His kingdom with Him." As they approached the water, one of the hypocrites said, "O Maria, repent, or it will not go well with you." At the water, they delayed with her over two hours, thinking that they could induce her to apostatize, forsake the truth, and follow them.

Thereupon Maria said, "I adhere to my God; proceed with what you have come here for; the wheat is in the straw; it must be threshed, so the Word of God has begun, and must be finished." With this, she undressed, willingly surrendered herself, and said, "O heavenly Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit," and was thus drowned, and died, confessing the name of God, and sealing it with her death to the consolation of all believers.

 

[turnorburn]

BARBEL PUT TO DEATH A. D. 1552

About this time, also a pious, God-fearing woman, named Barbel, was drowned, at Guelich, because she had forsaken popery and idolatry, and become obedient to the holy Gospel. I Cor. 10:14.

 

[turnorburn]

WILLEM OF BIERCK, CHRISTOFFEL FROM GEISTENS,
CHRISTIAN FROM EUKERAET, AND TIELLE
MAN FROM NUNKERKEN, A. D. 1552

The four brethren, Willem of Bierck, Christoffel from the Geistens, Christian from Eukeraet, and Tielleman from Nunkerken, were executed together on the same day, with the sword, at Blankenburg; they willingly suffered death for the testimony of Jesus, and with their blood testified to their faith.

MARIKEN AND ANNEKEN, A. D. 1552

Those who hold only to God and His holy Word, and seek to fulfill the latter, are not only persecuted but also imprisoned and put to death, as was very evident, in the year 1552, at Leyden, in the case of two women, named Mariken and Anneken, who were apprehended and brought into a house, where they were asked by the bailiff, what views they held with regard to the Roman church. They replied that for the most part it was nothing but the doctrine of devils. He further questioned them respecting the sacrament of the priests, whether Christ was not bodily in it. They said, "It might be a hidden devil; for God does not suffer Himself to be locked up in silver or golden caskets." They were then led to prison, and passing the church they said, "O den of murderers and choir of devils!""Why do you speak such presumptuous words?" said the bailiff's servant."Because so many a poor soul is murdered in it," they replied. Being kept imprisoned for a time, and examined, they boldly confessed their faith and firmly adhered to it, in consequence of which they were sentenced to death. In the sentence of the one it was charged that she had denied infant baptism, rejected the sacrament, and, contrary to the decree of the Emperor, had attended unlawful assemblies, and that she should therefore be put to death as a heretic. The other, not having been baptized, would have been set at liberty, had she been willing to apostatize from her faith, which she was greatly importuned to do; but she remained immovable, and as she had said, "Your bread god is eaten by spiders and worms; I will not be a partaker of it," and remained steadfast also in other articles, she was likewise sentenced to death. Thus these two had to lose their lives for the truth, to satisfy the bloodthirsty judges, who have feet that are swift in running to mischief, and hands to shed innocent blood. Prov. 6:18, 17.

WILLIAM VAN ROBAEYS, A. D. 1552

In this same year, a brother named William van Robaeys, was persecuted, apprehended, examined, tortured and finally put to death, at Komen, in Flanders, for righteousness for the truth, and for following Christ.

 

[turnorburn]

HERMAN JANS OF SOLLEM, BURNT ALIVE FOR THE
TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, AT AMSTERDAM,
ON THE 16TH OF FEBRUARY, 1553

The distress of this time was very great, and did not cease; insomuch that all who truly left the idolatrous Roman Babel, and turned to the spiritual Jerusalem of the peaceable church of Jesus Christ, were forthwith declared to have forfeited their lives.

This appeared in the beginning of the year 1553, at Amsterdam, in the case of Herman Jans, a nafive of Sollem and a pious, God-fearing novice, who stood prepared to receive baptism on the confession of his faith. Being yet in his first zeal for the divine truth, he was apprehended by the rulers of wickedness, and brought a prisoner to Amsterdam, where he had to suffer much vexation and torment, inflicted upon him for the purpose of drawing him from the faith; but remaining immovable and steadfast, he was sentenced to death, to be burnt as a heretic; which sentence was publicly read to him in the court, on the 14th day of January, 1553, and also executed on him the same day; as appears from the following sentence, which we, in proof of this matter, have received from the criminal records of the city of Amsterdam. It reads as follows

Sentence of death of Herman Jans of Sollem.

