Part 212

“In the city proper there was imprisoned, accused as a heretic, a man of blameless life and conversation, as I learned from those with whom he resided, by the name of Jan van Kuyck Wouterss, a skillful writer upon glass and painter.

“The authorities; seeing the disposition of the people, were not in haste with his trial; yea, the Bailiff, Jan van Drenckwaert Boudewijnss, who was still young and beardless, had himself painted by him, in the attitude of Solomon, where he pronounces his first sentence.

“But the monks did nothing but vehemently preach against this slackness, and hesitated not to proclaim from the pulpit, that the Bailiff had apprehended him merely to have himself painted by him.

“Hence, this poor man, after many tortures, inflicted upon him in order to extort from him the names of his master and comrades; was burned on the 28th of March, A. D. 1572, on the New Fortification, together with Adriaenken Jans, a woman from Molenaersgraef.” Thus far, Johan van Beverwijck.

Hence the account of the death of these persons is certain and reliable, nor is it doubted by any one that we have ever heard here in this city; the well-disposed will therefore be satisfied therewith.

* * * * *

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4:17.

TOUCHING THE PERSONS THAT WERE THEN IN THE COURT OF JUSTICE, AND CONSEQUENTLY, SAT IN JUDGMENT IN REGARD TO THIS SENTENCE; THEY WERE THE FOLLOWING:

Jan van Drenckwaert Boudewijnss, aged between twenty-nine and thirty years, being then Bailiff of Dortrecht.

Arent van der Mijle Sir Corneliss, burgomaster of the community, who had gone out of office about the close of the year 1570, but had now, the 6th of March, been re-elected.

Together with (according to the law of said city) nine judges: Cornelis Sir Hendricks; Adriaen van Mosyenbroeck Sir Govertss; Adriaen Koninck Dirckss; Arent Hendricks; Gijsbrecht Janss, treasurer; Michiel van Beveren Sir Pieterss; Mr. Jan van Muylwijck Sir Franss; Pieter Kool Sir Huygenss; Damas Sir Wouterss, surrogated by Jan Adriaenss.

These we have extracted from the register of the lords of justice of the city of Dortrecht, who reigned in the year 1572, according to the account of the aforesaid Johan van Beverwijck, in the book referred to, where he treats of the government of the city, for the year 1572.

But whether they all together concurred in this sentence, or only some of them, by a majority of votes among them, is not expressed, nor do we consider it of much importance to know, since it is sufficient for our improvement and edification to have learned the unwavering faith and steadfast death of the aforesaid martyrs, who died under their reign.

Concerning the death of these friends two hymns were composed at that time, in the first of which the following words among others were sung, touching the cause and time of their imprisonment:

_Terstond daer na zijn Brieven gekomen, Te Dordrecht aen den nieuwen Schout, Die seer jonk is van jaren, etc._

Right after, letters came: To the new Bailiff at Dordrecht, Who is very young of years, etc.

In the other this is sung concerning their death:

_Adriaenken Jans is eerst omgebrocht, ’t Welck Schout Jan Drenkwaert heeft versocht._

First Adriaenken Jans was put to death Who requested the bailiff Jan Drenkwaert.

And afterwards:

_Jan Wouterss sprak, met goed bescheyd, Dit is den dag der saligheyd. Swygt, sprak den Onderschout. Waerom soude ik (seyde hy) ’tspreeken laten, Myn woorden zijn niet quaed, noch stout. Adriaenken look haer oogen voorwaer, Om haren Bruydegom te behagen klaer; Die rust nu in den Heer, En is de pyn van den brand ontgaen, Alleen door sijn genade meer. Jan Woutersz heeft hem aen den pael gerecht, Doen lachre by [van vreugd’] als een vroom knecht, En beval soo God Synen geest in Syne handen,[329] Die was sijn Toevlucht, Borgt, en Slot. Oorlof heeft hy geroepen aldaer, Aen Broeders en Susters in’t openbaer, Met woorden soet, U wil ik den Heer bevelen, Die voor ons heeft gestort sijn bloed. Dees twee schaepkens zijn door, voort tempeest, Wat heeft al [haer] lijden mi geweest? Sy hebben de Kroon Der Martelaren verworven, Die hebben sy nu voor haer loon._

[329] _In’s heeren Handen, seyt den Schrijber._

Jan Wouterss clearly spake: This is the day of salvation. Be silent, said the underbailiff. Why should I, he said, forbear to speak? My words are neither bad nor bold. Adriaenken too looked forward, To please her Bridegroom. She rests now in the Lord, And has passed the fire’s pain, Through his bountiful grace alone. Jan Wouterss placed himself at the stake, Then laughed for joy, as a pious servant, And thus commended his spirit Into the hands of the Lord, Who was his Refuge, Fortress and Castle. Farewell, he sweetly called To the brethren and sisters openly: I will commend you to the Lord, Who shed for us his blood. These two lambs have now passed through, Away tempest! What were now all their sufferings? They obtained the martyr’s crown, Which now they hold as their reward.

