Hence we are to pray that he would deliver, or punish us, not according to our judgment, but according to his divine wisdom, lest we utterly perish. Yea, we must give praise and thanks to God also in our tribulation, that he do not forget us, but chasten us according to his fatherly mercy, and graciously help us to bear every burden, even as Paul thanked God in his affliction, saying: “Blessed be God, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation. Amen.” 1 Corinthians 1:3,4.
PRAYER.
Merciful Father, look upon me with eyes of compassion, as thou didst look upon the prodigal son; for to thee only, O Father, belongs praise and honor, but unto us nothing but shame before thy face; hence, good Father, I commit soul and body into thy divine and gracious keeping: guide me, through Jesus Christ thy dear Son, into all things that are well pleasing to thy divine Spirit; and bring to folly and madness the counsel of the ungodly, and preserve us by thy divine word now and forever. Amen.
Composed by Walter of Stoelwijck.
DIRK PIETERS KROOD, PIETER TRIJNES, CLAES RODERS, PIETER CLAES JANS, OF WORMER, IN WATERLANDT.
The word of God having, according to his will, been proclaimed in many and various countries, and attested and confirmed by the blood of many Christians, it came to and was accepted also at Wormer, in North Holland, where, among others, there were Dirk Pieters Krood, Pieter Trijnes, Claes Roders, Pieter Claes Jans. These turned their ears away from the papistic fables, amended their corrupt life, and, in place thereof, through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, willingly received the word of God into their hearts, and regulated their whole conduct according to it. 1 Thess. 2:13. And even as Christ predicted: “The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (Jn. 16:2), so it was also very clearly manifested in the case of the aforesaid persons; for because they lived according to the word of God, they were brought prisoners to Enchuysen, and being built upon Christ, they all remained steadfast and faithful in all this trial and severe temptation; for which reason they were sentenced to death at said place, and offered up their bodies as a sweet savor to the Lord, thus obtaining a glorious crown.
With regard to this offering, we have not been able to ascertain the year in which it took place.
JACOB AND SELI HIS WIFE, OF WORMER, A. D. 1542.
Among many others who voluntarily forsook and delivered up their property and life for the truth of the holy Gospel, there were also a brother at Wormer, in Waterlandt, named Jacob, and his wife Seli. These sought and also found the pearl of great price, which was hid in a field and for joy thereof renounced all earthly riches, the lusts of this world, and the papal superstitions, which militate against God, and sought to order and regulate their whole life according to this precious treasure of the divine word. Thus it came to pass, that the envious papists, in order to stop this, apprehended them, and brought them to Amsterdam, where they had to suffer much for the truth. And as they could by no temptation be moved from it, but unto death adhered to Christ and his holy word, they were condemned to death at said place, and burned, suffering it with great steadfastness. Thus they delivered their bodies up to the fire, and commended their souls into the hands of God, and are now waiting under the altar, until the number of their fellow brethren will be fulfilled.