Part 175
Again: “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord, nor the disciple above his master. If they have persecuted me, they will (he says, they will) also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake.” John 15:20,21.
And again: These things have I spoken unto you that ye should not be offended. They shall (he says, they shall) put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, (mark well) ye may remember that I told you of them. 16:1–4. Paul, also, says that we must through much tribulation (he says, _must_ through much tribulation) enter into the kingdom of God: Acts 14:22. And that all (he says, all) that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 3:12.
Now, dear friends, mark, if it must be so, and also will be so; as has been mentioned in part, and is certain, then, in the name of God, let it be [borne] willingly, and let us not regard the fearful tribulation and distress, but look far beyond, as said before, and be mindful of the comfort contained in the declaration that this temporal tribulation is not worthy to be compared with the eternal glory (Rom. 8:18); and let us also remember that this evil and unrighteous world is not fit for, and was not worthy of, that blessed crown for suffering for righteousness’ sake. Heb. 11:38.
But they are fit who have followed Christ in the regeneration, and forsaken all that is dear to them here. Matt. 19:28. Remember also, brethren, that they who are, or would be, without this chastisement, are bastards, and not sons. Heb. 12:8. Thus, tribulation is certainly promised us believers, as has been heard.
With regard to this, I counsel with Sirach and many others. If we would serve God, let us do it with earnestness, lest we tempt him (Sir. 18:23); for he that would be God’s servant, must prepare (mark, prepare) himself for temptation, and always labor in the work of the Lord, that, whether we be present with him, or whether we be here, absent from him, we may always please God; and every one of us must strive to be (not to think, or boast [of being], but to be), the chief in good works, as also Peter says: “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for his coming, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Pet. 3:14. O how we must be prepared then with a holy conversation, and with godliness. Every man that hath this hope in him must purify himself, even as he (whom we look for) is pure. 1 John 3:3. He that is holy, must become still holier; and he that is pure, still purer. To become holier and holier behooves us, since we call upon such an Holy One as our Father, who judges without respect of persons, as Peter says, and this according to every man’s work. Hence, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear, and it will then be with us as Peter says: Let all them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him with good works (mark, with good works), as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19. Let no one here understand salvation by good works, but salvation with good works; good works without meriting salvation, (mark well) for salvation is of grace, thanks to our Lord Christ, as in Gal. 2:16, and still clearer in Eph. 2:7.[305] This I say is my advice, that we also thus prepare our souls, and commit them to him as unto a faithful [Creator], with good works without boasting (without boasting), as his unprofitable servants, who would fain be perfect. Luke 17:10. Finally, dear friends, let us not seek to save our life, which, at all events, we must eventually lose; but let us always entreat our God for strength to suffer, that we may finish our course as valiant adventurers. Amen, dear Lord, Amen.
[305] 17, the original has it; but this is evidently an error.--TRANS.
Here now follow instances of exemplary adventurers of former times--pious persons that were persecuted, greatly hated, and put to death; mark, how, by whom, and also why these things always happened; namely, in order that we need not think it strange, when we become partakers of the same sufferings and death.
In the first place, pious, good Abel was slain by Cain, out of hatred on account of his piety. Lot was greatly vexed by the wanton Sodomites, because of his virtue and righteousness. David was persecuted by Saul, Shimei, and by Absalom his son, for his glory and own kingdom. The man of God from Judah was threatened by Jeroboam, because of his prophesying against Jeroboam’s gods and his altar. 1 Kings 13. The holy and mighty prophet of God, Elijah, and many others who were put to death in his time; he had to flee from the place, and was greatly persecuted by Jezebel, on account of his prophetic miracles which he wrought through God. 1 Kings 19. Micaiah was imprisoned by the king, who fed him with the water and bread of affliction, because he opposed the four hundred false prophets of Jezebel with the Spirit and holy word of God. 1 Kings 22:27. Urijah, a prophet, and also a fugitive, was brought back, and slain with the sword by King Jehoiakim, on account of his message from God, the prophecy against Jerusalem and the land of Judah. Jer. 26:20–23. Jeremiah, a prophet of God, was cast by the princes into the miry pit to die, because he would not cease to preach and prophesy in the name of the Lord. Jer. 38:6. Zechariah, a priest’s son, and prophet of the Lord, was stoned at the commandment of the king, because he had prophesied nothing but calamity for them, because they had forsaken that which was good, and transgressed the word of God. 2 Chron. 24:21. Mark, for what reason each one of these was put to death.