Whereas Herman Jans, a native of Sollem, has frequented the assemblies of the Anabaptists, received their admonition, doctrines and errors, and attended certain conventicles (gatherings), in which, by Gillis of Aix-la-Chapelle, as also by others, improper things were taught concerning the Scriptures, so that renouncing the baptism administered to him, he has confessed to have desired to receive another baptism, if he should be able to attain it, and also holds pernicious views with regard to the holy sacrament of the altar, all of which is contrary to the ordinances and the faith of the holy Christian Church, and the written laws and decrees of his Imperial Majesty, our gracious lord; and as he, moreover, obstinately persists in his unbelief, heresy and error, notwithstanding the instruction given him by the truly sent; therefore, my lords the judges, having heard the demand made by my lord the bailiff, concerning the aforesaid Herman Jans, together with the confession of the latter, and having duly regarded the circumstances of the case, condemn said Herman Jans, pursuant to the aforesaid decrees, to be executed with fire by the executioner, and furthermore declare his property confiscated, for the benefit of his Imperial Majesty, as count of Holland. Thus pronounced and executed on the sixteenth day of January, A. D. 1553, in the presence of the bailiff, Pieter Cantert and Joost Buyck, Burgomasters, and all the judges, by the advice of the other two burgomasters.

Thus extracted from the book of criminal sentences of the city of Amsterdam, in the keeping of the secretary there.

N. N.

 

[turnorburn]

FELISTIS JANS, SURNAMED RESINX, BURNT AT AMSTERDAM, FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS
CHRIST, ON THE 16TH OF JANUARY, IN THE YEAR 1553

On the same day, in the court, and for the same reason, also a certain maiden, named Felistis Jans, and surnamed Resinx, a native of Vreden, in Westphalia, was sentenced to the fire, as appears from the written sentence which we have concerning it, from the original criminal records of the city of Amsterdam, as also the date when she was tortured, all of which we could here adduce verbatim; however to avoid prolixity, we will briefly extract the substance from it, making distinct divisions, so that it may be clearly seen upon what her death was founded.

 

[turnorburn]

BRIEF EXTRACT FROM THE SENTENCE OF DEATH OF FELISTIS, DAUGHTER OF JANS, OR
FELISTIS RESINX

After giving her name, and the place of her nativity, there are presented.first the accusations with which she was charged, comprised in the following divisions

1. That she had resorted to the assembly of the sect of the Anabaptists.

2. That she had separated from the obedience and faith of the (so-called) holy (that is, the Roman) church.

3. That she held pernicious views with regard to the sacrament of the altar.

4. That she had harbored in her house such persons .as she knew to belong to said sect (that is, to the sect of the so-called Anabaptists).

5. That she had seduced several persons from the obedience of the (Roman) church, to her belief.

6. That she herself obstinately adhered to the afore-mentioned (so-called) errors, refusing to abandon them.

7. That all this was contrary to the ordinances of the holy church, and the decrees of his Imperial Majesty.

Thereupon follows the conclusion, namely: That for this she should be executed with fire by the executioner, and that all her property should be confiscated or forfeited, for the benefit of the Emperor.

Thus pronounced, etc., as above.

Then the time is mentioned, when she was tortured, in regard to which these words .are found, "This Felistis was subjected to the torture or rack the 2nd of January, 1553."

Extracted from the book of criminal sentences, in the keeping of the secretary of the city of Amsterdam.

N. N.

NOTE.-The year in which the death of this Felistis occurred, was not correctly noted* by the preceding writers of the History of the Martyrs, nor


*The year 1551 was given.
was her full name* given, until we, by means of the afore-mentioned sentence, made the necessary corrections.

