Maritgen said: “Lord, strengthen us, who suffer for thy word, which few are willing to do. I am not worthy to suffer for thy name; but, Lord, thou shalt make me worthy.” Acts 5:41.
Dieuwertgen came forward singing, and then said: “Dear citizens, do not avenge this; for it is done for the name of the Lord.” She further said: “Lord, look upon us, who suffer for thy word; for our trust is in thee alone.”
Maritgen Jans said: “This is the narrow way to salvation. O Lord, receive my spirit. And you lords of the council, only consider what great injury you are doing to your souls, in shedding innocent blood; hence repent, like those of Nineveh; for we suffer not on account of heresy or sedition; we seek not to contend, save with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Thereupon, commending their souls into the hands of God, they offered up their sacrifice, presenting an acceptable savor to God, for which they will hereafter not lose their reward.
TEUNIS VAN HAUSTELRAED, A. D. 1550.
As this Teunis van Haustelraed was a zealous man in the fear of God, and very diligent with the talent which the Lord had committed to him, to get gain for the Lord, to bring many to the knowledge of the truth, and to strengthen those who had received the truth, in the same; and as he thus most faithfully oversaw and served the church of Christ, he was finally apprehended, and imprisoned at Limmick, a city in the province of Jueelick, where he had many a severe contest with many subtle and shrewd spirits, and had to suffer and endure many torments for his faith. The controversy was principally about infant baptism and the sacrament, in which he did not agree with the papists. And as he could not be overcome or moved by them, but adhered firmly to the truth, he was finally condemned to be burned. They led him out of the city into the open field, and there burned him to ashes, about the year 1550.
While he was yet in prison, he remembered his brethren and sisters with a consolatory admonition, which he sent to them from prison; it reads as follows:
“O God, grant that in my great suffering I may unceasingly press to thee, and not fear any pain, or death. Yea, dear Lord, I beseech thee, who art God over all things, that I may not be ensnared by whatever may and will yet come upon me, which I shall suffer with Christ, unto salvation; for I know that the crown of life is prepared for those who persevere herein. Therefore, O ye pious, despair not, but earnestly betake yourselves to your Captain Christ, for he can win the field; and he shall come at the last day, in flaming fire, and hold a severe judgment over all the ungodly. He shall then say to the sheep on his right hand: ‘Come, inherit the kingdom of my Father, prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ Matt. 25:34. O, all ye Christians, cast from you all that burdens you, and stand with your loins girt, and watch for the Lord. Heb. 12:1; Luke 12:35.
“If you are righteous, become still more righteous; for, believe me, you will need it all. O all ye members of Christ together, I beseech you, wake up now, that you may not sleep when the bridegroom comes; for then the wise will be admitted to salvation, but the foolish will be shut out into eternal damnation. Matt. 25:10.
“The Lord, to whom belonged the talent entrusted to you, will come again, and strictly inquire what each has gained. He shall then commend the wise, saying: ‘Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’ But the slothful shall be reproved for his wickedness, and committed to torment. Matt. 25:26. O ye lambs of the Lord, feed now, that you may become ready, so that you may not be unprepared when you are to come to the wedding. Otherwise the king will say: ‘Friend, how earnest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’ Then the man, having no good answer, shall be speechless. But the king will command him to be cast into everlasting darkness. Matt. 22:13.
“Do not become buyers of lands, but rather sell, you that are bidden, and give to the poor. Luke 14:18; Matt. 19:21. O dear brethren, have compassion on the poor, and comfort and assist them. I have nearly fought the fight, and my course will soon be finished; God grant that I may keep the faith, and the crown of life will be prepared for me. 2 Tim. 4:8. O Lord, raise up faithful servants, and make them rulers over thy household, that they may give them meat in due season. Matt. 24:45. Pious Christians, I give you this as a brotherly adieu, for your good. It has been written with a faithful heart, and I hope to seal it with my blood.”