Part 119
A LETTER OF JEROME SEGERS TO BIG HENRY, WHO WAS ALSO IMPRISONED THERE, IN THE YEAR 1551.
The grace and peace of God the Father, and the great mercy and love of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father, out of grace, for the salvation of all those who are dead unto their sins, and thus have risen with Christ into newness of life, and the eternal, unfathomable joy, consolation and communion of the Holy Ghost, strengthen your heart, understanding and mind in Christ Jesus. To him be praise forever and ever. Amen.
I wish you, Henry, my dear brother in the Lord, whom I love from the bottom of my heart, for the steadfastness of our faith in Christ Jesus, true, penitent faith, which works by love, which you have, and a firm, constant mind, and steadfastness unto the end in this same effectual, saving faith. Col. 2:5; Hebr. 3:14. I am greatly rejoiced at your steadfastness, that you are again so cheerful and content, the Lord be praised forever. I pray the Lord night and day, to strengthen you with his divine word, and confirm you in the faith, preserve you in the den of lions, as he preserved Daniel and keep you with his strong arm, and to give you the New Jerusalem for an inheritance, which he will also do, for he is faithful that promised. Heb. 10:23.
Therefore, my dear brother in the Lord, let us fight manfully against all devouring beasts; for life is prepared for us; and let us not be afraid of their threatenings, nor be terrified by their tortures, for they can do nothing without the will of the Father. 1 Pet. 3:14; John 19:11. The Lord will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. The Lord is our Captain, whom will we fear? The Lord is with us, who can be against us? For he will preserve us as the apple of his eye, yea, as his sons and daughters; for no man shall pluck his sheep out of his hand, yea, it is impossible for God’s elect to be deceived. Matt. 24:24.
Hence, behold my dear brother in the Lord, be not dismayed, though they growl and snarl at you in an ugly manner; they can do nothing else to you. Let us fight valiantly against all dragons and lions. Put on the armor of God, take the sword of the Spirit, and resist them undauntedly, and regard no one; they will have to take to flight; for the sword which the Lord has given us is much too sharp for them, and the Lord helping us to fight, who is there able to prevail? For our God is a consuming fire, which devours his enemies. Deut. 4:24.
Hence, I pray you, my dear brother, not to let it grieve you, though they keep you so long in this den of lions; for hereby the Lord tries us, since he tries his chosen as gold in the furnace. Therefore be patient in your tribulation; for where no conflict is, there is no victory; hence, we must have conflict, if we are to overcome; but he that overcometh shall inherit all things. Rev. 21:7. Let us, therefore, take up the cross with humility and patience, and wait for our promises, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; and let us keep the Lord before our eyes, and be faithful to him unto death, for we must here suffer a little, but we shall be greatly rewarded; for he will set us upon his throne, and give us to eat of the hidden heavenly bread, and make us pillars in the temple of his God. Rev. 2:10, Wis. 3:5; Rev. 2:17; 2:12. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace; may he strengthen you in his righteousness unto the end. Furthermore, I let you know, that I have been told that you heard I had forsaken the Lord; I was greatly surprised at this. It is not so, nor ever shall be; but they have said it to draw you off and trouble you. They have lied about me; for I have never stood otherwise in my faith, than is proper, and am still of the same mind as I was when I lay with you, the Lord be praised. I have never wavered, for I would rather be tortured ten times a day, and ultimately be roasted on a gridiron, than forsake my faith, which I have confessed.
Therefore, though they tell you ever so much about my having apostatized, believe it not, for the devil does this, in order to seduce and deceive you thereby; for by the grace of God I shall never forsake the Lord. But I have been sick in my flesh for many days; however, my spirit was so much the stronger. I prayed the Lord, to send me still more suffering, if it would conduce to my salvation, and he gives me more and more strength and consolation, for which I cannot sufficiently thank him. Herewith I commend you to the Lord. When you sing aloud, I can well hear you. I thank the Lord, that he still gives you so much strength that I hear you sing.