Besides the above, it is also worthy of note that old writers state that she was a virtuous and honorable young maiden, and that through her long imprisonment she became so intimate with the jailer's wife, that the latter employed her as maidservant, to assist her in her household duties.

When it happened upon a time, that the jailer's wife had some filth to carry out doors, but had no one around her whom she could order to do it, Felistis said, "Shall I do it?" whereupon the jailer's wife replied, "Would you not run away?" Felistis said, "No." But reflecting a little on the matter, and considering the frailness of human intentions, she would not undergo this test, and hence, declined to do it, which was certainly a good resolution on the part of a seemingly weak young maiden.

Shortly after, the old writers state, she was seen coming to the scaffold, to be burnt, cleanly, attired and having on a white apron, as though by her outward garments she meant to indicate how purely and uprightly a Christian virgin ought to be adorned inwardly, in order to be acceptable before her beloved heavenly bridegroom, Christ Jesus.

Thus she offered up her sacrifice, and was numbered among the holy and God-pleasing martyrs. Compare this with the Martyrs Mirror of the Defenseless Christians, edition 1631, page 125.

 

[turnorburn]

PIETER WITSES, A MASON, STRANGLED AT THE STAKE, AT LEEUWARDEN, AND HIS CONFESSION WHILE IMPRISONED IN THAT CITY WHERE HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS, IN
THE YEAR 1553

In Questions and Answers

Question. "What is your name?" Answer. "Pieter Witses." Ques. "How old are you?" Ans. "Twenty-seven years." Ques. "When were you to confession last?"

Ans."I confess everyday, and acknowledge that I am a sinner." Ques. "What do you think of the sacrament?" Ans."I esteem it highly."

Ques. "What do you think of the sacrament which the priest gives on Easter?" Ans. "Nothing." Ques. "Christ said: 'Take, eat; this is my flesh."'

Ans. "It is true; but He spake it to those who were obedient to Him." Ques. "Are you also rebaptized?" Ans."I know of no rebaptism; I was baptized once, and that according to the teaching of God." Ques. "How long ago?" Ans. "About a year and a half."

Then Pieter was put into a dungeon, and having been there for about an hour, was again taken before the lords, and asked anew, "Pieter, are you seduced? will you not suffer yourself to be instructed?" Ans. "Yes, gladly; he that rejects reproof and instruction is miserable. Prov. 10:17. Take a Testament, and instruct me." Ques. "We are no teachers; will you not suffer yourself to be instructed by priests?" Ans. "God is the best priest; He will instruct me, and to this I shall adhere by the grace of God." Ques. "Some vagabond has been preaching to you." They further said that they had read in the Old Testament, that many children were baptized. Pieter replied, "I have read nothing about this; I have read that Christ commanded to baptize believers.

Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; that it was practiced by the apostles, Acts 2:38; and that Peter taught: 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children,"' etc. He also quoted John 3.

Then they said, "Pieter, you are deceived; are your brethren also thus minded?" He replied, "What do I know about my brethren? I can speak of what God has given me; that I know." He further quoted the words of Christ, where He says Go into all the world; preach and teach: he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16. Also, that Christ came to John at the Jordan, to be baptized of him, in order that He might fulfill all righteousness for us, to be an example, that weshould follow His steps. Matt. 3:13, 15; I Pet. 2 21. And after Christ's suffering the apostles, who were His body and church, practiced it.

Concerning their supper, he confessed, that he thought nothing at all of it. They admonished him with the Gospel, which he regarded as all right, but not as having been said with reference to their church; for Christ, said he, said to His apostles, "Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you." Also the cup, "Drink ye all of it; for this is the cup of the new testament in my blood, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." MatthevA, 26:26-28.

Christians are to observe it, as Paul teaches the Corinthians, where it is clearly expressed. I Cor. 10:16. They said that the supper which they eat and drink was true flesh and blood, and asked me whether we did not also thus eat and drink it. I replied, "Christ said: 'The flesh profiteth nothing, eaten outwardly; but the word is spirit and life.' John 6:63. And our church is not without the body of Christ."