In the same hymn is also mentioned, how their mouths were gagged, how they prayed to God, how they prepared themselves for death at the place of execution, etc.; but we deem the foregoing sufficient for a memorial of their sacrifice.

NOTE.--As there have come into our hands all the letters, testaments and confessions, twelve in number, of Jan Wouterss van Kuyck, as also a letter of Adriaenken Jans of Molenaersgraef, with the answer of her husband, J. A. of Dort, all of which we have, upon perusing them, found to be full of sound and edifying teachings we have deemed it well to add the same here for edification and perpetual remembrance, so that every one may see the active and living faith upon which the aforementioned friends laid down their lives.

THE FIRST LETTER FROM JAN WOUTERSS, TO HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW AND HIS SISTER, WHICH TREATS OF HIS EXAMINATION AND TORTURE.

The abundant grace of God, the love of Christ, and the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, be constantly multiplied with you beloved, my dear brother-in-law and brother in the Lord, and your much beloved wife our dear sister, with all pious saints, who are zealous for righteousness, so that through this zeal and desire the name of God may be magnified; for they that are such are a light in the world, and a joy and pattern to their neighbor, for they constantly seek to please their neighbor in that which is good unto edification, that they may with all the godfearing be found diligent followers of Christ. If we do thus, I have hope in the Lord, that we shall all get where Christ our Lord is, who strengthens us, and helps us to triumph, as may be read hereafter. Amen.

After this cordial salutation out of a pure heart, I unworthy one, and least member in Christ, cannot forbear to write you briefly, for a remembrance to you all, and for your comfort and encouragement; for I cannot keep this unspeakable joy of the Holy Ghost to myself alone, but must impart something to your love. But how can joy be a remarkable thing, if one has not experienced anxiety; but I unworthy one have tasted this, the Lord be glorified therein. Amen.

First, when I was apprehended for the obedience of Christ, I was interrogated concerning my faith, which I plainly confessed; but afterwards they asked for certain names, namely, for my wife, my mother, my master, and who baptized, and married me, and for other things. Thereupon I replied, that I had resolved in my heart not to name any one, for I intended to answer for myself, and would not be a traitor. The Bailiff threatened that he should make me tell, etc.

Having been confined there all the time during the cold winter, I was brought, the Saturday after St. Peter’s day, up to the torture loft, where the instruments stood in readiness. The Bailiff asked me first of all concerning my master, and then regarding others, and said, that I should also have to tell him what he should ask me. They entreated me; they threatened me; and said: “Though we know nearly all, and your master is possibly gone already, we will nevertheless hear it from your lips; hence do not suffer your limbs to be broken, but tell it voluntarily; else we shall deliver you to the executioner, and then you will have to do it.” When they could obtain nothing from me, the upper part of my body was stripped, in the bitter cold, my hands were tied behind my back and made fast to the loft, and also my feet were bound, and I was thus, with my eyes blindfolded, drawn up by my hands, after I had been entreated to have a regard to my fine trade. And he said, that I should spare my members, my members which God had given me, for I had no power over one hair of my head.

As I kept silent, I was scourged with rods, and the stripes fell mostly on my abdomen. Having been thus treated, I was let down and again asked; but the Lord be praised, they obtained nothing from me, though I had drank that bitter cup. I was then drawn up again, and scourged as before. O flesh, you must suffer now, I thought. While I was thus suspended in agony, a halberdier ran from the loft and said: “I would rather be dead than that man;” because he only stood there and beheld it.

When I did not reply in regard to anything, the executioner said: “What, will you not answer my lords? Reply to my lords; or have you a dumb devil in you?”

