My dear friends, my mouth is open unto you, out of brotherly love, and I humbly beseech you, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, showing such love with the deed among yourselves; for this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that ye should love one another; for he that loveth not, abideth in death. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, let us no longer love in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 2 Corinthians 6:11; Philip. 2:5; 1 John 3:11,14,17,18; 4:8. Always remember the poor, and let each give according to his ability, with joy; for God loveth a cheerful giver, and Paul says: “He that sheweth mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.” Tobit 4:7; 2 Cor. 9:6; Rom. 12:8. For, consider once, whether, if you were as fervent in love, as you have been in the world, you would not as easily know to find two or three stivers to give to the poor, as you found them for drinking or gambling purposes? Not my dear friends, that I would burden or oppress you, only that each show his love herein, according to his weak ability; for you cannot take your possessions with you. You may take me for an example; for they have taken everything, yea, all the money we had, and asked us yet whether we did not have more.
It is therefore far better, that you help the poor with it, than that the lord[251] have it, and if you are willing to give your life for your brother, how much more ought you to assist him with your temporal goods! that it be as it is written: “They that gathered much had nothing over, and they that gathered little had no lack.” 1 John 3:16; Jas. 2:16; Ex. 16:18: And see to it also, that all be done honestly, that it be as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness, and that the offering be acceptable unto the Lord. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but aboundeth also in many thanksgivings to God. 2 Cor. 9:5,12. Hence give diligence, to show your love herein, that the Lord may be glorified and thanked thereby, and that you may approve yourselves in all things as ministers of God. 1 Pet. 4:11. Read what Paul says to the Corinthians; he will teach you how to conduct yourselves herein; and I humbly beseech you, that when you have read it, you will also act according to it; for it is necessary.
Furthermore, I beseech all of you young married people, that you live together in all humility, simplicity and harmony. Young wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, in the fear of God: and you, young men, love your wives as your own selves; support and bear them with all humility and kindness, and affectionately admonish and instruct them with the word of the Lord; for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Lord shall separate you. 1 Pet. 3:1; Eph. 5:22; Matt. 25:13. Take me and my wife for an example,—how soon the Lord separated us, to his glory. Hence, live together in all humility, so long as the Lord permits you to be together: for your time is short here, seeing the Lord delights to have his chosen with him. Job 14:1. And furthermore, I beseech you, my dear brethren, that you also give diligence to get usury (Matt. 25:27); for I trust in the Lord, that through seeing and hearing this, many shall yet turn to the truth, and I will also do my best with those who come here to see me. And gather the poor, scattered flock, for which I am greatly concerned; for they scarcely know where to go or dwell, and are in greater distress than we here. Acts 8:1–4. But be of good cheer, my dear brethren and sisters in the Lord; though we enjoy more freedom than you, be patient in your persecution; you shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Lord shall deliver you. Matt. 10:23. Be diligent, therefore, in assembling together, and in comforting and admonishing one another with the word of the Lord, that love may not wax cold among you. Matt. 24:12.
Thus, admonish and instruct one another in the love of God: and I beseech you, not to forget us in your prayers, and now and then to write a letter to my wife, to comfort her, since she will be confined a long time yet. I would further tell you, that I am in great joy, and cannot sufficiently praise and thank my Lord day and night, for his great love shown us, in that he has made both of us worthy to suffer for his name; and for the power and strength he shows in us, and for his promises given us; for this is the hour for which I so long prayed the Lord, not considering myself good enough, that I should be worthy to suffer for his name. Therefore I am so rejoiced, because my hour is come, that I shall be delivered from this flesh.
Thus strengthen yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Greet one another with a holy kiss of peace. Jude 21,24,25; 1 Cor. 16:20.
Let all the friends hear this letter; for I have written to you out of brotherly love, and am sorry that I can write to you no more. I commend you all to the Lord. Salute G. S. H. D. in the Lord—whom I sincerely love,—and also all brethren and sisters in the Lord. Receive this brief admonition in good part (Heb. 13:22); for my spirit impelled me to admonish you a little.
Written in prison, by me,
Jerome Segers.
A LETTER FROM JEROME SEGERS, WRITTEN TO HIS WIFE LIJSKEN DIRCKS.
The grace and mercy of God the Father, the loving kindness and love of the Son, and the communion and peace of the Holy Ghost, who is sent us by the Father, through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the consolation and joy of all true and faithful children of God, and by whom we are impelled, taught and led; the same keep your hearts, understanding and mind in Christ Jesus, to the praise and glory of the Father, to the salvation of your afflicted soul, and to the edification of all brethren and sisters that fear and love the Lord; to this only wise God, be glory, honor, power and strength, for ever and ever. Amen.