LAST LETTER OF JEROME TO HIS WIFE, WRITTEN THE NIGHT WHEN HE WAS SENTENCED; HE WAS PUT TO DEATH ON THE 2d OF SEPTEMBER, A. D. 1551.
Grace and peace from God the Father, the unfathomable mercy of the Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the loving kindness and communion of the Holy Ghost be unto you, for an everlasting consolation, joy, gladness, and strength in your bonds, tribulation, sufferings, and vexation in your labor, and for strength in your faith, love and tribulation. To him be praise for ever and ever. Amen.
I wish unto you, my dearly beloved, chosen wife in the Lord, the true, genuine, penitent faith, which works by love, and a very firm, immovable, steadfast mind in my and your most holy faith. I further wish you the crucified Christ for a bridegroom, who has chosen you for a daughter, bride and queen. To this King of the Most High, to the everlasting Father and jealous, loving God, I have now commended you, my beloved in the Lord, that he will now be your Comforter and Bridegroom, since he has called and taken me first, with which I am well content, seeing that it was the will of the Lord; eternal praise and glory be to the Lord for his great power which he has manifested in us.
Therefore, my most beloved in the Lord, do not complain, or grieve much, because he has taken me first; for he has done all for our best, that I should be an example unto you, and that you may follow me as valiantly as I, through the grace of the Lord, who has made us both worthy to suffer for his name, shall go before you. O my dear lamb, I humbly entreat you, not to listen to the papists or other sophists, but steadfastly to follow your bridegroom, your immovable bridegroom. Follow his footsteps, and fear not their threats, nor let their tortures terrify you; for they can do no more than the Lord permits them; they cannot hurt a hair of your head without the will of the Father which is in heaven. Matt. 10:30.
Hence, fear not, but continue firmly and steadfastly in the doctrine of Christ, and in the right truth; for the Lord will not forsake you, but will preserve you as the apple of his eye; yea, as his daughter and child, since it is impossible for God’s elect to be deceived; for his sheep hear his voice, and follow him; but they hear not the voice of strangers. Hence, no man shall pluck them out of his hand; for he is their Shepherd and Protector. Hence, fight valiantly, my chosen lamb, for the glory of the Lord, even as he fought so valiantly, for the salvation of our souls. Be therefore of good cheer, even though you have to lie yet a little longer in this den of lions. Your deliverance is nigh; it tarries not, but comes; and when he comes that will come with power, he will receive you as his bride and queen; for it is his pleasure to have his chosen with him, since he delights in beholding them; and the day of the Lord is at hand. Habakkuk 2:3; Ps. 45:14; Isa. 13:6.
Therefore, my dear wife in the Lord, fight valiantly now, and fear not man, but rather say with Susanna, that you would much rather fall into the hands of man, than into the hand of God; for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Susanna 24; Heb. 10:31. Go to meet the Lord with ardent love as you have done hitherto by the grace of the Lord, who works in you; and fight valiantly, for the crown of life is prepared for you, since to those that overcome all things are promised, and they shall also inherit all things; for Christ says: “Blessed are ye, when all men speak evil of you; for great is your reward in heaven.” Matt. 5:11. He also says: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Lord also said that when they have brought us before lords and princes, and tortured and killed us, they shall yet think to have done him service thereby. John 16:2. Therefore, trust firmly in Christ alone, and the Lord will not forsake you, and the crown of life is prepared for you.