They asked me whether I would advise with myself until Monday, and then tell them the truth (as they call it), in regard to all. I kept silent and thought, why should I advise with myself; I do not want to tell you anyway. I prayed within myself, that the Lord should not suffer me to be tempted above that I was able. I also openly called upon the Lord, and prayed that he would forgive them. The jailer once thought that I was beside myself; but I know nothing about that. The executioner imagined he would make me tell; he had had [he said] so many of our people under his hands, who eventually had to tell everything; but the faithful Helper in distress kept my lips. They then released me, and themselves gave me a respite that I should advise with myself until Monday; but if I should then not do it, I should be dealt with in an extraordinary manner; and they threatened me much, so that it was dreadful to hear. They said this was yet of the least, that it was only child’s play compared to other, future tortures. But when I looked at myself, and beheld my body which was bloody from the scourging; for that was certainly one of the severest pains, I thought to myself: Is this only child’s play? The jailer went away, and said to his wife: “They will torture the man to death.” In short, I was so tortured that they had to dress and undress me. All this the vile flesh had to bear, which has so often grieved me, and would constantly walk in the crooked path, to gratify its lusts; it had deserved yet more. This having taken place in the afternoon, I was not well able to sleep in the night, but counted the striking of the clock all night, and during the night I moaned most lamentably. But afterwards I received a great, peaceful joy and gladness of the Holy Ghost, so great that I cannot adequately describe it; because the Lord had so faithfully kept my lips, and not suffered me to be confounded in my confidence, which I poor, simple servant had already before I was apprehended; but herein the Lord proved me unworthy servant, praised be his name for evermore.

Now when my sufferings became noised through the city, there were worldly people who rejoiced that I had kept my lips sealed: and if such people can rejoice, how much more shall the godfearing rejoice, and praise God.

Further, the appointed day drawing nigh, I earnestly prepared myself for it, and made supplication to my God, that he would not chasten me unworthy servant according to my sins, according to his justice, but according to his fatherly mercy, that he would keep my lips, and alleviate the pain, as he had done the first time.

When the hour approached, my flesh feared, and my soul was afraid, for it had tried it; but I comforted myself as much as I could, thinking: “You will not suffer hereafter, where it will last forever; and this is but a little time.” When I came upon the torture loft, on Tuesday (it was delayed a day), I was asked, to what conclusion I had come. I said, that my conscience would not allow it; I could not do what they requested.

They said: “You can; we take that upon ourselves.” I said: “Every one must stand for himself.” They said: “How can your master or your wife get into trouble; for they are gone already; what harm can it do the place where you were baptized?” “I think,” said the Bailiff, “that it took place at your master’s; but I do not know it for certain; and he that baptized, and he that married you, has left the king’s country, for it was so long ago.” The secretary’s servant also said to me: “Why will you conceal it? the pains are too great, and in the end you will do it after all, even as those of Breda.”

They concluded, that they would send me a learned man, who should prove to, or instruct, me with the Scriptures, that I could do it.

When they were assembled together in another place, the Bailiff asked, in what I was troubled. Thereupon the prior said: “You can well do it, and name your neighbor, for if you are the true people, they will then with you receive the crown of martyrdom; but since you are not, then also hate the wicked, even as God hates them.”

O abominable expositor! whose exposition tends only to destruction. O Lord God, convert their hearts, who thirst so greatly after innocent blood. As we could not agree, we separated.

The following day (which was Wednesday) I was brought forth again, and asked as before. I said, that I could not do it; my conscience did not allow it; if I did it, I think my heart would never be at rest; hence I would rather die with a peaceful heart, than live with a troubled conscience. The Scriptures teach us: Do to men as you would have them do unto you; love your wife; love your neighbor as yourself. Matt. 7:12; 22:39.

The Bailiff said: “You love your neighbor more than yourself.” I rejoined, that one ought to lay down his life for his brother. 1 John 3:16. When with many words, entreaties and threats they could get nothing out of me, the executioner again seized me, and I again humbly entreated my God, as before in the first conflict.

I was then stripped, and my hands tied behind my back; and I was much entreated, that I should do it. Thus I was drawn up, but not fastened below; I expected to be laid upon the rack.

When I had been drawn up, and could not answer according to their will (for the seed of God remained in me), he scourged me upon my lacerated skin, which caused me great pain. And he said: “How does this suit you? thus I will tear open your old wounds;” and he threatened me in an extraordinary manner. He then let me down again, and placed me before the lords, upon the rack, sitting with my eyes blindfolded, as an _Ecce Homo_.[330] And he asked, whether I would not yet tell it to my lords. I replied, that I could not do it; hence he drew me up again, which caused me great pain; and when he shook me, and jerked the rope, the pain was increased. When they could obtain nothing from me, they let me down, and gave me time for consideration till the next day. But while I was suspended, the Bailiff said: “Your face is as sweet as that of an angel, but your heart is harder than Pharaoh’s heart.” I said: “This is not so; and the Lord will make it manifest hereafter; I have in my simplicity sought my salvation.”

[330] Behold the man! John 19:5.