The three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were by King Nebuchadnezzar cast into a furnace heated seven times more than it was wont to be heated--in which God nevertheless preserved them on account of their trust in him--and this because they would not honor neither worship the King’s self-made image, idol and buffoonery. Daniel 3:19. Daniel, a most worthy and holy prophet of God, was by the worshipers of the dragon, out of hatred and envy, cast into the den of lions, against the will and power of the king; God, however, preserved and delivered him. This was done, because he, fearing no man, nor the king’s plain and strict commandment, openly worshiped, honored and confessed his God alone, with the windows open toward Jerusalem. _Hist. of the Destr. of the Drag._ Dan. 6:10. Mark, are not the pious subtilly sought? Yes, sought and found. O Lord, all the steadfast pious in Israel were scattered, and most atrociously slain by Antiochus. Why? Mark, because they circumcised their children, according to God’s commandment, would eat no swine’s flesh, according to the prohibition of the law, and refused to follow the heathen customs, since they were unclean and contrary to the law. 1 Macc. 1. Again, on another occasion, all the Jews were everywhere caught like wild beasts, bound, chased, dragged off, conveyed away in ships, and doomed to a general massacre, from which latter, however, they were miraculously delivered by the hand of God. They were thus tormented by King Ptolemy, because they would not be compelled by him to depart from the law of God, sacrifice to idols, and adopt heathen customs. 3 Macc. No fair reason, friends; and so it is still. Again, in the second book of the Maccabees the same thing is enacted. A cruel decree of said King Ptolemy, which whoever should not obey, was to be put to death instantly. 2 Macc. 6:9.
Some were burnt. Two women had their infants tied or hanged to their breasts, and were thus led in derision round about the city, and finally cast headlong over the walls. Mark, why? Because they adhered steadfastly to the law of God, and had circumcised their children. Thus also Eleazar, an aged man of ninety, was slain by Antiochus. Why? Because of his unfeigned steadfastness in refusing to eat swine’s flesh, or to pretend to eat it. Again, also a pious mother and seven steadfast sons were by King Antiochus roasted in red-hot pans, with the skin of their heads pulled off, and their tongues cut out. 2 Macc. 7. Why? Mark, because they would in no wise eat swine’s flesh contrary to the law, because it was forbidden. And similar instances in the Old Testament.
In the New Testament, also, we find instances of a like character.
In the first place, the holy forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist, was beheaded by Herod. That good man; why did he kill him? Mark, because he reproved Herod for an improper and shameful liaison. The good Christ Jesus was also hated by the world, because he testified of its evil works. Yea, without guilt or cause worthy of death, Pontius Pilate the judge, through the hatred of the Jews, delivered him up, and put him to death. The holy apostles, also, were frequently apprehended, scourged, and forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus, by the council of the priests. Why? In order that the name, doctrine and church of Jesus should not spread and increase.
Stephen, a deacon, and pious witness of Jesus, was stoned by the stiff-necked. Why? Because they could not resist his spirit, wisdom, and doctrine. The church at Jerusalem, in the beginning, was dispersed and scattered abroad throughout the land of Judea, by the Jews. And Saul, the persecutor, went hither and thither with letters and authority to apprehend and vex any whom he should find of this way or persuasion, in order to hinder the doctrine, faith and way of Christ. And, yet, to be brief, some were vexed by Herod; he killed James with the sword, and seeing that it pleased the people, he apprehended also Peter, and guarded him with sixteen servants, and bound him with two chains, with doors closed, through the hatred of the Jews; but an angel delivered him. Acts 12:1. Let us therefore not wonder at this as though it was something strange.
Now, in conclusion, receive my eternal adieu, and brotherly greeting.
Behold, I have written this to my dear friends, brethren and sisters in the Lord, in humility, with a good intention, and in love, for three special reasons. The first reason is, to communicate to you welcome news, namely, an account of my prosperity, good health and cheerfulness, in both respects, that is, in soul and body; and to stir you up to aid me in praising, thanking, and praying to God for all his grace and comfort, shown towards me unworthy one here, and also towards us all. Of this comfort (by which I also am comforted of God) it has been my endeavor to communicate to you a share, according to your wish and desire already referred to, and I send it to you as a honey-comb, perfume of roses, balm, incense and myrrh, from Eden’s pleasure garden as it were, fruits of the heavenly paradise; as a fruit, sample, perfume and delectation for you, to be inwardly contemplated with attention; yea, as a signal token to you of my joy and peace which I feel to have with God, in union and in one spirit. O, I, unworthy and unprofitable servant of my Lord, that I enjoy peace with my Christ, and the fellowship of his Spirit. Rom. 8:15; 1 Cor. 6:17; Gal. 3:26. Be it said to his praise, it is all through his merciful faithfulness, and great, unmerited grace. I glory in the Lord, and in his power; we have received from him this precious treasure in our weak earthen vessels; hence, if it is preserved, the excellency of the power is of God, and not of us; O not of us, but by grace we are what we are. Jer. 9:24; 2 Cor. 4:7.