 

[turnorburn]

A BRIEF ADMONITION FROM PIETER WITSES

Christ said, Matt. 24:5, "Many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many;" which words are true; for when you confess your sins to them, they forgive them, as they say. This they have carried on since the Gospel has been hid, and they do it yet. Paul also foretold this to Timothy (I Tim. 4:2; II Tim. 3:2); Christ says, Matt. 7:15, "Beware of false prophets," etc., and John also writes much concerning this, in the tenth chapter of his Gospel. Also, Jude and Peter. But these are as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed; they speak evil of the things that they understand not. Again: They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web. Isa. 59:5. They daub the wall with untempered mortar, and put pillows under men's arms. Ezek. 13:10, 18. And although the church flee into caves, the confession abides forever. They cannot resist; for they deny the power of God; they love the broad way; the cross of Christ is foolishness to them. II Tim. 3:5; I Cor. 1:18.

Concerning these, God gave me something to speak. I perceive nothing but the abomination of desolation of which the prophet Daniel speaks, and of which Christ also says that He will scarcely find faith upon earth. Dan. 9:27; Luke 18:8. But be of good cheer; and fight in faith, well knowing that it is the word of truth, which cannot fail. Upon this, through the grace of Christ, I have built and He will keep me, and I will daily trust in Him, knowing and feeling confident that there is no power, might, or dominion in heaven or on earth, save only of Him. Hence, give diligent heed; prove yourselves in your consciences, as to what you seek-every work will be made manifest. Read and examine diligently for it greatly concerns us all. The authorities can by no torturing seduce one, but the erring spirits come with deceitful snares, in the name of Christ; but we are sufficiently warned. Matt. 7:21; I Tim. 4:1; II Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:10; Rom. 16:17; Phil. 3; I I Pet. 2; Jude 1.

My dear friends, they thus assail me with questions as much as they can. Give the young and simple hearts good instruction regarding the Lord's Supper, for I know what happens to me. If the house is truly built upon the cornerstone, it cannot fall. Let everyone take good heed; for the time of trial is at hand, and we know that it will not always stop at mere words; for Christ Himself suffered. If they laid their hands on His blessed body, they will do the same to us. Let us arm ourselves with the Word of God; for the Word of God is the true door. It is the bread of life. The time of weeping is come; hence our deliverance is nigh. Let us pray for grace.

The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that believe not in the Word? I Pet. 4:17. My brethren, do not forget us poor sheep in your prayers, for us who for the truth are kept in bonds by the authorities. Care for them that live among you; for Christ will say, "I was naked, and you clothed me," etc. Matt. 25
36. Pray and watch; the abomination of desolation is drawing nigh; cease not, but be of good courage, for greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. I John 4:4. 1 affectionately desire, that you be diligent, lest you be deceived, for the times now are perilous.

Know, that whenever I was brought before them, I kept down my own thoughts, and prayed Almighty God, that He would open my mouth according to His good pleasure, and believe it freely, He gave abundant comfort to the humble. They assented to me in many things, when I spoke with them with a meek spirit by the grace of God. My, dear friends receive it kindly. May the Lord preserve you from wicked deceivers. Pray and watch, the times are perilous; and do not forget us in your prayers, and visit us sometimes, it is very edifying; may the Lord preserve us all.

 

[turnorburn]

PIETER WITSES TO HIS WIFE

My dear chosen wife, abide in God, and mingle not with the wicked; for if the righteous draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, says the Lord. John 2:28; Ps. 1:1; Heb. 10:38. The time of my departure seems to be nigh; may it take place with God. When the hour of parting comes, fear not, but guard your lips. My dear wife, abide in the grace of God given you.