Herewith I will commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace, and take leave of you, here in this world; for I do not expect to see your face any more; but I hope to see you under the altar of Christ before many days. Therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, though the world counts us liars, and separates us bodily, yet the merciful Father will soon bring us together again under his altar, together with our brother; for I do not doubt it, but am firmly trusting in him; for I have commended us three into his hands, to do his divine will with us, whereby his name may be most praised and thanked, to the salvation of our souls, and to the consolation and strengthening of all those that fear the Lord, and serve and love his name; this he will also do, I doubt not; for he does not forsake his own who trust in him; hence I go with a glad heart, to offer up my sacrifice to the praise of the Lord. If I could yet have come to you, I would have done so; but Joachim would not have it. But Christ will soon bring us together again under his altar; this men will not be able to prevent. Herewith I bid you adieu, till we meet under the altar. I commend you to the Lord. Big Henry salutes you much in the Lord. See, my dear wife in the Lord, the hour is now come that we must part; and thus I go before, with great joy and gladness, to my and your heavenly Father (John 20:17), and I most humbly entreat you, not to grieve on this account, but to rejoice with me. Rom. 12:15. However, I am sad in one respect, because I leave you among these wolves; but I have commended you and the fruit to the Lord, and know assuredly, that he will preserve you unto the end, and herein I rest content. Be valiant in the Lord.
HOW LIJSKEN, JEROME’S WIFE, VALIANTLY FOUGHT, AND CONFESSED THE GROUND OF HER FAITH BEFORE ALL THE PEOPLE, REMAINING STEADFAST UNTO THE END; AND HOW THEY BY NIGHT PUT HER INTO A BAG, AND THREW HER INTO THE SCHELDT, SHE THUS SEALING HER FAITH WITH HER DEATH.
Lijsken, our sister, who was in bonds for a long time, fulfilled the time of her sojourning, continuing most perfectly and steadfastly in the word of the Lord unto the end, the Lord be praised forever, and confessed her faith very frankly and unfeignedly, in the court, before the authorities and the common people. In the first place, they questioned her concerning baptism, to which she replied: “I know but one baptism, which Christ and his saints practiced and left us.”
“What do you think of infant baptism?” asked the bailiff?
Lijsken answered: “That it is nothing but infant baptism, and a human institution.”
The lords then arose and put their heads together. In the meantime Lijsken clearly confessed and explained the ground of her faith to the people. Thereupon they passed sentence upon her. Lijsken thus addressed herself to the judges: “You are judges now, but the time will come when you shall wish that you had been shepherds;[253] for there is a Judge and Lord over us all, who will judge you in due time; ‘but we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.’” Wis. 5; Ps. 7:11; Eph. 6:12. The lords therefore said: “Take her out of the court.”
[253] In Dutch _Schaepheaderen_, signifying the most menial occupation.--_Trans._
The people then ran together in great crowds to see her. Lijsken boldly said to them: “Be it known to you, that I do not suffer for theft, murder, or any other evil deed, but solely for the incorruptible word of God.” Thereupon they came to the Bargkerk,[254] when she said: “O thou den of thieves (Matthew 21:13), how many a soul is murdered in thee!” As she was thus going along between the servants, though not led by them, the latter said [to the people]: “Arise, make room.” Then Lijsken said: “They do not hinder me; they may look on me, and take an example from me, all who love the word of the Lord.” Phil. 3:17.
[254] Name of a church.
Speaking on, she went back into prison. The common people were greatly agitated, but the friends rejoiced. Hence, in the afternoon, some of our friends went to the prison to visit her, much other people also coming. The friends talked a little with her, and said: “It is well that you suffer only for well-doing, and not for any evil deed.” 1 Pet. 2:20. But she had to avoid them, on account of the other people that were in the prison. She spoke boldly and valiantly to the people, and sang a beautiful hymn, so that the people were greatly astonished. Two monks came, to torment her yet, and the three were locked together in a room. Lijsken utterly refused to listen to them. Once the door of the room was opened, much people standing before it, and Lijsken came and stood in the door, and said to the monks: “Go away, until you are sent for; for I will not listen to you; if I had been content with your leaven, I should not have come to this.” The three were again locked into the room, and the erring spirits or stars (1 John 4:1; Jude 13) made another attempt with their false and deadly poison; but, God be praised, Lijsken was undaunted and of good cheer, and commenced singing a hymn in the presence of the monks. One of the friends present said: Sister, fight valiantly.” When they [the monks] heard this, they were very angry, and said: “There is another of her people, who encourages her, whom it were better to burn than her.” Thus they went away in a rage; for their voice was strange, and they were not heard there. John 10:5.
