To this end may the good God grant his grace, so that no one, because of this little torment, may forsake the way of eternal life, and thus become like the fearful and faint-hearted servants (Judg. 7:3), who cannot go into battle with Gideon, who do not believe in God, nor can set their seal to it, that God is faithful, almighty, and true. What there is promised to such in the Scriptures is manifest, namely, eternal torment, as to sorcerers and idolaters. Rev. 21:8. What will it avail them to have borne the name of a Christian, if one does not continue steadfast? then we must ignominiously perish, like the ten unbelieving spies. Num. 14:37. What does it avail to have been delivered out of Egypt, if one does not believe; for the unbelieving will all be destroyed? What did it avail Lot’s wife to have gone out of Sodom: for she looked back? Hence, all you beloved saints of God, strive valiantly for the truth unto death. And always have such a mind in you; and the Lord shall fight your battle, and you shall then, if you wait with patience for it, rejoice in the end, even as I do now. For a confirmation of the truth, read the holy Scriptures; there you will find how the Lord fought for Israel, for Daniel, Gideon and Jehoshaphat, and for others; though they had but little people, yet such great numbers were slain, that they could not take away the spoil in three days. 2 Chron. 20:25.
Furthermore, it is necessary and very profitable, to write comforting letters and send them to the miserable, forsaken ones, for they are greatly comforted thereby. Let every one do his diligence in this respect, as much as possible, and put forth your best endeavors herein, and pray the Lord for suitable means, without detriment to any one; likewise also, to visit them; but above all, constantly to pray for them, and to lift up holy hands with Moses, till they have finished the fight, and overcome against their flesh, against the sting of sin, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, wherein Satan works. Hence let every one lay to heart what the apostle says: “Remember them that are in bonds, as though ye were in bonds. Heb. 13:3. When one member suffers, the other members suffer with it.” 1 Cor. 12:26.
Herewith adieu on this earth to all the godfearing; be of good courage; for courage lost, battle lost. I cordially greet you all in the Lord, but particularly my dearest brother-in-law and his beloved wife I thank you heartily for all your great friendship.
Commenced the last Thursday in February, and finished the first of March. I unworthy servant bear the marks of the Lord above both my hands and on my body; the name of the Lord be praised forever.
By me confined as a prisoner in the Vuylpoort, for the obedience of the gospel, I said to the jailer: Though I could knock the jail into pieces with my fist, I should not want to do it, lest he should get into trouble on my account.
Jan van Kuyck.
THE SECOND LETTER FROM JAN WOUTERSS, WRITTEN TO HIS BROTHER AND HIS SISTERS.
The eternal and merciful God grant you, my only brother and my beloved sisters, his grace through Jesus Christ, that you may together get a desire, taste and longing for your salvation, unto the end of your life. O that this would happen, dear Lord, what a joy would it be to us hereafter; which I hope will be so, that our old, venerable beloved father, and our venerable mother and their children, will find one another in life eternal. Amen.
In the first place, I hope in the Lord, that you with me have received a desire, taste and longing for salvation. Hence, I now exhort you a little, that you will increase therein, since the Lord has granted you his grace, and opened your eyes, so that you can discern good from evil.
Thus, my dearest, beloved brother, since you have received this grace, that you know and believe (as I trust you do) that God hates evil and loves righteousness, thank the good and omnipotent God for it, and particularly, that he has delivered us from the hands of Satan through Christ Jesus, and has according to his mercy begotten us again by the word of life, and has helped us in this acceptable time; in which time he has caused his saving grace to shine upon all men; and you, my dear brother, have taken heed to this saving grace, you have received, as I trust, this light, which is Christ Jesus. The Scriptures testify that to them that have received Christ (that is, who believe in him), power is given to become the children of God. John 1:12. Hence suffer yourself constantly to be governed, directed and guided by him, through his Spirit; for these are the true children of God, that are led by his Spirit; they are Christ’s.