The second reason is, that, since you are partakers with me of the same hope, reward and comfort, I might awaken in you a refreshing, devotion, renewed joy in the promises, and inward gladness, by pointing out our comfort mentioned, consisting in doctrine and examples of the Scriptures, as noticed here in part, thereby showing my favor, love and affection towards you all, as remembering you in the Lord.
Thirdly and lastly, also for the reason that I might make many of you my debtors, to do the same in their turn, that is, to send us a letter, in token of your steadfast continuance in love, for our comfort and joy, and the acknowledgement of your remembrance of us, according to the doctrine, debt and obligation towards prisoners; as in Matt. 25:36; Acts 12:5; 2 Tim. 1:16; Heb. 13:3. This from you would be most acceptable to us three prisoners here--O as welcome as the perfume of opening roses, incense and myrrh from the bowers of Zion, the vineyard and pleasure-garden of our God; which has hitherto happened to us so very little, far too little, almost as though your love to us had ceased. Stop! lest I wound you or some one else by words spoken with no evil intent; for I do not have reference to the necessaries of life. O no; we thank God and our careful friends most heartily for these. Accept from me in good part all that is good, and interpret all my love according to love; this I earnestly pray for the Lord’s sake. Let no one misapprehend my labor of love, by interpreting it, or thinking, as though I had done this or the like from desire for honor and praise, or from any hankering after a gift from any one, or after any carnal or earthly communion; for it was love which, out of a pure intention, prompted me to it. O Lord, thou knowest it all.
Yes, my friends, pure love thinketh no evil; however, she sees, finds and reproves evil. Examples of this are, Ananias, Simon the sorcerer, the Corinthian fornicator, etc. Acts 5:1; 8:9; 1 Cor. 5:1.
And now, dear friends, brethren and sisters, I again commend you to God, and to the word of his grace (as the salutation of Paul), which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Be saluted, strengthened, comforted, and of good cheer in the Lord.
Watch and pray. By me, HENDRICK ALEWIJNS, and my fellow prisoners, all of us of good cheer. Farewell. Given in November, A. D. 1568.
Yes, dear friends, before this letter left my hands, two of us were brought before the court; dear Gerrit Jans Duynherder, our pious brother and myself. And behold, we are kept in durance, as sufficiently sentenced, and both of us expect to die very soon now. O Lord! O Lord! into thy hands, O faithful Creator! we commend our soul and spirit. Amen.
O beloved church of God, take care of my three poor, dear little orphans, that are without parents, without possession, or inheritance.
Adieu, my dear children; adieu, all my friends. This is going before you all, and following after my Lord Christ, in his footsteps. Lord, assist thy servants unto the last, unworthy and unprofitable though they be.
THIS IS WHAT HENDRICK ALEWIJNS DELIVERED TO THE LORDS AT THE RACK.
Most worthy officers, justiciaries, and all my lords, who in the name and by the authority of the king are to be my judges and examiners, and are present here, give audience to me, the condemned, Hendrick Alewijns, now ready here for the torture, through your sentence. Behold, I find myself inwardly constrained, and incessantly urged, not to neglect to point out and make known to you all the outrages committed by you on me and those like me, who are innocent of wicked crimes and have not merited legal punishment.
In the first place, let it be clearly, sacredly and Scripturally shown, announced and declared to you, that our, or my matters, are not misdeeds or crimes, but a law of God, matters of faith, and of the spirit; hence they ought to and must be judged spiritually and with the spirit, for a natural man cannot comprehend them; they are foolishness to him. 1 Corinthians 2:14. Consider this freely and thoroughly.
In the second place, a Christian must be charged with articles of faith, and with the Scriptures, without being notorious for rebellious deeds of the flesh, as I am not, God be praised for it, that I am not under the punishment of justice, but entitled to protection and praise from the same. Rom. 13:3. Also, that the man of God who seeks in such simplicity the kingdom, honor and praise of God, is not amenable to your justice in matters of doctrine and worship. Concerning this you have doctrine and examples enough. But one must be subject to the authorities in good works. Tit. 3:1. Justiciary power is given of God only for the punishment of the wicked and the praise of the good, and for the protection of those who do well. The innocent and righteous slay thou not, says God. Ex. 23:7.