 

[turnorburn]

DAVID AND LEVINA, A. D. 1554

In the year 1554, there was imprisoned at Ghent, in Flanders, for following Christ and living according to God's commandments, a young brother named David, who, when examined, freely confessed his faith. Being asked what he thought of the sacrament, David said, that he considered it nothing else than idolatry. Then a priest said tohim, "Friend, you err greatly, that you so readily confess your faith, for it will cost you your life, if you do not change your mind in time." Thereupon David sweetly replied, "I am ready to shed my blood for the name of Christ, even though it should be here in this place; for God is my salvation, who will keep me, and preserve me from all evil."

The priest said, "It will not be as good as though you were put to death secretly here in this place; but you will be burnt publicly at the stake, for an everlasting reproach." He was then brought into the court, where he was condemned to death, and his sentence was read, namely, that he had fallen from the true faith into heresy, and was therefore, according to the imperial edict, sentenced to be strangled and burned. David said, "No one will ever be able to prove by the Scriptures, that the faith for which I must now die is heresy."

There was also sentenced to death with him a woman named Levina, who rather forsook, not only her six dear children, but also her temporal life, than her dear Lord and Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Arriving on the scaffold, David attempted to kneel down in order to offer up his prayer to God, but he was prevented, and they were immediately driven away to the stakes, standing at which, David said to Levina, "Rejoice, dear sister; for what we suffer here is not to be compared with the eternal good that awaits us." Rom. 8:18. When about to offer up their sacrifice, both exclaimed, "Father, into thy hands do we commend our spirits."

A little bag of gunpowder was tied to each of them, whereupon they were strangled and burned. But there happened a manifest miracle of God; for though they were completely burned, and the fire was as good as extinguished, David was seen to move his head, so that the people exclaimed, "He still lives." The executioner seized the fork, and thrust it three times into his bowels, so that the blood flowed out; yet even after this he was still seen to move, hence, the executioner threw a chain around his neck, and bound him to the stake, and thus broke his neck.

Thus these two valiantly fought their way through, firmly trusting in God, who did not let them be confounded, since they had firmly built their building upon the only foundation; wherefore they shall never perish, but abide forever.

 

[turnorburn]

WILLIAM VAN LOUVAIN, A. D. 1554

In the year 1554, there was put to death for the testimony of the truth, at Ghent, in Flanders, a pious witness of God, named William Van Louvain, the grandfather of Jan Doom. He did not suffer for any crime or heresy, but only for the testimony of the truth, in a good conscience, having renounced the Babylonian whore, together with her lovers, and all her false worship, and united himself with Christ, following Him with the whole heart in the regeneration, and through faith, overcoming this world with all that is therein, whereby he finally, through grace, obtained the end of the faith, that is, eternal salvation, through Christ Jesus. .

PIETER WITH THE LAME FOOT, JAN DROOGHSCHEERDER, HANS RORDUERWERCKER, AND
FRANS SWEERDTVEGER, A. D. 1555

In the year 1555, the young nobleman Jan van Immerseele having become Margrave, four brethren were apprehended at Antwerp, for the testimony of the truth, namely, Pieter with the lame foot, Jan Drooghscheerder, Hans Borduerwercker, and Frans Sweerdtveger, who, as they valiantly adhered to it, and could not be brought to apostatize, were finally sentenced to death, and had to lay down their lives publicly in the marketplace, for the name of the Lord, for which He will well reward them.

TANNEKEN VAN DER LEYEN, A. D. 1555

In said year there was also apprehended at Antwerp, a young maiden from Ghent, named Tanneken van der Leyen, who loved God and His truth more than all that was in the world; hence, since she preferred the doctrine of Christ and His apostles to all human doctrine, and immovably adhered to it, she was condemned to death, and drowned in the Scheldt.

BARTHOLOMEW THE POTTER, A; D.. 1555

Bartholomew the potter, who was a vessel of honor in the house of God (II Tim. 2:20), was also apprehended for his faith, at Antwerp, examined, much afflicted, and finally, sentence having been pronounced, publicly put to death in the market place, as a pious witness of Jesus Christ.