Lijsken was then shut up alone in the room, which fronted the street, where she used to sit; and no one could get to her, save he that had the keys. When the monks came out into the street, to go away, some friends who were there asked them: “Will she not be converted?” The monks replied: “No; for there was one of her people there, whom she preferred to hear.” Towards evening, the Lord granted, that one of the friends came to the place where Lijsken sat, and conversed with her a long time, so that the people in the street began to hear it, and all looked up to the place where the friend was, so that some who were with him became uneasy, and told him to go away; but he replied: “I must first bid her adieu.” He then said: “Arise, sister, show yourself, and look out at the window.” She immediately did so, and as she looked out upon the people standing in the street, some friends who were among the crowd, also called out, saying: “Dear sister, fight valiantly; for the crown of life is set before you.” She then said to the people: “Drunkards, whoremongers, adulterers, all these are tolerated; they indeed read and speak of the Scriptures; but they that live and walk according to the will of God, are troubled, oppressed, persecuted and put to death.” 2 Tim. 3:12; John 16:2. And forthwith she began to sing: “Behold, what poor sheep we are,” etc. Rom. 8:36. Before the hymn was finished, the lords came with the servants into the prison. Some friends said: “Just finish it, Lijsken.” But before she could finish the hymn, they drew her away from the window, and evening approaching, she was seen no more. Saturday morning we rose early, some before daylight, others at day break, to see the marriage which we thought should come off. But the crafty murderers had anticipated us; we had slept too long; for they had perpetrated their murderous work between three and four o’clock. They took the lamb to the Scheldt, thrust her into a bag, and drowned her, before the people arrived, so that but few witnessed it. There were some, however, who saw that she went boldly unto death, and valiantly said: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Thus she was delivered up, and departed, to the praise of the Lord; so that through the grace of God it moved much people. When the people arrived, and learned that she was dead already, it caused a great commotion among them, and as much sorrow as though she had been publicly executed; for they said: “Thieves and murderers are brought publicly before all men.” Thus their perfidy became the more widely known. Some plain people asked: “Why must this people die? for many give a good testimony of them.” Some friends who were there openly said to the people: “The reason is, that they obey the commands of God more than that of the Emperor, or of men, because they have sincerely turned to the Lord their God; from lies to the truth, from darkness to light, from unrighteousness to righteousness, from unbelief to the true faith; have thus amended their life, and, after becoming true believers, been baptized according to the command of Christ, and the practice of his apostles.” They moreover showed to the people from the word of God, that the papists are those of whom the apostle Paul prophesied; that is, the seducing spirits who teach the doctrines of devils; and also, that the righteous had to suffer from the beginning, from the time of Abel until now, even as Christ also had to suffer, and thus enter into the glory of his Father, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps; “for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 1 Timothy 4:1; Luke 24:26; 1 Pet. 2:21; 2 Tim. 3:12.
PIETER BRUYNEN, JAN, PLEUNIS, AND JAN THE OLD CLOTHES BUYER, AND ANOTHER BROTHER, ALL PUT TO DEATH, ON THE 2d 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 2d 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 anyone 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. 2 Corinthians 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 (Colossians 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 well-doing, since your labor shall not be in vain; for you are made partakers of Christ, if you hold the beginning of your confidence steadfast unto the end. 1 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 for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. Matt. 5:39; 1 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; 1 Pet. 5:1. And this light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh a far 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. 1 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. 1 Pet. 1:13; Eph. 1:9; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Eph. 4:18; Tit. 3:4,5; Eph. 1:13,14. Rom. 8:16; 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 Tim. 6:16; Rev. 4:11.