In the third place, there is shown to you clearly and with the testimony of the holy Scriptures, and this from love and in the spirit of meekness, the great crime of the tyrants who in this matter of the innocent, sin against God himself, and in his people touch the apple of his eye, yea, fight against God, and kick against his goads: likewise your certain woe, doom and career, in the time to come, when our Lord and righteous Prince shall sit in judgment, and take all your power away from you, as is written in Judith: Woe to the nation that rises up against my kindred; for God will take vengeance on you in the day of judgment; he will put fire and worms in their flesh, that they shall be burned, and feel it forever. Judith 16:17. They shall have no resurrection to eternal life. 2 Macc. 7:14. God will not spare them. 2 Esdr. 15:25. They shall groan and be terrified and amazed at the appearing of the children of God, seeing their glory, and shall say: These are they whom we distressed, oppressed, and deprived them, as being mad, erring spirits, of honor, possessions and life. And further: The wicked troubleth the righteous; he draws out his sword, and bends his bow. But the Lord laugheth at him; for he seeth that his day is coming; he helpeth the poor and needy. He slayeth the righteous; but his sword shall enter into his own heart, and his bow shall be broken in pieces. Ps. 37:12.
Christ himself reproves, condemns and threatens all these blood-guilty ones, saying: How can ye escape the damnation of hell? Matt. 23:33.
Thus also St. James reproves and laments most grievously, that they have condemned and killed the just, who did not resist them. Jas. 5:6. Not in vain it is written in Isaiah: Woe to you spoilers! Think ye that ye shall not also be spoiled? And ye despisers! Think ye that ye shall not also be despised? When ye shall have made an end of spoiling and despising, ye shall also be spoiled and despised, saith the Lord. Is. 33:1. Therefore, my lords, let it engage your hearty consideration; for it is not I that have written it. Like Gamaliel (Acts 5:35), let me, weak man, who am nevertheless a witness of the word, and truth of God, give you a friendly warning. This vengeance of God was understood and experienced by the cruel king and mighty tyrant, and he felt that it is an evil thing to touch the people of God, because of the help of their God, whose vengeance no one can escape, if any wrong is done to his people. 3 Macc. 1. This order he sent in great haste to all his governors: Desist from this people. Holofernes would not understand nor believe this instruction and warning of the wise Achior. Judith 5.
My lords, accept in good part this my favor to you. I have not done it in order to be absolved from the sentence pronounced, which is not customary, and hardly in your power, and you yet remain the friend of the world and the King, which you are determined at any rate to remain. James 4:4; John 19:12. But I pray you nevertheless, to deal mercifully with me, however, as far as is consistent with the proper course of the sentence imposed by you, and as you can answer for it at court. It is better that I suffer, than you; for I know why I suffer. I suffer for a good conscience toward God, and this is acceptable with God; and I am a partaker of Christ’s sufferings. 1 Pet. 2:19; 4:13. I am tortured in order to make me speak contrary to the great commandment of love (Matt. 22:38); but love doeth no evil; love endureth all things, beareth all things, and doth not become weary. 1 Cor. 13:7. O my lords, think whether it is not so. The wicked can appease you with lies, and say no when it is yes, and yes when it is no; but we can only suffer and speak the truth. Have compassion therefore; yea, as you would that it shall be done unto you when my Judge will come, when you will be greatly afraid, and stand in need of help. May God forgive you all wrong against me, as I forgive you, and as I would have it done to me in regard to all my sins. Amen.
O wise counsel of Gamaliel! where art thou heeded now? In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God. 1 John 3:10. “Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” Matt. 7:13.
A FATHERLY FAREWELL, TESTAMENT AND VERY CAREFUL SCRIPTURAL INSTRUCTION BY HENDRICK ALEWIJNS TO HIS CHILDREN.
ARTICLE I.
_The paternal farewell, testament and an earnest scriptural instruction from Hendrick Alewijns to his children._
Hear me, your father, O my own, well-disposed, dear and greatly afflicted orphans, my three motherless and soon also fatherless children, of ten, eight, and six years, deprived of me, and without property, alas, O God! Once more I tell you, O my dear children, from one dear mother I received and kept you all; who most solemnly charged me at her end, as also the holy Scriptures teach and enjoin me concerning you, that I should, as becomes a father, bring you up in divine instruction (Eph. 6:4), to be good and orderly children and men of God, which I have hitherto, as became me, done with great carefulness and earnestness, but have not yet completed it. And behold, now my labor is taken away, and I cannot under these circumstances further fulfill towards you my fatherly love and debt of discipline. I have therefore now faithfully commended you henceforward to the God of heaven and to my fellow-believers, the friends; and I am fully confident that you will be well, very well, taken care of, out of love, for God’s sake and mine.
Be subject most obediently, as dear children, to the friends, and you will endear yourselves to them all. I have charged them with the guardianship over you, as though they were your parents; hence be very obedient; fear words, and you will not need stripes. Otherwise you will have to be beaten and chastised much, as the holy Scriptures require and teach, of which I shall write more explicitly hereafter.