And when the executioner began to dress me, I said to him: “O friend, how you have treated me; you have not for a long time thus treated a rogue, who felt it so long afterwards as I.” Then he answered, saying: “They confess, but you will not confess; and the weather is cold, and it cannot come so quickly.”

When the Bailiff heard this, he said to me: “You are worse than a rogue; for these have sinned, but you have apostatized from God, and denied him; hence he forsakes you in your distress.” I said: “If this is true, I am a poor man; but I have a better hope.” “Yea,” said he, “you are a strayed sheep; the wolves have taken you away, and devoured you,” etc. He also told me, that we people did not get baptized until we were first tried between two naked women. I said, that no such thing obtained with us. They also talked to me about David Joriss. I disavowed him and all his adherents. The executioner said that we held the belief, that infants that died in their mothers’ womb cannot be saved. I denied it. Another said, we had to give a pound Flemish when we were baptized, whether we had it or not. I think the Bailiff said this, for besides he said that in the church only three stivers or thereabouts are given, when one has a child baptized. I denied that too. O offense, offense! what have you done already, whereby the innocent have had to suffer? for the wicked soon take cause, though they should hear false testimony, even as was the case with regard to our Lord himself, and Stephen. In short, the number of the infamous things said was exceedingly great, and, I suppose that to some the infamous speeches and their threats, are almost as grievous as the tortures. Hence patience is especially needful, in order to overcome in this conflict. Christ may therefore well say: “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:29. That this is a true doctrine, I indeed now experience. He, the Lord himself from heaven, who was mightier than all men, suffered shame, reproach and contempt, and thus took possession of his own kingdom (Luke 24:26); how then should we not bear it, who are but for a little time subjugated by our enemies.

Hence I unworthy servant beseech all the godfearing, that you forget not, constantly to learn of Christ, for he is meek and lowly in heart; and also possess your souls in patience, and you shall find rest, for patience is our strength. To be patient, and thus wait for the help of the Lord, is a good thing; for in Proverbs it is written, that a patient man is better or greater than a strong man. Lamentations 3:26; Prov. 16:32. Take for an example, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, the three youths, Daniel, the seven brothers and their mother, Job, the prophets, and the end of our Lord.

Thus, my most beloved, trust God, and believe in him, he will help you, since he has promised it. But if you do not trust him, consider whether you also believe, that God is almighty and true, even as you believe, that by his word he created heaven and earth, and the sea and all that in them is. David testifies, and rejoices in it that he is a God who is ready to help. He further says, that he is a buckler to all those who trust in him. Yea, his angels encamp round about us, to keep us. But if we do not trust him, how then shall he help us?

When I again expected the hour of my temptation, I, unworthy servant, besought the Lord my refuge, that he would also keep me the third time, as he, through his grace, had done twice; so that I should not be confounded, and that they should not deprive me of my boast (that is, the good purpose of my heart in the beginning), so that I might keep the faith in a pure conscience. Then I hope to praise, glorify and magnify thy holy name, to the joy of the pious saints, and to the babes, as a comfort and a sweet savor of life, that, smelling it, they may thereby be refreshed and strengthened, to become the bolder in the truth, which is the strongest of all, and will always conquer (1 Esdras 4:38); and not regard what men, who must perish like grass, may do to us, since it is manifestly found, that the Lord’s hands are not shortened, but that he always assists the pious, as David testifies. For, dear Lord, if I did not continue valiant, what a great sorrow would it be for the young babes, and to what great blasphemy it would give rise. I beseech thee, O heavenly Father, have compassion on me, poor sinful man, and remove from me the rest of the cup, if it is possible; and if it is not possible, thy will alone be done. Lord, help me to triumph, for thou knowest how the stripes of men taste. I commit myself into thy hands; though they exceedingly threaten me, they have not power to harm one hair of our head, thou must first permit them; but thy holy will be done to my salvation. O Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. Acts 7:60.

Now when I had thus prepared myself, I heard that they were torturing our beloved sister, my fellow-prisoner. It seemed to me, that she was also drawn up, and let down again. When she would not confess, she was drawn up again, and was then also made fast below by her feet. When she had suffered the anguish for a while, she was let down again, and carried away. Then thought I: Now comes my turn; now they will come and take me poor lamb out of the pen, to the slaughter. While thus waiting, I much consoled myself, thinking, how soon a man is unmade; for it seems to me that she scarcely suffered the torture half an hour.

When I had thus with Abraham delivered up my only son, that is; my flesh, the Lord suddenly interposed and turned my tribulation into great joy. In the first place by this, that the Lord had also kept the lips of that weak lamb; and in the second place, that it seems that they are satisfied with the sufferings which I have undergone before my sacrifice.